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My doc said to wait til little over a month after surgery to enjoy an alcoholic beverage. And I'm getting the sleeve done. Now, I'm not a big drinker but do enjoy the occasional beverage. But any recommendations on non carbonated/low sugar cocktails? Besides an alcohol and water! Lol

Be sure to watch any sugar alcohols like Xylitol, mannitol etc. Alot of those things are diarrhea inducing and they are in anything sugar free. Also, some people become lactose intolerant after surgery so you may want to cut out diary for a week or so to see if that is the culprit. On a personal question, did anyone who had frequent diarrhea before surgery now have constipation issues or at least have regular BMs?

Thank you for the insight. Im glad to hear you can still eat and drink what you want but in smaller portions. I'm totally fine with being able to do that from time to time on those special occasions.I was worried that I'd never be able to enjoy a birthday party or the holidays or any special event ever again. Or that id make other people uncomfortable for not being able to participate or join them. The pre op nutrition class left me weary. The nutritionist said for the rest of my life I can only eat food that is cut into pencil eraser top sizes and chew each tiny piece 30-40 times before swallowing...I mean what's the point? Might as well opt for a liquid feeding tube. It sounded exhausting to always eat this way and that it would take hours to finish one meal. Also, I was disappointed when the nutritionist told me I could never eat certain foods again. she also discussed the medication for life afterwards. It would be a Vitamin 3 times a day with calcium in between each one. maybe this varies by state and doctors. But this makes me a bit nervous that I'm going to be at risk for health issues like malnourishment. Also, im in 4 weddings this year in which I am maid of honor for 2, which has me stressed. my window for the preop 2week liquid and surgery recovery is small. the doctor has told me I cannot drink alcohol for a year! which concerns me when it comes to not missing out on bachelorette parties they are once in a life time experiences. I feel as if I will be ruining my sisters and best friends experience bc we won't be able to make the traditional memories they are expecting. To have my surgery I will have to sacrifice a lot for my health,but I feel my health should come first. It's just that all these scenarios and dilemmas are weighing heavy on my heart.I think it would be more important to my sister that i look good for her wedding standing next to her than making bachelorette and bridal shower memories. Thank you all for your responses!! I felt alone. I think my biggest fear is the surgery in general. I just need to be strong and work hard to keep my nerves aND anxiety in check.I'm 26 but hospitals and needles make me a 2year old baby crying for my mom....it's always a scene getting blood drawn and my edoscopy done and it's ALWAYS embarrassing! Lol. Last question, do they make you use a catheter? Because If so, I honestly don't think I could go through with it. My dear and anxiety couldn't handle that violating and painful situation.

Sugar alcohols will cause me to have loose BMs. Years ago, when I was doing Atkins, I took 6 sugar free pecan turtles (yes, the experience made such an impression, I remember it 10 years later! ) to the movies. I ate all 6, and in 30 minutes, I was running to the bathroom. Lesson learned.

Yep those sugar alcohols can be the Devil! Maltitol from a sugar free cookie almost caused a Level 111 meltdown in my shorts while on quite a long subway ride into the city. ????????

When I was diabetic, sugar free hard candies and gum gave me problems due to the sugar alcohols in them... not an uncommon problem.

The hospital did put a catheter in me. It was inserted in my vee for urine output---once I was peeing on my own the next morning they took it out. I don't know what your hospital's protocol is regarding that. I'd say don't be afraid---I never even felt it and it was inserted while I was still out under anesthesia before they took me out of post-op recovery and to my room. It was absolutely no problem at all for me. As for your events--my advice is to just go and enjoy yourself. Alcohol and food aren't what make a good time. Sure, they contribute to the fun, but you can have plenty of fun without them, they're not necessary. I'm willing to bet too that your friends and family will accommodate you with whatever you have to do for the sake of your health and what you're trying to do. Just tell them, explain it to them. They'll understand. I don't think it'll ruin anyone's time! They'll just appreciate the fact that you are there celebrating with them. Drinking alcohol does not make memories---it's YOU that make memories. How do I know? I'm a recovering alcoholic for 21 years and have gone to many important events and not drank and no problem for anyone!

