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I'm 21 and freaking out!
LovinSoul replied to PennStater920's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Here's a big news flash. Sorry if it seems harsh but I speak from experience. I'm 60. I was you at 20. The booze and overeating made me grow to 318. Now I have high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, had fatty liver, sleep apnea, serious risk of stroke, double hip replacement, knee surgery, orthopedic ankle surgery....blah blah blah but here's the truth. No young person believes this but you'll be 60 in no time. I lost so much potential joy in my life living as an obese person for 40+ years. YOU DON'T WANT THAT. You can't drink like you want to, lose the weight you want to, and maintain a low weight. And honestly, it should be more about your health than weight loss anyway. Right now and maybe forever, you want more alcohol than your body can handle. You either won't lose or you will gain back weight lost if you don't accept this. You may need to give it up entirely. Possibly you are addicted, although I certainly can't say. What I do know is that the alcohol will kill your metabolism and detract from getting proper nutrition. Absolutely. Decide what you want most. Good luck! I hope you have success. Sorry if I'm a buzz-kill but I actually do know what you are battling. -
Honestly,tell me the truth. NO more Booze or caffinee?
LisaPunkinHead replied to Michelle Tarver's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
My doctor and NUT said no caffeine, no alcohol -- forever. Period. Caffeine because the acidic content increases risk of a GI bleed, alcohol because it is something that we can become dependent on, since we don't have food anymore. I'm a recovering alcoholic, so the alcohol part didn't bother me. But I did not know if I could give up my 2 cups of coffee a day. But I did. I decided that doing this process the right way trumped coffee. I drink decaf now. Stopped drinking coffee a week after I was told I would need to and didn't even have withdrawals. -
My nutritionist says I am not ready...
Daisee68 replied to India928's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I know it must be very disappointing to hear that from someone and when I started my journey, I would have been devastated if someone said that to me. But they are professionals who have seen a LOT of patients and are really only trying to look out for your best interest. I am only 16 days post-op and this is tough. I am definitely a food addict and have been working with a counselor since beginning of February and it took me a while to admit that I was an addict, but once I understood it and accepted it, I am able to look at this whole process so differently (though I know this will be a battle the rest of my life just like an alcoholic is always an alcoholic but just in recovery.). My counselor has been my single most important tool in this process for sure. I am not sure if I am reading you correctly, and I don't want to assume, but if it is what I think (and it is real), please don't do this surgery yet. If you are not seeing a therapist, please do that first. The goal at the end of this is to be healthy - mentally, emotionally and physically. Remember they are not doing brain surgery, just stomach surgery and the brain is really the driving force behind it all. HUGS! -
Honestly,tell me the truth. NO more Booze or caffinee?
Debbieduck4 replied to Michelle Tarver's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I was really shocked when my post op nurse offered me coffee as one of my liquid choices after surgery... I can have coffee if I want it. I usually have a really big cup every morning with my GENEPRO Protein powder in it to get me going As for alcohol, I've only had a couple of drinks since surgery 6 months ago. One thing is true... A little goes a long way! haha! My doctor just said to be careful with alcohol and drink in moderation. The only beverage I was told is definitely off limits is anything carbonated because it can stretch my sleeve. -
Keep WLS a secret from family and friends...
