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Thanks for sharing, AvaFern, - this is helpful to me, because I think I'm getting to that point. At about how many weeks were you when you went the alcohol route? And that was it, about a week later you were seroma free?

I'd go see a liver doc. Non alcoholic cirrhosis is the number one cause of liver transplants. Not trying to scare you, it could be nothing, just don't ignore this. See a specialist or at least ask your PCP what they think.

@BethinPA I had a sermona around my belly button after my abdominoplasty. It was super sexy...I could squish one part of my stomach and wash Fluid swish around to the other part. My doctor and I both drained it a few times a week for about a month, then we got annoyed with it and put another drain in for a week, and when we pulled the drain the damn seroma came right back. Finally he pushed alcohol as a slcerosing agent, let it sit in my seroma for about a half hour, then pulled it out- my seroma was gone in a week.

Hello, before I had my gastric sleeve my liver enzymes and ultrasound were normal. I do not have a gallbladder and had that removed many years ago. I do not drink alcohol. I do not eat a ton of fat. However, it's been 4 months post op and my liver enzymes are elevated. I am very scared. I do take tylenol. since my surgery December 4th I have lost 52 pounds. My protein is around 80 per day and my carbohydrate levels are around 10 per day. I have read that little carbohydrates can cause liver enzymes to go up as well as very low calorie diets. Just wondering if anyone else has had this issue that also does not have a gall bladder. Thank you in advance

That's been my experience with alcohol post-op as well. I get buzzed/drunk from way less alcohol now than I did pre-sleeve, but I also sober up super quick.

@@LipstickLady This line made me snort. "Plain Water makes me nauseated so I get most of my fluids in via coffee, diet soda and liquor (KIDDING!!)." I drink diet soda. I don't smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol or do drugs but lordy, I just want a diet soda. It brightens my day. I agree with LipstickLady, I can't drink anything for close to an hour after eating or I'll get sick. I've taken that one bite too many a few times (I'm still learning) and it's incredibly painful. I've never felt that discomfort from drinking soda or I certainly would never drink it. My physician's main issue with soda is the caffeine (slight risk of ulcers), drinking full calorie and not losing weight, or the bubbles causing uncomfortable burping. I drink caffeine-free diet and the carbonation doesn't cause me discomfort. I do find it interesting that the topic of whether to drink soda or not creates some strong opinions. I admit I'm a little jelly of all those that have been tough enough to give it up. At the end of the day, I don't think it's just one thing that will cause us to fail. It's a series of things. Not exercising, grazing and quite possibly, drinking soda.

I drink Vodka and I am almost at 3 months. I consider the Calories in my Daily food Plan. Sugar is a worry if you are using Mixers. My tummy tolerates Alcohol much better than Food, and it is more enjoyable.

It's safest to follow YOUR doc's instructions regarding alcohol! That said, I think I tried a bloody mary about 4 months out, (yes I drank against medical advice). It was HUGE, (probably not but felt that way) took me all night to sip down and became "dinner" it filled me so, but wasn't a problem. I haven't found that 1 drink will knock me out or anything, but now that I've lost almost half a person, I def can't manage it like I used to. Moderation in everything now, food and alcohol and its all good.

Very well said, @@vincereautmori! I joined BP in my research phase prior to deciding to have the sleeve surgery. Like many others here, my decision to have sleeve surgery was not for the sole purpose of losing weight; it was because of my health, i.e. non-alcoholic liver, diabetes, high blood pressure. My PCP recommended WLS to me since I had 100+ lbs. to lose and considering my age, history, etc. he felt it was my best option and I would be successful following surgery. For those of you still researching and deciding whether or not to have WLS, leave this subject thread and go to another, more positive forum that can provide you with the information and support you are seeking.

