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I think you need to go back to basics. Always eat your Protein first at meals. Make sure you meet your Fluid, protein and Vitamin requirements. According to my nutritionist, most individuals that gain weight back after surgery are due to grazing (snacking). Your case is probably an exception. I am 2 years post-op from RNY. My weight loss is stable. I do graze but I graze on fats. Fats take away hunger. I have a cup of coffee in the morning with a giant scope of home made real whip cream. I make it myself so I exclude sugar. I strictly stay away from sugar and use low calorie sweeteners such as Stevia and no calorie artificial sweeteners such as Splenda. I also use sugar alcohol found in Atkin's treats. But that is the method I have found that works for me. You might also have to go back to measuring the volume of food for each meal to lower your portion size.

I am in the same boat. I started March 1st - have to have 6 months of monthly NUT visits, sleep study, psych eval. Plus the program I am in requires attendance of 6 modules. I've finished everything except still have 2 more NUT visits. On Aug 19th I'll be officially done with what I need to do before they can submit to the insurance co. At first I was REALLY bummed. Now I am actually happy because I realize that I needed all this time to prepare. I have done so much research that I am now positive that the sleeve is the right decision for me (but the lap band or bypass might be the right decision for someone else) I also immediately gave up soda, caffeine, and alcohol....urhh...that was hard but I haven't had any since March 1st! The best think yet is that I have dropped over 38 pounds. Each pound will get me quicker to my goal and make my surgery a little safer. We are all so lucky to have this format to support each other. This will seem like such a short time when we look back on it. Good luck!

My nutritionist team emphasizes no CAFFEINATED coffee or alcohol for one year. Their rationale is that caffeine is a diuretic, and keeping your fluids up is an issue; and the alcohol tears up your stomach (that's left) and makes you prone to reflux, leaks and ulceration.

You may be surprised at how many people don't drink alcohol these days. It just doesn't matter as much as it may have in the past. And people are usually very supportive of anyone trying to get healthier. As for solid foods, at 6 weeks I went on a Maine vacation and managed to eat lobster every day -- dipped in drawn butter! You'll probably need those sauces I mentioned to get some food down. Watch out for dry chicken or pork, they can get stuck. But come on, it's Paris! No self-respecting chef would dare serve overcooked meat, oui? Have fun and try not to fret. This is a good thing! Bon voyage!!!

I do like the Jay Robb whey isolate too. The premier Protein is yummy as well. Changing flavors with extracts also works, just watch out for alcohols.

I haven't had the surgery yet and I have heard many different responses to this issue. So here is my thoughts about it. For me to be successful at this and not just look at it as a short term change, but a complete life-style change, I need to change my playmates and playthings that got me here in the first place. By that I mean, I need to learn new things, new ways of doing things, new ways of dealing with things. I got re-married 12 years ago and my wife to be asked me to quit smoking as a gift to her. I had smoked for over 20 years and didn't expect that, but I knew it was something I should do, So I changed my routine, took away the things that I did when I smoked, so no alcohol, no soft drinks (loved Mt Dew) and no coffee for about 2 years until I broke the habit of smoking and coffee. I even hung out with different people to re-train myself. It must have worked, I haven't had a smoke since the day before we got married. That is the way I will a approach this, not try to figure out how to go back to the things that got me there in the first place, but learn new things to enjoy, I have found I really like ice cold Water with a lemon slice in it instead of the Mt Dew. I guess my guilty pleasure is an occasional glass of lemonade, but besides that, I just drink water and 2 cups of coffee in the morning. Do I miss the other stuff? Sure, occasionally, but then I say okay, but look at how much things have gotten better and move on. My life will never be the same, I don't want it. I don't want to go back to what I am now. My way didn't work so I will commit 100% to a new way and become the man I need to be. I am not saying that anyone elses way is wrong or I am 100% right, but I know for me, if I start to make excuses and explain how I can have something that is borderline I shouldn't, I will be quickly be back to doing the dumb thinking that got me here in the 1st place.

