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New Whey Protein Shots. 3.8 oz 42 grams of protein they can be gross but take it like medicine with juice or water as a chaser. Not as bad as some alcohol I've tried.

I'm ok with no alcohol, I'm on meds that can cause liver failure if you drink with them.. I've been on them since my mid 20s. I don't miss it at all anymore to be honest. (And I was one to only drink liquor-I craved it) We were told at our doctors office that there was an unusually high number of people who had WLS and because they didn't realize how it affected their blood alcohol level- they didn't "feel" buzzed, but they really were technically legally drunk, that there were a bunch with DWIs.. Then there's the whole trade off addiction. Sadly I have a friend who had gastric bypass and had a DWI & is an alcoholic-I'm not sure how bypass plays out vs. the sleeve though.. Another friend who has the sleeve claims she can drink tons & feels nothing-she will not drive though..

I feel guilty for taking the "easy" way out. I feel ashamed that unlike "normal" people I couldn't control my weight with diet and exercise. I have told my three best friends and I have no intention of ever telling anyone else, largely because I know that most people think bariatric surgery is the easy way out and it attaches a stigma to you. Oh, look, the fat girl got skinny because she had her stomach cut out- what a total cheaterhead. Must be nice to take the easy way out! I am fully aware that that is exactly what everyone who has never struggled with food and most people who have not had the surgery feel about it and I am fine with that. We are all allowed our opinions and I don't put my decision in a position where other people can judge me for it. That being said, I wouldn't say this was the easy way out. Was it easier? Yes. I have gained and lost 50-90 pounds no less than 5 times in 10 years. This last time with the sleeve was the easiest because for the first time ever I don't feel like I am starving, while forcing myself not to eat. The first time I lost weight was in high school and I had a small bag of craisins for Breakfast, 2 packs of 2ct saltines for lunch, I worked out for 2 hours at the gym and I had yogurt and oatmeal for dinner. Yuck! I was always hungry and always miserable but I graduated at about 120. As an adult, my successful diets were those where I ate 2-3 Protein bars a day and a Lean Cuisine, worked out 2-4 hours a night, and was completely miserable trying to not eat. One day, I inevitably gave in and I binged, and I would literally gain back 5 pounds in a day then spend the next week trying to lose them all over again. I had a hate-hate relationship with food because I was always SO hungry but whenever I ate anymore than 1200 calories I felt like a failure and I would end up eating way more than that as an emotional reaction. As such, I reached my personal tipping point at 237 pounds in August of 2013. My brother and sister came to visit me that summer and while neither of them would ever say a word, I know they were ashamed that the person that was supposed to be their cool older sister was so disgusting. I decided then that I would look into sleeve surgery. Since I was self-pay, the point between my first meeting with the group of people who wanted to hear about the surgery to the day I was rolled into the OR was a little under 3 weeks. The first two weeks I thought I had ruined my life. What the heck had I done?! I cut out 20% of my stomach forever?! OMG I am an idiot. There as a lot of crying and feeling miserable and since I was self-pay there had been no pre-diet or nutritionist or group support, so I figured I could get on board with figuring out my new stomach or, well there was no other option. I didn't follow all the rules and I still don't, but for the first time in my life I can actually eat like a person who doesn't obsess over food. If I want to go out to dinner, I do. I eat a few bites and I save the rest for later. If I want some chips with nacho cheese, I have some, I enjoy them, and then I'm over it. The last month or so I haven't been watching my calories as closely as possible partly because I just had my last plastics surgery and partly because I know what I can and can't eat to maintain or lose at the weight I'm at. Food is no longer calling my name every second of the day and when I eat too fast, too much, or anything with butter, fat, or excess sugar, I pretty much throw up instantly, so I've been conditioned to stay away from that food. My sleeve has made my life something other than a life about food. Sure, it was easier to not have to starve myself and worry about binging, and it is far easier to maintain now than it would be with a full stomach. I will admit, I just don't have the willpower when it comes to food to not eat an entire pan of brownies, so like an alcoholic who doesn't go to bars, I am just a food person who doesn't have the option anymore to eat too much. The sleeve is a tool and it does make things easier, but if you have a tool available to you, why in the world wouldn't you use it? Now I can't enjoy food anymore, I have a hard time going out to dinner with people because I can't eat much, and I barf fairly regularly. I have to take B12 and Iron because I'm anemic and sometimes I worry about whether or not the sleeve far into the future will be bad for me. But right this second, I am very happy to have it and very happy I took the easy way out because I would rather have done so and be healthy and thin than still be overweight and miserable, fighting the hard fight and getting nowhere. I am a weight loss cheater...and I am cool with that.

