Search the Community

@Amylou I'm with you! When they told us at Mayo - NO alcohol for a year, we knew there was research to back it up. These things are not said for no reason. That's why so many people regain their weight, say their surgery didn't work and go back for additional surgeries, etc. If we revert back to our old eating/drinking habits of the past, even in smaller portions, what results should we expect? It's a whole lifestyle change

FYI - Women are 2 x more likely to have addiction transfer to alcohol after WLS than men. My mom is a recovering alcoholic and she knows many, many women who had WLS and ended up alcoholic after surgery. Because I know I still have some addiction issues from my food addiction, I am in absolutely no rush to try a drink. I have no desire to go down another addiction to overcome.

The older I get, the longer it takes me to recover from drinking any amount of alcohol. I always feel like crap the next day. I'm inferring that RNY will just make all of that worse. Not sure it's worth it.

When counting carbs you subtract the sugar alcohols and the Fiber from the total carbs listed on the serving. And the fairlife skim milk is 80 calories 13g Protein and 6g carbs. And the whey protein only has 3 g carb per serving. Or course you could modify this as you choose. And only use one scoop. What I am trying to say is that adding even just a half of scoop and putting it in a blender takes away from the whey protein taste and offers an alternative. My mini meals never add up to more than maybe 200 calories so for Breakfast this is for me a great alternative. I still want to aim to get at least 800 calories a day as I'm not looking for a super fast weight loss..I have done competitive weight training in the past and am desperate to not lose muscle mass. So this is just a guide for those who are struggling. But all in all its still under 400 calories.

I ran across these tips a while back. Hope they help. Get my FREE eBook - The Top 10 WLS Fears and How to Kick Their Butt! Empowering Weight Loss Surgery newbies and veterans with confidence and knowledge to lose weight and keep it off for life 1. It is easier to get distracted from signals of physical hunger and satiety at social gatherings, especially if food is the main event. Make an effort to pay close attention to your body's signals. 2. Be a food snob. Skip the store-bought goodies, the dried-out fudge and the so-so stuffing. If the food you select doesn't taste as good as you expected, stop eating it and choose something else. Think of how much less you'd eat if you only ate things that tasted fabulous! 3. Think of your appetite as an expense account. How much do you want to spend on appetizers or the entree? Do you want to save some room for dessert? Go through this process mentally to avoid eating too much food and feeling uncomfortable for the rest of the evening. 4. Pace your eating prior to the event so you’ll be hungry but not famished at mealtime. But please, ignore the old diet advice of "eat before you go to a party so you won't be tempted." That is absurd! You want to be hungry enough to enjoy your favorites. 5. Socialize away from the sight of the food. People who tend to overeat are "food suggestible" so just hanging around food causes them to eat more than they need. 6. Survey all of the food at a buffet before making your choices. Choose the foods that you really want most at that time and remind yourself that you can have the other foods at a later time. 7. If the food is so special, give it your full attention rather than eating on autopilot. Eat mindfully by reducing distractions and sitting down to eat - even if it's just a cookie. Appreciate the appearance and aroma of your food and savor one small bite at a time by putting your fork down. You'll eat less food but enjoy it more. 8. If the food doesn't taste as good as you expected, stop eating it and choose something else. 9. Since the duration of the meal tends to be extended at social events, you may need to have your plate taken away (or put your napkin on it) once you are satisfied to avoid nibbling unconsciously. 10. Be aware of the effects of alcohol on your food intake. And don't forget that many beverages contain calories too. 11. Be cautious of "obligatory eating" - avoid eating just because it is on the table, on your plate, because you paid for it, it’s free, or because someone made it. Deal with Food Pushers with a polite but firm, "No thank you." If you're concerned about hurting their feelings, ask for the recipe or a small portion to take home with you for another meal. 12. It's common to have candy and snacks lying all over the place this time of year. Avoid indulging in food just because it's there. Grazing unconsciously leads to extra calories that you probably won't even remember enjoying. 13. Before having a cookie, a piece of fudge or other holiday treat that was laid in the break room, check your hunger level. If you’re hungry and you choose a favorite food to satisfy you, remember to sit down and eat it mindfully – no guilt. 14. At restaurants, the portion sizes are usually huge - almost always "two for the price of one." Request appetizer portions, co-order and co-eat with your dining partner, or have the server package up your meal to go as soon as you feel satisfied. Remember, "super-size" is no bargain if you didn't need that much food in the first place! 15. Look for opportunities for physical activity - take a walk after dinner to enjoy the lights, take a few laps around the mall before it opens to do some window shopping or take guests to local attractions. http://www.bsciresourcecenter.com/proddetail.php?prod=FAHolidayEatingMMay

