Search the Community

The alcohol itself does not hurt the band. I believe most surgeons don't want you to consume alcohol because of the calories and the mind set it puts you in to possibly eat many things you would not normally eat.

Like the old mantra Don't try to drown your sorrows in alcohol, they can swim. The few that don't swim do float to the top!

Have issues with my BP too. It will likely get better after the surgery. I am almost 3 months post surgery. I feel amazing. Currently 104kg from 126kg pre surgery. It is the best decision I ever made. For my health, family and may be vanity. I played football with my 4yo he had to tell me "mum it's okay - lets go in"! I wouldn't even dare before then. I feel like I can conquer the world. Don't find exercising as exerting as before and hoping to get better. Let me raise a glass and toast to a new you. Cus that's what the surgery will do! I guess the only downside for me is I can't drink as much alcohol. I feel tipsy really fast. So..... But that too is a small price to pay. Good luck.

I have been feeling a little discouraged lately too. I was banded in May and have lost about 28-30 lbs (it varies each day) I am kind of stuck and probably need a fill. I have had 3 fills. The first was 1.5cc, the second was 0.5cc and the last one was 0.3cc. I still have some productive burping when I eat too fast or eat bread. I have started exercising a little more but probably need to do much more. I guess I thought if I was eating less I would lose more weight. I seem to be drinking more alcohol lately and I know that isn't a good thing calorie wise. I have wine in the evening for back pain. I used to take lots of Ibuprofen for the pain and now I can only have Tylenol which doesn't do anything for the pain. I swam for an hour today and then soaked in the hot tub which felt good and then I walked my dog in the park for an hour. Now my back is killing me and I am having a glass of wine. Has anyone else had pain control problems since having surgery? I sure hope my weight loss improves soon because I am starting to think that this is all I am going to lose. Thanks for listening.

Welcome ... what surgery ? Svg? I had mine in 3/10/17. It feels great almost 7 months post Op. best of luck in your surgery, you still got time... from here to December try practicing sipping water, eating slow, chewing throughly your food, cut down sugars, and would say cut down alcohol intake, also 30 min rule: no water 30 min after/before each meal... that way your transition post-op will be smooth

I was told wine was fine. Maybe because you hadn't had a drink in awhile, it was your body's reaction to the alcohol.

I am just 34 days out and the only foods on my forbidden list are raw veggies, skins of fruits and veggies, corn, nuts, seeds and alcohol or carbonated beverages. I have eaten chicken, pork and beef and have tolerated all of them in small amounts. Most of my protein is still coming from protein drink. I can only eat 1-3 oz of solid food but can drink 8oz of liquid in a few minutes. It is still hard work and planning to get my minimums in everyday.

In my opinion, if you don't have acid reflux OR diabetes, they are both probably good choices. If you have those condistions, current evidence is that bypass is a better choice. My BMI was 52 when i revised to the sleeve and I have gotten to a normal weight/size and maintained for a few years now. The challenge in making this decision is that the sleeve has been around along time but not well studied for LONG term results. It appears to work "about" as well as the bypass, but the long term data just isn't there. At a high BMI, many surgeons nudge you toward the bypass because there is a clearer, well documented long term results history documented. I had my own reasons for choosing the sleeve and I think some of it was my bias against the bypass based on personal experience. I have known 3 bypass patients close enough to see them from pre surgery, through maintenance and they all "Scared me" 1. Died. but to be honest, she died because she was a diabetic who became an alcoholic drug addict after losing all that weight. It was absolutely terrible - in her 40s and died in her sleep. This was about 10 years ago. Lets be honest, that had nothing to do with bypass vs sleeve. 2. Horrible horrible recovery. But, this was mid 1990s. It only recently occured to me that her surgery was "open" not laproscopic. At the time, I thought the horrible recovery was due to the "rerouting" but I bet it had more to do with it being open surgery 3. The surgery and weight loss really aged her. She looked terrible post weight loss and never got to a normal weight. Again, to be fair, I don't know the reasons. This is someone I worked with about 5-6 years ago. She may have had other health problems and frankly most bypass patients I have seen pictures of or have met since then look great. I recognize my own biases and my views have changed. Now, 4 years post sleeve I tell everyone that I think they are both good procedures. I think they are both excellent choices versus remaining morbidly obese and suffering the increasing health issues over time. The bypass has more documented history, many more studies, and resolves reflux problems. Sleeve has been amazing for me, and many others too... but there are no 20 year studies either.

