Search the Community

I'm 12 days post surgery. I was told no alcohol for a year. I don't know about cake though. It's a lot of sugar which could make you feel bad. Good luck and Happy Birthday!

Nerves are totally normal! You're life is about to change if you go through with it - that's what you want, isn't it? I'm a year an a half out, and I can tell you my life is "normal". True, I don't drink with my meal. Whoopee But I've no issues drinking Water whenever I want otherwise. As far as beer or alcohol, you're going to get different opinions on that. I will occasionally have a drink - but one will do it. And it hits fast. But I'm not a kid any more and not out to par-tay. I've also had to address my food issues. Had to grow up and face them some time. I guess my 50's was it! I have my health and my life back. Wish I could have done this decades ago. Remember, it's just a tool. The success, it's ultimately up to you. But I bet you all ready knew that Best of luck with your decision. There's always a seat for you on the losers bench :-)

Mr. Doctor warned me that the effects of drinking alcohol would be much more pronounced after the lap band surgery... apparently the alcohol gets into the system faster for some reason? He also said empty calories, avoid it... but we are all human and I think everyone cheats on occasion.

I cannot believe that in this day and age and technology, your doctor would not agree that obesity is a major problem. I think I would find a new doctor immediately. Becuase she's never gonna be supportive even after the procedure is done. Every ache and pain you have, she is going to blame on your surgery. Apparently, she doesn't understand that obesity is a disease just like alcohol and smoking.So sorry for your doctor's ignorance.

Ok, first off, so sorry you are suffering so!!! ((hugs)) Chronic pain SUCKS. Chronic nerve/neuralgia sucks maybe even worse on top of that. It can definitely become the thief of joy and hope. I have degenerative disc disease and arthritic hips with chronic bursitis and SI-itis. But on top of that pain I also have a bone spur on my thoracic vertebra that causes a nerve intrapment in the intercostal muscle. (But wait! There's more! I also have a set of Ginzu steak knives! *snic*) On top of that, I have had multiple breast cancer and reconstructive surgeries that have left me with 360 degree neuralgia pain that is about 9 inches top to bottom across my chest and back. It's like a burning, stinging chemical burn or raw rash at my chest wall that feels like stings from fireants. I have this 24/7/365. And lastly I have neuralgia in my feet/toes and fingertips leftover from hand food syndrome during chemo cuz the chemo dose had to be so high for me. I tell you this not to top you or bore you. But to let you know possibilities. Last May I'd given up hope. I was WTD (waiting to die) and barely got my fat ass out of the recliner for longer than it takes to pee or down a Little Debbie Snack Cake -- or Whataburger Chicken Strip dinner with cream gravy and fries. I was isolated in my house and NEVER went out except to the doctor. Those (foods of crap origin) were my constant companions. Then I got staff in my toe and I realized I wasn't ready to die yet. I wanted to fight!! I wanted to take control back of my life!!! And I wanted it THEN! Immediately. LOL. So I started prepping for surgery. I dumped the crap and went to a very low carb, very low fat, very low calorie diet and started losing weight--slowly--but losing. ALL my cravings went away! And something miraculous happened. As I lost the weight, I was able to force myself up through the cloud of pain to walk for 1 minute--then 5 minutes--then 10 and so on. Fast forward to now, about 97lbs lighter than in May 2017 and my pain is much improved! The neuralgia is still there, Large and IN CHARGE! But the bone and arthritis has improved a bit. And it gets better with each pound lost. I get cortisone injections in my hips that help a lot. I work with a PT to strengthen my core muscles and improve my balance and endurance. And I'm looking forward to trying water exercises soon! I still have a FU*K load of burning, stinging, itching, aching pain each day. But my arthritis doc said, the best thing I can do for myself is get to a very low weight as quickly as I can. That a 30% drop in weight will significantly improve my life. I now walk 1 hour a day (30 minutes at a time), can stand to cook, go visit family, go out on dates with Mr. F. and am slowly taking back control of my life. I have a positive, hopeful outlook despite the chronic pain. I just CHOOSE to live life even in the face of pain and choose to have control--rather than being a victim of my surgeries and disease. (Not saying you're a victim--I'm saying I FELT I was a victim of them.) You take control back, by going back to your basic plan. No eating and drinking 30-30. If you're drinking alcohol stop. If you're taking more pain narcs than you absolutely need, wean off them. They blunt your desire for health. Eat dense protein first, veggies second, healthy fats and cut out the ALL the crap and contraband. Weigh, measure, and log everything! And know that 6-12months after surgery is sometimes what it takes for things to feel a little better. My big surgeries took me 6 months to begin to feel human again--each time! Sorry for writing a book...but please don't give up. WTD SUCKS! Congrats on your weight loss to date!