A lot of people post that 'others' have told them they're taking the easy way out, and that always touches a raw nerve in this Forum! Since you're the one that's feeling that way, you probably won't get scorched by the responses. But so you'll be as well-informed as possible about this decision you're about to make, I'm going to let you in on what this deal is REALLY about. A message from someone who had gastric sleeve surgery, lost about 120 pounds, and is now living below goal weight..... Is this the easy way out? Well, yes and no. Yes, because the smaller stomach helps me control my appetite and the amount of food I can take in. Initially (but not forever), calories are greatly restricted because of the lesser volume consumed, but good choices still have to be made every single time I put something in my mouth. And... No, it's not easy, because since making this decision I have: Taken nutritional counseling classes Attended monthly bariatric support group meetings Been evaluated by a psychologist Been evaluated by a cardiologist Been evaluated by a pulmonologist Had an upper GI evaluation Had a complete physical by my primary care physician Gone through a two-week pre-operative liquid diet Gone through and recovered from a major surgical procedure that removed 80% of my stomach Gone through a two-week post operative liquid diet Gone through a two-week soft food diet Eaten zero starches (bread, Pasta, rice, potatoes, pizza, etc.) Eaten zero sugary Desserts (cake, pie, pudding, ice cream, candy, etc.) Eaten very few fruits Had zero fruit juices Had zero sodas Had zero alcoholic beverages Eaten 80–100 grams of Protein every single day Not had anything to drink for 30-45 minutes before eating Not had anything to drink with meals Not had anything to drink for 30-45 minutes after eating But still managed to drink 64–120 ounces of fluids every single day Always eaten protein first Always eaten non-starchy vegetables second (and there's never room for anything else) Exercised 5-6 times a week Logged everything I ate or drank for several months, and again whenever my weight loss slowed And through it all, I've watched my friends and family eat and drink whatever they want at restaurants, birthdays, dinner parties, sporting events, New Year's, Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Easter, 4th of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and so on.... Now, does that sound "the easy way"? Not by a long shot! (Just compare the 'yes' and 'no' sections above.) But it is a tool that makes the likelihood of long-term success much better than it would be without it. And, of course, now I'm starting maintenance, where I have to learn how to eat, exercise, and live in such a way as to not regain the weight I've lost – for the rest of my life! The easy way? Yeah, right!

My surgeon is/was excellent and I had every confidence in him. That's about where it ends. Most pronounced are the two NUTS in his office, just wack-a-doos, All of my time with them has been...interesting. My two nutrition classes were dominated by PATIENTS who wanted to discuss when they could drink alcohol again, and all sorts of other ridiculous crap that was just a waste of time. I will certainly see MY surgeon in the future when/if I have any questions or concerns, but after my 8 week check I am pretty much done with the rest.

@@aubrey222 -- I agree, a lot of the first week or two feels like rehab. I'm a recovering alcoholic (sober 14-1/2 years) and as I was going through the pre-op classes I could see that a lot of what they were teaching felt very similar to the first months of sobriety, and I use a lot of those same tools I learned when first sober now that I am newly sleeved (just under 2 months out). In AA we ask what has to change -- EVERYTHING and nothing. The point is we still have to live our lives. We have to get up, go to work, shower, take care of the family, all that. But now we have to take care of ourselves. This is MY responsibility, just like staying sober was (is). Just like it would be dumb to drink to punish a perceived slight from someone (what we called "drink at them"), it would be dumb to "eat at them" too -- I'm only hurting me. I don't really know where this came from this morning, lolol -- I just took the thread topic and turned it all inside out.

It's wonderful being moderate and a dainty eater. Why not have yummy treats? I love to cook and I enjoy food, just in small amounts now. And I indulge in alcohol -- I even had a tiny piece of a chocolate flourless cake last night after an Indian meal. I spent days cooking that food and hardly ate any of it, but I had a good time. And I love not being on a diet! This morning a four mile walk. The exercise is where it's at for me.