While that's a very solid point...let's be honest here...being a human in this skin with all the insanity of the world, sometimes a little comfort is necessary. I think a meager half cup of potato Soup is a lot more positive than a lot of the alternatives........I read somewhere, probably on this board, that a lot of people who have bariatric surgery become alcoholics because they forgot to figure out how to comfort themselves without food...so they turn to alcohol. Truly an unhealthy path.

I agree with all of you that our life experiences affect how we "behave" (eg. overeating/stress eating) but ultimately, its up to us what we put in our mouth. I grew up in an alcoholic, abusive home then moved into a 30 year abusive marriage but I don't blame anyone for my eating. It's my choice.

@@aclinton16 You obviously missed my second post about this subject. BTW - Which medical school did you graduate from? Obviously you did since you are implying what you think is the answer to all. I only imparted what my doctor's office told me. We all think to each his own, but to say you think it has nothing to do with brain damage is misleading unless you have a medical license. If you take a moment to research some academic articles on the internet instead of posting what you think with nothing to back it up, you will find numerous studies performed that do indicate alcohol can lead to neurological damage based on so many factors for each individual. Their own tolerance, calorie intake, ketosis, glucose levels, muscle mass, liver mass, it goes on and on. So it's not damn wonder it effects people differently. So as I said before, to each his own but it's not worth the risk to me. But don't worry, we'll all sleep better tonight knowing you think brain damage won't happen.

I maintained for 3 years before finding out I would have to unfill my band completely for an abdominal surgery. That scared the whatsit's out of me, I was positive I'd pack on the weight again. Now, I'd been ticking along nicely with maintaining with a band, basically, I ate whatever, whenever, to my heart's desire. Portion control was assured, the fact that I generally like and choose healthy foods was a given, but I had plenty of sugary or high fat stuff and a glass of wine a day in there too. I decided I'd better start practicing counting and logging calories and being VERY careful in preparation for what I hoped would only be a few weeks unfilled. What do you know, the weight started falling off! I lost 10lb very quickly and easily, which when you're already at a BMI of 21, is quite a lot of weight. So yes, anytime you get back on that bike, your band is in there willing to help you. But you have to do the hard stuff - the calorie counting, the saying no to high calorie foods, cutting back on the alcohol etc. Its a pain in the behind, but nobody can eat just whatever they want and lose weight, although with a band you can pretty easily do that and maintain.

Everyone's body tends to have a different tolerance level for alcohol. What is important to remember is when we drink, we do responsibly and with an understanding of our bodies limitations. If we know we plan on drinking in excess, then as responsible adults we should have a plan in place prior to doing so for safe transportation home. Sent from my iPad using VST

Can u ever have a drink again???

