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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.

It varies by surgeon, they all have a set of guidelines that they know will work for their patients. I was never told I couldn't use straws, just to be careful and drink slowly. The same goes for coffee and alcohol. My doc never said I couldn't ever have coffee or alcohol again, but some doctors do forbid those items to their patients. Everyone is different and is going to respond to straws, coffee, and alcohol differently. So my approach is to be very careful when trying something new. If in doubt, I always call my doctor or nutritionist.

@@Daisee68, I couldn't agree more. I've only been looking into WLS for about 4 months but I've been in counseling for almost 2 years to get to the bottom of my eating issues. (and yes, some of it does go back to childhood issues!) Along the way I've gained the courage to finally separate from my husband, which I should have done long ago but forced down my anger and abandonment feelings with food. It's taken quite awhile but I can finally say that when I get stressed or angry now, I don't even think of grabbing sugar, which used to be my automatic response. I still haven't lost my sweet tooth, but I'm not using it for emotions now. So now I'm working on habits (snacking, grazing) while waiting to get approved for surgery, but I'm so glad I've done the mental work ahead of time. My family has a history of alcoholism and I was scared I'd move from food to alcohol after surgery but I think the work I'm doing now will prevent that if I'm careful.

Check to see if your sugar free products contain sugar alcohols. Those are notorious for causing gas, bloating and diarrhea.

At 15 months out, Other than carbonation, I can eat anything. However, if I eat too many sweets or too many artificial sweeteners or too much coffee or too much alcohol I do get a bit of gastritis. Rolaids or a few days of a PPI will help, but the best is just not to eat "too much". The week of Christmas was the worst...Even though it was all SO GOOD I was looking forward to finally getting back to Protein and veggies. I've never dumped and other than 1 time (very recently) that I ate way too fast, I've never vomited. And just know things change as your sleeve heals and you find what does and doesn't work for you. What I could eat at 3 months is way different than 6 months and a year.

See the liver doc - it could be non alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver or it could be adjustment but don't ignore it. My dads liver cancer was caught very early by someone noticing his counts were off and not ignoring it. I'm not trying to scare you but i would err on the side of caution. My counts are fine but my doc said my liver was 2.5x the size of a normal liver and that I should go see a doc. I'm going.

Food was on plan yesterday. I had more alcohol than I planned. Today going to the movies after lunch with a friend. I commit to no crapcorn and I'll bring a bottle of water. Also plan to walk the dog.

Same here. I don't weigh everyday, but I do bounce up and down within the same 5 pounds from week to week. As for the holidays, I was a little above my bounce range after a week of mom's good home cooking, deserts, alcohol and sweets galore. As soon as I got home I detoxed all the sugar out of my system and went back to protein/veggie basics. Took about 2-3 weeks to get back to the bottom of my bounce range. But fluctuation is pretty normal for me. Last week I was actually below my normal range and yesterday I was at the top end. Just go back to basics for a bit, throw in a little extra activity, and you'll get back on track.

Today is my one year bandiversary. I am at the lowest weight I have been in decades. I started at 302 and today weigh 194. I've lost 108 pounds and have just under 50 to go. Almost all of the weight so far was lost in the first 7 months. Then I bounced around with the same five pounds up and down for the next five months. This past two weeks I became energized again and I now believe I will make it to my goal weight this summer. Life with the LapBand is incredible. Although the band doesn't stop me from overeating (that's my job) or from choosing high calorie foods, it does help me to stay satisfied on less food for several hours. In other words, the hunger that always derailed all of my previous dieting attempts is solved. The band takes care of hunger between meals. All I have to do is ... everything else. Everything else means choosing solid Protein and passing up carbs. Limiting alcohol which is pure sugar and has the added side effect of allowing me to feel it's ok to nibble while I drink. Everything else means no snacking between meals. Snacking wakes up my hunger. Everything else means no tv eating. Ever. Everything else means walking. Taking the stairs. Every day and lots of times a day. Everything else means saying no to helpful people who suggest just one bite won't hurt. I know better. Everything else also means ... ... Working on the reasons I turn to food instead of to people. ... Seeing a therapist twice a month. ... Going to OA and to CoDA. ... Believing in success and never letting go of the goal. I didn't get WLS to be prettier or sexier. I didn't even really get it because of all of my health problems -- high blood pressure. sleep apnea. GERD. Debilitating osteoarthritis. Swelling in my feet and legs. A dozen different medications to take each morning. Horrible lower back pain. I got WLS because my life had narrowed to unbearable dimensions, where I found myself at age 53 in an emotionally abusive marriage with a raging narcissist. Marriage counseling failed. I ate every night into what I call my food coma. If I had my food, all the chaos around me would temporarily go away. Until it didn't. I knew that I could never get myself and my college age girls out of that environment while I kept eating. I had to stop. I couldn't stop. But I had to stop. I looked into WLS and started the process. My husband was coldly critical but didn't say much. I didn't ask permission. My daughters were very supportive. I got my surgery. I started exercising. I dropped weight quickly and felt better immediately. A few months later, when his rage escalated, I took my girls and the dog and left him. I haven't looked back. My divorce is in process and it's the most painful thing I've ever done. He continues to try to manipulate the three of us from afar and has stalled the divorce at every turn. It's costing me a fortune. It's worth every penny. I stopped losing weight five months ago. Last week my divorce therapist and I talked about this. My identity as a wife - poof. My identity as a mom - fragile with my girls away at college. They don't need me every day anymore. My identity as a daughter - in extreme flux since I'm living with my mother right now. She has control and anger issues herself, and that's a daily struggle. I spend a lot of time outside of the house. It's time to focus on my new identity. My head is back in the game today. I'm making better choices. I'm making new friends and finding social things to do instead of living like a hermit. I'm working on the underlying psychological issues that allowed me to live for years as if I didn't matter. I know that without WLS I would have never stopped eating. If I'd never stopped eating, I would still be on that couch, waiting to die. I am proud of the changes I made in the last year. It is so much more than going down in size. I have truly recovered my self. The self that I buried under food all of my life. I'm scared witless about finding a new house and starting over. I'm scared to make decisions for myself. I was told my whole life that I didn't know what was best for myself. I don't believe that anymore. Today I know better. I know that I made a good decision getting my LapBand and I made a good decision leaving and filing for divorce. I will make good decisions when it comes to a new home and taking care of my new body. I see threads on here often asking if WLS changes a relationship or harms a marriage. I'm one person who got WLS because I needed the strength to do what I knew I had to do. Happy surgiversary to me. My whole life has changed and I couldn't be more grateful.

