Search the Community

I also do not drink alcohol (I can't stand the taste), but I would be very careful with it from what I've seen on here and on other groups for several reasons: you can get drunk very quickly, especially at first. Alcohol gets absorbed very quickly and your blood alcohol can quickly go over the limit for driving and then for being just drunk to the point where you can't really function. And as you said, you're taking in empty calories and setting yourself up for eating other junky food. Plus there's a risk for cross-addiction. Some people become addicted to alcohol the way they had issues with food before surgery. It's not super common, but it definitely happens. That's not to say you should never drink, but maybe keep it to one small serve occasionally. I personally have told everyone in my life about my surgery. I just can't lie easily and if people see me losing weight, I knew I'd never be able to lie or even omit the surgery part. Plus, I was so excited to finally be doing it. I was not embarrassed. I felt like I was finally taking control of my life. The reaction I got was extremely positive except for one person I barely knew (I posted on Facebook). She has a whole "fat positive" view of life and has also had some sort of weight loss procedure that did not go well. I can't say whether you should or should not have the surgery, but I think maybe you should discuss with a bariatric trained therapist to talk about your concerns. Good luck in your decision!

In my case, just a select few. Such surgery here (in Australia) is still widely regarded as some form of cheating ... AND I can well do without the 5h1t of pointless debates/arguments with opinionated ignoramuses who have not lived my last quarter of a century of yo-yo dieting and weight-loss fails. My wife knows. My siblings know. My daughter and son-in-law know. In fact, my son-in-law is my inspiration and catalyst for gastric sleeving. He was done in 2015 ... a man of 185cm (6feet, 2inches) who "fell" from 208kg to 99kg after his own gastric-sleeve. (460 pounds to 219 pounds). Yes ... I have had the opportunity to eat better SMALLER quantities and make purposeful progress. I was in a union job that required a lot of "socialising" ... I averaged about 35 alcoholic drinks per week in summer and about 26-28 per week in winter for 18 years. I now confine myself to one beer and three wines per week. Even today, I went for my usual St Patrick's day lunch and ordered a half-pint of Guinness (as opposed to nearly thirty years of one or two pints with lunch). I made it just past half-way down my half-pint before I just put the glass down and walked away ... I had no room after my grilled fish piece and salad to fit any more Guinness.

Hello all, So I have heard a lot of conflicting things about alcohol after surgery. I am almost two years out now and doing great, but I've alwasy had the lingering question about drinking... I am not a drinker at all. I never drink in my day to day live. I am on vacation right now though in europe and am supposed to go to Brussels in a few days. Naturally I want to try the beer there (I have never had beer) BUT it's carbonated so is it a no no? I used to drink soda all the time and was told after surgery we cant deal with the bubbles so I gave it up and haven't touched it since. Please let me know if I should just stay away or if it would be ok... Random, but what drinks are good in general? that you can handle after surgery? It might be kindof hard to order specialized drinks here....ideas? Thanks.

opps sorry supposed to be alcohol drinks, spell check didn't help me there:)

I don't think any of this is surprising. I think most of us notice our negative emotions more because we used to calm them with food. When you can't do that you start feeling crazy until you learn different ways to cope--hopefully healthier ones. But it's part of why transfer addictions (alcoholism etc) are so common after WLS. I know I didn't even realize I'd been having anxiety all my life until a couple years ago--I've been treating it with food for so long I didn't even realize I was anxious until it got way out of control. Now I am dealing with this with my therapist and it is very helpful.

