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One thing I can say for sure after reading these boards for over a year, is that everyone is different. So my advice is to choose the alcoholic beverage that appeals to you and drink it slowly -- the first time I had a drink was about 6 weeks after surgery. I ordered a skinny cosmo - a drink I had many times before surgery and considered it to be a fruity light thing - and it burned like I was drinking grain alcohol! I had to give it to my friend to drink, I could barely get down 2 sips. I found that I was able to handle wine soon after that, but if that doesn't appeal to you then you will find something that works for you. I am able to drink every kind of alcohol at this point and have been able to since 6 months out. I don't like beer and I stay away from carbonation because I don't love it, but I enjoy all kinds of cocktails, sangria and wine. You are on your own journey and it can be fun figuring out what works for you and what doesn't. It is a new world, enjoy it!

Well I have finally reached Onederland. I am at 197lbs from 323lbs being sleeved on 01/31/2015. My goal was 200 however I am still seeing how everything is evening out as I am 6'2 so I do have a little more to go. I went to a wedding last night and wasn't sure how it would go. I knew there would be an open bar and in the past I would of been on it immediately. I have not had any alcohol since my surgery and was planning on possibly having one drink last night. Also, the food was buffet style so there was that as well. I gotta say everything went well and I felt pretty "normal." I did have a drink which did give me a little buzz and we pretty much danced the whole time. Then came the wedding cake. I had a half of a piece and that was it. As of now, I don't really have a certain food that particularly bothers my stomach. The thing is I noticed it wasn't my stomach that stopped me from eating the rest of that cake. It was me. This surgery is such a great tool and has helped me in many ways, however I am very happy that I did not have to rely on it last night to tell me when to stop, it was me. I just wanted to share this because I know that it can be very hard after the surgery figuring out what is normal for you. The thing is to remember that everyones normal is different. You will find it though. No matter how long it takes you will get there.

You will also struggle with fiberous foods (which are ALL healthy foods) and it will be much easier to eat junk like chocolate, ice cream and alcohol. You need to find your work arounds on bad days to be able to eat your lean proteins and fibers and not give into junk or not eat on bad days.

The band works, but you have to work with it. You can't go back to eating your normal foods and expect to lose weight. I'm only three weeks post op, and I'm glad I got banded. My father also had the band almost two months ago. He is down 40+ pounds but he had a lot more to lose than me. After the surgery and when you are into the solid foods stage, it's kind of fun finding new alternatives to some of your favorite foods. All the changes that come along with it are also very encouraging. I feel totally different now that I haven't drank any soda, diet coke was my drink of choice. Alcohol used to be a bigger part of my life as well. My boyfriend says we are saving so much money by not going out for drinks every other night. We're going to save more money than what I paid for my surgery. All in all, don't let people get into your head. Some people aren't willing to work for what they want. If you ever need anything feel free to message me! I'm not really sure how this app works, but that goes for everyone!

I like your attitude! I think a lot of people lump cigarette smoking and cigar smoking together. One is dangerous habit and while the other is rather benign. I belong to a social club and smoke cigars with several medical professionals. None smoke cigarettes. I look forward to the day when I can have a drink too. Life is to be enjoyed. I used to smoke cigarettes, 2 packs a day for over 30 years..... Along with a lit of things, I quit for good. I am now a cigar aficionado. Yes, I smoke cigars, drink coffee, double espressos, consume alcohol, enjoy ice cream and other delights, At 63 soon to be 64, I am enjoying life more now than I ever have. I can now appreciate the things life offers, rather than being a glutton and sitting on the sidelines as a spectator. Of course, listen to your Dr. and gauge your results/successes against your new lifestyle.

I used to smoke cigarettes, 2 packs a day for over 30 years..... Along with a lit of things, I quit for good. I am now a cigar aficionado. Yes, I smoke cigars, drink coffee, double espressos, consume alcohol, enjoy ice cream and other delights, At 63 soon to be 64, I am enjoying life more now than I ever have. I can now appreciate the things life offers, rather than being a glutton and sitting on the sidelines as a spectator. Of course, listen to your Dr. and gauge your results/successes against your new lifestyle.