@@JamieLogical and @@AvaFern have made some good points above which I agree with. @@jadama22, glad to hear you have a great nutritionist as she will be a huge help along the road of your journey. Hopefully, you will find, as I have, that you can still enjoy your favorite foods, just in MUCH smaller portions, but also that you won't necessarily want the same things as you did pre-surgery. Once I transitioned to regular foods and began reintroducing some favorites (no necessarily unhealthy), I found my new tummy to be very tolerate of what I ate as long as I took VERY SMALL BITES, ate VERY SLOWLY, and CHEWED THE food until it was "puree" consistency in my mouth. Since post-surgery we're instructed to EAT Protein FIRST, I'm finding I'm not interested in the carb heavy foods anymore. If I do get a "taste" for something that's not high protein, then a bite or two is sufficient to satisfy my "taste" for it. Just remember - even though weight loss is a huge result of sleeve surgery, I believe the most important reason we do/did this is for our health, to improve our conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, non-alcoholic fatty liver, etc. You'll find your way post-surgery with the help of your surgeon, nutritionist, and all the great folks on BP. Good luck on your journey!!!

I'm 3 months post op. I'm at a stall. Lately I've been socializing a lot and I've been drinking alcohol. I have like 2-3 drinks, rarely any carbonation. Is this ok? I feel fine. I don't get sick. Anyone wanna share their thoughts?

I love the quotes. My son is suffering with depression and alcohol abuse and has recently decided to seek help. I sent him these quotes as they are relevant to so many life decisions. Thank you for sharing.

I use them, but I try to use the stevia or monk fruit when possible and nothing with sugar alcohols. The alcohols give me insane gas which I quite embarrassing at work. I'm really trying to just cut out the sweetness all together.

I was told 6 months for hard alcohol but could maybe handle a really small glass of wine here and there. Haven't tried anything yet though.

When is it safe to try alcohol after having the sleeve surgery?

Using Adkin's treats that contain sugar alcohol does not seem to affect my blood sugar levels and my diabetes still remains in remission. I consider it to be an acceptable alternative. I had a RNY and it may affect individuals with the Sleeve differently. I have heard that if you consume 5 or 6 sugar free gummy bears, that it can lead to an immediate trip to the restroom.

Sugar alcohol is the devil.....and the number one reason in America for mid-day underwear changes.

I couldn't handle sugar alcohols before surgery. It would cause diarrhea. I couldn't even imagine what it would do post sleeve. Seriously, if I wanted a piece of candy that bad, I'd have a real one just to avoid how badly sugar alcohols hurt my stomach.

Has anyone heard or asked about why sugar alcohols and hard sugar free candy is bad? I am just wondering

Lisa, Lisa, love your post and that you are taking care of yourself. And the race to the theater seats -- being able to do it and laugh about it -- big NSV! Such a New Yorky one from my point of view here in the sticks, lol. I've been dealing with addiction of a loved one as well. My best friend -- had no idea (depression and alcohol but I think the prescribed medication is playing a huge role). I am doing what I can (her husband has ALS...Who wouldn't want escape through whatever means but it DOESNT WORK). Anyway, two beautiful children and I am in a position where I have to draw the line and take care of myself and my own family -- feels like a lot of prioritizing going on 24 x 7 and I imagine that's what your life is. Choose Lisa first. Choose Lisa first. Come on, Let me hear it -- choose Lisa first. Every one else will benefit. Sing it, chant it behind the steering wheel, say it in the shower......at least that's worked for me.

I am 25 mo post op and never reached my goal weight though I did lose 120 after surgery. I have gained 14 lbs this past year. I too had some family things that enticed me back to sweets, carbs, and alcohol. I got back on this site a couple of weeks ago and see I am not the only one! Last week I read about the 5 day pouch test on this forum. I googled it and read about it. I started it last Thursday. I feel so much better! My cravings are gone and I've lost 5 lbs. This weight thing is truly a life long struggle. Good luck to you!