I'm not sure I agree with you about tolerance and withdrawal not applying to food. Our processed foods have crazy amounts of hidden sugar in them (primarily from corn derivatives), so I definitely think that a tolerance can be built up without us even realizing it. For a person who has physiological or emotional responses to sugar intake, it makes sense to me that the person would then need to consume ever larger amounts in order to produce the effect they are seeking. Further, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence about the physical symptoms that occur when withdrawing from carbs and sugar...headaches, irritability, shakiness, etc. So, yeah...I believe that tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal can be applicable to food. When I first started this process, I was extremely concerned about determining whether or not I had a true addiction. I knew that could be the biggest challenge to being successful with WLS, so I really wanted to know if that was my problem. While I definitely enjoy sweets, other carbs like bread, Pasta, and potatoes, were my bigger concern. I ate refined carbs in some form every single day, and I love them. In addition, I drank alcohol every day. I fixed a vodka cocktail every night in a large cup, so it was probably the equivalent of 3-4 standard drinks. Even though I didn't think my drinking was compulsive, I also knew that I could be wrong about that. I knew that if I had addiction tendencies in any area, those two areas would be the most likely to be problematic. I discussed my concerns in depth during my 3 month psych eval, and I even requested some additional substance abuse assessments. All of the results indicated no substance issues. Those findings have been supported by my behavioral changes both pre- and post-op. I follow my dietary guidelines, I haven't experience much in the way of cravings, or found myself triggered by certain foods or situations. When I have wanted to taste something sweet or carby, a small taste has been satisfying and did not leave me wanting more. Over the past 4 months, I have consumed alcohol 3 times, about a half glass of wine each time. I don't miss the daily drink & it wasn't a struggle to give it up. I know I'm not very far out, so maybe some of these choices will get harder for me. I'm trying to be prepared for that possibility, and to guard against complacency. I also know that everyone is different, so what's true for me will not necessarily be true for someone else. My personal experience tells me that genuine addiction was not a factor for me, but that doesn't mean it's not a factor for someone else.

I appreciate your knowledge on the subject of addiction. I also think you were very smart to seek help with issues that may have been a tirgger before your surgery. I was one of those people who never thought I had a food addiction. Until I started therapy well before my surgery. . . and then had surgery. What really made it clear to me that I am a food addict was how my body/brain reacted to the pre-op and post-op diets. I felt like what I imagine an alcoholic feels like when they can't have a drink. I craved that food high that made everything "better" and numbed me to any emotion that I didn't want to feel. Even now, the sleeve doesn't allow me to eat the quantity of food to get my high I loved so much. It has been a very tough road, and my therapist has been my saving grace. Now at almost 5 months out I'm feeling more in control and my withdrawals have mostly gone away, but I will always struggle with this. I've learned so much about myself, finding what works for me to manage my addiction. By the way, there is sugar in just about everything OR it breaks down to sugar almost immediately in our body (like simple carbs and alcohol). My therapist said the research shows that sugar is AS ADDICTIVE to our brains as HEROIN. Yep! Heroin addicts who stop using usually turn to sugar because of the similar dopamine response in the brain. Interesting stuff!

I have caught a lot of flack several times for saying that I do not believe I have a food addiction. As a soon-to-be-licensed therapist, I define addiction according to the DSM psychiatric criteria. I definitely believe that food addictions exist, but I also know I don't meet the criteria that define a disorder. Lack of discipline was more my problem, and that's different from an actual addiction. With the sleeve, I have the assistance I need with portion control. I basically eat what I want, I get my Protein every day, and I don't have cravings for carbs. If I do enjoy the occasional something sweet or carby, it's just a very small amount & I've been satisfied with that so far. When I have wanted something sweet, I've made an effort to make it a "smart sweet", like fruit, or a low carb/high protein ice cream substitute or cookie. I believe in moderation and balance, but I don't eat a lot of junk. I also acknowledge that I only really know my own experience, and that my approach would not work for everybody. As with everything in life, we each have to find our own path. But to answer the original question, maybe it's just that anybody with issues in a certain area (be they true addictions or not), are likely to enable other "users". Smokers minimize the slips of those trying to quit, drinkers can minimize the slips of alcoholics, and people with food issues are very likely to minimize the slips of others with food issues. In all areas of substance abuse, most enablers don't generally see their behavior as enabling...they think they're trying to be nice, or supportive, or understanding, or just patient. And if the enabler also partakes in the substance or behavior, then it's even harder to get them to stop enabling the addict.