Go for it Sheryl! You need to find out how compatible you are with him. Everything is always great at first. You need to the through that honeymoon phase with him and find out who he really is and how you to get along. The only way you can do that is to spend time together. Yes, it's a balancing act, but you said you enjoy being with him. Take dance classes together. They're so much fun when you have an automatic partner. have you ever seen West Coast Swing? Watch it on Utube. It's hard, but that means a lot of lessons. East coast is easy. I find Salsa and the Hustle to be really easy too. There should be a place that offers a few weeks of this and a few weeks of that. And why would he not go horse back riding? John has turned into an ass. He's always tired, works too much, and basically has about 2 hours where he's off work, eats dinner watches some tv and falls asleep. I have been avoiding him. Maybe I should try welbutrin. I am extremely depressed about the weight, and the time, it's going to take to get back in shape. Doctor said it's a one year recovery from this surgery! Yikes! I am going to go out on a date with Owen, who is the alcoholic. he's so cute, and I was really falling for him, when he majorly screwed up. He's been staying sober, and wants to take me to dinner in a couple of weeks when he comes in from Tuna Fishing. Why not . I have nothing better to do. Then he will go home to his place which is an hour away, so I have no desire to drive that far but if he's willing to, I'll see how things go as far as another dinner. Sheryl I can't believe how we're both in the same boat. I've lost so much muscle, and I have no way of doing weight training again for months. I hate that none of my clothes fit. I have a muffin top, and my thighs are much bigger. I am not supposed to diet while I am waiting for the bone to graft. UUGG!

I think I have pinpointed 3 reasons why I am 10# over goal and holding... not losing. 1. my boys live with me so the house always has bread, potatos, noodles etc. In general, I avoid them, but a few times a week i have a slice a bread or half a sandwich or something like that that I never used to eat 2. I have lost alot of muscle. I am exercising an hour a day now, but it will be months before I get back even a portion of the fairly incredible muscle mass I had before. As we all know, fat just sits there inviting more fat to join it... muscle burns calories just to maintain itself. 3. I have been drinking more calories. I have alot of fun - whether it is the dance lessons with girlpals, the day at the horse races, going on dates... just alot more alcohol than I had before. I don't mean getting drunk, just having that margarita, wine or beer or whatever when others do - adds up fast. You know what the honest truth is? I don't want to drink less because I am currently loving this social life. I do want to regain muscle mass and not sure how to do it with all my physical problems... but I am working toward it.An Oh the carb temptation... the boys are great about not buying ice cream and keeping stuff like chips and candy in their bedrooms but I can hardly ask them to not have bread and pasta! I just need to stop, but it is hard. And it is not that a piece of bread will kill me, it is just that eating that way makes me hungrier! I really think those are the 3 key things - so it is a balancing act of enjoying a social life, having a somewhat normal homelife... and trying to be thinner againer!

My doc's plan says no alcohol for 6 months.

You do have to be careful with alchol. It might hit you very differently than before. Also there are many stories that there is a great danger of alcoholism post sleeve...http://www.webmd.com/diet/obesity/20120618/after-bariatric-surgery-alcohol-abuse-more-likely

My program says caffeine and alcohol after 3 months in moderation. I gave up alcohol before surgery, and I doubt it is something I pick up again.

My surgeon says " no alcohol ever" But, sorry- that's not going to happen. How soon after sleeve surgery did you have a glass of wine? Is there anything else you drink?

Maintenance drugs: Extended release drugs work differently with sleeve, Ambien doesn't work for me now. So check with others who have had it who are on the same meds as you Wean off caffeine over a couple of weeks instead of cold turkey at the hospital (ditto with alcohol and nicotine if applicable) Get the emotional relationship with food in order: http://www.amazon.com/Emotional-First-Aid-Kit-Practical/dp/0976852659/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1441295897&sr=8-7&keywords=book+bariatric+surgery

I am on maintenance meds. I take low dose predisone and Methotraxate due the those meds I can't not drink alcohol. I am happily married with a 1 year old boy. The food issues are my biggest concern. But I know I can do this. I have to do this is get where I need to be. I'd never considered having problems with swallowing the pills though.

The hormone question is still open, and you can find a bunch of info here: http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/349114-new-study-about-the-long-term-effectiveness-of-the-sleeve/ I went with the sleeve I was terrified of the dumping issues with the bypass, was leaning toward lap-band but saw the long term costs with adjustments. Some have done very well with the band, but wasn't for me. Some things to consider: Are you taking maintenance drugs? Some don't do well. Ambien no longer works for me. Had to switch from ER meds to breaking up pills. Have you worked through food issues? What is your relationship with alcohol? Do you have a partner? It will change your relationship status. Big issues to discuss in advance. But the long term - you have an 80% chance to change your life significantly by keeping 70% of your current weight off for the next five years with WLS. Less than 2% with the best behavioral modification programs. It's not a guarantee, it's a tool.

