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Many times people post on this forum asking if they can have one thing or another: popcorn, wine, bread, gum, coffee, Rocky Mountain Oysters, or whatever. I think that the general answer to lap band questions of this type is, you can eat it or drink it if you can eat it or drink it. In other words, each person is different. If a beer goes down OK for you and you are still losing weight, then you can have a beer. People generally say that anything with carbonation is not a good idea, because it can stretch your pouch, or it can cause things to get stuck, or whatever. But yet there are still plenty of people who drink the occassional diet coke and don't seem to have any problems. And plenty of people on this site acknowledge that they drink wine sometimes. In fact, many people say it helps loosen up their restriction so they can eat solid food without getting stuck. For some people this is a big benefit. So I don't think the alcohol itself is necessarily a problem per se. It's the carbonation and calories/carbs in beer that would be the problem (if any). But again, there is no general answer here that is going to solve the problem. The bottom line is, if you find that you personally can drink beer, then you can drink beer.

Butterflyhigh, From what I've read, you can still drink a little wine 1+ year post op but not everyday, just very occasionally, and not a whole glass. I drink only very occasionally and don't intend to give up alcohol completely. Vix, Yeah insulin resistance is usually cured when you lose a lot of weight. The thing is, it's hard to lose weight when you're insulin resistant. Catch 22 right? I have no doubt that insulin hunger has contributed to my weight today, although it's definitely not the sole cause. It's hard though because the one symptom I can't stand is nausea. If something makes me nauseous a few times, like a food, I'll never want to eat it again. Sadly, it has made it so I am not compliant with any Metformin dose over 500mg. I've never been able to get through the sweating, shakes, and nausea that I feel on that dosage. But metformin has not caused me to lose much of any weight anyway. I can't wait to kick this insulin resistance. For me it's truly the worst part of PCOS. Sent from my DROID RAZR using VST

Well, I'll be the first to admit that I don't drink enough Water to cleanse my system--I never have and I know that I've got to begin drinking plenty! Everything I've read says gout is caused by ingesting too many purine foods, i.e. legumes (beans), organ meats, broths & consummes, yeast, mushrooms, spinach, cauliflower, and also from drinking too much beer. (No, no not me! I drink no alcohol!) The kidneys deposit uric acid crystals around a joint and that's what causes the arthritic inflammation and pain instead of ridding the bloodstream of them. Don't really think it's WLS related--but some bodies (like mine) have a perpensity for it, I guess--and I really brought it on by eating too many legumes and not drinking enough fluids to flush my system. I sure learned my lesson!

I'm looking into lapband vs gastric bypass and have my informational seminar scheduled for the end of April. One big drawback is that my insurance will definitely not pay for surgery--it is explicitly prohibited by the HMO. :eek: I've read so many different opinions on this blog but it helps to read them all to get a balanced view. My biggest fear is that the cravings will be untouched by this process. :confused2: As most of you probably know, its not about will power, but the cravings I get for carbs and sweets are overwhelming. I've been to OA and many other support groups and they all mean well, but I think there is something missing. I know they have medications that deal with alcohol and cocaine cravings, so I wonder if they may find one some day that works with the food cravings, something to straighten the brain out and turn off that message. Anyway, I'll keep reading and moving forward. Thanks for being there. :bolt:

I'm not much of a drinker, but my surgeon sent me a book (written by Australian doctors) and they actually recommend a glass a wine per day! I have a glass of a really good red wine with a small amount of cheese 3 to 4 times per week. What a treat! As to party drinking, you may have to curb it (at least the amounts you described) while you are trying to lose weight. I'm sure your friends will understand and hopefully be supportive. When you get to your goal weight, then the maintainance diet will likely allow for more alcohol consumption.

Banded Bob, Thank you for this post I do drink, and understand living a lifestyle and have reached my weightloss goal (I still have 10 pds to go) I do not deprive myself.......and believe everything in moderation How I did it....... When I knew I would be drinking (which sometimes would be 3-4 times a week, depending on work and events)........ I would eat ONLY Protein and Vegetables For alcohol, I usually stick to wine or spritzers (half wine, half diet 7up), occasionally I will have a molson 67, but try to stay way from beer I just always made sure I ate healthy and then drank what I wanted too! Not saying this is for everyone, but it is what I have had most success with. If you ever need to talk, let me know! I have lost almost 90 pounds and still enjoy life Caroline

Once you finish your meds and problem is resolved, try eating 10 to 12 radishes or 1 package each week. My husband has not had an attack since he started that. Once you get the "crystals" in your joint or toes, they stay there and just seem to flair up and get aggravated. Let me know if it works for you, too! P.S. in the old days, Gout was considered a "rich" man disease, as it seemed to be related to alcohol, red meat and a rich diet.