Okay...so, I wasn’t trying to judge or come across as harsh in my previous blog, and for MONTHS I’ve read so MUCH B.S…and I didn’t blog anything “negative,” because I didn’t want to be negative, or hurt anyone's feelings. But for the love of Kirstie Ally, people; let’s all just ‘fess up and be honest! For those who have legitimate problems with their band...for those who have worked and struggled, and continue to work and struggle (and, yes, it will continue to be a struggle, and NO Virginia, there is no magic-cure-all-procedure…you stand a better chance of there actually being a Santa Claus.) For everyone who needs to hear some encouraging words every once in a while, or for people who have simple questions or suggestions; for the pre-ops and post-ops (can you hear the national anthem playing in the background?...) this site is a great place. HOWEVER… for the people (and you know who you are,) who whine and cry and bitch and moan because they: · Can't seem to stop drinking sodas, and then proclaim that: the band isn’t working. · It's day 3 post op, and even though they’ve managed to puree lasagna and a Bundt cake and drink it through a straw, they CAN'T understand why: the band isn’t working. · Their friends and family aren't supportive and they don't understand. They continue to insist upon having fried chicken and mashed potatoes, sweet corn casserole, yeast rolls and fried okra every Friday night, and they simply can’t tell them “no.” I mean never mind the fact that they sabotage the Bandsters efforts and don’t need to be eating that unhealthy crap…they fix the food anyway, eat the food, and then complain that the band isn’t working. · Instead of eating protein first, they eat a big plate of loaded up nachos because the extra cheese and meat and melted cheese, and cheese IS protein, and then; SURPRISE, they don’t lose any weight and of course; the band isn’t working. · Just can’t seem to get into working out in any way shape or form, and so, it must be that: the band isn’t working. News Flash: most Bandsters; we don’t get “into” working out either, but we do it; not because it’s fun or makes us feel alive or at peace with the world, but because we know we have to. · Kind of, sort of went a little crazy celebrating Vernal Equinox day, their niece’s graduation, their best friends, sister’s son’s Bris, or that most recent holiday and grazed 24/7 on crap that they KNOW they shouldn’t’ t have been eating, and now: the band isn’t working. · They count alcohol as part of their water intake…Eight, 8 ounce glasses of Peach Stoli and tonic a day!...but: the band isn’t working. · They figure that since they’ve had the band, and even though it’s been stressed that it is just a tool and, that they have to eat three small meals a day...of lean, healthy foods, and become physically active, that they can continue to do things way they’ve always done it, somehow get completely different results, because hey, when they tell everyone how the band works and what to do, they weren’t really talking to them…just everybody else, and by the way; the band isn’t working. So, yeah…there it is. For all you pre-ops who may be reading this, take heart; the BAND DOES WORK...as a wonderful, life changing tool. You do your part and it will work. For all of you post-ops and Bandsters; the BAND DOES WORK…as a wonderful, life changing tool...You do your part…really do your part and it will work.

I work at Cracker Barrel as a waitress. When I started working there years ago I struggled with all of the food. I'm sure fast food is different for it might be more available to you. For me I would have to take a scheduled break or eat after or before my shift. First for me anyway , after working with the same food all the time I am tired of it. It's like working in a donut shop or pizza place, after awhile you might eat it out of conveniece but it is not what you crave. Try to ask yourself if you really want it or is it the idea it is front of you. Bring your lunch, suck on a mint, drink lots of water. Come prepared. Also something that really helped me especially on pre op clear liquid diet was I did not say to myself, "oh that looks good" I said ewwwwww, that is not going to help me. I believe working in the food industry that it is more mindless eating, if you do crave it you know it is the bad carbs your addicted to. Start off treating yourself to something somewhere else. Once you break the habot of MC"D"S food amd swear it off then you can concentrate on starting to make better food choices. Right now your like an alcoholic working in a bar. It doesn't work. Your mindset has to change totally or definitly get a new job.

The reason post surgery it is generally I inadvisable to drink is because alcohol thins the blood which can have a damaging effect on internal stitches and staples which take up to six weeks to heal. After this, there is no risks in drinking alcohol beyond what risks alcohol generally poses to everyone. My surgeon and my NUT recommended the occasional red wine as part of a normal and healthy diet. I have enjoyed an occasional wine since I was six weeks out. I continue to lose weight. A glass of red wine takes 8 minutes moderate jogging to burn off.

I drink Bacardi Lemon waters with crystal light ice tea, each time I get a different effect- usually have drinks on Saturdays only- yes higher calories from the booze- and yes 5 months post op- and no do not drive. Just have to eat well the rest of the week!! I am not an alcoholic because I enjoy a few drinks- yes I am happy I did the surgery- yes some are over critical on this site! But I am happy :-) good luck everyone!!

I found that after WLS surgery I had issues with sugar alcohols (i.e. artificial sweeteners ending in -itol, such as xylitol, sorbitol, etc.). These are common ingredients in chewable vitamins and made me puke post-gastric bypass.