I’m almost 4 years post op. I have indulged in to much alcohol and put a lot back on. So to reset my sleeve, I’m doing all the post op food stages again. Clear, liquid,purée, soft, normal foods.

Hello I'm Vera, 44 year old Cancer crab Started working right out of high school in the electronic field, Silicon Valley and I'm currently an Antenna Test Engineer. When I was 21 a guy Billy 18 started working with me. We worked together for 11 years every day seeing each other. In that time he married a girl who also worked with us and I married Bob when I was 29. Bob was verbally abusive and an alcoholic, divorced him after 6 years. Meanwhile Both Billy and I started new jobs, 2 years later his company bought out the company where I was working, thus we're working together again. Actually he was my boss. This was about the time I was divorcing and he had divorced his wife also. We had become best friends and did allot of bowling, camping and outings to the beach. 6 years ago we had Roxanne and 3 years ago we had Hunter, and how have know each other 23 years have a beautiful house on Anderson Lake in Morgan Hill California. Yes we still work together and we've been engaged 3 years. Planning "the Wedding" maybe in Yosemite or on a cruise. Just thought I'd tell you my love story. Now for the Band stats: Banded 8/14/03 at 244lbs size 20 AMI Swedish band, 3 fills @ 5.7cc's Now 184lbs size 12/14 I'm so very blessed!

I was planning on telling everyone when it got close to my surgery date but at the last second opted not to. Only my immediate family, work, and a few close friends knew that I was having it. My main reason is that Facebook is such a cesspool at times I didn't want to deal with the people that would say it's too risky, you don't really need it, blah blah blah. Towards the end I was second guessing myself a lot on whether I wanted to go through with the surgery, but I knew it was what was best for me. So maybe part of my backing out of telling people was because I was afraid they would talk me out of it. I'm 3 weeks out and still haven't made any sort of formal announcement to people. This weekend I plan on saying something. Mainly because I'm down about 40 lbs since I've seen most people and I don't want people to think I'm sick or anything. It probably comes down to the general ignorance of people. I get so tired of people that just say it takes will power and exercise. It's like somebody that doesn't understand what being an alcoholic is like and telling somebody "just stay out of bars and you'll be fine!" They don't understand the core of the problem in our battles with weight. Those types will never change. Maybe that's the real reason - I'd hate to know good friends or family are that ignorant...lol

I have no idea how to answer either question. I am pre-op, not much of a drinker to begin with, and am cash pay (but have been approved through my states vocational rehab so they are paying for the surgery). As to the alcohol, there are many discussions and opinions on this board so I recommend reading the previous discussions. (My opinion, drinking isn't worth the risk for me --- especially early after surgery). Welcome to the forum and best of luck with your surgery.

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

Everything Gene said ... plus ... You just cannot fathom the sheer number of people who are just waiting to help you in AA. They will be thrilled to tell you their story of battling alcohol, and will be eager to guide you through your own journey. All you need to do is take one step toward them, they'll come the rest of the way. Even if you're not sure about it, go to a meeting, introduce yourself (first name only), and kick the tires. Hear the message. Toss it around in your head. See if it's something that interests you. It's anonymous, so nobody will follow up with you later unless you ask them to. You can choose to never go back again if you like. I swear, if I lived near you I'd offer to take you to a meeting. Tell me your zip code and I will try to find a meeting for you. Seriously, you sound like you're almost ready to say something like "I wish I knew how to stop". If that's true, please, consider what I'm saying. Like I said earlier, I've lost 100 pounds so far, so many things are better now that I've lost the weight ... but quitting drinking was a much more important life change to me. I wish I could share this with you.