You could have be me writing! I also came to that realization quickly - and it made me very sad. I created a world for myself where it was the food and alcohol that I looked forward too and the people and events were secondary. Having lunch, going home at night from work - it was all about the next food "fix". What to do on weekends with the family - why there was nothing to do unless it revolved around food. I had the same realization day 2 of my pre-op (once I felt human again) diet. Mentally it has gotten easier over the weeks and I realize now that I need to find things that bring joy and happiness that do not revolve around food. On the weekends - I want to start taking my little ones everywhere - so that they too do not develop this terrible habit! I'm not cured - but I am aware of it now! This will be harder for me than the diet.... Best Ann

I go for my first fill next Tuesday. I do not know how many cc's I will receive. I don't believe I received any during the surgery. I have lost 27 lbs. and yes, I wish it would come off faster also but then I realize that it didn't come on overnight so it will not come off overnight. I am walking on my treadmill at least 30 to 40 minutes 5 days a week. My doctor didn't tell me how many calories, fats, proteins, etc. to watch. Just to follow his instructional sheets, which were clear liquids, regular liquids, mushies, and now weeks 4-8 anything but bread, rice, fibrous vegetables, red meat and pork. Also, no carbonated or alcoholic beverages. Make sure I drink 64 oz of fluid, 32 which needs to be water. It does get discouraging at times but then I come on here and read the encouraging notes and I get pumped again.

I really thought I'd be doing this alone. I'm not one to prattle on about my problems and my thoughts. I give everything in my life adequate though, and I make decisions accordingly. I decided a month ago to have the banding surgery. My surgery date is ... well, in 2.5 hours. I've lost 20lbs pre-op (down from 356 to 336) in 3 weeks. I know I can do this. I'm certain of it. So why am I not sleeping? Why have I had nightmare after nightmare with the central theme of reluctantly having to kill the one thing I love the most (translation- FOOD!). I gave this a lot of thought, really. I considered a cost/benefit analysis and came up with this answer. But... last minute, I'm terrified. (Dr appt implied the following) Pasta is a bad idea... for the rest of my life?? White bread, big fluffy biscuts, and garlic toast are gone forever? Seriously, wheat pasta??? So much for Olive Garden... I know these are guidelines, and maitenance is different that losing, so I'll be able to re-introduce my lover (carbs) when I'm at my goal weight... but even then, only in small doses. And I've been heavy my whole life. I don't even know what I'd look like without excess baggage! I don't know what I'll do. I know I won't change how I dress - you can take the fat out of the girl but you can't take the girl out of the fat (frame of mind). I just don't know who I'd be if I'm not the fat girl at every event. It's scary. There's the whole "oh, just be yourself" school of thought; but I've been the fat girl. That's been my role. I've worked very hard at pretending it doesn't bother me, at telling people I'd be happy at any size as long as I'm healthy. I lie more to myself than others... so who? Who am I supposed to be? I have to take my pre-op shower and get on my 'loose fitting clothes' (that statement on my instruction sheet alone makes me wonder if this place 'gets' fat people... what do I wear that tight, besides my bras?) for surgery. Hopefully I'll be out by this afternoon and ready to post again, but I know it could be days. I tend to be a big baby when it comes to pain. I certainly don't feel like everyone else. I refused banding for so long. On my father's side of the family (the side I grew up a part of), something like this is considered giving up and letting your weakness win. Of course, these are the same people who believe alcoholism is a choice, not a disease. I got through surgery fine. I had a huge hiatal hernia that had to be repaired, and the band went in with 4cc of fluid. I have bruises and slices and PAIN. I knew there would be pain, but... seriously? The pain from the cuts aren't too bad, but the air they push into you in order to see better may kill me. I'm told it should be gone by tomorrow or the next day. *Post - Op* I haven't had time to fully process the fact that this is done. I went into this quickly, as I said before, and so to be at the finish/starting line is a little intimidating. My doctor told me today that if I lost 22lbs in 3 weeks of pre-op dieting, my weight loss over the next 6 months is going to be dramatic. I hope so... I just promise my husband(who works in Afghanistan) a long hike when he comes home on break in March! I'm about to head to bed... but I know ppl who think this is easy are NUTS. I've had nightmares for weeks... food is my ally... but I have to give it up. And not just a little... but some thing forever--like soda. I'm hoping for 4 days--or 1. Ugh. This pain is absolutely the worst. Worst than gallstones passing. UGH!!!!!!!!!!!! *Posted on forum yesterday*

Check with your doctor about alcohol. They all seem to have differing instructions on that.