:update: My psychologist wrote a letter on my behalf recommending me for the surgery and he used the wording they requested and NGS has a copy. I also confirmed they rec'vd my medical records once again. Now my file has been sent to the insurance doc for review for the 2nd time. I asked my advocate what her feeling was and she said they indicated that while I was on Optifast I was able to lose weight. :uwelcome: What the heck? Last week they were complaining about me not being 100% compliant. I can't win for losing!! I may be looking at an appeal. My advocate did tell them that I can lose, but gain it back and she also said the band is to me what meds would be for an alcoholic. If they drink they get sick. The band would be a tool to help me keep weight off. Good analogy I thought. Should I line up an attorney? Any suggestions for one? We don't have much money b/c I'm a SAHM and things are tight as always. :phanvan Still praying for a positive outcome, but I'm ready to fight.

My last beer was a sip of beer at Fenway park the night before surgery. Since then I'm am enjoying a whisky when I imbibe. No carbonation.... Fewer ounces. We all know it is the same calorie count either way. About 100 cals 3500 cals = one pound. The big thing to rebember is alcohol is a dis- inhibitor. We sometimes make poor choices, and decisions after drinking.

Thanks everyone I appreciate the support more than you'll know. My wife noticed my bad mood and asked so I told her I felt like a recovering alcoholic babysitting friends at a bar supping a water. She understood and cuddled so doing a bit better now. I ate about a teaspoon of creamy peanut butter and that seemed to stop the cravings

It always sends off warning bells in my head when I hear things like this. It means that alcohol is pretty important to you, and you may have trouble with it when you can no longer "use" food. Please be aware!! You might blow off this post, and think, "alcohol is not a problem for me." If that is the case, it should not be a problem to give it up.

Brenda-A "pb" is a productive burp-I've never experienced one but from what I gather it's when you don't tolerate some kind of food (either because of not chewing or your pouch doesn't like it) and when you burp the actual food comes with it. A golf ball is the feeling like you've swallowed a golf ball-I've only had this a couple of times-once with meds and once with food-I think it's caused by muscle spasm, swelling (my doc calls this "pouchitis") or gas. Whatever the cause there are several different remedies to help-most people recommend warms sips of something. Check on the main site and there is a thread with all the definitions of these acronyms and many other good tidbits. I've only lost 15lbs since surgery so as you can read from my above post I've been discouraged as well. I also realize I'm mourning my love of food (cue violins please) and I had hoped that this would be offset by bigger wt losses but no such luck. (i've told this story before but it's very illustrative of my feelings): I was crying one day feeling very frustrated while I was cooking dinner for all the kids-I desperately wanted to eat spagetti (mmmm) I should point out at this point that my husband is an engineer who has never had a wt problem-but anyway he was attempting to comfort me (notice the word attempt) I told him that I felt like an alcoholic bartender while I was cooking and he looked at me and said "But I thought this is what you wanted" Nooooooooooooooo-I don't want to be hungry-I want to be skinny.Uh I meant to say healthy, yeah healthy. No really I want to be able to shop something other than the "Beautiful Woman" section. Plus size? Plus what? Hi Brenda-nice to meet another mom of many!

I do think about how WLS has changed my life for the better, so many things are easier now than a year ago I feel so grateful and blessed. The truth is out there for those that wish to find it. There are TV shows about weight loss surgery, you tube videos about it, books about it, countless Instagram posts about it. It is not my job to inform every obese person that they could lose weight, they are most likely aware of this. If someone I know asks me how I am losing weight, or inquires about my diet I do share with them. If a very obese person asked me, I would even share that I had surgery if I thought they were honestly interested. Most people want a quick and trite answer though. Eyes glaze over once you mention exercise and lowering carbs so it’s not a topic I discuss with people. Just as other people with unhealthy habits need to want to make changes: smokers, alcoholics, drug users, etc....people have to be ready to change. Making comments to strangers does not inspire change, likely just shame and embarrassment.