I see so much variation on here with different surgeon's post-op liquid/food phases, it's incredible actually. My surgeon is very conservative. Phase 1 - Clear liquid diet (days 1-14) Phase 2 - Protein drinks, creamed Soups (week 3-8) Phase 3 - Full liquid/Blenderized (week 9) Phase 4- Soft to Regular Foods (week 10) Foods to add after 11 weeks: Shrimp, scallops, lobster, salmon, halibut, soft cooked vegetables, cold cereals less than 3 grams of sugar, toasted bread Foods to add after 12 weeks: Soft bananas, apples, melons, peaches (no skin on fresh fruit), plain lettuce, low fat dressing Foods to add after 13 weeks: chicken or turkey without skin, chicken or turkey salad, ground turkey, chicken meat, fajita meat, soy products, refried Beans, Peanut Butter, Pasta, untoasted bread Foods to avoid for 6 months after surgery: red meat, pork, raisins, grapes, nuts, seeds, popcorn, corn, alcohol Next week I enter phase 2 and will be there for 5 weeks....sigh...going to have to google some good creamed soups. Compliancy is not an option for me, this was a HUGE surgery and I get one shot at it. The good news is that in 2 weeks, I'm down 22 pounds. That's crazy, right?

Mines with a licensed social worker (like myself) at the Bariatric Center. I might look into this as a career move some day. I do assessments now for drug and alcohol related problems at a Rehab.

For details on the methodology and demographics, read the full article from the Feb. 2011 issue of the JACS here: http://www.journalacs.org/article/S1072-7515(10)01090-2/fulltext The link I provided in my initial entry was for the abstract press release on the study, not the full study itself. I suggest reading the whole study for more information. I know there were 19 test subjects, so I assume there were a mix of male and female, with different body weights. The results shown were of course a statistical result across all of the patients. The statistical probability of these values being correctly representative of the expressed population is excellent (p values all < 0.001). Of course, individuals will vary somewhat. Note that while this study has a subjective component (the questionnaire about how the subject felt after the test), the results were described in objective terms (BAC levels). It is definitely possible for one person to "feel" intoxicated while another does not, but for both of their BAC levels to be the same; objectively, they are both as inebriated, and with the same loss of function, even though they might not feel that way. Obviously one study is not conclusive, no matter how good the statistical sampling. All I provided was one study. If you can find an alternative study that refutes these findings, it would be very good to see. In my (albeit quick) research, I found a few more studies, but they all seemed to suggest the same things as these findings. I don't have time to sort through it, was just wondering if you knew offhand. I have the sleeve so it's not the same, so it's not applicable to me. It's just as a statistician my first thought is always correlation is not causation and losing weight in general is a reason for alcohol tolerance to decrease so I wondered how much of this was on top of the normal decrease in tolerance. Just something to think about when reading.

@@brittneywlsj At the appointment I filled out some paperwork to give to the nurse. The nurse took my vitals and just asked me some questions like if I smoke and how often I drink alcohol. She also gave me a true and false quiz to do to make sure I understood the surgery and what I need to do afterwards. Then I met with the case manager. She just asked me if I had any questions and gave me her card if I wanted to reach her. The nutritionist came in after that and verified what vitamins I was taking. She also went over the pre-opt liquid diet and recommended I buy a book called The Emotional First Aid Kit: A Practical Guide to Life After Bariatric Surgery by Cynthia L. Alexander. She said it's written by a psychologist and the book is supposed to have other people's stories and what you should expect to happen after the surgery. I'm definitely going to buy it. It sounds like it will be really helpful. Then Dr. Mcarthur came in and asked some questions about medications and health history. She went over what medications to stop before the surgery and what not to take for a certain amount of time post-opt. She also went over the risks and possible complications (what they went over at the seminar) and drew a picture explaining how the surgery will work. After that she did an examination of my stomach and felt around. She also went ahead and put in all the prescriptions that I will need, expect for one that I'll need to drop off. That is pretty much it. I'll see her again before the surgery at the end of October.