Hi @MarceMonster. Here’s the formula I used to get to goal weight: • Start every morning with a Protein shake for Breakfast. • Eat 60–80 or more grams of protein daily. • Drink 64–120 ounces of fluids daily. (I drink tons of Crystal Light, or generic, sugar-free/decaf iced tea.) • Do not consume any starches or sugars. • Get all carbs from green veggies, legumes, and dairy products. • Do not consume empty liquid calories/sugar (fruit juices, ice cream, etc). • Try to avoid alcohol. It’s empty liquid calories that turn to sugar in your body and can lead to poor choices. • All Snacks must be protein-based (Jerky, nuts, cheese, Greek yogurt, deli meats, etc.). • Get some exercise 4-6 times a week. • Never leave the house without a plan for what you can eat and drink while you’re out. If necessary, bring food and drink with you. • Restaurant eating is not hard: 1) skip the bread; 2) order a meat (or legume/bean) dish; 3) replace the starch with a second vegetable; 4) skip the dessert. You’ll probably end up taking some of the meat and most of the veggies home for another meal. • Beef/turkey jerky is my secret weapon. It’s saved me more times than I can count, so I try to always have some in the car for emergencies. You can buy a bag of jerky almost anywhere. It’s kind of expensive and not great for sodium-restricted diets, but it’s also high protein, low fat, okay sugar, and a 3.5-ounce bag is a meal by itself! • If you fall off the horse, get back on immediately – at the next meal. Not tomorrow, and definitely not next Monday. That’s what got us here! • Go to Bariatric Support Group meetings in your area, if possible. • Participate actively in online forums like BariatricPal. • Read as much as you can about the process and the journey; and especially, read posts and articles from those who had their surgery a few years ago. Try to understand what lead to their successes and/or struggles. • Share your story and reach out to help others who are behind you in their journey. By helping them, you’ll help yourself as well. • Have a goal weight in mind and strive to get there. (I weigh myself every single day.) But also set lots of smaller goals. It’s fun and inspiring to achieve them. • Always be looking forward. Don’t look back over your shoulder waiting for the heavier person to drag you back. Let that person fade into history. • Believe that the slimmer person in the mirror is the real you. • A little vanity is okay. Enjoy how you look. Accept compliments graciously and don’t deflect them. Have fun trying on smaller-sized clothes that fit now. Compare before and after pictures. Take pride in your accomplishments! • Accept that this is a somewhat selfish process. That’s okay, too. You don’t have to apologize for it. And don’t let other people interfere with your progress. We have to make our weight loss program a priority in our lives. • But at the same time, recognize that your journey affects your friends and loved ones as well. Be sensitive to their reactions and their emotional needs, without allowing it to derail your program. • And finally, try to have fun losing the weight and getting healthy! Hold onto your determination! That's what'll keep you going during the difficult times and the stalls. Good luck!

no alcohol for one year - and no carbonation for life Beer is carbonated so no beer at all

My doctor said no alcohol for one year. It's not worth the calories at this point. Maybe after I reach goal I'll change my mind.

So far, my experience has been a bit different than others on here: My surgeon told me alcohol was fine a month out, in moderation. I'm a month out now, and I had two margaritas (separated by quite a bit a time and ate an hour+ beforehand) with no ill affects, on Thursday. My tolerance seems about the same. Added to my calories for that day but it wasn't too bad. Had maybe 5 ounces of a mimosa (went minimal on the champagne b/c of carbonation and stirred it a lot) this weekend, and that went down fine. No pain from carbonation. I didn't try beer though - we only had bottled beer and even pre-surgery, that seemed too carbonated to me (compared to draft beer). Though I did take some gas-x before or after (don't remember) just in case. I haven't tried soda since - don't really want to! Used to love Diet Coke too much. Basically, it varies by surgeon. Ask yours about it.

My sleeve was on June 1, I asked nut about alcohol consumption for a family trip that would take place at my 8 wk mark. Nut didn't recommend beer but OK with a few sips of wine. She stated my stomach might only agree with only a few sips. I hope this helps.

I have not had a carbonated drink in almost 2 years. I don't miss now - but sure did in the beginning. My nutritionist said no alcohol/no carbonation. I would think once you have been out for awhile - perhaps at goal weight a little beer now and then would be ok???

I'll be the odd one out - I smoke weed on the regular. I also live in Washington state where it's legal and I'm a medical marijuana patient. My doc says I'm to treat it like drinking alcohol. Rare. Avoid if possible.

No I would never buy a 6 pack for myself. but if my husband bought some I would just have one of his and he could have what I dont drink. I love beer and im OK with not having soda for the rest of my life. but there is something about pizza and a cold beer in the winter its delish!!! how long out did you wait before you had an alcoholic drink

Who wants flat beer? I don't drink sodas, I haven't had beer but I have had alcohol. I just don't have enough real estate to want to buy a beer knowing I likely won't finish it. However I would wait at least 6 weeks before trying any alcohol. Sodas aren't worth ever drinking again.

When I had mine I was terrified that the fact I've only been free of abusing drugs and alcohol would surely stop the process. It did not. The psychologist was wonderful and even spoke to my regular therapist. They want to help you. They aren't there to be roadblocks but to help insure success.