I am in the same boat. I started March 1st - have to have 6 months of monthly NUT visits, sleep study, psych eval. Plus the program I am in requires attendance of 6 modules. I've finished everything except still have 2 more NUT visits. On Aug 19th I'll be officially done with what I need to do before they can submit to the insurance co. At first I was REALLY bummed. Now I am actually happy because I realize that I needed all this time to prepare. I have done so much research that I am now positive that the sleeve is the right decision for me (but the lap band or bypass might be the right decision for someone else) I also immediately gave up soda, caffeine, and alcohol....urhh...that was hard but I haven't had any since March 1st! The best think yet is that I have dropped over 38 pounds. Each pound will get me quicker to my goal and make my surgery a little safer. We are all so lucky to have this format to support each other. This will seem like such a short time when we look back on it. Good luck!

That seems a little soon to me. You Dr. may say something different, but I know for me personally there was no way I could have drank a week out from surgery. I still felt sore and weak. Also something to consider, you will only be on the liquids stage which means you'll basically have nothing in your stomach and alcohol would effect you a lot more than normal. I would use extreme caution.

Sorry to hear that. I applaud you for going ahead and making yourself healthy regardless. On some level, your Mom has to know this isn't right. Any chance she would go to Al Anon and see a nutritionist to get back on track? If her alcohol issues were under control, her real self would show itself and, I imagine she would be supportive of you.

Not sure what happened to my first reply but sounds like your mom wants the best for you but she is talking from her fears. You just stay focused on your own reasons for your decision and u will be fine. As for the alcohol addiction, here's a sidebar: my therapist told me that cross addictions are not uncommon in bariatric patients because they can transfer their food addiction to something else like shopping, alcohol or gambling. In other words, we all need to have stuff worked out before we get the surgery. Wish you the best! Keep your eye on the prize!

Personally, I don't even bother with the empty calories of alcohol... I'll have an unsweet tea...if they don't have that, an iced coffee... I keep sugar free flavoring in my purse, so I'm ready... don't need the alcohol to have a good time... but that's me... never was much of a drinker anyway...

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

I have had my second fill and am not in the green zone with 3cc fill appear to be stuck at this weight for 3 weeks now. I am trying not to get discouraged, continue to walk thinking about getting a personal trainer just to make the scale move. I had a large celebration this week with my only cheat being a 2oz sample of wine. First and only alcohol since going under the knife. No sweets at all and making healthy choices. Time to get back to my journal I guess to really see what's happening with my intake calorie wise. I have to remain focused, I can feel a difference in my clothes as I have shed an entire wardrobe! Another non scale victory under 100 to lose! I can do this....! Yes..I can!

I am with JeepGal. I do not want to seem unsupportive, but the fact that you are gaining that much weight is kind of an indicator that you are not doing what you need to do to make the band work. I know every practice is very different in the kind of support/guidance they give, and it really does not sound (from your post) like your practice is giving you the support you need. I don't want to lecture you with info you already have, but I just want to make sure you know the most important rules to eating with a band, because not knowing can easily lead to failure. PLEASE do not be offended by this. If you know all of it, just skip it. But I would hate to see someone failing because nobody bothered to educate them on how to use their tool! NO SWEETS. Ok, we all know its not likely to give up all sweets completely, but if you are indulging in ice cream, cake, Cookies etc more than every couple of weeks....you have a problem. Even worse, these are usually soft calories (see rule two!) AVOID SOFT CALORIES. liquid calories are pretty much evil. You need to avoid soda, alcohol, juice (should only be used sparingly), any drink that has sugar in it should really not be a part of your life. But even more so, anything that dissolves too easily is bad. Not necessarily to be completely avoided, but not good. My practice gives this recipe (offhand I think its just vinegar and water) that you can mimic the environment in your body. Things that dissolve too quickly will go past your band too quickly. Mashed potatos, cookies, Pasta - they all dissolve quickly. The way lapband is supposed to work is by keeping the food in your pouch longer. If you eat too much of these foods, you trick your band. Protein IS KING. You should be basing your meals around solid protein if at all possible. This of course is meat, chicken, fish etc. These things take the longest to dissolve and will keep you full longest. Water IS GREAT. Well, most of the time. Try not to drink right before and after eating (consensus hovers around a half hour before and an hour after) so as to not push food past your band too quickly. The rest of the time, get that water in as best as possible. I struggle with getting my water in, but I can absolutely assure you when my water intake is up, not only do I feel better, but I lose faster. I really hope things turn around for you. Maybe if you can get like 10lbs off your doc will see you are trying and give you the fill you need. Best of luck to you!!

Awww thanks god I hate beer. I do like alcoholic fruity drinks occasionally. Looks like next year once I get the body I want I can have alcohol once in a while.