Auto-correct kills more relationships than alcohol...wait, I think they go together http://www.damnyouautocorrect.com/

Yes, I have primary (inherited - thanks Dad!) lymphodema in both of my lower legs and feet. Mine is naturally very severe (+4) if it goes without treatment. I just had my WLS Aug. 27 so I can't say it will or won't affect it per se, but based on what I know of lymphodema there's not a direct correlation with WLS and the lymphodema. Of course, any weight loss and staying very mobile will be helpful to your overall health and thereby your lymphodema. I went through a VERY INTENSE lymphodema treatment this summer. It involved my spending a tremendous amount of time in the treatment center (2 - 4 hours/day - EVERY DAY) where I would undergo manual massage, 2 hours of maching massage (sometimes was able to complete this at home) and then my legs and feet would be wrapped in foam which was HOT and uncomfortable, but necessary to support my lymph system to get the excess Fluid out. Depending on how severe the lymphodema is, how good a patient you are, and how your body responds the treatment can take from a month (my case) to years. You also have to really clean up your diet - NO SALT, soda, alcohol, and I tried to stear clear of preservatives too. You must exercise - walking is best if you can. I decided for me and would suggest for anyone else too, to treat the lymphodema first and get it under control. You have to stop the cellulitis attacks. I'm fortunate in that I've only had one, but with each one you have, more permanent damage occurs. Once it's stable and under control then go on to the WLS. I lost almost 30 lbs before sugery (in part required for insurance and also I was done with how I felt and needed to make a difference). So I would strongly suggest overhauling your diet now and trying to lost weight by without WLS by increasing vegetables, fruits, lean meats, reducing carbs, and eliminating fats and sugars. Keep in mind that the lymphodema will not go away and requires lifelong treatment. When I was getting my treatment over the summer, there were people of all ages, sizes and shapes (including adults weighing less than 100 lbs) getting the same treatment I was. Yes, you are more likely to have lymphodema if you are overweight, but odds are losing weight will not make it go away. It's just to me I would rather deal the 2 hours of therapy I now do as maintenance at home EVERY DAY and wear HEAVY (30-40 mcg) compression stockings (day) or wraps (at night) CONSTANTLY then risk more damage to my feet and legs and potentially have to have something amputated. My doctor flat out told me that I would be facing amputation if I didn't make drastic changes and get it dealt with as my lymphodema was so severe it was interferring with my blood supply to my skin. Most of that has now been reversed, but I'm ever vigilent! Good luck!

Hey guys I'm 23 and from Pittsburgh Pa. It is absolutely hard to find someone my own age but I am fortunate to know about 4 close people in my life that have had the bypass or band. I had my surgery on 8.26.15. I am almost at my one week! I'm still in a lot of pain though and my back actually hurts just as bad as my stomach. I am interest how people our age handle alcohol (once they are healed of course) all my friends are still in their parting stage and wanna go out and drink. My birthday is 9.16.91 and it was actually hard to find something to do that is not food or alcohol related. Any advice? Feelings? Experience?

We see that all the time at my work, it's called self medicating, but things like marijuana and even alcohol can not only be among other things, gateway drugs, but also mask true underlying issues, and eventually lead to a severe drop in mood, and even suicide, it's like putting a bandaid on a deep wound, and it's very hard because patients will swear up and down that they do better on it, it's hard to get it into their heads that it is a matter of time.........

@@ktscott Hi and welcome! I actually had gastric bypass instead of the sleeve because I suffered from severe reflux. I have an automatic immune disease as well called psoriatic arthritis. Every 8 weeks I get an injection of Stelara which helps with both the psoriasis as well as the joint damage. I try to avoid steroids because it makes the skin condition much worse however I recently had spine surgery and was literally forced to take both IV steroids and oral steroids for a number of weeks. I had no problems with it in terms of my new tummy but of course the steroids kicked up my psoriasis very bad,y and now I am taking a daily dose of Cyclosporine. Hopefully it won't be for too long but it is liquid and if I don't eat something or drink a Protein shake it tends to burn my tummy. I have not had that sensation in the last 11 months since my bypass. It cured my reflux. I suspect there is something like alcohol in that drug which causes the burning sensation. Anyway, there are plenty of people with RA on this site but I would not be overly concerned. If you are taking NSAIDs that won't be allowed. They can cause severe ulcers in your new tummy so they try to have you take Tylenol instead. I found after this surgery that Tylenol based pain relievers actually work. Before surgery that was not the case so I was worried about stopping Aleive. I have not missed it at all. Good luck and let me know if you have further questions!

I'm sure "doctors" used to say the same thing about alcoholics. Just don't drink. Be strong! Replace the bad behavior with good behavior. Being an alcoholic doesn't excuse the individuals, but it does explain the behavior. Being a food addict (or an eating addict really) doesn't excuse my behavior. I own it, and I treat it daily. One of those treatments is WLS. One of those treatments is regular exercise. One of those treatments is a regimented eating plan. I am addicted to eating. Yes, I can overeat carrots and broccoli. I can overeat salad. WLS will not make that addiction go away. Not everyone who is fat has an addiction. Not every food addict is fat. I smoked for 15 years but I was never addicted to nicotine. I just stopped smoking one day. Never jonesed for a cigarette after. Could always take it or leave it. But I don't have the audacity to say that nobody is truly addicted to smoking. I'm lucky. When it comes to food, I'm not so lucky.

