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I completely eliminated alcohol almost three weeks ago. It hasn't affected my weight yet but I feel better about my choice. I made a fill appointment today with my NP for next Tuesday. I did join the Divorce Care group and tonight is the third session. It does help, so far. My second wedding anniversary after moving out is coming up next week as well. Seems like my life is in a holding pattern. Can't lose the weight I want, can't complete the divorce. There must be a lesson in here somewhere. Anyway. This next fill is going to be tricky. I get stuck more often these days, but my hunger has been coming back after three hours. It used to be 4 or 5 hours between hunger pangs. I sure hope I don't go too tight and mess things up. I've been wearing the same size clothes for a year. I guess that's a good thing, right? I just wish the clothes were a couple of sizes smaller.

I also told the cardiologist that i have passed out and was very lethargic a few times when drinking. May be unrelated but he said if i have sinus bradycardia, the alcohol could drop my pulse in the 30's hence the episodes i have had a few times. May make sense as i can go from ok to barely conscious in an instant. In all cases it was when i wasnt moving around / dancing etc.... Which could make sense as my pulse would drop back down when "resting" and alcohol potentially play a role in pushing it down further.

I have completed all of my pre-approval testing as of last week (Mamo, pap, ultrasound on liver and gallbladder, echocardiogram, nutritional class 1, psych eval, visit with cardiologist) and got flying colors on all of them. I also have a statement from my orthopedic guy that I need to lose 100 pounds before I can have my knee replacement (we are all hoping losing the weight will mean I won't have to have the knee replacement for a much longer period of time). Now waiting for the insurance company to do their thing (Tricare Prime) and approve the RnY surgery (apparently the only bariatric surgery they cover). I was hoping for the surgery in mid to late October, but we may not have the insurance okay until then, then we have to schedule the surgery, so I'm hoping early November. I have a large and important event scheduled at work the week of Thanksgiving and must be back to work before then. Surgeon has me starting a pre-op diet now to get used to what the post-op diet will be like (primarily Protein with veggies). We live too far from a gym (and it's too expensive anyway), so hubby and I are going for a home fitness gym and I have nine acres property I can walk everyday (as well as miles of country road). I've been caffeine free for three weeks, sugar and alcohol free for two weeks, bubbly diet soda free for three weeks... working on learning to chew.... having time to practice the new habits and give up the bad ones is good, but not sure how long I can really hold out with out the help of the surgery. ​ I'm worried the insurance people are going to drag their feet or worse yet, deny me. I started out 120 pounds over my ideal weight of 128. I've lost a couple of pounds in the last week thanks to the Post-op diet (but feel like I'm starving and craving sugar something fierce). Surgeon tells me I have no worries about being approved even though I am healthy despite my weight. My weight alone should be enough she says. Any experience with Tricare Prime?

Alright Banstista that's what I have been talking about I don't care who's watching or what they think I dance like nobody's around , in fact I went with another friend ( Woman) & we went to this little hole in the wall restaurant & three was a blues band , I dance pretty much to anything & it's good fun sweat exercise , shoot I didn't drink any type of alcohol for almost 20 + year's then I had 2 glasses of wine now I know that's all I can handle LOL started to get that tipsy feeling SO I drank a lot of water & flushed it out but MY family is like your not home much anymore LOL cause I actually get out & do more now I think even though I'm living with them their starting to miss me LOL

I've always subtracts out fiber and sugar alcohols. The human body doesn't have the enzyme to break down fiber that's derived from plants, including fruits, vegetables and grains. Because your body cannot digest fiber, it does not provide calories for energy or nutrients for cells. I try to stick to foods that are low on the glycemic index. @@BaileyBariatrics are you a RD?

So I feel like I've already had surgery. It's weird but I got a migraine for the first time and it really took away my appetite for like three days and so I guess in a way, I started my own pre-op diet. Started eating smaller portions cutting the carbs hit in the protein first no alcohol no type of pills for pain that can inhibit my liver so I guess I'm on a self-imposed pre-op diet.

i'm october 13th. SUPER EXCITED. can't wait. somehow i managed not to have to go thru a pre op diet. but i am not drinking any alcohol or taking anything that affects my liver (motrin or anything like that) just in case and trying to low carb as well. all my doctor said was don't gain any weight but no preop diet.

@@MrsSugarbabe There are a variety of ingredients in Quest Bars that may or may not sit well with certain people. Some of the flavors use Erythritol, a sugar alcohol that has been known to cause diarrhea and bloating in some people. Some use artificial sweeteners including Stevia and Sucralose, which many people have issues with. For me, none of those ingredients had caused any problems. I've been eating the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough bars for almost a year now. It was just the switch over from IMO to soluble corn fiber that started causing me problems. I imagine it will be just fine for a lot of people. I know that for many people, the S'mores flavor has been their favorite and that's one that's been using soluble corn fiber since the beginning.

