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I am 27 months post-op from RNY gastric bypass surgery. There are two stages to RNY. They are the Weight Loss phase and the Maintenance phase. The goals and meal plan in my humble opinion are different between these two stages. At 5 months post-op you are still in the Weight Loss phase and the weight loss will level out soon and you will slide into the Maintenance phase. In the Maintenance phase the goal is to maintain the weight loss that you achieved in the first phase. After surgery, the part of your stomach that processes fats and sugars were cut away. Therefore the meal plan excluded fats and sugars which would lead to rapid dumping syndrome. But somewhere around the 6-12 month post-op mark your body will change. The intestines will develop the ability to absorb fats and sugars in place of the stomach. This change is actually an opportunity. It give you the ability to reintroduce fats back into your diet. I am 27 months post-op and my weight is towards the lower end of the scales. I entered the maintenance phase 20 months ago and have done very well by not adding any pounds back on. (I have actually lost 15 pounds in the Maintenance phase.) For my meals, I concentrate on high Protein meals. I avoid processed sugars. I use only artificial sweeteners (Splenda, sugar alcohol), low calorie natural sweeteners (Stevia) and natural sugars found in milk and fruit. The other types of sweeteners I avoid like the plague. I read nutritional labels. After surgery I completely lost my hunger. Without hunger constantly gnawing at my bones, it was easy to lose weight. So from my opinion the key to succeeding in the Maintenance phase is to control hunger. Fats take away my hunger, so I reintroduced fats back into my diet and at 27 months post op, hunger still does not rule my life. I use whole milk, real butter and normal cuts of meat. When I snack, I snack on fats. I have one or two cups of coffee each day. On the coffee I put a heaping spoon of whip cream. This whip cream is home made and uses Splenda in place of sugar. During the day for Snacks I consume 2 or 3 Adkin's treats. These use sugar alcohol as the sweetener and contain fat that controls hunger. I have a sweet tooth and these satisfy this need. I limit my meals to one meal per day with complex carbs (bread, pasta).

I've posted this exact thing before on here, and there are many posts about people that can't seem to quit smoking before surgery. (try doing a search on "smoking" and see what pops up) Anyway, here's my advice: Stop drinking if you can't seem to stop smoking with it. Tell yourself you can do it a few months after the surgery if you need to have that to hold on to, but do whatever it takes NOW to stop smoking. I was a very happy smoker for the last 20 years. I started as a teenager, and I was pretty mad about having to stop for this surgery. But I did this surgery to improve my health and my entire rest of my life. Smoking is bad. There is nothing whatsoever good about smoking. I know I am an addict, and quitting is one of the hardest things I've ever done. I had never been able to quit for any length of time before, but making the decision to have sleeve surgery meant I cared enough about my body and my future that continuing to be a smoker was just the most asinine, stupidest thing I could do. And so I quit. And I had one slip up about 2 weeks out, but I got right back into quitting and I didn't slip again, and it's now been over 300 days since I had my last cigarette. I won't lie; I still want a damned cigarette almost every day, but I know it's bad for me and that's not who I am anymore. I won't let them control my life any more. Cigarettes are just as bad as being addicted to drugs or being an alcoholic - you are allowing an addiction to ruin your health and jeopardize your future. If you care enough about yourself to have this surgery, then show that you care enough also to get off the smoking and put ALL of this awful stuff in your past. Some surgeons will test you for nicotine, and even the metabolized form which can stay in the body for weeks, so you might just be kicked out of the pre-op the day of if you haven't quit with enough time to get it out of your system completely. At least a month out should do it, and that includes using gum or Patches. Even if they don't test you, you're risking a poorer outcome. VSG is major surgery, don't fool yourself that you can just keep sneaking one here or there and it won't hurt anything. You are hurting your body every time you smoke, and you are risking poor circulation, poor healing, poor lung capacity and issues with breathing during surgery and even clots for months after. Why? So you can feed a deadly addiction? If you continue to smoke, you're saying to yourself that you aren't worth having the best possible outcome and faster healing and better health. You're better than that, so start thinking that way, and fight hard for your health. There is still time, and you are so worth it. You CAN do this!! (I used patches and gum for a week, then cold turkey. I also used a quit smoking app on my phone - Butt Out - that was a lifesaver as it has a community that was really supportive)