Every surgeon seems to have a different opinion on the subject of alcohol consumption. My surgeon said 6 weeks. Some say 6 months and some are firm on never. I would highly recommend you do not do that right now. You are way too soon post op. Your stomach is not anywhere near healed and no good can come from that right now. You must concentrate on hydration this soon and wine will only hurt that goal.

I have the occasional small glass of wine that takes me an hour to drink or a 1 oz. shot of vodka (which I sip over 1/2 hour). No adverse effects and I haven't gotten tipsy from it. That small amount once a week or so is fine for me and I figure it into my daily calories, too. I'm dying for a cold beer, but even a sip of carbonation makes me ill now. I don't recommend alcohol for everyone.

I have only vomited four times post-op (I'm well over 2 years out now). One was when my whole family had a stomach bug and ALL of us were throwing up, so nothing to do with my sleeve. The second time was my second Thanksgiving post-op. I ate too fast or didn't chew well enough and something got "stuck". I had tremendous pain in my chest and foamies until I finally threw up and felt a million times better. The third time I went on a pub crawl and drank WAY too much alcohol... definitely nothing to do with my sleeve and everything to do with me being an idiot. The last time was this past summer. I ate way too quickly again or didn't chew thoroughly again then proceeded to play Lasertron (fancy laser tag) for about two hours. By the end I was dying. Again with the "stuck" feeling and foamies until I was able to throw up and get out whatever was stuck.

I am going out town unexpectedly in two weeks. I am 2 1/2 months post-op. What have you guys done about about eating on vacations and drinking alcohol? This is my first trip post-op. I am really nervous!

Actually maybe the correct question is - how did you know when you were done? I am within a couple of pounds of my original (completely arbitrarily chosen) goal weight. Which by the way I never really believed I could reach. I was sleeved 10 months ago and am still losing around half a pound a week on 1200 calories (ish) a day - a bit more at weekends because I drink some alcohol then. I am hungry at times but I can keep that at bay by eating lots of protein snacks alongside my 3 meals a day, which are protein and veg for the main - still not much in the way of carbs. My question is - did you just select a goal weight and stick to that? Did you achieve/maintain this by intentionally increasing your calorie intake once you got there? I'm thinking I could easily go up to 1600/1800 calories a day and probably maintain at that or thereabouts. Or did you just keep going as long as you could, staying on the right side of hunger (AKA deprivation, LOL) and see how low you could go, and does the weight loss then fizzle out? If I did that would I ever be able to up my calories again without gaining? So many questions, LOL. I would really appreciate your thoughts and experiences.

I keep wondering about this too. Actually I know three people IRL who had gastric bypass, 2 have regained and the other one is now a severe alcoholic, so my stats skew to 100% fail, but obviously that is not true. Scares me some because this has been too easy for me. I hope I am learning better habits for when it gets harder....

And I really don't understand why there are so many different boundaries with alcohol ! Some surgeons say 3 weeks , 1 month , 3 months , 1 year , never !!! Can't they all get on the same page !!! Or somewhere close within range of each other ... Jus sayin

I'm sorry that you are having difficulty, it may be best to contact your surgeon as soon as possible. I have not experienced this, but not being able to keep foods down is one of the symptoms/side effects that I was informed to contact my team for. It may be possible that you are dehydrated also, if you have been vomiting. Alcohol can also cause dehydration. Hoping you feel better.

Phatty, I am so sorry for your and your partner's loss. Losing a baby, no matter if you are in the first month, or the ninth month is very difficult. It is not the fault of the band. He is grieving as are you, and one of the stages in that grief is anger. You are both going through a tough time and need a chance to heal. The honest answer is that in most cases we do NOT know why women miscarry. It just happens, and I have to trust that it happens for a reason. I work in Neonatology (we take care of extremely sick and premature babies) and I can tell you from many years of experience, you can do EVERYTHING by the book, eat right, exercise right, avoid smoking, avoid alcohol, take no medications, and still have problems. You did not cause this intentionally. I do hope things get better for you, there are many loss groups out there, when you feel up to it you might want to look into them. Here's a link to one that has been around for a very long time, I hope that this helps in some way: http://www.nationalshareoffice.com/

I love my wine and had a very small glass about 3 months post op. I love to have a glass of wine with dinner and do most nights. I have also had a couple of screwdrivers when out, the alcohol effects me no different from pre op to post op, the only thing that is different is the slight buzz does not last as long. Pre surgery I drank 6-7 diet pepsi's a day, after surgery I stopped cold turkey. About 3-4 wks post op I was putting those flavor packets of lipton diet teas and have been using them ever since. I don't think they have much caffene in them at all. i do have a few sips of diet soda every once in a while but it all tastes like chemicals to me.