Great article, but I have a question. Sometimes I will read a label and it will have a "total carbs" amount, for example: 20 total carbs. The label then lists the sugar carbs and sugar alcohol carbs and Fiber. But they don't always add up to the total carbs listed. Do you know what and why these unlisted carbs are? Thanks, Randy

Many of our patients enter the program with diabetes and pre-diabetes. The benefit of finding the “net” carbohydrate of a food serving is cutting back on the total amount of carbohydrates you consume, which can lead to better blood sugar control and some weight loss. “Net” carbs have also been listed on food labels as “impact carbs” or “effective carbs.” The food label can be a source of confusion, because there can be several types of carbohydrates listed under the total carbohydrates. Fiber and half the sugar alcohols can be subtracted from the total fiber to calculate “net” carbs. Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that our bodies don’t absorb and doesn’t raise blood sugars. Fiber is in plant foods (grains, beans, fruits and vegetables,) helps with digestion and leads to feeling fuller longer. Sugar alcohols are still part of the carbohydrate world, but don’t raise blood sugars as much as other carbohydrates like sugars and starches. Sugar alcohols are used to help a food product taste sweet with less ability to raise blood sugars. Sugar alcohols can be found in the ingredient list and may include sorbitol, xylitol, mannitol, isomalt, erythritol, glycerol (can also be listed as glycerine,) hydrogenated starch, maltitol, lactitol or other ingredients that end in –ol. Be aware that sugar alcohols still have calories. Consuming too many sugar alcohols at a time can also lead to bloating and diarrhea. Click here for an explanation about how to calculate the net carbs from a high fiber food item. Click here for an explanation about how to calculate the net carbs for foods containing sugar alcohols. Keep in mind that the FDA has not approved a definition of net carbs. Your dietitian will work with you to find a carbohydrate goal to help you keep your blood sugars in better control and to start losing weight.

Cutting back on carbohydrate foods is something you start when you enter our program. This is to help you start losing weight and shrinking your liver before surgery. For this posting, the discussion will be about “net” carbs. Many of our patients enter the program with diabetes and pre-diabetes. The benefit of finding the “net” carbohydrate of a food serving is cutting back on the total amount of carbohydrates you consume, which can lead to better blood sugar control and some weight loss. “Net” carbs have also been listed on food labels as “impact carbs” or “effective carbs.” The food label can be a source of confusion, because there can be several types of carbohydrates listed under the total carbohydrates. Fiber and half the sugar alcohols can be subtracted from the total fiber to calculate “net” carbs. Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that our bodies don’t absorb and doesn’t raise blood sugars. Fiber is in plant foods (grains, beans, fruits and vegetables,) helps with digestion and leads to feeling fuller longer. Sugar alcohols are still part of the carbohydrate world, but don’t raise blood sugars as much as other carbohydrates like sugars and starches. Sugar alcohols are used to help a food product taste sweet with less ability to raise blood sugars. Sugar alcohols can be found in the ingredient list and may include sorbitol, xylitol, mannitol, isomalt, erythritol, glycerol (can also be listed as glycerine,) hydrogenated starch, maltitol, lactitol or other ingredients that end in –ol. Be aware that sugar alcohols still have calories. Consuming too many sugar alcohols at a time can also lead to bloating and diarrhea. Click here for an explanation about how to calculate the net carbs from a high fiber food item. Click here for an explanation about how to calculate the net carbs for foods containing sugar alcohols. Keep in mind that the FDA has not approved a definition of net carbs. Your dietitian will work with you to find a carbohydrate goal to help you keep your blood sugars in better control and to start losing weight.

I was really looking forward to becoming a cheap date so I was a little bummed out when my tolerance didn't really change. I find the way alcohol affects me different now???? and you should be careful re: driving. You likely would blow over after a drink or two. I like vodka and water with added flavours.. Crystal light or dasani, yum!

I had my pre op "life after surgery" class today. My husband didn't want to go with me, because he didn't want to leave our almost 14yr old daughter in charge that long. Even though it felt like an excuse, I went on by myself. When I got home, I tried to tell my husband about the things we went over in class and he didn't want to hear it. I told him he should read the booklet we were given so he'd know what I need help-wise after surgery and he said "why should I read it? You're the one who needs to know!" When I showed the kids the 2oz cup that represents how much mommy's new pouch will hold he just muttered "that's just dumb!" And wouldn't talk about it. He griped because I told him I can't use the protein powder he bought for himself for my post op because of the sugar/sugar alcohol content and he asked why so I told him and told him it's all laid out in the booklet I asked him to read and he just turned around and walked out. I don't understand what's going on!