What happened to following your doctor's/NUT's orders? I've been instructed absolutely no alcohol until 6 months post op. To me, it's not worth taking a chance on eating/drinking something I'm not supposed to. And if you're "cheating" two weeks post op what will you be doing month's out? Make sure you're dedicated to the process. We all want success right?

Oh my! Laughing @ MIMISAN too funny for the poster worried about scars (get ready I'm about to be sarcastic)girl we who have been so heavy have stretch marks bigger than the scars from the surgery will be oh and by the way I'm just over 6 months post op sleeve u can't even see them don't give it a thought it's not worth your worry concentrate on healthy eating excercise will help with skin I've never heard of ppl having trouble being a mother or becoming a mother after surgery it can only be an asset for your future parenting duties which trust me are exhausting for a fit person as for alcohol I'm 47 been there done that it's not that interesting to me anymore don't believe that u can't eat u can and u will at first it will be hard it takes getting used to it's an adjustment eventually as time goes on and u heal u will eat more normally again it will be up to u what u eat as it was before

Hello all, I had my surgery on 8/18/2015 and everything went well. My pain wasn't too bad and it was managed well by pain meds, I originally was supposed to go home the 20th but because I was doing so well they let me go home the 19th. I've been able to get all of my Fluid and 60 grams of Protein in every day since last week. My problem is my food addiction. I knew I had one before the surgery but it's still so bad after the surgery. I don't have a physical hunger anymore but I have an appetite out of this world. The smell, sight, look even talk of food makes me want to eat whatever it is. I have been having a really hard time with this. Even the day of surgery my dad came in my room with some food and it smelled so good. It's crazy. If I"m around my friends and they're eating it really hard for me. They try not to eat in front of me but of course if I am spending a lot of time with them, they get hungry. I have a friends big 30th bday party this weekend and I'm dreading it because I know she's going to have tons of food and alcohol while I sip on my Protein shake but I have to go, this is a big day for her. Just in general I feel like if food is going to be in the equation I have to take myself out because I can't handle. I can bearly handle it when food isn't around let alone when it is. Even today, I took a walk on my lunch break. Of course there are nothing but fast food places and restaurants everywhere and it just made me crave everything I passed or smelled. It's insane. I know I have a real problem. I've lost 18 pounds so far which I'm happy about but my happiness is somewhat clouded by my missing food. I'm on full liquids so I just drink my Protein shakes (which I don't care for but I drink because I know that I need them) and drink my Water. Next week is soft foods which I'm excited about but still I'm really struggling. This is rough...

I have years of dieting, exercising, nutrition counseling, personal trainers, and diet pills to prove otherwise. First off I want to say, you know the truth and you wrote it in the sentence above. This decision is between you and your medical providers, not family members who don't know jack about surgery. - bowel control problems I have had no bowel control problems - vomiting I haven't thrown up once since surgery 2+ years ago - weakness it took me a couple weeks to get through post-op weakness. Since then I am stronger than ever. Come join me in my weight-lifting workout and judge for yourself whether weight loss causes weakness - hair loss this is a temporary, cosmetic issue and there are lots of ways to deal with it - depression because you cannot eat Of course you can eat! You just can't eat as much and if you are smart, you will change the sorts of things you eat on a usual basis. Food is still enjoyable, at least after you get through the first weeks of transition after surgery. If you are someone who uses food as an emotional crutch, I certainly recommend seeking therapy to go along with surgery, because yes, you will have to learn new coping and soothing mechanisms. - can you drink alcohol (if you do) I could if I wanted to, but I've never been a big drinker so this is moot for me. - problems with loose skin I have some loose skin, it doesn't cause me any problems that Spanx and somewhat modest clothing cannot solve. - visible scars I have no visible scars from vsg. My dermatologist had to get out her lighted magnifying glass to find them. Besides that, you can't go through life refusing to do things because you might get a scar. We all have scars. Are you going to decide not to have children because you might end up with a cesearian scar? - will it interfere with social life? Not unless your social life is centered on binge eating, in which case I would recommend re-evaluating and making some changes with respect to your social life, rather than forgoing surgery. - will it prevent me from being a mom one day No, it will help you be a mom. If you decide to get pregnant, losing weight makes it easier for you to get pregnant, stay pregnant, and safely deliver a healthy baby. Pregnancy only requires about an extra 300 calories per day for your fetus, and that is easily achieved even with a post-vsg stomach. If you decide to adopt, you can count on being a healthier and more active mom to your children. Seriously, research obesity and pregnancy and obesity and childbirth and you will see that losing weight is one of the very best things you can do on this front. - when can I return to work? (Not a strenuous job) Probably 1 - 3 weeks after surgery. Good luck!