Working Out: I was encouraged to do up to 60 minutes a day of "brisk walking" immediately post-op and cleared to do more intense exercise at 2 months post-op. Water: Hydration is SUPER important post-op. You top priorities will be getting in your required Protein and Water every day. It is tough at first for some people to get all their water in, due to the swelling of the sleeve, but you will ultimately be able to drink water just like normal. You will only be taking small sips in the beginning, but likely will be able to take several large swallow at a time. The only catch is that you will not be able to drink before, during, or after eating. Every surgeon has different recommendations for this. Mine told me no drinking for 5 minutes before eating or until 20 minutes after eating. I find that I really am not comfortable drinking until about 40 minutes after eating a full meal. I can drink sooner after my Snacks. Alcohol: Yes. I have had alcohol several times post-op. It's not a great thing to do frequently, because there are a lot of calories in alcohol, but it is fine to do from time to time. I have found that post-op, I get "buzzed" or "drunk" from much less alcohol than I did before, so be cautious if you do decide to drink post-op. Make sure you do it in a safe environment and don't have to drive anywhere. Restricted Foods: I was eventually cleared to eat all foods, however, I have steered clear of rice, bread, Pasta, and starches for the most part. I am very strict about getting my "protein first", and have not had any room in my sleeve for anything other than primary protein sources. If I were to eat some of these other foods, it would be at the cost of not getting all my protein in and I don't feel they are worth it. Also, no carbonation, as you mentioned. Recovery: I live in the eastern United States and had my surgery in Tijuana, Mexico. My surgery was on a Monday and I returned home on that Friday. I could have returned home on Thursday, but I couldn't make the flight schedule work with the border crossing, so I had to stay an extra night in San Diego. The point is, you shouldn't have an issue flying home 4 days post-op, barring any complications of course. I can't answer that last question for you, but I will say for myself that I wish I'd had the surgery sooner. If you continue to put it off for the "right time", that time may never come.

WORKING OUT: I am looking forward to working out after my sleeve, in order to tone and get my body to the image I have in my head. How long after the surgery will I be able to work out? Will i have energy to do cardio classes and weight training? Yes, you will be fine to workout fairly soon after surgery. I was jogging and doing kickboxing classes at 3-4 weeks out, and I am now about 16 months out and I just ran a 15K the other day. The important thing for me has been taking the B12 and Iron suppements, otherwise I really notice a drop in energy. HOW MUCH Water CAN I DRINK? I am in Dubai, it's hot as hell here in the summer... so if im super thirsty... i wont be able to quench my thirst? It kind of scares me!!! How does the thirst / quench thing work? I always drink with a straw because it was the only way after surgery I could get enough Fluid. You can't gulp water anymore, but you should be more than able to keep yourself hydrated. I'm in the southern part of the US and regularly workout outside and have never had an issue. Will I be able to drink alcohol again? I don't care much about food, but sometimes i like to go out for drinks with my friends. Will i get drunk faster? After how long can I drink again? and since i heard no carbonated beverages.. how about beer? Because i love beer. You can drink again and you can drink carbonated beverages. They tell you no soda and no beer so you don't drink all your calories in Coke. I drink Diet Pepsi every single day. I'm not a big alcohol drinker so I'm a lightweight as it is. You do probably get drunk faster. It's fine to go out and have a drink or two with friends, but the idea behind the surgery is to not be consuming the fattening stuff (like beer) that got us to the weight we were at to need surgery. Can someone list out the foods that I cannot ever eat again? I tried to make a list from people's stories, so it includes stuff like spicy food, asparagus, carbonated beverages. I believe these things will be bad for the sleeve. This list is different for everyone. There is nothing that medically prevents you from eating or drinking anything you want six weeks after surgery. Your sleeve on the other hand may not agree. I can't eat anything with fat or sugar or I barf, but it seems like I am really in the minority of people that have that issue. How long after the surgery shall I stay in Syria to ensure that all is well? The doctor is saying 4 days. Is this realistic? Syria is in a civil war now, so it's not super safe to stay unnecessarily for a long time, so for those who had it done in Mexico... when is the best time to leave, ensuring that the sleeve didnt leak or anything? I was in a US hospital for three days and entirely on my own at home after that. I would personally not get a surgery like this done in Syria, but four days is realistic. This is a personal question - I am currently uprooting my life, getting a new apartment, new car, starting a new job, is it a good idea (emotionally) to get this surgery now? Or shall i wait until I am more 'settled'. I just want to get it out of the way so I can start seeing changes soon, and incorporate my new body with my new life, and also because just incase I want to get pregnant in the future, I can distance the surgery as far away as possible. I am generally a very strong person so I just want to get some insight if people think this is a very emotionally exhausting experience, or if it could enhance my new life. You are as strong as you let yourself be. Only you can answer that question. I had surgery during a very emotionally difficult time in my life and then I quit my job to work for myself a month later. If you want something, you get it done, if not, you make excuses. For example, I should go running right now, but it's hot, so I'm going to take a nap instead, lol. Excuses.