Scotti you need to get help. AA is NOT a form of weakness. It is proof of your inner courage shining through the fear of change that you have decided to attend a meeting. It takes far more courage to seek help for a problem than to deny the problem. The damage an alcoholic inflicts on their family is devastating. I am the child of a raging alcoholic. My mother refused to get help because it was "weak". After 25 years of self loathing she took her life. She could not live with the guilt of the abuse she dealt us. She devastated her children and robbed her grandchildren of the chance to love her because she refused to look beyond herself. You can do it. You just have to be willing to take that first step. A good lunch is canned chicken with fat fre mayo, pickles, and mustard wi th a string cheese. There are a lot of different uses for the chicken and it has a lot of protein. Good luck to you!

Now this is my specialty. IMPO it would be highly advised that u don't take up alcohol or drugs. It's a disease and it is advised to get some help. AA is a good place to start. When doing alcohol u become less inhibited and more likely to eat way too much that can cause damage by his is the time to work on cultivating new healthy bodies and habits. Focus on learning more about healthy goods that nourish ur body don't tear it down with alcohol or drugs. U can do this! Now Rock that sleeve and clean up ur act!

Scotty, bro, you need help. Alcoholism is not uncommon after WLS, many of us are food addicts, and when we can't medicate with food some of us tur to alchohol. In your case, you had this problem before WLS, so the reality is you are compounding one addiction on top of another. I know AA doesn't sound like the most appealing thing, but you need some friends that do not drink a sponsor would be a great help too. Someone that understands where you are at & will take your call at anytime. I'd really hate to see you go through all this to get your life back just to throw it all away. Thats not even mentioning how your drinking affects the people you love. Do yourself a favor get the help you need. We can encourage you and offer advice on weight loss side, but, you really need someone who understands where you are with the alchohol. Best wishes.

Hi, I am a little over a week away from flying to MX for my surgery. I travel for work every week. It is about an hour flight, each way. I keep my main bag at the hotel. It has all of my main work clothes, toiletries, makeup, etc. Thus, I won't have a heavy bag to lift or carry. I just take "undies" back and forth and my laptop. I have a small bullet like blender at the work site. I currently go to whole foods every week and buy food for the week for lunch and dinner. Thus, I am used to not eating for the most part at restaurants. But, I do have semi-required dinners when the hot shots come to town or we are celebrating a milestone. In fact, we have one the first week I am back from surgery. I think I am going to try and skip this first one, but I can't do that every time. I have purchased the Dr's recommended Vitamins and Protein powder. I have a set in my desk and a set at my apartment. I purchased broth for both locations. I have told my immediate team that I am getting this surgery. In fact one of my team mates did the Y thing about a year ago. She lives closer to the work site and drove back and forth every week. She also convinced them to let her stay at an apartment. I really don't want to stay at an apartment as I don't want another place to clean. (call me lazy). Anyhow, my immediate colleagues know I will be eating weird and can't drink alcohol. But, the larger team doesn't know that I know of. I am sure they will find out eventually. Also, there are three of us that have gone together and we have a personal trainer that comes to the hotel twice a week. I told him about the surgery. I told him I probably couldn't do anything my first week back except walk. I am hoping that the next week I can start doing his workouts, but just making sure i am not lifting ... yes, I will talk to the Dr. in MX to find out more details. Any experiences with that would be helpful. What else can I do to make this VSG lifestyle work for me. Any and all tips are welcome. Mary

Hi everyone. My op was nearly 4 weeks ago, and I've had no problems whatsoever. I've noticed that the rate of weight loss has started to stall a bit, but have been told this is normal. I'm comfortably eating softs and have just started on some more substantial vegetarian Proteins and solids. My question however, is in regards to the restriction on no liquids before, during, or after meals. Now, I'll start by saying I don't drink alcohol at all. I've also no had a single carbonated drink since my pre-op diet, and to be honest I'm not missing them. My Fluid of choice is usually an ice cold, slightly weak diet-cordial. I have noticed however, just how much I enjoyed having a cordial with my meals. Before my op, I'd neck a glass before sitting at the table and then consume another glass whilst eating. Obviously, I'm not doing either now, but I find post op that I'm getting quite a dry mouth and would love nothing more than 1/2 sips of fluid before attempting to eat. I'm aware that the risks of drinking is that it encourages the stomach to stretch - but is this still an issue with all fluids (aka. 1/2 sips of cordial/water)? Or does it apply to excess drinking/eating/drinking/eating with the aim of getting more in? Thanks for your time and replies

