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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!

I was told forever by my husband I could do it on my own. And I have...several times. I'd lost 50lbs, gain back 70. Lose 50 lbs, gain back 80...see my point? This is just a helper. I still work at you and you will too, but this helps you work at it. I didn't tell my family. I told my mom & hubby. No one else. I had sleeve done 1/28/15 and have finally reached my 100lb wt loss goal. I feel amazing. My depression, from being so big, is gone. At this stage, there are foods I just can't tolerate and I'm fine with that. There are a majority that I can...and I get full fast, but that's what helps. Bowel control issues - I had IBS, so I was having horrible cramps and diarrhea 5 out of 7 days before surgery. Now....I've had maybe 3 episodes the entire summer. Vomiting - I've had maybe 2 episodes...but they were my fault. Eating too fast and too much. You'll know when to stop. Weakness? Right after surgery you will be weak, but that goes away relatively quickly. hair loss - not everyone has it...I did and still do to an extent, although everyone says they don't notice. It goes away. depression from not eating? At first I did have some..but that quickly goes away. You realize when you start losing the wt that it's all worth it and this is what you worked so hard for. Are there times now that I wished I could just sit and eat a steak with a salad and have a mixed drink and enjoy it? Yes....but I also like this me so much more that the trade off is worth it. alcohol- I've been scared to have any. I did have about 8 oz of a margarita drink this weekend. It does not take much at all to kick in...one of the reasons I just don't drink. I know others have mentioned they have and done fine. I'm just not a big drinker. Loose skin? Yes...but most can be covered and not noticed. My biggest is my arms...I look like a flappy chicken. The rest is all covered. Social life? Hasnt' affected mine at all. visible scars? Only if you show them your abdomen. I don't wear bikini's (you're all welcome) so I'm good. prevent you from being a mommy? SHouldn't effect that one bit Time off work? I had mine done on a Wed morning, was home Thurs and back to work the following Monday. It was tough, I was tired, but very doable....I am in a nonstrenuous job. Hope this helps. Honestly, it's the best decision I've ever made. I had my doubts and fears beforehand, but I'm so glad I did it.

Hey guys, I'm getting closer to this reality, and after a negative conversation with a family member I'm considering backing out on surgery. His concern is that I should be able to loose weight on my own. I have years of dieting, exercising, nutrition counseling, personal trainers, and diet pills to prove otherwise. I am 30 years old with a BMI of 36 and I have no children, but would like to one day. Here is a list of my fear/concern: - bowel control problems - vomiting - weakness - hair loss - depression because you cannot eat - can you drink alcohol (if you do) - problems with loose skin - visible scars - will it interfere with social life? - will it prevent me from being a mom one day - when can I return to work? (Not a strenuous job) Thank you in advance for any advice! This is such a big decision and I want it to be the right one!

I don't know you, so I am not implying anything about YOU, but this is what I found for ME. It could also be true for you. I do not lose I am not honest with myself. I need to eat around 900 calories daily to lose weight I have to average those calories over days and weeks A few extra calories over a weekend (in the form of alcohol or anything) will absolutely kick my average calorie consumption up over the 900. I can't graze. It's very hard to track calories when you stick a bite of this or that in your mouth. I gain when I do that, even if I try to track it all. It's all easier said than done, but so worth it!

I also was sleeved on August 7 in Michigan. I was back to the gym walking the track the Tuesday after surgery. I took a week off work to recuperate. I should be on puréed or soft foods but I'm pretty much eating regular consistency foods at this point. I had some chicken fingers on Friday with the breading removed and I tolerated it well. I had the lap band previously and it was removed in December. Having had experienced restriction before with the lap band I'm taking it easy with the foods I'm willing to try since being sleeved. This has been a very easy/good experience for me. The only issue is that now I can't tolerate sugar-free foods with sugar alcohols. They never gave me problems before getting the sleeve but now I can't even take the Celebrate chewable Vitamins because of the sugar alcohols. Good luck on your journey! -C