Hi everyone, I usually don't post on forums, but I have enjoyed reading everyones story so much, so I decided to post this to get some answers to some of my worries. I am currently in Dubai, but thinking about getting my sleeve done in Damascus Syria. It costs around ~$2,500 to get it done there, and over $10,000 to get it done in Dubai, plus the doctors are known to be much better in Damascus. They even sometimes fly out here to the Gulf region and do the surgeries for upwards of 10K. That being said, I have read everything about the sleeve, 2 of my relatives and another 3 people I know have done it, and everyone is saying that i should go for it. I am not super obese at the moment, I am around 86 KGS and 5'4, so it brings to be about a BMI of 32 or 33. I have always been over weight and I tried Atkins a few times and succeeded but it bounced back. I tried Dukan, and also same thing. I've given up !!! My highest was around 93 kgs... but I really really want to be skinny. I want to taste it, and I'm worried that if I don't do it now (i'm 30), i'll lose some of the best days of my life being insecure and unhappy. I don't even have any recent pictures because I hate looking at pictures of myself. Now my family's reaction is mixed. Some say that I should do it, without even thinking twice, and some say that I can lose this on my own. Why don't I just eat like a sleever without having surgery they say... as if it's that easy eh!!! I am ready to embark on this journey. I am just worried about a few things, although I know that risks are lower when the BMI is lower, and I am in perfect health right now: WORKING OUT: I am looking forward to working out after my sleeve, in order to tone and get my body to the image I have in my head. How long after the surgery will I be able to work out? Will i have energy to do cardio classes and weight training? HOW MUCH Water CAN I DRINK? I am in Dubai, it's hot as hell here in the summer... so if im super thirsty... i wont be able to quench my thirst? It kind of scares me!!! How does the thirst / quench thing work? Will I be able to drink alcohol again? I don't care much about food, but sometimes i like to go out for drinks with my friends. Will i get drunk faster? After how long can I drink again? and since i heard no carbonated beverages.. how about beer? Because i love beer. Can someone list out the foods that I cannot ever eat again? I tried to make a list from people's stories, so it includes stuff like spicy food, asparagus, carbonated beverages. I believe these things will be bad for the sleeve. How long after the surgery shall I stay in Syria to ensure that all is well? The doctor is saying 4 days. Is this realistic? Syria is in a civil war now, so it's not super safe to stay unnecessarily for a long time, so for those who had it done in Mexico... when is the best time to leave, ensuring that the sleeve didnt leak or anything? This is a personal question - I am currently uprooting my life, getting a new apartment, new car, starting a new job, is it a good idea (emotionally) to get this surgery now? Or shall i wait until I am more 'settled'. I just want to get it out of the way so I can start seeing changes soon, and incorporate my new body with my new life, and also because just incase I want to get pregnant in the future, I can distance the surgery as far away as possible. I am generally a very strong person so I just want to get some insight if people think this is a very emotionally exhausting experience, or if it could enhance my new life. These are all my questions so far I really could use some encouragement right now! For anyone interested this is the amazing doctor I will be doing my surgery at : badanasyria.com His name is Anaz Al Azmeh and he is very well known and respected in Syria and in the whole Middle East.

My doctor has recommended no straws due to gas from sucking n the straw. I use a Water bottle instead and it works great. In restaurants I never order anything to drink because of the 30 minutes before and after rule. I carry my water bottle everywhere I go including in my house so I have a constant reminder to drink my water. Alcohol is a no no for at least the first year and then with caution after that. Caffeinetted beverages actually dehydrates you. I was told I could have it if I wanted after month 3. I simply don't because it gives me migraines if I drink too much of it. I am a water girl all the way but honestly had been drinking only water for the last 3 years. Or milk.