Been banded over 4 years, lost all my weight a while back...so I don't get NSV';s that often anymore.... But Saturday Night was a big one! First, I graduated HS in 1970....I weighed 165, played football, ran track, etc. There is a class mate, who has become a very popular comedian, tours all over the world, TV, Movies...etc. (I'm not going to mention his name) Well the word went out through face book, that he would be the headline act at "Catch a Rising Star" here in New Jersey....and people from the Class of 70 were being contacted to attend...sort of a mini reunion....which a good number of us did. To get to the point, people I have not seen in over 40 years were there....of course everyone was thrilled to see each other. Lots of Love going around!.....and everyone could not get over how I have not changed one bit...I am still the same weight, and I am still in tip-top shape as I was in High School! People said I have obviously done pretty good for myself. The joke was, where everyone is getting older...I am gong in the opposite direction! IF THEY ONLY KNEW!!!! It's been over 40 years and they do not know I was once morbidly obese, was once a diabetic, have cardiac issues, along with a long list of other things. And as a last resort, I had to undergo Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery...and only then did I turn my life around....but they don't know, and that's just fine with me....just let it ride. I was walking on air all night, and it was not just the alcohol we were consuming! (of course we partied!) Stuff like his makes it all worth it....best decision I ever made!

That's my plan too- to have my first drink at home. I didn't tolerate alcohol too well prior to surgery so I need to see how I handle it at home first

These are the most common questions I see asked, many in posts asking "is this normal?" What is a reasonable amount of weight to expect to lose the first month and/or weekly for My BMI? How many ounces should I limit each of the following: liquids, soft/puree, solids? How common are stalls/plateaus? When is it normal to have the first BM post-op? Can I have caffeine, alcohol, carbonation, etc... (as applies) What are my goals for Protein, carbs, calories, and fluids daily?

@@Slimsoon1988 - My doc says no alcohol for 6 months, but only because of the sugar content. I figured it would be hard for me, as well, but I don't even want any. I just can't put those calories in me!!!

Make sure you test your reaction at home.. I used to drink and could handle a lot of alcohol.. After bypass I tried wine, White Russians and vodka with crystal light.. It all went right to my head and made me feel awful. Some times I had no problem and could sip but other times I felt terrible.. I have decided to not drink since it was no longer enjoyable..

I had my first drink at 3 months out. It was a glass of wine and it hit me HARD. When you do have your first, don't have it while you are out, have it at home so you can see what impact it will have on you. I am almost two years out and I still get loopy after a beer or two and I lived in a sorority house for two years -- I can (could!!) hold my alcohol. I cannot eat after I drink or vice versa, so if you do feel buzzed, don't plan on food sobering you up like it used to and don't plan on being able to drink Water to pass it through faster. Another reason to have your first few drinks at home. Wine and other sweeter drinks give me heartburn that feels like death is trying to claw it's way out of my chest. I do like a bloody mary, or a vodka cranberry or vodka lemonade either made with 0 calorie "juice". I am not advocating drinking against your doctor's plan, but I am saying that if/when you do, do it smartly (is that even a word??) and cautiously.

I'm definitely going to wait a bit longer. But I do need some wiggle room here. To tell a 26 year old to never drink again is tough. I've never been a big drinker but having a glass of wine with friends on the weekends would be worth the calories. That day I would hit the gym harder. I think these type of strict requirements should be based on the individual. For some, alcohol is a slippery slope.. However my slippery slope is ice cream and chips, which im staying away from like a plague.

It's a free world. We're all "allowed" to do what we want, so that would include having as many drinks as you want. If you have truly educated yourself on all the potential risks of alcohol after WLS (both today and long-term), only YOU can determine whether you choose to remain compliant with your bari program. My program also recommends abstaining from alcohol FOR LIFE, and my personal choice is to follow that recommendation, for a lot of reasons. Yet another example of how different we all are...

So all is going well with the eating. I love that I'm eating less and losing *clap* *clap*. But now 7 weeks out, I need an alcoholic beverage. I have one of the most conservative programs and they advise no drinking EVER again. Well that's not going to happen. I meet with my dietitian next week and we need to set a realistic goal. I'm at the bar right now with friend as they sip on their wine and I just can't watch them weekend after weekend. If I'm allowed one glass of alcohol a weekend that would be amazing! Of course I would choose wisely and log the calories etc. Sorry I needed to rant as I sip my Water in the bar.