slvarltx replied to Jay05's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
It is going great. The first week is not a whole lot of fun. Had quite a bit of muscle pain at the large incision site, but that mostly went away after 10 days. The first day home is the worst as you have to drink these little itty bitty cups, think child liquid Tylenol cups, every 15 minutes and keep a log of it. It is tough to get your fluids in at first. By day 7 I could drink as much as I want. The only time I really know I have been sleeved is when I eat/drink food/soup/chili that has solid pieces of food. The restriction is real and I can eat maybe 5 ozs of food. We went on vacation last week and ordered a large pizza for 4 of us. I ate the cheese and sauce off the top of one slice and was full. I used to be able to eat the whole thing myself! The only residual effect of the surgery I still have is that I sleep A LOT more than I used to. I used to sleep 6-7 hours a night and now I am at 8-9 hours per night. My doctor says this should resolve itself in the next month or so. The good news is that I am losing an average of 5 pounds per week. I lost a lot at first, hit the 3 week stall, and then started losing again after 10 days. I bought a belt in March that I could barely get to the first notch and now the last notch is too loose. My waist last Xmas was 48 inches and now is close to 40. Knee pain/back pain? Good bye! High blood pressure? Good bye! Airplane travel? I fit easily into my own seat now. Amusement park? Riding with kids with plenty of room for the bar to come down. My goal weight is what I weighed when I got out of the Army in 1997. As things are going now, I should be at that goal in late September. There is NO way I could have done this without the sleeve procedure. The sleeve can be very frustrating at time, my head hasn't gotten the message that it can't gorge on food anymore. I almost put myself back in the hospital with dehydration due to eating atkins bars with sugar alcohols (I have become SUPER sensitive to sugar alcohols, I had serious dumping syndrome). It takes a serious commitment, but for me it has produced the results as advertised. Best of luck to you! -
Honestly,tell me the truth. NO more Booze or caffinee?
Daisee68 replied to Michelle Tarver's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Dealing with the "you can't have" is just part of the process as you prepare your mind. I cited those 2 things specifically for several years as the reason I would never have WLS, but I have finally come to terms with it. As you can see from above, all drs are different and as a general rule it probably just isn't the best choices you can make. I don't drink coffee but had to give up a bad Diet Dr Pepper habit. I think maybe someday I will likely try a soda, but so far, I haven't missed it as much as I thought I would. I am more scared of the pain carbonation would cause me than anything right now. 3 months from now may be a different story, but my therapist keeps reminding me to stay in the present and don't worry about 3 months away for now. Re the alcohol, I do plan to have an occasional drink eventually; however, I do have 2 friends who ended up as alcoholics following surgery -1 of them still drinking even after a revision. The risk of transferring addiction to alcohol is very very real, so I think for most this has to be approached very carefully. Don't let these 2 things scare you off. Once you get there, these 2 items will likely be the least of your concerns. -
So, just got banded last Friday and I'm trying to stick to pureed foods. It's very hard since it seems like my stomach can tolerate big portions and I'm feeling good, but extremely hungry. Can anyone tell me if it is ok to have a glass of wine already? How about smoking?
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Ok. WTF am I doing wrong?
VSGAnn2014 replied to thecakewasalie's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
The doctor's name was "Dr. Kelly," the OP said. The table broke when a different patient (not the OP) was on it -- so said the insane surgeon. Honestly, for a surgeon to say something like this in a FB group says to me: This surgeon is typing under the influence of something -- alcohol or drugs. Seriously. Not kidding. At all. -
Honestly,tell me the truth. NO more Booze or caffinee?
Thenewnic replied to Michelle Tarver's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I drink two cups of coffee daily and alcoholic beverages (mainly white wine, bloody Mary's, straight liquor or low calorie mixers) several times a month. 6.5 months out and have lost 104 pounds. I make sure to include the calories/carbs in my daily totals. Oh...and my surgeon warned me also of the possibility of alcohol being more "potent" after surgery. SO NOT TRUE FOR ME. I just like the taste. ???? -
Honestly,tell me the truth. NO more Booze or caffinee?
Sara51692 replied to Michelle Tarver's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
So I have an event next week, it'll be right around my one month surgiversary. I asked my surgeon, since there will be alcohol there, if I would be able to have something noncarbonated. He told me six weeks originally, but I wasn't sure if that included the pre-op diet time. He replied and said at one month out, I should be fine as long as it's in moderation, obviously. I was so worried about it and he was totally calm about the whole thing. I've had nothing but the best aftercare from my surgeon, so I trust him and I'm planning on having a drink or two next week. Obviously, everybody needs to listen to their own surgeon, but clearly there is a lot of variation in post-op rules. -
Honestly,tell me the truth. NO more Booze or caffinee?