I'll be three weeks post op on Monday and my weight is all over the place. I weighed 246 at my consultation and 243 at my nutrition appointment. My surgery was less than eight weeks after my consult, and I wasn't given a diet to follow, other than clear liquids the day before. I was encouraged to practice behaviors like tiny bites, chewing and not drinking with meals. I also tried to avoid sugar and alcohol. But during the last two weeks before surgery, my mind played tricks on me, and I told myself I would never, ever eat sweets or drink again (my diet mentality rearing its ugly head.) So I indulged. No bingeing or anything, but I ate what I wanted. So I was 248 on my own scale on surgery day. I've weighed myself at home every day since and the lowest I've been is 231 (233 after I moved the scale.) I've been getting in 60-64 ounces of water, but at my support group on Thursday our NUT said we have to drink more than 64 ounces. She said an extra cup for every 25lbs you're over your ideal weight. That made sense so I drank over 90 ounces yesterday, and this morning I was 236.5, then 238 (I have to stop moving my scale.) I didn't go the bathroom that often yesterday and feel water bloated and my weight has always fluctuated due to water. But man, I'm discouraged! I'm also somewhat constipated. It doesn't hurt, I just don't go every day. I walk briskly every other day, although I walk the dog every day. I'm definitely getting in plenty of protein and have no problem eating. I'm starting to think I'm not having drastic losses because I finish everything I eat. I don't stuff myself, I just mean I'm not only taking two or three bites. I've been drinking coffee almost daily to help move things along, which is dehydrating, so maybe that's it. I can stop the coffee. Thanks for listening!!

I was told no alcohol for a year, and never again if possible. There is research correlating WLS and alcoholism. Addiction transference. Your new stomach will get you drunk and sober you up quickly, making it easy to go back for seconds, thirds, etc throughout the night. I'm not saying you'll never be able to enjoy yourself again but drinking with your friends will never be the same. It's an activity/behavior you'll have to accept drastically altering. Not easy at such a young age when all you and your friends want to do is go out and have a good time. As you get older it will become less important good luck.

hi i had my band fitted five years ago and was very happy with it for the first 3 years 10 months but i found out that soothing was wrong and the tube had come out of the port making the band usless. i was heart broken as i had done so well lost 4st 3lb taking me down to about 9st 10. i am now a year later still without my band. i got no help off the nhs and i thought i could control the weight myself. however since then i have put on nearly two stone but i am now considering having port replacement surgery and it will cost 2000 pounds on top of the 6000 the operation cost in the first place. i still don't know what to do as there is no garentee that it wont happen again and it is only covered for 28 days. its not as easy as people think it is just a tool to help you but if you like chocolate or alcohol these things will still make you fat. drink is my biggest problem its full off sugar. however on a plus side once you do see the weight come off and the comments you get are far more rewarding than food. let me know how you get on. regards tracy

Hey May 26thers! Congrats on our one month surgiversary! Hope everyone is doing well. =) How's everyone doing? Lets hear some updates! I drank two margaritas last night. My surgeon OKed me for alcohol and my indulgence did put me over 900 calories for the day total, but it was worth it - had tons of fun and workeds some of the calories off while dancing! Nothing bad happened, not even any nausea. Though my tolerance level seemed about the same as pre-op, unfortunately.

If we are here, on a journey to Weight Loss Surgery as a life line to normalcy, we ARE addicts and our choice of drug has become food. Therapy is definitely needed to address all of the underlying issues because we will either revert back to food or likely transfer to something else. I know many people who have had WLS, lost weight and who have gained weight back (myself included) because they didn't work out the inner issues. My brother-in-law lost over one hundred and forty pounds. He switched to alcohol his weight back (and more than what he lost). A coworker had the procedure and is now sexually promiscuous, plenty of people in my support groups have their struggles as well. Just be mindful and set yourself up to win - therapy doesn't hurt anyone. Best wishes

I have coffee daily and alcohol sometimes. I am 8 mos out and I still need a daily acid blocker, which lots of people don't need after the first month. When I drink, I don't lose that week. So, you can do it, but there might be tradeoffs.

I am 8 mos out and I definitely have to work for it now. Alcohol = no loss, or even a gain, and I have to keep carbs out. I started running and that has helped, but I really do need to stick to the program as much as possible to see success. Good luck to you!

My post-op diet was: Week 1 clear liquids- sugar free (broth, Jello, popsicles, Fruit drinks, sherbert, Water, decaf coffee and tea, skim milk, Protein shakes) Week 2 full liquids- (all the same as above but can add low fat or fat free yogurt and cottage cheese) Weeks 3 & 4 pureed foods- ( food pureed with liquid to applesauce consistency, can add spices) Weeks 5 & 6 soft foods - (soft cooked moist meats and veggies, soft fruit, ground lean meat) After week 6 I can have pretty much anything I can tolerate with the exception of alcohol and salad. I have to wait until 6 months post op to add those things. From what I have learned on here, doctors vary greatly on their post op diets so ask any and all questions so you fully understand yours. I emailed my poor NUT several times a week in the beginning but she was great!

I'm a little surprised by the Water (drink only when thirsty) and alcohol (it's okay in moderation after 4 weeks) advice, but other than that, I think the calorie advice is spot on and instructions to advance your diet as you are comfortable after 4 weeks was kind of the same speech I got. I was told that as far as causing damage by food choice I was out of the woods by 4 weeks anyway. Yes, separate solids and liquids, but get as much water as you can tolerate. As for alcohol, I drink in moderation and probably drank too soon at about 3 months. Not that it bothered me, but I probably didn't need the extra calories. After being in maintenance for a year, alcohol is the first thing to go when I bounce outside my range even a little.