My doctors recommended between 75 and 90 grams of Protein daily. This protein requirement is a combination of the protein obtained through meals combined with the protein obtained through protein supplements (Protein shakes, protein bars). I have opted for using homemade high protein chili and Soups for most of my meals and consume around 65 grams of protein from meals alone. Some of my recipes are contained in http://www.breadandbutterscience.com/Surgery.pdf Do not forget your 65-80 ounces of fluids each day. Not getting enough Water or fluids can affect weight loss. I asked my nutritionist "Why do people lose weight after RNY operation and then gain some or most of it back. She said the main problem is grazing. I have a sweet tooth prior to surgery and it was one of the main causes why over the years I gained weight and developed diabetes. After surgery, I stay away from process sugar and I am content for the most part with eating natural sugar (such as found in fruits, white grape juice, stevia), synthetic sweeteners (Splenda), and Snacks with sugar alcohols. Thus far it does not appear to be adding extra weight nor affecting my blood sugar levels. I do some snacking but I use fats because of their ability to suppress hunger. Snacking on protein is also good but I do not recommend carbs because they do not suppress hunger. For example I generally have a coffee each day topped with a generous portion of real whip cream. I make my own whip cream from scratch using Splenda. Or I eat a few Adkins treats which contains fats and use sugar alcohol as a sweetener. That is the approach that I take. I am 23 months post op from RNY. After surgery, I leveled out at 160 pounds for about a year. Then I had a couple bouts of the stomach flu and lost another 10 pounds. I decided this was my new bottom weight. Over the past year I have gained around 5 pounds back. But I am still 5 pounds under my goal weight of 160 pounds.

You're still early enough in the process that exercise may not matter too much. It certainly helps, but lack of it shouldn't be preventing weight loss. So I'd examine other areas... Are you logging your food and Fluid intake? You should be getting in at least 60-80 grams of Protein per day and drinking 64+ ounces of Water. Are you drinking alcohol, fruit juices or sodas? Are you eating starches or sweets? Look closely and honestly at what goes into your mouth and you may find the answer. If not, I'd talk to your doctor or nutritionist for suggestions. A food log will help them to help you figure it out. Good luck!

My doctor said I can have alcohol at 6 months. Same with carbonated beverages. I had half a sip of DH's beer the other day, just enough for barely a taste.

Guilty ! Lol that's me, just trying to get as much information as possible as I think of things. It's really not that big of a deal for me, I'm 99% of the time the DD and prefer to drink water because of the high calorie content of alcohol and it always puts me up a couple of pounds. The only time I would actually miss it would be on a vacation.

i think i got you on my mgb group on face book.....alcohol is different for everyone....it didnt affect me different after surgery. I was told by Dr. p in Florida that to protect the stomach for two years so it can heal and then only drink wine and only occasionally....That is what he said...so you have to live with your own decisions so you decide.

I don't drink a lot but do enjoy the occasional margarita every few months, how long after surgery and how does it effect you now ?

I love Protein powder and shakes. I add the powder to pudding and even coffee. I gave up the Protein Bars because they're either high in carbs or the sugar alcohols cause some heinous flatulence. I'm going to experiment making my own.

@@BethinPA I didn't see your last reply to my first post until now. Has your doctor tried the alcohol route? I was at about 6 weeks when we used alcohol and it cleared it up in a week. I would not have the tolerance to have it drained for the entire summer and I would demand that he consider a sclerosing agent. He's wasting both your time and his by constantly draining it without trying any other option. The alcohol my doctor used had a higher percentage of alcohol than the kind they regularly keep in the office, because I remember him saying he ordered it especially for me. He emptied my seroma, then pushed the area full of alcohol, I sat there for a half hour, he came back and drained out the alcohol, and in a week it was gone. We had planned to go the sclerosing agent route one more time after that, but there was no need. Honestly, if my doc had told me it would take months to clear up a seroma and the only option was continuously draining it, I would have gone to another surgeon. Ain't nobody got time for that.

I love your post. I try to ignore the posts where people are "bitchy" to each other or complaining because some "newbie" didn't look for an old "thread" before posting a question. BTY, some of the old threads are six+ pages of responses and sometimes very difficult to find answers. I love your philosophy. I am currently reading the AA book (my son is an alcoholic and doesn't want to change), so I know what you mean about constantly reminding yourself of where you were in order to become and remain the person you want to be. Thank you for the reminder!