@@BLERDgirl Thank you for the insight. Im glad to hear you can still eat and drink what you want but in smaller portions. I'm totally fine with being able to do that from time to time on those special occasions.I was worried that I'd never be able to enjoy a birthday party or the holidays or any special event ever again. Or that id make other people uncomfortable for not being able to participate or join them. The pre op nutrition class left me weary. The nutritionist said for the rest of my life I can only eat food that is cut into pencil eraser top sizes and chew each tiny piece 30-40 times before swallowing...I mean what's the point? Might as well opt for a liquid feeding tube. It sounded exhausting to always eat this way and that it would take hours to finish one meal. Also, I was disappointed when the nutritionist told me I could never eat certain foods again. Also, im in 4 weddings this year in which I am maid if honor for 2, which has me stressed. my window for the preop 2week liquid and surgery recovery is small. the doctor has told me I cannot drink alcohol for a year which concerns me when it comes to not missing out on bachelorette parties they are once in a life time experiences. I feel as if I will be ruining my sisters and best friends experience bc we won't be able to make the traditional memories they are expecting. To have my surgery I will have to sacrifice a lot for my health,but I feel my health should come first. It's just that all these scenarios and dilemmas are weighing heavy on my heart.I think it would be more important to my sister that i look good for her wedding standing next to her than making bachelorette and bridal shower memories. Thank you all for your responses!! I felt alone. I think my biggest fear is the surgery in general. I just need to be strong and work hard to keep my nerves aND anxiety in check.I'm 26 but hospitals and needles make me a 2year old baby crying for my mom....it's always a scene getting blood drawn and my edoscopy done and it's ALWAYS embarrassing! Lol. Last question, do they make you use a catheter? Because If so, I honestly don't think I could go through with it. My dear and anxiety couldn't handle that violating and painful situation.

I've had the same exact issues, but decided not to get any fluid removed. I noticed specifically what I was eating was contributing to my band becoming inflamed (alcohol seemed to contribute a lot, ugh). But I know exactly how you feel and although I was able to get back to normal by changing my diet a bit, that feeling of sickness and reflux is one of the most uncomfortable things I have ever experienced. I would say try to eat more filling foods, such as oatmeal, and maybe incorporate small healthy snacks throughout the day (like fruits and vegetables) to keep that feeling of "full." I also understand your paranoia to get a fill and my advice is try to tweak your diet before getting a fill. Keep a diary of your foods, too, if you're not doing that. I hope you are able to keep going strong without a fill (or if you get a fill, that terrible reflux doesn't return!!). Try not to get discouraged, you've come so far! all the best! Theresa

Look, food can't replace real freinds and lovers, you just want it that much and that's an addiction. Just like an alcoholic or drug user the addiction drives you and controls you and all you know is you need it. Fear of failing or succeeding? Probably more likely afraid to take the first step on the journey you know you need to make, and that you can't come back once you make that decision. I had a lot of the same fears, but now I'm about 5 months out and I couldn't be happier. Now I control my relationship with food and not the other way around. I still enjoy many of the foods I love, but I can't abuse them, my sleeve won't let me. I'm still in the early part of my journey, what I didn't realize until I got here, is that the path behind me is darker than the path ahead. Good Luck to you.

Hey Gang! I went to a support group meeting and wanted to share info with you. One of the Administrators of our program did a college research project on people who had wls between 2009 and 2013 - basically, people who were over 1 year out from surgery. She categorized the group into 3 segments. 1. Those who maintained their weight. 2. Those who marginally gained weight (1 - 10 pounds from their lowest or target) 3. Those who regained (11+ pounds). The key factors that people stressed to stay the course are: 1. Have a solid support group - bariatric pal was mentioned as a great source, plus the ones through your physician's office, and, family/friends 2. Continue to journal your food 3. Exercise 4. Even though your stomach limits your intake, make sure your intake is good stuff. (Protein bar in one hand, jelly donut in the other.... pick the protein bar!) 5. Keeping your appointments with the doctor and nutritionist 6. Don't fall back into old habits 7. Alcohol - although many of the maintainers said they do drink alcohol, they limit it to one or two drinks once a week or less I don't have the stats with me regarding what percentage maintained, marginally gained and really gained. But, when I get them I will share with ya'll! (And, no, I am not from the south. Just felt like saying ya'll).

I originally chose lapband in 2008 (self pay) lost all my excess weight and stayed at goal until January of 2014. My band eroded.. I then chose to be revised to RNY Bypass in May of 2014. I didn't want to have to get another wls surgery (I checked on here and saw the revision from sleeve to bypass forum and knew I only wanted one last surgery). I had to gain 50 pounds to be eligible for the revision. I have since lost 75 pounds. I am doing fantastic and damn I wish I had done the bypass first. Reasons why: 1. I was self pay for both 2. I Haven't thrown up once with bypass 3. I can eat anything I want just in very small portions 4. No sliming 5. I can eat breakfast with no issues. 6. I can gulp water 8. I don't feel hungry 9. I can eat healthy food easily and now I can have 1 cookie and be satisfied. Love my RNY bypass!!! The only downfall to the RNY so far has been I really don't drink alcohol anymore.. It goes right to my head.. But honestly it's a minor downfall lol

Wow, thanks for sharing. I can definitely see addiction transference being a risk. I come from a family of alcohol and drug addicts, but food as always been my drug of choice. Definitely something I'll keep in mind.

