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@@Djmohr Wow, that's great! That's what I think would help weed out who isn't serious and who is. Also the no alcohol contract is brilliant! We really need standards across the board.

@ My clinic made me take a written test. It was not an easy one either! I agree with you, I do think every bariatric doctor should require it. I also had to sign a contract stating I would not use alcohol for a minimum of 12 months.

Hi everyone, hope everyone is doing great. I was banded in October 2014, with my pre-op diet and first two months post-op I was able to lose a bit over 30lbs. That's where the number is since December 2014, I have not lost any weight since. My band adjustments have been very small 0.3-0.4cc each time so I'm still not in a green zone as the Dr.s here in Canada do not give big fills. I have 7cc in my 10cc band and I'm hungry all the time, I can pretty much eat anything and everything if I want to. My coworker that had the band at the same time she has been tight from the day one and lost 70lbs so far but I know everyone is different so I'm just hoping to get in to green zone soon. It's hard now being summer and camping season not to drink alcoholic beverages but I hope once I get in to green zone that I will start losing again I do workout 4-5 times/week Just wondering if anyone was in the same boat and how did you overcome frustration and started losing again

On the 10th of July I will be 1 month post op, and I feel great, I had BBQ for the first time yesterday, steak, shrimp, sausage, the cool part is I ate 2 bites of the sausage, 2 of the 3 med Shrimp, and 3 oz if the steak, and I was full!!!!!!!, this is an awesome change for me and I utilize the sleeve with what I've learned, a typical Sunday breakfast would have been 2 eggs, 6 pieces of bacon and 8 tortillas, today it was 1 egg, half a sausage, and 1 slice of 7 grain bread, and I left 1/4 piece of the bread and 1/2 a sausage, and I always remove the plate and yell I'm done just to re-affirm it to myself, I actually find it harder with drinks, I'm craving things like Energy drinks, my coffee, and yesterday I wanted a beer so bad( I always limited myself to 1 or 2 after college), I'm still researching the alcohol thing, too many varying opinions, even a couple of theories that some wine is good for you after gastric! We will see

I've never had the band, so I don't know what you're dealing with. A distant relative had a band-to-sleeve revision last year and she's happy. Having heard her story, and on the advice of my surgeon, I went straight for the sleeve. My other option was standard bypass, but that seemed like more life-long maintenance and potential issues to worry about. At first, it's just surgery recovery. A coworker described my post-op diet as "newborn on fast-forward." I think that's pretty accurate. I was on solid foods after 6 weeks, and almost entirely unrestricted by 3 months. At around 5 months out, I started getting hungry again. Not family-bucket-of-KFC hungry, but I-forgot-to-eat-Breakfast hungry. Today, I can eat about two chicken legs and feel very full, and a few cubes of cheese or a dozen almonds is enough to satisfy me for several hours. If I eat too much - even one extra bite - I puke. I can drink as much as I want before a meal. Gulping traps air in my stomach and causes a burp, so I sip or use a straw. More than a sip during or right after a meal makes me feel overfull and causes me to puke. Every food I've tried so far works, but some didn't at first. I don't have trouble with straws. Some do. I haven't tried bubble gum or alcohol.

You are not a failure! You just need to find alternate ways to deal with your emotional ups and downs by trying to soothe them with stuff like soda. I was a big soda drinker too (coke zero) but I had to give it up. It's like alcohol to an alcoholic. It's all or nothing. If I go back to it I know it's a just a slippery slope to weight gain. Good luck!

I'm in the process of hoop jumping for my insurance. As long as I perform all of my tricks successfully, I should be approved for surgery by the end of the year. My question is this. If I have surgery in December/January, what will my life be like in March. My fiancé and I are planning on getting married in March in Vegas. I understand that I won't be able to drink alcohol and food things will be different, such as smaller meals and avoiding high fat/sugar stuff, but what will it be more like post-op three months? Thanks in advance, Chante'

Yes, you are right, its not just an alcohol addition that can develop, any addiction can develop. Thankfully the only addiction I've ever had is food and I sure don't want another one! Ever! Thank you for the comment because this is something I will be talking to my therapist about, even though the psych evaluation may address this.

Yeah, that quote about WLS and alcoholics always leaves out this little bit: 7% of WLS patients ALREADY had a problem with alcohol pre-op. Very good WLS research finds that only another 3% of WLS patients develop an "alcohol problem." (It makes me craaaazy to see "facts" like that CNN story quoted without any context for that fact.) Other transfer addictions can also develop -- shopping, sex, smoking, etc. But again, most people who suffer from transfer addictions also had addiction problems or tendencies pre-op. That's one thing your psych qualification can help you identify. The important thing is be aware of your own tendencies and your own behavior. Taking care of yourself is your #1 job. If you see problems developing, see your surgeon immediately. S/he will lead you to resources that can help you address and resolve those problems.

Seeing lots of these posts in the last year, I can almost bet you have let a few bad habits slip back into your lifestyle. (Not judging at all, just from what I've seen happen) You've stopped tracking and weighing You've stopped eating protien first You've either stopped or cut back on regular exercise You've let too many simple carbs back into your diet You're eating too many sweet treats You're drinking too many empty calories (ie Starbucks coffees, sodas, alcohol) You're not drinking 64 oz of Water Like I said, I haven't even hit maintenence yet, so I have no room to judge at all. But if you get back to basics and start getting back on board with the list above, I'll bet you can get to your goal by Christmas! Good Luck!

I'm thinking you would be better off with a glass or two of wine rather than hard liquor. With the small amount of food we eat it is very easy to get tipsy. Believe me wine will do the trick easily! I like prosecco and was given approval from my surgeon to drink it. The one I like is only 50 cals/glass (I use the small champagne flutes from Target). Some will balk at this but as I said, I got the okay directly from my doctor. He said let it sit in the glass for 5 minutes before drinking to let some of the bubbles out first. Since you have quite a bit to lose, I would really wait as long as you possibly can, try your hardest for at least 6 months - just for the sake of maximizing your weight loss. Please believe it when we say alcohol WILL slow your losses. Protect your honeymoon period like it is a precious, priceless diamond!

Maybe you're not ready. Alcohol was never an issue for me except for tailgating at DMB shows every summer and let me say, after spending a weekend tailgating with 300+ DMB fans, I did great. Had one sip of a drink and decided it wasn't worth it. Your feelings mat change post op. Much like most of us no longer want fast food or junk or even soda. (I was a HUGE diet coke junkie). If you're that concerned about your ability to stay sober at a party to reach your weight loss goals than maybe you should postpone until after graduation

I was told you should never have carbonated drinks bc it will stretch your stomach. As far as drinking alcohol my nutritionist said I could try wine at week 6 post op. At home of course to make sure your stomach agrees with it. I would say you probably won't be able to have beer again!

i haven't had the surgery, haven't even had a consultation by my friend had the surgery on Sept 10, 2014 and has lost 70 lbs. She decided she was going to drink alcohol last weekend. I don't know how much she drank but it was very little and she ended up soused. Also, if you have any underlying unresolved issues from your past (e.g. trauma)that made you eat, I would not even think of trying alcohol. This is specific to gastric bypass surgery but A new study reports that one in 10 gastric bypass patients struggles with alcoholism within two years of the surgery. This statistic is actually from CNN.com-transcripts. There is an entire conversation about it, just type in Dr. Drew and weight loss surgery. I don't know if this would pertain to you or not, just giving some information,

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.