I was still thinking of canceling it the night before surgery! The first 10 days post-op are no fun, but the surgery is SOOO worth it. I am almost 5 months out and feel no negative residual effects, but I can tell you: 1. I can work in the yard in the summer time all day and not get that tired 2. I can fit in an airplane seat with no discomfort 3. I do not have to take ANY medications anymore 4. I wake up every morning at 5 AM with plenty of energy 5. I do not snore anymore The list goes on and on. For me, it was short term discomfort for what has so far been pretty easy weight loss. I have only had one incident with my sleeve and it really was my own fault, too many sugar alcohols at once (atkins bars), at week 4. Best of luck to you.

So some people asked for information on "Why Alcohol Is Bad" post surgery. (Particularly directly after) Most of it has to do with wound healing. As people have said, your stomach has a large 'wound' in it from the surgery. There are many studies which describe the effect of alcohol, however this is one of my favorites. For those who don't have time to go through it all: "In summary, acute ethanol exposure can lead to impaired wound healing by impairing the early inflammatory response, inhibiting wound closure, angiogenesis, and collagen production, and altering the protease balance at the wound site. As mentioned previously, the host response to chronic alcohol exposure appears to be different from that of acute alcohol exposure. Analysis of clinical data indicates that chronic alcohol exposure causes impaired wound healing and enhanced host susceptibility to infections, but the detailed mechanisms that explain this effect need more investigation." Do what you want to do. We are all big girls and boys here, however know the risks and benefits of all of your actions.

There was a study of alcohol after RNY surgery published in the "Journal of the American College of Surgeons". You can read the whole thing here: https://www.facs.org/media/press%20releases/jacs/gastricbypass0311 Note that the study shows we become MORE affected by alchohol as we heal from RNY surgery (effects are more pronounced at 6-months than at 3-months). One 5-ounce drink of wine was enough to raise the BAC over the legal driving limit. To put it in perspective, one drink after surgery approximately affects us like 4 before surgery. Also, they continue to warn that in RNY patients, there is a higher chance of abusing alcohol due to transference. Here are some excerpts: "The results of this unique demonstration of alcohol metabolism changes in gastric bypass patients showed that patients who underwent a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) operation had considerably higher breath alcohol content (BAC) and took significantly more time to return to a sober state after drinking, compared with BAC levels tested prior to having their procedure." "During the study, alcohol metabolism tests were performed on 19 morbidly obese patients before their RYGB operation and then measured again at three and six months post-operation. Patients also reported symptoms experienced when drinking and answered a questionnaire about their drinking habits." "The results showed peak BAC percentage of patients after drinking five ounces of red wine was significantly higher post-operation. BAC was 0.024 percent at pre-operation and 0.059 percent (p = 0.0003) at three months. Tested again at six months post-operation, the patients’ BAC was 0.088 percent (p = 0.0008) which is more than the legal driving limit of .08 percent. Additionally, it took 49 minutes for patients to reach a zero BAC prior to their operation compared with 61 minutes at three months and 88 minutes at six months post-operation." "RYGB patients need to understand that their body will respond to alcohol differently after their operation and they need to exercise caution if they choose to drink alcohol,” said Dr. Morton. “Our recommendation to all of our RYGB patients is never drink and drive and to limit consumption of alcohol to one standard drink (one 12-oz beer, 5-oz wine, or 2-oz liquor) for every two hours."

When I decided to stop losing, I was still food journaling everything on MFP so I calculated my BMR using the tools form that site and added a few hundred calories until I stopped losing. Did that for about another 6 months and finally (and purposefully) let go of the journaling in favor of a more natural lifestyle. For me, the habits are are there... exercise 5x per week, small, high protein meals, etc. I eat what I'll call "righteously" 85%-90% of the time, stay active and have maintained within 5 pounds for the last year and 1/2. If I creep up, I adjust out some of the junk, (alcohol and treats) until I'm back in the zone. Typically takes less than a week.