I talked with my dentist about dry mouth because I've seen a number of comments about tooth probs post bypass. He recommended I use Biotene toothpaste and mouth spray, as well as Biotene or Act lozenges. He also said not to use mouthwash with alcohol in it. And drink plenty of water. I have good teeth and don't want to run the risk of probs!

Hi Guys I am in my 6 month weight mngmt with my pcp this is my last visit before i can get a surgery date. I have a visit in sept for my nutrition 90 min class and 2 phsyc eval left. I cant mamage to stop smoking. I am not a heavy smoker i only smoke when i drink alcohol which is almost every weeknd! Does anyone know what can happen surgically? (Intubation) amd what i can do to stop! I am so close to finishing and i dnt wamt to risk anything just because i have this bad habbit. Also is anyome scared not to wake up from surgery? I try not to think on it but i really need some support here. Tall me thru it ???? *BTW PLEASE EXCUSE THUMB ERRORS*

Drinking alcohol 15 days post op is VERY dangerous. Alcohol is an irritant to the stomach,'so it might be painful. Your body may process a small quantity of alcohol, as if it was a very LARGE quantity after VSG. Please don't take the risk.

Sheryl that's so awful! My condolences! I never understand why that happens. People have to think that over, and should be considering those they will leave behind. John continues to be sweet and charming. He's very different. I never even realized his Spanish blood. His mom was born in Spain. He speaks reads and writes spanish. He had some alcohol last night and I finally detected an accent. I'm just going with the flow and hoping this surgery next week is going to help me. Right now I have bad days and good days if the sciatic nerve isn't pinching the nerves in my leg. I'm taking pain pills more often now. It really bums me out that I can't fine one full bottle. I hope I didn't leave them at my son's house.

You're kidding, right? No, alcohol is not okay to drink 15 days out. Call your surgeon. He'll tell you.

My surgeon says alcohol is not allowed at the 15 day mark. Your stomach is healing plus it's empty calories. Ask your doctor and your NUT

Is drinking a bit of alcohol 15 days post op that bad? I know they say you get drunk a lot faster, so if I watch out for how much I drink is it okay to drink just a bit? Like maybe a small cup? Or is it not allowed

I have two that I don't think have been mentioned yet. When others try to pressure me into drinking alcohol. I am 9 months post op and could have a drink if I wanted to but honestly I don't really enjoy the taste of wine or beer and I am cheap. Which brings me to the next pet peeve of how much food I throw away because I can't eat it fast enough. This could range between veggies and fruit I didn't eat quick enough to left overs because left overs are usually at least 2/3 more meals. Just a few pet peeves Love the thread. ~LA

Parrot Bay coconut Water margaritas! Tiny little cans about half the size of a soda can. Probably don't have them at a bar, but it's my drink of choice at home or a party. Low in sugar and the coconut water makes me feel kinda healthy LOL. The alcohol content is pretty low (my mother in law had one at my house once and asked me if it was non alcoholic) but it's plenty for me! The alcohol hits me hard post sleeve but like many have said, it's gone quickly.

My adult beverage of choice is wine -- either white or red, depending on the season and the food I'm likely to drink later. (The taste of the wine is still there for me.) In winter, I love single malt scotch. When I drink, I only have one drink (4-5 ounces of wine), and I don't drink every day / night, but usually do on weekends. I'm the definition of a social drinker (max of 1 drink a day). For those who care: http://alcoholrehab.com/alcoholism/social-drinking-defined/

I've tried the Quest bars once-a cookies and cream, and it was so disgusting I wanted to puke and I am pre-op! I have a very sensitive palate, but wow those are b-a-d! My kids won't even eat them and they eat everything! I'm really enjoying the Pure Protein bars. There's anywhere from 20-23 grams of protein per bar and relatively low sugar although the sugar alcohol in the one I had today was 8g! They taste good though. I usually have one for breakfast each morning.