Terri and Haydee~ For the margies... Get Margie Mix (near the alcohol in the store) it is cheap too. I like regular, but some may like strawberry (too sweet for me)... CHEAP WHITE tequilla (never drink gold...it is only sugar, w/ more calories...and a bad hangover) Tons of ice and tons of limes! That is it!

Pam: I'll have my tweezers w/me, definitely! Janie: The answer to your alcohol-purchasing question is: YES! Tee Hee!

I will bring some alcohol just for emergencies and for the river if anyone is up for it on a Saturday morning! I'll bring vodka, tequila and a bit of coconut rum that TracyM requested; margarita mix, cranberry juice and tropical punch crystal light. Wherever we go, there's a bar within 50 yards, so i don't think anyone will have to suffer with the shakes for too long. You're not a poop!! To each his own! :biggrin:

There's no C02 in guiness... they use nitrogen to charge and express it. I've been curious if the lower carbonation will make it easier to drink? I know I didn't burp drinking it before I got banded.... but I haven't had any alcohol in a couple of months, so I don't know that I'm even that worried about it.

I am bringing a fairly large check in bag. I hope that is okay. It is the only luggage I have, so I bought big, to cover everything. Stupid question, are be buying alcohol to drink at the bars or at the grocery?

PNut - Congratulations on the loss and the size 14's!!!!, and congratulations on having the courage to be open about your self-medication with the alcohol, not just to the board, but most importantly to yourself! I know a zillion people have said it, and will say it, ignore the haters. Issues with alcohol and/or drugs is -nothing- to be ashamed of. Just like struggling to overcome over eating, addiction is a medical issue, not a moral one. If people have diabetes or cancer no one attaches a stigma to it, substance abuse/addiction should be viewed the same, unfortunately it's not by too many - those people are the ignorant ones. Get support, get well, and keep us posted!!!! It's obvious to all, you have not only oodles of love and support around you at home, but here on lapbandtalk too. XO Leila

I am doing really good on core. I've lost 5 lbs this week. I haven't loss in 7 months. I do have really good restriction though. I eat 1/4 to 1/2 cup of food at a time. Some days my band is looser so on those days I do eat more. I do have trouble with my alcohol intake though. I am working to only consume 1 drink a day now. cross addiction.

I find I categorize people a bit now....there are the ones who loved and supported me when I was huge.....and there are those that criticized me for being big and said I wasn't worthy of their time.....the first group has my undying loyalty and I just pray that the second group has God to remove the ugliness from their hearts....people battle drug and alcohol and addictions and yet are still supported more and encouraged more then big people....we were looked at as fat, lazy and often times complacent....now we are Champions and everyone wants to be around a champion just be careful about who you let into that circle.... Onyx

Hi there, To be honest with you, sometimes you just have to find that motivation within yourself and then just push and push no matter what. I will never forget the day last December when I finally got on the scale and saw almost 400 pounds looking back up at me. I knew that my weight would be in that ballpark, but to see it was to make it real. I was miserable. I travel a lot for work, and I was starting to have trouble walking to make the connections in the Atlanta airport. Even going to the bathroom was starting to become a chore that it shouldn't have to be. And perhaps the biggest issue was that I was starting to avoid my friends because I was so embarrassed of the shape I had let myself get into. As of today, I have lost 95 pounds pre-op. My surgery is scheduled for next Wednesday, and I am going to use this sleeve as a tool to anchor the second half of my weight loss and help me to maintain a healthy weight afterward. But all of it is a daily struggle. I chose to stop eating carbs. I chose to cut out alcohol. I chose to get up and moving. I chose to only eat 1200 calories per day. I understand mobility issues, and, in terms of exercise, you can only do what you can do. But food wise, we always have control if we choose to own that. I am addicted to overeating and carbs. I know that, and I am going to have to live with it and control it for the rest of my life, or, sleeve or not, I'll end right back up at that December day weighing almost 400 pounds. That's my motivation. And, hard as it is some days, I will stick to my plan and I won't let food rule my life any more... All my best to you!