Hey everyone, I'm 2 1/2 months out from bypass surgery, and I'm really curious to know a couple things about drinking after surgery... Also, I should mention I'm only asking because I got an OK from my doctor to be able to drink on a special occasion: my birthday, just would like some ideas, thank you in advance ! -How fast does alcohol hit you, and how much does it take before you feel it? -How long do you feel the effects for ? -Is it over fast, if so, do you drink more ? -What kind of drinks do you have ? -Any cocktail suggestions that don't make you dump ?

@@Oregondaisy how are you doing? has the surgeon told you what activities you are allowed to do? I think you should view it like I did recovery from plastics. Not an excuse to get fat, but not a time to severely restrict either. I emphasized Fluid, Protein and no junky food, no alcohol etc. I maintained during that time. I went to a Mariners game yesterday my friend had suite tickets - with buffet and everything. It was really fun. We did a bunch of selfies and I admit I didn't like how I look. People say they can't tell that I have regained, but I look so much bigger then my "thin" friends it was a reminder why i need to stick with what I am doing and even if it takes me a year, to get my weight back down....

​The thought of loose skin was one of the reasons I didn't want this surgery many years ago (plus no carbonation and no alcohol - or at least limited alcohol). This last year I changed my mind and went full steam ahead not worrying about those things as I was more worried about my health and inability to do some of the things I wanted to. I am 5'10". My highest weight a few years ago was 336. Starting weight at consultation in January was 326. I am 3 months post-op and now down 75 pounds. My neck looks awful on some day (not all days oddly) and my belly button looks like grumpy cat's frown. The skin on my arms and thighs is really starting to get loose, but guess what?! I can cross my legs now and it is all covered up! I will have skin surgery some day but for now, it is what it is and I have to concentrate on getting healthy then I will worry about looking better. In the meantime, cute clothes fit better. All to say, don't let this be the one thing that scares you off. This, of all things, is fixable.

Love those pictures Liz and Joe; beautiful children with healthy grandparents. The weather is turning here and it's going to be time to get out the fall clothes soon. I need to prepare myself (and the basement) for exercising indoors when i can't get out to do my lake walk. Habe to make friends with that treadmill again.......and maybe some kind of class, though I don't seem to be good about getting out to those. My husband just set up his wind trainer bike in our bathroom. I've been bugging him to exercise but maybe I will use that, too. Yesterday we took off for the beach and that was fantastic. Went out to Breakfast and then a picnic and kind of a grazing supper (corn on the cob, cheese, hummus, alcohol), but I'm down two pounds this morning. Working on losing the few I gained and then another chunk this fall. Determined to fit into pants I bought quite a while ago -- two pair long linen size tens, one in red and one a deep purple. I have them hanging in view -- one pair in my office and the other in our bedroom where I can see them when I wake up. Have a good Sunday, all!