I was prepared to give it all up (pizza, nachos, alcohol, etc) when I let them cut out 90% of my stomach, but I was pleased when it turned out I didn't have to! When I decided to indulge, I counted it in my daily totals, making sure not to sacrifice my end nutrition goal for alcohol (I was still logging everything for about the first year, until I reached and maintained goal for a few months). Bloody Mary's are not bad, but are filling! Sugar free Margaritas are a good alternative. Vodka and light cranberry juice is nice. I do occasionally do beer, typically Guinness which is very lightly carbonated. I can't finish one before it gets hot as the even the light bubbles fill me up. I have also been known to enjoy a Captain and Diet Coke after I shake most of the carbonation out of the Diet Coke. These days, (I'll be 2 years in October), I tend not to log unless my weight creeps outside my maintenance zone, (which is rare), but if it does, alcohol and other treats are the first ting to go and I do log until I'm back where I belong.

You're on a good start by cutting out alcohol and soda, and are practicing chewing your food. You're slowing down while you eat which I think helps you to get fuller faster! Don't get discouraged, if you have questions about dieting - ask your dietician! That's what they are getting paid for! I had to do a six month Doctor supervised diet before my insurance would approve me. I learned a lot from asking questions, here and at my appointments! Good luck!!

Back to the original thread, eek trying to divert attention, I ONLY drink vodka with water and a splash of diet cranberry lemonade. I would love to drink a beer. I have tried and simply can't. Well i could if I wanted to make a mad dash to the pot every time. I waited until my 6 month mark before I chose to drink. But that was just my decision. Not my doctors. Like the others stated earlier, the alcohol definitely hits you faster than before. Boy do I know this first hand. Birthday was last Tuesday. Ended up drinking 3 drinks. Thank goodness I have lost 77 pounds. Because helping me walk a straight line would have been way more difficult. Just trust your judgment when you drink.

In response to OP... I am almost 5 months post-op and did not attempt any alcohol consumption until last week on a family vacation. I haven't even been tempted to drink and have been just fine being the DD when out with family and friends. It's funny how much more confident I feel already - less liable to drink to have that liquid courage to "be me". Last week on vacation, I had a few sips of white wine one night and a crystal light / vodka two times. I felt a buzz, but like others have said, it went away rather quickly. It wasn't anything earth-shattering and I don't know if I'll do it again. If I do, I will stick to the vodka/water/flavor.

I have chosen to make this surgery, and the way I live my life now, a total lifestyle change. Meaning, I will eat/drink this way for the rest of my life in order to maintain my weight loss and not regain everything 5 years down the road. For me, that means all things in moderation. I lost 70 lbs several years ago, eating no carbs, drinking no alcohol, basically starving myself, and of course - it was not sustainable, and I wound up at 323 lbs. I am determined not to make that same mistake again. Unless you are a nun or have decided to give up your social life entirely, it's kind of ridiculous to think that you will NEVER EVER touch alcohol (or French fries, or a cupcake, or whatever) again. A healthy relationship with food is about making good choices as much as possible, indulging occasionally, and being active. That being said: OP, when I have a beverage I generally have a small glass of wine; but since that has been ruled out, my suggestions are.... Vodka with lime juice and a splash of simple syrup Vodka with light cranberry juice (sometimes the bar has it, sometimes not) Or, my favorite, a Bloody Mary ???? vodka and v8, basically I am 9 months out and 120 lbs down, and still dropping. I eat carbs and drink wine occasionally, as a treat. Has that made my weight loss slower? Maybe. Is this lifestyle something I can keep up the rest of my life? Absolutely.