Stevehud replied to Michelle Tarver's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Simply put at the three-month mark, my nutritionist was just fine with caffeine. but not before, they want to make sure you aren't having issues with acids. But i start off my days now with a medium black iced coffee and use the coffee mate sugar-free Italian sweet cream, its like sugar and cream in one, without the sugar or milk fats. Also i sometimes use energy shots an hour before a workout on some days to help power me through my workout. I have had no side effects from any of that. but best to wait for awhile. As to alcohol. there are several reasons not to imbibe. Or at least not often. 1. extremely high in calories. Even skinny girl drinks are loaded with sugar and calories. If you drink once or twice a week, you will not lose anywhere near what you could have without drinking, plain and simple. You have to make the decision is it worth the empty calories and the like, for a drink. 2. Alcohol, like any liquid, passes very fast into your intestines and as a result, can hit your blood stream a lot faster and in higher concentrations than prior to surgery. The common nomenclature is that it is about 7 times more potent to a bariatric surgery patient. 3. Bariatric surgery patients have a much higher risk of alcoholism. Whether it is through addiction transference. i.e. food to alcohol, or through depression tendencies, and stress, or through the increased effects of alcohol in the blood ( see above), no one is sure, but the numbers do not lie. I hope this helps. -
Honestly,tell me the truth. NO more Booze or caffinee?
JamieLogical replied to Michelle Tarver's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
As for cream in coffee, I use Mini Moos (Half & Half) when I'm at work, which are 10 calories each. And I use Silk soy milk when I'm at home, which is 28 calories for 2 oz. and has 2 grams of Protein. So, on a week day I get about 68 calories from "cream" in my coffee and 2 grams of protein. On weekends I get 84 calories and 6 grams of protein. I use Truvia in my coffee at home and work. If I'm out somewhere and don't have Truvia as an option, I use Splenda. The calories in alcohol are NOT trivial, so I am pretty careful about that. I rarely drink. Maybe once or twice a month? My experience with alcohol post-sleeve is that I get "drunk" feeling VERY quickly, but then I also sober up very quickly (don't worry, I never drive if I've had ANY alcohol at all). It's like my body just processes the alcohol much faster than it did pre-op. I was on vacation in Gatlinburg, TN back in April (7 months post-op) and moonshine is a big thing there. They have a whole bunch of competing moonshine places on the main drag that offer free samples in tiny little shot glasses, about 1/4 the size of a normal shot glass. They are literally the size of a thimble. I drank 4-5 of those and I was SOOOOOOO drunk. Granted, moonshine is pretty high proof, but still, I basically had the equivalent of ONE shot and I was wasted. But probably 20 minutes later, I felt completely normal and sober. -
I'm 21 and freaking out!
Jewelgirl04 replied to PennStater920's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
@@PennStater920 Social drinking doesn't have to end, but those nights of chugging do. (I went to Rutgers and just graduated law school. I GET IT). I'm not telling you that you have to give up drinking forever, but you'll be likely limited to a single glass or bottle of your drink of choice. I'm a little less than five months post-op and had my first drink the other day. To address your point, it was at my graduation party to celebrate graduating law school. It was a wine glass full of white sangria and to be on the safe side since it was the first drink I'd tried, I limited myself to half. It's important to note that it wasn't terribly strong. That all being said, things like straight liquor (vodka, rum, whiskey, etc) are best to be avoided because they may agitate your stomach. Mixed drinks are the safer bet, but make sure you consume them slowly because the alcohol is absorbed into your bloodstream far quicker post-op, whether bypass or sleeve. You shouldn't feel like you can't drink socially ever again, but you won't be able to pound back the beers and shotgun them. You will, however, be able to nurse a glass of a mixed drink or wine while out and about with your friends. Just be pragmatic. -
Honestly,tell me the truth. NO more Booze or caffinee?