Since you mentioned you've posted several times about already having a "stall", I will respond with a excerpt from an article written on Bariatriceating.com because it may be of interest to you: Your internal surgical wounds must heal – this is no time to go to the mall, out to dinner, visiting friends and on vacation. Sew what? In terms of food, you must stick to your surgeons program for post op food stages. You need time to allow the tiny pouch cut and sewn from the fabric of your giant floppy stomach to heal itself closed. We have all glued something only to have the seams pop open. The liquid & soft food stages are to avoid stressing pouch seams and give your stomach a break from the process of digestion. Is ice cream a puree? Sirloin steak is not a soft food. Ice cream is NOT a puree. You can’t eat popcorn, raw carrots or celery ten days after surgery. People ask if we think they could have a pork chop, we say ‘no’, they eat it anyhow, then tell us ‘they didn’t have a problem’. NO alcohol for a year… NON-negotiable… but people push back saying their surgeon said five weeks was okay. Folks… we know better and we are trying to help you. General Tso? NOT your friend The post op dietary stages are not a suggestion, they are a requirement for you own safety. You cannot eat Chinese food the week after surgery because you ‘chew it well’. A ‘craving’ for Orange chicken landed one support group member in the hospital! It’s a very bad idea to push. Being ‘released’ to ‘regular food’ does not mean what you think it does, but you already know that. How long until you can have pizza again? “Pizza is not a food for someone having obesity surgery.” (that’s a quote from Dr. N on My 600 lb Life) Every single week in our support group, these actions land new post ops in the hospital. Sip sip sip sip sip… If you had a back injury, you would not tile your kitchen floor the same week. Yet, people think nothing of making a trip to a theme park when they should be at home resting and taking in fluids. People ask us ‘Do you think I would be able to go on a cruise two weeks after my sleeve?’ (Nooooo!) As high as 30% of post ops are dehydrated enough to land back in the hospital with a Fluid IV. Not drinking enough Water after surgery can cause heart damage. Dehydration is the most common bariatric complication, yet it’s largely avoidable. Stay home and heal… drink hot water, cold water, broth, Diet Snapple, herbal tea, eat sf ice pops and Jello. (We have a free bariatric water app called HY, click for GetHyApp.com) Vitamins are critical It is impossible for you to have your stomach surgically removed or reconfigured and take in the nutrients needed to run your body. While your surgeons group has mentioned Flintstones, that is so you will possibly take something instead of being one of the 67% of post ops who take nothing. They are not optimal and won’t prevent long term problems like broken bones from simple falls and losing teeth, but may keep you from dying in the short term. The idea behind supplements is to prevent issues from grabbing you in twenty years when it’s too late to change the path. Take them! Protein from food? What a novel idea! Yes, yes, yes, we’d all like to get our protein from food and that’s what you want to hear. However, if you are unable to take in 70 grams of protein per day, you can either weaken and lose your hair or you can figure out another way until you are able to learn and eat the right foods. Protein drinks make up the difference between what you can eat and what you need. They are not simply a tasty beverage for your enjoyment for you to be all picky and ridiculous over. They are the antidote for your disease of morbid obesity. Morbid means death and obesity surgery only slows and reverses the disease IF you follow your plan. I personally like their no-nonsence approach to this life altering surgery we've all had. Also, yes to wait staff looking strangely at us but it won't last long. I found it harder for them when I wouldn't want to order anything to drink since we can't drink while eating. Now I tell them, "No thank you, I don't drink when eating". I've been asked "why?" many times. I then tell them how no one should because it doesn't allow your food to be properly digested when liquid is present. 95% of them tell me they're going to try it. I wish you nothing but success

Who am I to scold anyway. I drink alcohol and eat Taco Bell. course I'm below goal weight! Hang in there, stay strong, get to goal weight, and chocolate will perhaps be an occasional indulgence that you can handle. But now isn't the time!

All I can suggest is to stay hydrated and keep using body oil, etc.also, put your body oil on over damp skin. One tip I learned from one of my doctors is to make sure your lotions and moisturizers do not come in a pump bottle. Apparently, the additives (alcohol?) they use to make lotion pumpable is in itself drying.

Has anyone tried alcohol post op or been given any instructions?

Wow, time flies when you are kicking butt. I am happy and down 125 pounds from my high weight. I am a few pounds from my self made goal and the scale has slowed to a crawl. I am okay with that. I have done things I wouldn't have ever dreamed of in this past year. I am physically active, have stopped abusing alcohol, eat much better, and feel amazing. Oddly enough my brain can not catch up with the size of my body. I still see that same big boy. I KNOW how much I have lost, but my brain hasn't fully adapted to my new body. weird weird weird. I can't wait to see what my 1 year follow up will be like as I prepare for maintenance mode. Thank you to all of you on this site as this site was a huge factor in my success. Pictures will follow in a different thread.

I was told no alcohol for 6 months b/c your blood is thin and you can get drunk way faster. It can mess up your stomach, but I will probably never drink again..

I see that as well..how about drinking alcohol? Is that completely elimated?

Yes. All fluids count (non-caffeine, non-alcoholic of course). Even ice and Popsicles count.