Regrets? ZERO. Nada. None. I've not been overseas since surgery but I don't see how that's any different than daily life for me. After the initial healing period, about 6 months before I felt "totally normal" again, I eat what I like in small quantities. I'm still compliant with my Protein goals, but eat, bread, Pasta, even the occasional sweet treat or alcoholic beverage, just in smaller amounts. I think I enjoy food more now that I'm not controlled by it.

Perhaps addict isn't a fair description for everyone but for me it is. First thing my counselor said is that I will always be a recovering food addict just as a alcoholic is in recovery the rest of their lives even when they stop drinking. And so yes, the surgery doesn't stop you from being an addict and I think that's the whole point. I didn't get to 326 pounds because I was eating like an "average" person. So if I don't deal with the addictive behaviors upfront then the surgery, for me anyway, is nothing more than a quickie diet. I may lose the weight but I will eventually gain it back if I fall into old patterns. Learning the surgery is only a tool to aid in the weight loss and not a "cure" for obesity has been key for me. And my counselor has been great. We aren't necessarily spending the hour bemoaning a bad childhood, etc. We are just figuring out why I turn to food and then she brings every single thing I say back to the food and my control issues (or perhaps lack thereof).

I just moved and was just starting to get to know the corner bar crowd. Now that's done no food or alcohol. Hope i make some friends in my local post surgery group.

I already have short hair that is thin. I have it almost like Myley Cyrus. http://www.ibtimes.com/why-was-miley-cyrus-hospitalized-singer-might-have-self-medicated-drugs-alcohol-after-1572796 My top is a bit longer so it doesn't really form bangs The sides and back are clipped. The top is longer and flipped to one side. Currently the long side comes to the bottom of my ear. It is symetrical in that I can flip it to either side. In the summer the short hair is my dark brown/almost black natural color and the long hair is bleached pretty blonde. In the winter the long part is caramel with red highlights.

@@donnag53 - Congratulations on your upcoming sleeve!! I'm 59 (turning 60 in October) and I'm 4 months post-op as of yesterday. So glad I made the decision to have this surgery to help improve my health (not just for weight loss). When I was diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver, my PCP strongly recommended I have the RNY. I spent about a year researching the surgery, learned about the sleeve, talked with everyone I work with who has had either of these procedures, and decided the sleeve made the most sense to me. Despite having complications several days after surgery, I'm glad I had the surgery. Complications are NOT common for this surgery so please DO NOT WORRY about that. Some things I've learned along the way -- and, as others have mentioned, after surgery you will have to (and need to) SIP your water/liquids because taking too much in at one time can cause some momentary discomfort. That's been the hardest change for me because I like taking a big, long drink of cold Water at times. Also, once you transition to solid foods, be gentle with your new tummy - eating too much or too fast can cause some discomfort that last more than just a few seconds like the drinking too much lasts. I was a slow eater before surgery, but now I have to eat even slower so as to not cause discomfort. Needless to say, your hot food doesn't stay pipping hot long enough to get it all eaten (even though we're talking about just one egg, or 1/4-1/2 cup of something. Take your time eating!!! Very small bites, too. Also, your new tummy will make all kinds of gurgling sounds whether it's empty or full. It's funny to listen to, but a little embarrassing when others are around - my tummy gurgles are so loud sometimes. Don't overstock on Protein shakes or Meal Replacements pre-surgery as your tastes may change afterwards. I use unjury shakes to supplement my protein intake because without them I can't get to the daily minimum. I started using Unjury about 6 months prior to surgery and found that after about 2 weeks my craving for carbs, i.e. Pasta, etc., had decreased considerably. I bought some 1/2 cup containers to use for my lunch at work and they are the perfect size since that's about all I can eat at a meal. Know that you will lose hair with significant weight loss - this in only temporary as it will grow back. It was about week 12-14 when significant clumps came out while shampooing. The clumps have decreased in the past 2 weeks. My hair is much thinner now, but it will grow back. Increasing my exercise has helped a lot, too. I was exercising before surgery (walking on my lunch break), but that wasn't enough to really help facilitate the weight loss which is the only thing that will help reverse/stop my fatty liver condition. Another huge benefit of the surgery - I no longer have to take my diabetes or blood pressure medicine - immediate results following surgery. You will do great after surgery as long as you do everything your surgeon and nutritionist tell you to do. Each person's journey is different although there are a lot of similarities. @livingfree! made some great points which prompted me to contribute to this thread. This journey is about improving your health, not just the weight loss. Good luck!!!