Jewelgirl04 replied to Michelle Tarver's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I'm about a week short of five months now and down 61 pounds. I figured I'd go item by item below. Coffee - I just graduated law school and am studying for the bar exam. I cannot go without coffee at the moment. That being said, I can't drink a full cup at one sitting. I make myself coffee in a teacup and that's about as much as my stomach can handle in terms of capacity. If you need the caffeine like I do, you'll find that it's absorbed into your bloodstream much quicker than before because of the size of your stomach. It's actually a pretty nifty upside. That being said, it'll probably take you about two months to be able to drink it again post-op because it's an acidic drink and your stomach will still be healing. Don't worry though. Caffeine isn't an issue in the long term. Soda/Carbonated drinks - Big NO. Not only will the carbonation agitate your stomach, but it will stretch your pouch (whether sleeve or bypass) and undo the operation as a result overtime. Not worth it. On the plus side, when I've dared to take a sip because I gave into stupid temptation, I've found soda is way too sweet for me now. So it might not be as big of a challenge. Don't worry, though. Diet iced tea and lemonade is your friend! Alcohol - I only recently tried alcohol for the first time since my surgery because white sangria was being served at my graduation party. I was a little over four months post-op then. I only drank about half of a standard wine glass. One of the major concerns concerning alcohol (aside from its high sugar content) is that alcohol (like caffeine) is absorbed into your blood stream far quicker after the procedure. Mixed drinks with something to temper the alcohol with is preferable. Light beer is also okay. Stay away from straight up liquor. Some have found red wine to agitate the stomach more than anything else. Go easy and work yourself up to the wine with mixed drinks/coolers first to gauge your body's reaction and give it some time. As an occasional wine drinker, it shouldn't be a problem. Hope this all helps, @@Michelle Tarver! -
Honestly,tell me the truth. NO more Booze or caffinee?
Sara51692 replied to Michelle Tarver's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
My surgeon only said to wait a month after surgery for alcohol. None during the pre-op diet phase either so about 6 weeks overall. -
Honestly,tell me the truth. NO more Booze or caffinee?
LadyK44 replied to Michelle Tarver's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I am sleeved they said a year before drinking! Now, what I seen is people wait a few months! The fear is is that your addiction to food will change to alcohol. For some people that is true! At this point in my life I don't a reason to fear alcohol! I take care of myself better than ever! No excuses! My body my choice! Do what is best for you always! -
Honestly,tell me the truth. NO more Booze or caffinee?
Bndtoslv replied to Michelle Tarver's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I was told neither of those things. I don't drink but I love coffee. I was told however that liquid calories in the form of coffee drinks and alcohol are one of the 4 ways regain happens (the others being grazing, drinking while eating and not eating protein). I am allowed to have coffee post op immediately but was told to keep it to 2 cups a day for 6 months which I think is doable! I had the band and was very successful for a years but I have to say that when you have restriction alcohol and liquid calories are very very tempting! -
Honestly,tell me the truth. NO more Booze or caffinee?
JamieLogical replied to Michelle Tarver's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I was allowed caffeine at 30 days post-op. Initially told to dilute my coffee heavily with cream and only one cup a day, but allowed to increase my intake as tolerated. I now drink 3 cups a day at 9 months post-op. I was allowed alcohol at 2 months post-op. Obviously in moderation and cautioned about drinking my calories. Also, nothing carbonated. -
I'm 21 and freaking out!
