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The main reason you even have to do a pre-op diet is to shrink your liver. If your liver is too large, they might end up damaging it during the surgery. It sits almost blocking most of your stomach, so they have to use the laproscopic tools to lift it and then hold it out of the way while they cut away the stomach. If the liver gets damaged, it could not only turn a fast sleeve surgery into an hours long nightmare, but you could have serious complications - a damaged and bleeding liver could mean you're hospitalized for days or even weeks. You do not want that. That scared the crap out of me and although I had one moment of weakness during my pre-op, I did my very best to stick to the diet because I knew it had nothing to do with weight loss - it was to prevent me from having very bad complications. I was doing the surgery to improve my life, not damage vital organs. As far as the 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 same thing again - I am doing 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 addicted, 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 assinine, stupid 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 260 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 jeapordize 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. Most surgeons will test you for nicotine and even the metabolized form 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, but if you only have 7 days left, then quit right now. 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 have an event that I told a friend I'd go to a while back. Tickets are bought and I want to do something fun. I was 100% prepared to cancel when I asked my surgeon when I could have alcohol again, and I was surprised when he said it was okay. I'm planning on having a non-carbonated drink, maybe two, and that's it. I'm sure it's not going to help me, but I don't think it's going to hurt either. For me, it's worth it. The point is I discussed it with my surgeon first and am adhering to my own plan set by my surgeon and NUT. I trust him completely and if he says it's okay, then I feel comfortable drinking in moderation.

Maybe drinking this week is fine, but in reality is that really the best choice for successful, long term weight loss? Alcohol is just empty carbs and calories. I totally understand that you have to do what you want to do. I just know that I want the sleeve to work the best it can for me. And that means making good food choices now and forever. Limiting fats and carbs for the rest of my life. Not just during the honeymoon period.

All surgeons and NUTs are different. For instance, I've heard a lot of people say they were told to avoid alcohol for a year or even forever, but I just recently asked my surgeon and he said I'll be fine to drink this week, just one month post-op. I only start soft foods this week and "regular" food in a couple more. Good luck with your stall! I had a bad one last week and finally broke it this weekend.

I too was worried about the same things. I started in March and when I found out my BCBS required 6 months of omnipresent diet before surgery I was really bummed. Now I will be done with everything on August 19 th and will then schedule surgery. I think I needed all these months to mentally prepare. I immediately went off soda, caffeine and alcohol..... I've lost 36 pounds so far and am hoping to have 50 gone before surgery. This forum is a great way to stay focused. I'm not sure I would be doing as well as I am without it. This is a great supportive group. Everyone has been in the same place so there is no judgement. Just support

4 week check in? How is everyone? Father's Day weekend came with a lot of food and alcohol temptations! "Tested" a few bites of solid foods/meats, and while the bites were small I think I popped it in my mouth/ chewed too quickly an paid the price. Got sick , first time since surgery. Missed eating for the first time! Had a glass of wine. Sipped it over 3 hours so it had no effect. 24 lbs lost since surgery on 5/26, last week only down 2 lbs. 10 lbs to go until "onederland." Was hoping to be there by July 4th, but doesn't look like I'll get there.

I was told no alcohol for a year, but I don't think I will be ready theme either. If I don't have any I don't care, but one day I might want a small glass of wine again....maybe lol

@PinkPolkadot619-My Dr. actually said try not to drink any alcohol at all. But once in a great while is alright, depending how I tolerate it.

That is the same reason I chose RNY too @amylynns. I know many people struggle with the mixed drinks because they are often mixed with super sugary juices. I have not tried any alcohol yet, I don't know when I will feel ready.

I got a bit blitzed, to the point i almost couldnt talk clearly off of two shots. so it does happen. Havent touched a drop since, and i weighed much more then. With all the Vitamins and Protein we take it, we put a greater need on our liver and kidneys to process the things we take in and as a result we dont filter alcohol as fast nor as completely over time as we used to. that why we get drunk faster. So just be careful.

I've only had the first situation you describe where I get "drunk" very quickly, on very little alcohol, then sober up just as quickly. I haven't pressed my luck, so to speak and drank enough to get any worse than that. I'm not a young person anymore (I'm 36), so my days of drinking more than a couple of drinks in one evening are well behind me now. I don't think I'd ever have any desire to drink more than a couple of drinks, especially when I start feeling drunk so quickly now.

First I know alcohol isn't the best for weight loss cause of all the sugars and calories. So let's not make the discussion about that part. I have read you can get buzzed pretty quick but goes away just as fast. I've had that with like a glass of wine or similar. My recent issue is this - twice I have drank too much whether a few margaritas or a few shots, I go from feeling fine or that happy feeling and at some point both times I instantly go to barely being able to function like the worst drunk ever. I can't even stand really and it doesn't go away quickly. Better by next morning but with bad hangover. Pre surgery if I drank too much, I could feel it and switch to water as I felt myself getting too tipsy, in these 2 instances it wasn't gradual, it was fine, then crap faced non functioning in an instant. Both times was like a couple 3 hours in when it hit me. Kind of scary. So I know I can't drink that much in the future as no warning signs like pre surgery, it just at some point crosses over without notice. Even pre surgery I never have felt that way drunk, meaning that far gone lol. Anyone else have a similar experience?

I find that sugar alcohols keep me regular. I purchase sugar free Russell Stovers Peppermint patties and eat one an evening. 60cals and less than one net carb. I feel like I am getting a special treat.

I was wondering how the "feeling" differ between the two. I'm on day 6 of all liquid pre op diet....and im surviving. The first few days were hard but I've survived making three meals a day for my family, going to a 50th party full of food and alcohol, and, a date night with friends out bowling and drinking. I was okay for it all...and that's just crazy for me. Funny thing was if I look at the food it didn't make me crave it but if I could smell the food is when I was like "oh hello". So I guess my question is...is the hungry urge different after the surgey or can I expect kind of the same thing? ????

My doctor said to avoid alcohol for almost 6-9 weeks. 6 weeks was good but 9 would be best. Edited to add: just looked through my paperwork from the doc and they recommend a year without alcohol. I'm not a big drinker (maybe once a month) but I do have a vacation coming up so I don't know how I'll do.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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?

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.

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. ????

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.