It's the body eliminating all of the fat and impurities that have been stored up in the fat cells. It eliminates it any way it can - through urine, bad breath, sweat glands, through the skin - in any manner possible. One friend of mi e who was sleeved felt greasy for the first 3-4 months - wiping her arms and coming away with fat that had come through the pores in the skin! All sweat and secretions are a bit more offensive because they're old fat and old impurities. Consider the zits a win! I keep towelettes at hand to wipe my face, underarms and other places to ward off the sweat; maybe alcohol pads or make-up remover pads would help the zits. Drink more water; that's the best think for you.

Hi everyone, just a quick update on where I am - three months (wow) after I last posted. I was sleeved on 1st March - starting weight 292lbs and BMI of 45! Today, I am 194lbs and my BMI is 29.4! So there's been some pretty big milestones for me - falling below 200lbs, falling below 30 BMI (I'm officially not obese anymore!). I'm now fitting into jeans with a waist of 32 inches! I went shopping a week or two ago and couldn't find jeans in my size - because the jeans that I wanted were only in store in sizes too big for me! I don't think I've ever been unable to buy something I wanted because they didn't have any that were small enough. Most days I don't even remember I've had a sleeve. I can eat everything without trouble, I can drink everything without trouble. This is good because it means that when I go out to eat, there's nothing I can't order - though naturally I tend to stick to starters, or else to food that can be easily boxed home and brought away. It also means that I can go out and drink alcohol - I'm not a big drinker but there are times when I do like to go out with friends and drink and, yes, get drunk. I know it's empty calories etc - but my view from the start is that I want to be as healthy as I can be while still living the life I want to live. For the same reason, I do allow myself carbonated drinks - only diet - even though I know a lot of people on here are dead against it. Has it stretched my sleeve? I don't think so - my appetite is still pretty low. My eating habits before surgery had two big problems - Snacks and meals. Snacks is still a problem in that I can eat chocolate, popcorn, crisps etc as if I never had surgery. So I need to be really careful with them - I haven't cut them out completely. I know some people find it easier to cut them out completely rather than try and control them but I didn't want to do that (and I know it wouldn't be sustainable for me) so I focus on control and making sure I count any snacks when I count my daily calories. Meals are where the sleeve has really helped me. I loved chips (proper British chips - not American chips) but now I can't eat more than two or three with a meal, so I never order any, instead I might steal one or two from my partner when we eat out. Before surgery, I could have a big burger, big plate of chips and a side of onion rings, and still had room for a doughnut or sweets afterwards. Now, if I was going to have a burger, I might just about manage a hamburger on its own. Most of the time, I have a sandwich at work, and I can just about manage a standard sandwich (i.e. two slices of bread and some ham or chicken). So even though I'm not perfect on snacking (and I do need to be more disciplined), I've cut down so much calories on meals. So I'm pretty happy with where I am. I still have another 30 or so lbs to lose. I know that will be slow and I'm OK with that. I also know that I need to start being more and more aware of the risk of slipping back upwards. But so far so good.

I agree with @Babbs. Though it took me a minute to be ok with getting rid of clothes (out of fear of this not working) I'm glad I did. Alcoholics don't hold on to a bottle of liquor just in case they fall off the wagon... I see this no different. Bras are my pet peeve. I get they can be pricey, But they do so much for how your clothes fit. I don't mind buying bras at each Stage as I lose, I can get by with just 2. I've had every size from a 46 band, now slowly moving to a 38 band. Just like the op, I got rid of all my summer clothes, they'll be useless next year. My yoga pants were my frumpy clothes, I only keep the pair I wore on surgery day, so I can do my monthly comparison pics.

Re diet soda, I had a bad diet Dr Pepper habit pre-op. I gave it up about 3 weeks prior to surgery and then the last week (on my liquid diet), I drank a couple thinking it would be my last chance. (My soda funeral) It didn't taste quite the same. I will tell you that post-op, I probably miss carbonation more than anything BUT honestly, what I miss is the "habit" and the "choice". I am almost 4 months post-op and what I crave is that part of my old lifestyle and haven't quite found a good substitute. I drink a lot of unsweet tea. BUT it does get easier. The first month as I drove past my favorite Breakfast stop, I really had to focus to keep driving. The last few weeks, I don't even see it anymore. Years and years ago when I first started considering WLS, I said I would never do it because I couldn't have soda or alcohol. Soda will never be a good choice and alcohol can be done in moderation after the weight loss phase. I wish I hadn't let those things keep me away this long though. All the benefits make it more than worth it and the "cravings" get better. Don't let this part hold you back. Re Cookies, I have not tried this yet, but I have read lots of folks cutting up Quest Protein bars into pieces (like maybe 8 pieces) and put them in the toaster oven, and they come out like cookies. A treat and you get your protein. If it is a trigger food for you that might lead to more not so healthy cookies, then don't do it, but if you can find a substitute for that craving that fits in to your food budget (and even better helps with protein needs), then all the better.