For me, Siggy's yogurt, it has very little sugar and has a sourness that takes getting used to. It's on the expensive side ($1.79 per cup), but it has a ton of Protein. I find that I cannot stand other yogurts (Greek or other) because I am so used to the Siggy taste. Atkins Protein Bars --I like them because they are lower in calories and total carbohydrates than a lot of others. I have not seen Quest bars in my area (W MA). A lot of protein bars that I have tried have a sugar alcohol aftertaste I really do not like.

you are spot on!! Its like saying to an alcoholic or a gambler " oh you look a normal non addictive person..you dont look like an addict" those words could ease anyone to think " you know what shes right im ok.....lets go have a drink and have a gamble" just one word can make me go into flashbacks.

I too know someone who died in her sleep at around age 40. She was a diabetic and became alcoholic, left her family, got uber skinny and was sick alot since she wasn't eating well - really went rogue post gastric bypass. Luckily that is the exception but it does happen.

I have had the sad experience to know someone who became an alcoholic after having gastric by pass and it is very sad indeed as the drinking of "spirits" has a much faster absorption rate in someone who has this surgery and the affects of the liquor are felt much more profoundly enhancing the addiction. Sadly this person experienced many many issues as a result including, sepsis, kidney failure, sirosis of the liver and an untimely death at the age of 46. She was not someone you could speak to easily and would not seek or participate in counseling.

My program truly stresses the link between WLS and alcoholism...to the point that every professional in the process: nutritionist, psychologist, nurses and surgeons mention it. I chose to stop drinking 6 months prior to surgery and have no desire to resume...just like I've chosen not to eat white bread, rice, or potatoes. But, I also wonder if some WLS patients have an issue with alcohol because they've heard about the dangers so often.

I wonder if the alcoholism is the same in sleeve patients?

Hi. Just sharing new articles at the ASMBS: http://connect.asmbs.org/stories-of-the-week-01-05-15.html. Example: WLS is not the "easy way out"; and the risk of more alcoholism after gastric bypass [or, seemingly all WLS]. Click links: Experts: Weight-Loss Surgery Not an Easy Way Out (DelawareOnline) In a local Delaware story featuring two patients who had bariatric surgery after years of struggling with obesity and comorbidities, Dr. John Morton, president of the ASMBS, discusses the advancements in surgical techniques and laparoscopic technology that have made weight-loss surgery "a very safe procedure," Morton said. In Delaware, close to one-third of adults are considered obese and nearly 80,000 people live with diabetes and another 57,340 have heart disease. The article notes, “Unlike most states, Delaware's Obamacare plans do cover bariatric surgery, but candidates must go through screening before it is approved.” All hospitals in the state offer weight-loss management services ranging from nutrition help to performing most of the surgeries on site. It is also noted that, according to ASMBS, there are about 18 million people who qualify for surgery, but only one percent go through with it. And health officials say, a “lack of information and insurance issues have been a deterrence, even as the surgery itself has evolved during the last 50 years.” Dr. Morton comments, "Obesity is a disease and like any disease it deserves treatment… it is something that is really critical. Patients at that weight don't have a lot of options.” Alcoholism After Gastric Bypass: Is It In Your Mind Or Gut? (ScienceLine) In 2012, a large study published in the JAMA reported that the percentage of patients abusing alcohol increased by 2% after surgery, and other studies have corroborated the findings, even a decade after surgery. Since then, scientists have competing ideas for why gastric bypass patients show higher rates of alcohol abuse post-surgery. One early theory proposed addiction transference, suggesting people adopt new addictions after weight-loss in lieu of food. But more recent evidence suggests specific metabolic and hormonal changes triggered by gastric bypass may leave patients vulnerable to alcoholism, but not other addictions. “Whether it’s addiction transference or something else going on, we really don’t know at this point,” said James Mitchell, a doctor and professor of neuroscience at the University of North Dakota. What’s certain, he said, is that the high rates of alcoholism in patients who have had a gastric bypass operation cannot be attributed to chance.

Now I want to know if anyone is having a problem with the alcohol effecting you more now? Getting drunk to easily?

I personally used to love beer , i drank a few the night the night before i started my per op diet lol . And that was my good bye forever , i am really sad about it lol But i know its for the best . I had my surgery nov 20 i am about 8 weeks out . I keep telling myself i Will be able to Drink alcohol one day Except beer . My nut and doctor said it was one thing i would give up forever .

You can try it (soda) and see how it goes. Personally, I can tolerate everything except carbonated beverages. The bubbles just don't sit right. I've even tried pouring it over ice and letting it sit. By the time it was flat enough to tolerate, it didn't taste good. As for alcohol, I have had everything from wine to bloody Mary's, to vodka cocktails to whiskey shots. I don't notice that it affects me any differently, but if I drink more than 1 or 2 at a time or more than 2 days in a row I do get gastritis. And although I used to be a pretty heavy drinker, it just doesn't appeal to me anymore. Not worth the empty calories and tummy ache. (Funny, since I was willing to tolerate wicked hangovers before)

What about alcohol?