I went to TJ and Sam's last week. At TJ's they had brownies with cherrys in it. I hate cherrys so that was easy to pass up. I will miss the wine samples but there is always mass for a touch of wine. At Sam's. I had the inside of a sushi sample. Then purchased some sushi. I take the inside out and put it in turkey slices and roll it up. They had meatball samples and I had 1/2 a meatball and no sauce. It is pretty easy to pass up a lot of things. I think about how long it takes on the elliptical to burn the calories off, so that makes passing things up easily. I live alone so there are no bad foods in my house, even the "cheat" type foods are clean. We are surrounded by temptation all the time, just watching TV for example. You have to find a tool that helps you cope. Like I said for me, I think about how long it takes me to burn that many calories. Trader Joe's has so many awesome healthy options though, you shouldn't feel a lot of temptation. When they get Cookies and other stuff (I think their cookies and baked goods suck), you can get the sugar free chocolate coated almonds. They have sugar alcohol, so should really limit how many you have or you are going to pay for it. I was eating them long before surgery, although I hadn't had any since surgery. The one thing I did with them, was as soon as I got home, I measured out the portions into snack baggies so I always had the right portion amount. Post-op, I would probably have 1/2 a portion or less. They have riced cauliflower frozen that you can use for making all kinds of low carb dishes. Almond meal, almond milk, cheap ghee. Good luck

I was concerned how I would be able to handle my first vacation after being sleeved. Just got back yesterday and I have to say it was a success. We do enjoy eating out on vacation and we still did eat out a lot, but I was very careful with my choices. I ate chicken but when I got bored with that, I had spare ribs (could only eat two); smoked turkey; steak; and grilled shrimp - all in very small portions. I ordered the smallest portions I could (sometimes ordering off the appetizer menu). I listened to my stomach and stopped as soon as I felt that restriction. I did walk at least four miles everyday on the beach. We were also with my sister and her husband and she had a harder time with what I was eating. She kept saying she felt bad for me because I couldn't eat much, but I kept telling her don't feel bad for me because I don't feel bad and I do feel good about myself. The truth is I did miss eating all the usual vacation type foods a bit - ice cream, alcohol, chocolate, Italian food etc. but I am down 40 pounds and as they say - nothing tastes as good as being thin feels. But I only missed the foods for the moment, once that passed, I felt good about my choices. It also felt good that I was able to wear clothes on my vacation that I hadn't fit into in years. I still felt self-conscious in a bathing suit, but that is my insecurity. I hope that once I am down to my goal weight (40 pounds to go) I will be able to occasionally enjoy some treats. For now I feel good, I am thrilled with my progress and am looking forward to many more vacations with my newer slimmer body! Thanks for all your support!

I basically followed the rules, the first was the not drinking for 15 minutes before to 45 minutes after meals? To help with this I use the bariatric timer app on my phone. It really helps. The second is to eat for 25 full minutes, small marble sized bites spaced 1 minute apart and thoroughly chew. The longer food stays in your stomach the longer you stay full and third is to not take in any calories from liquids, which I follow pretty closely; even alcoholic drinks, I minimize calories wherever possible. Every day is not perfect, I slip up frequently? But I start every day with the intent to flow through and for the most part I stick wit it. My final suggestion is to track your intake, every bite, not that it's necessary, but it builds a consciousness about what you are eating, I use "my fitness pal"

i will be going to the cayman islands i will be in a bathing suit and on the beach most days. our unit is equipped with a full kitchen. im sure we will be eating dinner out most nights.im hoping i will be fine a really do not want to put surgery off. I was gonna say, if it is an all inclusive resort that provieds delicious foods and drinks whenever you want, I would postpone surgery. OR, if you were going someplace famous for their foods, delay surgery. Since the place comes with a kitchen and you have to prepare your own meals, keep your surgery date. Be very careful of the sun. You will be more sensitive to the sun and will have to hydrate yourself twice as the dr will recommend. NO ALCOHOL!!!!!! Hope you have a fantastic time!!!!

Are you going to have mental health issues? "I know someone who became unwell" Are you going to become and alcoholic? I know a person started drinking cause the craved sugar!

The carbs on the label are primarily from erythritol, a sugar alcohol. Erythritol provides just about 0.2 calories per gram of carbohydrate When a food contains fewer than 5 calories per serving, the manufacturer is allowed to “round down” to 0 on the Nutrition Facts label