Same here with the alcohol. No difference post op. In fact I think I felt it more before surgery because I had room for a couple of cocktails but now I can't finish one.

I must be drunk aunty. Alcohol feels exactly the same as it did pre-op

After healing from the surgery and by the time you are eating real food, you won't have a lot of problems eating out with friends. You will just always have a to go box! Many restaurants have a high Protein portion or low cal portion of the menu (lighter eaters). You would just make good choices in regards to what to order. Grilled chicken with salsa, or lean steak, the sides can be change upon request. Now, with alcohol you will need to be really careful. Cheap dates will have nothing on you. Alcohol will pass quickly from your sleeve and into your intestines. It's like shooting it straight into your bloodstream.

What's the best low sugar alcoholic beverages to enjoy???

Like alcoholism and drug addiction obesity is a disease. Thankfully one that can be conquered with interventions, but whether biological or environmental for many people is is much more than a matter of willpower. It's not something we "get over". That doesn't make the pre-op side of my life a failure. It means there were things beyond my control that required medical intervention to tend to. Attaching shame to them much like other addictions is part of what makes people reticent to seek help. Pre-op me was a cool chick. One who was smart enough to identify a problem and address it. She was never a failure.

I understand where the OP is coming from. But here's my take on it. My parents had seven children. We all had the same general childhood food options (my father's hunting and vegetable garden and my mother's cooking) and the same access to general child-rearing, medical and philosophical ideological applications. Yet we didn't turn out identically. One was a childhood diabetic. Four became heavy smokers. Two became alcoholics. Six didn't go to college, the seventh got a Ph.D. Two were blonde, one was a redhead, and four were brunettes. Two were tall, two were short, and the rest were of average height. One has a slight / petite build, and the other six are fairly muscular -- two were quite athletic. I was the only one who was overweight during childhood. By the fourth grade I weighed 100 pounds. I was the heaviest girl or boy that year in my class. In high school I weighed 165-170. In college I got up to 185. In my 20s and 30s I finally became "slim," but my weight fluctuated dramatically -- from 120 to 185. By my 40s my highest weight was 205. By my 50s my highest weight was 225. In my 60s my highest weight (just before WLS) was 235. During all those years I dieted "successfully," losing and gaining weight over and over again. And until my siblings hit their late 50s or early 60s I was still the only one of us with any kind of weight problem at all. I don't know all the medical / physiological / psychological reasons that combined to produce the obesity that my sibs didn't suffer from. But very clearly I had challenges they didn't have. I tried my hardest to overcome my overweight. But, in the OP's words, I "failed" to do so. For over 60 years, dramatic diets didn't work. Weight watchers didn't work. Exercise didn't work. Diet pills didn't work. Self-shaming didn't work. Trying harder and harder and over and over again didn't work. Honestly, the only thing, at age 68, that finally worked was becoming so unhealthy that I became more immobilized than I'd ever been. It was crystal clear to me that without some kind of dramatic intervention -- and doing something very different than I'd ever done before -- I would turn into an agoraphobic, chair-bound, miserable person and turn my husband into my caregiver. That was not a future I was willing to accept. That possible future was dire enough to motivate me to have WLS. Thus far, it has turned out to be exactly what I needed. It has been a wonderful success. My knee replacement surgery has been deemed no longer necessary. I can walk 3-4 miles without rest at 3+ miles an hour. I can stand for hours without sitting down. I am no longer agoraphobic. I am satisfied by how much I eat and physically nourished by it. And I am definitely not a failure. I just had not found "the right medicine" to treat and resolve my condition. That's how I'm looking at it -- at least for now.

Have any of you guys had an alcoholic beverage yet?

Yes, I posted the same question a few days ago b/c I hadn't seen anyone mention it either and a few people responded with a yes. Mine was horrible, very sudden and severe but only lasted one day. I'm on day 6 now and it happened on day 2 or 3 but none since. Hope yours clears up quickly too. One thing I wondered - the first 2 days I'd had a serving of sugar-free pudding (allowed on my plan) and the prepared ones have sugar alcohols in them. That might be the cause for me, as I haven't been brave enough to try it again! I don't think the ones you make yourself have those.