@Ivlpar Stuff happens. I see a lot of people picking vodka. I know when I was on Adkins, I drank diet coke and rum. Yes, yes, I know we aren't supposed to drink alcohol or drink carbonated beverages. But some of of us "chose" to imbibe in moderation. I can hardly drink. It hits me hard AND I get full. Only my opinion!

Hey there! I'm new to this forum, so I hope to get a warm welcome I plan on having my surgery in November of this year and I'm super excited! Now, I've looked up some of this information on this already, however could not find very much. So I'm hoping with some luck I will get a few answers here. I am a recreational smoker of marijuana. However, I am proud to say that I am now 85 days sober due to the fact that I'm going for a promotion at my job that requires a hair follicle test. Before this however, I smoked a bowl at least once a day for 2-3 years. And before I get everyone talking about transfer addiction, understand that I was able to cut cold turkey without any desire or withdrawal from the lack of smoking. And on top of that, when I'm high, I don't find myself succumbing to food cravings or having a hindered ability to function normally. Eventually, you build a tolerance for marijuana, unlike alcohol or other harmful substances. It eases stress and makes me feel better, and honestly having a "marijuana addiction" is the least of my worries (in fact, I would MUCH rather have an addiction to marijuana than an addiction to food). Anyway, I have read that actually smoking marijuana is unadvisable with the sleeve because of possible ulcers. I have also read that if you do smoke marijuana, it is advisable to wait at least 3 months, which would not be a problem. However, for those who smoke regularly, I was wondering if vaporizing/eating the marijuana lessens the chance of stomach ulcers? Would I still have to wait the 3 months after if this is that case? Any input helps, but I don't need any moral preachers who are uneducated and inexperienced on marijuana and its "addictiveness". Thanks!

@RoxieMalone If you haven't had a supportive WLS experience, I can see how having my husband around might seem strange to you then. My husband is my biggest cheerleader, he notices when I'm eating too fast or not drinking enough and is quick to tell me to slow down or drink up! Sometimes to my chagrin, lol. So of course he's going to be around when I start occasionally drinking alcohol. And he'll be a big help in keeping me on track, just like he is now! If you are really only a week post-op, I hope your recovery is going well. Things may look a little different when you are 4 1/2 months post op, like I am. Good luck.

Roxie, I apologize for my curt response earlier on. I've since read your dozen or so prior posts and now appreciate that you've not had the most supportive pre-op situation, that you're only a week post-op, and that you've had some (understandable) high anxiety about your own WLS. But if you start out here by telling people that your way / your values is the only way to proceed WLS you will not find wide support here either. A lot of people here do drink alcohol post-op. But most of them do so rarely and not early on. As you'll also learn, surgeons' instructions are considerably divergent, one from the other, about so many things. BTW, if you found this very mild alcohol thread tough going, go read the ones on marijuana. People here have a wide range of values and lifestyle preferences. Your way will be your way. Theirs will be theirs. Please consider this just some kind advice about how to find a home here. And I wish you the VERY best results possible from your own WLS.

You don't know what I've walked either, just like in your own little rant. I only know what someone posts and go off that information. Someone stated "I need someone around me when I drink because I make really poor food choices". My response was "Perhaps alcohol shouldn't be a factor at all then." If the very mention of living without alcohol is a threat, then I think it requires some deeper self-analysis. Just an opinion.

@roxiemalone I put that I wanted my husband with me when I drank because the surgeon and NUT stressed that you don't know how alcohol will affect you when you first start drinking. I want it as a safety precaution and to make sure I make responsible choices until I know how my sleeve tolerates alcohol. Not a red flag, just being safe! Alcohol can be enjoyed responsibly. It seems like you have a stricter surgeon's plan, which is fine. I'm just glad that my plan allows for a drink or two, since I got the sleeve to enjoy life to the fullest and healthiest in the manner that I want. Good luck - I know I'm doing great and love my sleeve!

I like fru-fru drinks like frozen daiquiris. I'm only able two get 2 down and it takes ALL night. I also like hurricanes. Watch it though. Alcohol hits harder than before. One or two drinks and I'm done.