Personally, I view this process in the same regards as a recovering alcoholic or drug addict. I don't think you should date or jump into a relationship until you are at least a year removed from surgery. You change as a person and aren't even sure who you are becoming for some time. Once you learn who you are and love yourself for it and all that you have been through, then you can let someone else in and you will figure out how to respond to them as you go. Why try and predict and worry about the future when it isn't here yet? One step at a time. This surgery doesn't just change what you eat. It affects every aspect of your life. Do not take it lightly.

I had a rough night last night. Family holiday dinner and SWEETS galore. I mean, it was ridiculous! My drug of choice is cookies and there were literally six different kinds and it took every iota of willpower and determination not to indulge. I hope that at some point in the future I can be an eat-one-cookie-and-be-fine kind of girl, but I'm not that girl today. It would've been like an alcoholic saying, "I'll just have one drink." I was feeling sorry for myself last night, but I'm proud of myself today.

Wow. Really? Wow. I am utterly speechless (very rare, believe me). Firstly, who do they think they are? What gives them the right to even SPEAK to the gentleman about this weight? Secondly, that man is SETTING an example for his kids. He's shown them that the responsible thing to do is take control of your own health. He's showing them that as an adult, you must contribute to your own positive future and make informed adult decisions about how to adjust a lifestyle to increase your longevity, enjoyment and be less of a burden on society (with less future health-care drain, disability and dependency on your family and relatives due to poor health, etc.). He should be commended for his brave choice (as should YOU, msslechix) in meeting this challenge head-on and using all available resources to succeed. Do smokers who want to quit get berated for using nicotine gum or the patch when they try to quit? Do alcoholics get berated for joining AA or another 12-step program? Do drug addicts get belittled and denigrated for going in to detox and rehab? For some reason I still don't understand, it is still socially acceptable for overweight people to be everyone's punching bag. If we gain weight we're considered lazy, gluttonous and stupid. If we lose weight, some people are just waiting to pounce on us the minute we gain an ounce. back, and silently rubbing their hands in glee (see, I knew they couldn't keep it off). And heaven help us if we use weight loss surgery such as the VSG to lose weight (and are brave enough to admit it). Now we've "cheated". We've taken the "easy" way out and don't deserve to be happy; to be healthy; to feel normal and accepted. Never mind the fact that many VSG patients spend countless hours exercising, counting Protein and carbs and calories (all the things a "regular" dieter does). Somehow, the surgery did ALL THE WORK. Msslechix, you are having this surgery for you. People will make comments. Don't let it get to you. Some will support you (stay close to them, you need the support!). Those that are belittling you and making you feel bad could be doing it for many reasons, not the least of which may be jealousy. Whatever the reason, just remember. This surgery and this journey are YOURS. Don't let anyone take that away from you. I am just a few days away from 1 year post-op. I have been fortunate to have had a lot of support. There have been a few people along the way who were judgmental, and I've withheld the "truth" from some because I didn't think they would appreciate just how hard this decision and this process have been. It is CERTAINLY not "the easy way out". But I could not be happier. I'm down 136 lbs and I have another 48 lbs to go until goal weight. I am playing sports I gave up 25 years ago. I can breathe without asthma meds (even when exercising hard) whereas before surgery I had 3 puffers and 2 oral meds. I have significantly reduced my risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, cancer, joint replacement, and arthritis. I'm 43 years old and I feel like a teenager again. Life is exciting and a world of possibilities have opened up to me that I thought were gone forever. I would do this again 1000x. Msslechix. This is YOUR journey. Enjoy it, and let the others be damned.

My biggest challenge was alcohol. Once I started, I went too far. I recently quit & don't miss it. As time has gone on, my weight loss slowed, stopped, & I gained some back. I'm actively working to change that.

I like the Pure Protein chocolate/peanut butter. They are 200 calories, 20 grams of protein and 16 grams of carbs. Now, I'll post that they do contain 6 or 7 grams of Sugar Alcohol which some people say contribute to gassy issues. I haven't had that problem, and they remind me of a Whatchamacallit candy bar. I have everyday either before or after my workout regimen.