Inner Surfer Girl replied to PennStater920's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I am truly sorry if you feel that I was condescending in what I posted but it came from the heart. Like many of us, I too was once a college student. After a couple of degrees and a career working with college students, I do understand more than you realize what you are going through. I hoped what I provided you was a bit of perspective. I did respond to the content of your post which to me sounds like you feel that for some reason going out and getting drunk is the most-important part of your social and college experience. I am very happy for you if that is not the case. There is so much more to life and the college experience than drinking. I hope you have the chance to experience first-hand that you do not have to numb yourself with substances (whether its alcohol and/or food) to be social and have fun and more importantly to be accepted and liked for being yourself. The weight loss surgery journey is so much more than just surgery --- for me its about learning how to be the best person I can be (physically, emotionally, and spiritually). You are at the beginning of what will hopefully be a very long and successful life. I just hate to see something like drinking keep you from succeeding. -
As a 20 year old girl I will say I never had much of a social life in college because my weight always held me back from feeling confident and making friends... so I'm not losing anything from abstaining from alcohol right now. Plus for me there was NOTHING more important than getting surgery, losing weight, and creating a new life for myself. My job. My school. My friends and family. Everything in my life was put on hold so I could make myself happy. If you don't feel like surgery trumps social life and drinking... maybe you shouldn't get the surgery at all.
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I'm 21 and freaking out!
PennStater920 replied to PennStater920's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Well I'm already about a month out from the surgery so no, I can't cancel it. I don't regret the surgery and I am by no means choosing alcohol over a healthy life. My main question was this: will it be realistic for me to have a drink or two before I graduate. Nothing crazy, no college binge drinking, but just a drink. I am excited that I went through with this at a young age because it means more time to be healthy. I'm working my ass off and doing everything else I'm supposed to do and it's working. Trust me when I say I have a good head on my shoulders. I am ready for this journey and I have been doing really well. I really don't appreciate all of the people telling me to quit. I wasn't asking to live on fast food for the rest of my life all I was asking about was a drink here and there or if anyone had any advice on socializing at bars and parties or if anyone was in the same boat as me. -
I think you need to be done with that part of life first. I was like you, a "heavy hitter". I partied like crazy until I was 34. Then I realized I would eventually die from it. I am a recovering alcoholic of 21 years and I would not advise even thinking of the operation until I was completely ready to give up that part of life. I never could have made that judgement when in my 20's. I don't recommend you make it now.
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Look, I get it. I drank A LOT in college, got married, settled down, got fatter and miserable in said marriage, got divorced, had WLS and got healthy and in my late 40's re-established my social life, (lots of dates=lots of bars\concerts\restaurants). I am having my second "young adulthood" now for sure! So... I waited maybe 8 months before I really started drinking regularly again. I did this to maximize my weight loss and because I was literally, "a light weight" now. In maintenance now for about a year, I can tell you that alcohol is the thing that puts weight on me faster than ANYTHING. Not just the calories in the alcohol, but the munchies and reduction in impulse control for the next 24 hours is a KILLER for me. I would be the last person to tell you you must go alcohol free to be successful. I opt for partying no more than 2 days per week now to control my weight, (but I may be drunk one of those 2 days, ;-o). I've also been known to go out and drink Water (yeah, that stuff in the toilet as the BF calls it), if I've gained a bit. I LIKE my size 4 Rock Revival skinny jeans more than booze. You have to decide what it is you want more, is it to be healthy and fit? Or drunk and fat? Life's all about choices!
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Honestly,tell me the truth. NO more Booze or caffinee?
maggiemayuk replied to Michelle Tarver's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Consumption of coffee/caffeine seems to be an issue only with doctors in the US. I've never heard of any doctor in the UK even mentioning it. I have always had at least two cups a day and it has never caused me any problems. I rarely drink alcohol anyway, so that's not been an issue either, but I don't recall the dietician mentioning it other than in the context of empty calories. As always I just think it's a case of 'moderation in all things'. -
Honestly,tell me the truth. NO more Booze or caffinee?
VSGAnn2014 replied to Michelle Tarver's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
My surgeon approved me for coffee at 10 days post-op. I now drink 1/2 cup to 1 cup of coffee in the morning with the same amount of hot skim milk. I had no alcohol until 5.5 months post-op. Since then I have 4 ounces of wine 4-5 days a week. I reached my weight loss goal at 8.5 months post-op. I'm now 4-5 pounds below goal. Doing great.