I'm only 6 months post op. There are times I think my surgeon is an ass, but nothing compared to what you explained. I knew going in that I had/have an unhealthy addiction to food. One, I am an addict/alcoholic and food for me has always been another addiction. I also know but don't really think or remember it, but sometimes it's just head hunger and not real hunger. But when I "feel" hungry I eat and that's where I go wrong. I know that it is my fault I haven't lost more than I have. ( Sorry about the italicize writing when I take it off it automatically starts writing like that)

The thing with all WLS is that it is a tool and we have to choose to use that tool and show it who is in charge. With bands and sleeves they are both restrictive only procedures so they can only help control quantity not quality. There are many foods that are sliders as they are high calorie and easy to overeat but when the calories come from liquid there is nothing the surgery will do to help. I love wine. I don’t do hard alcohol or fizzy sugary drinks but a glass or 2 of wine at night helps me relax and sleep. But I also recognise that in terms of weight loss/ maintenance it is not a good habit. If you have a dependency problem then obviously you need to quit and get support from a group such as AA. If you don’t then there are other things you can do to cut back . Choose dry wine rather than a sweet wine. Have half wine and half soda water ( if you make your own you can control the amount of carbonation) Start by drinking only every second night. Then try to stick to only drinking at weekends. Dont buy the wine or buy less wine Hope some of this helps and that you get back to losing again

I can't believe anyone has the stomach for even one more little word from me in the emotional advice category. lol I wish I did have some good advice, but I think you said it all. And when you're dealing with alcoholism, it is totally out of your hands, just like our dealing with our weight was totally out of anybody else's hands. I have an Aunt who chose to go to Al-Anon, and stayed with her husband. She said that she learned that she was not responsible for his behaviour. I admire that, but at the same time, I don't really understand why someone would choose to stay in that situation (he could be very mean when drunk). But it worked for her, and after the kids grew up and moved away he got sober. That's a really long time to wait for improvement, in my opinion. I realize I wasn't the one in love with him, but... I don't think I would have done it. There are other things I'd put up with that others wouldn't, but I've had my fill of mean people. But again, it wasn't me - who knows what I would have done in the same situation. I personally think I'd do what you're doing instead, as painful as that must be. We all have our limits, and our requirements for happiness. I think it's good to be open to other possibilities, but at the same time we have the right to live our lives, and make of our lives what we choose. Taking responsible steps towards personal happiness requires no excuses or apologies. ***hugs***

It is different with the sleeve for sure. I had a drink the other night and since I couldn't have coke I opted for a Amaretto DiSarono on the rocks. It is sweet but low alcohol content and went down smooth, didn't even get a buzz. Haven't tried bear yet.

I think this post of FluffyChix's is the crux of the matter for me. It is all about knowing myself. Like her, I knew what sort of behaviour resulted in obesity, and like her, I need to be accountable for it. For me, my Achilles heel was alcohol (2-3 glasses of red wine a night) and portions of healthy food that were just too large. Now I've cut out the alcohol (apart from special occasions) and got the portion size right, I feel I'm in control. But I recognise that different people have to do different things to be in control.

One thing to keep in mind - a lot of the "sugar free" stuff out there isn't made with Splenda or Nutrasweet. It's made with sugar alcohol (manitol being a common one) - this still has calories but doesn't mess with a diabetic's blood sugar like regular sugar might. The side effect is that there's a *strong* laxative effect with too much of it. I'm 11 weeks out and have occassionally indulged in something sweet, but so far no dumping, thank goodness.