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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?

Hellloooo all skinny people! Haven't been on here in forever! I'm jealous of everyone that's doing so well, so you've all inspired me to get moving again. I've definitely just let the weight fall off but now I've got to take it up a notch. Started at 242, lost 68 lbs, need to loose 30 more. But I'm so flabby, yuck! But it's okay because I can wear awesome skinny clothes and no one sees the flab. Problems- drinking alcohol Not exercising Eating crap, even though small bites. What keeps you going?

You did great. You don't have that far to go to get rid of it. I keep procrastinating about joining a gym because its so cold at home right now and I think this post finally made me do it. I'll know by 6pm tonight lol. Eating out is fun but try to stick to salads and try to avoid alcohol. Maybe once a week is fine but if your doing it each weekend, your going to pay for it. Also try to avoid sugar and starches. We all know what those do to us. grr And btw @@Faith41 you look amazing.

I'm one year out and I visited family over the holidays and gained 4 pounds in 1 week. Not surprised considering my 4 food groups were sugar, fat, alcohol and more sugar. But I got right back on plan when I returned home. Spent 3 days detoxing by eating only Protein and veggies. Even cut out the fruit and whole grains to try and get all the sugar/carbs out of my system. Then back to my regular balanced diet that worked so well before the holidays. I lost the 4 pounds by the end of the second week. Just get back on plan and throw out the junk. You got this!

It always amazes me, and I'm sure all of you, how variable the instructions are for before and after surgery, and even the method of surgery for the gastric sleeve. Here is a little bit about my instructions and surgery so far: Before Surgery: 1) Was immediately told to follow low carb diet on my first visit and to bring back a diary in two weeks. 2) Had all the appointments on my first visit (psychologist, NUT, DOC, and the Nurse Practitioner, oh and the PA too) 3) Easy approval through insurance 4) Lots of blood work and had an endoscopy. Results low on Vitamin D, and some mild gastritis. 5) Vitamins: Told to take B12, Vitamin D (10,000 IU), Calcium, a good Multivitamin, Prilosec (20 mg a day), Fish Oil, and a pro-biotic. 6) Told to start exercising. 7) Told to drink 64+ oz of Water a day. 8) Didn't have to do any more logging of food after the first couple of weeks 9) If constipation was a problem, use MOM. (and it has been). Pre-Op (2-3 weeks prior to surgery) 1) Limit carbs to 20 a day. Can still eat meats, eggs, some cheese, but must have no sugar, excess fat, starch etc, you know the drill.) 2) Start pushing fluids 1 week ahead to be adequately hydrated. 3) Make sure to get enough sleep. 4) Take Emend for nausea 1 hour before surgery. 5) No alcohol 6) Stop taking fish oil 1 week prior to surgery (it thins the blood somewhat) 7) Do the Hibicleans wash night before and morning of surgery. 8) Bring CPAP to hospital Surgery: 1) Surgeon utilizes no drains. Says not necessary with the sleeve. 2) No catheter. 3) Sends home with oxycodone for pain. (forgot to ask what they use in the hospital immediately after) 4) 1 night hospital stay 5) Four ports for surgery 6) No separate leak test done with barium 6) First follow up visit is 3 weeks after. After Surgery: 1) 3 weeks of full liquid diet (goal 32oz of Protein shakes a day, and approx. 700+ calories a day and 100+ grams of protein a day). Supplement liquids with non-sweetened other stuff (crystal light etc.) 2) 3 weeks of pureed foods 3) 3 weeks of soft foods 4) No gum ever (well, I think they mean forever) 5) Caffeine is ok to have. 6) No soda pop ever 7) No NSAIDS 8) Two weeks off work is the general rule 9) No heavy lifting for 6 weeks 10) No baths, ointments or creams. Showers ok. 11) Must take Iron supplement, Vitamin D 10,0000, Multivitamin, calcium 1500 mg, B12 100mg, PPI 40 mg, probiotic, Omega 3 fish oil as supplements for a long time All should be liquid afterwards, but small pills may be tolerated. 12) MOM only for constipation. Doc says constipation should NOT be ignored. If 2 days go by and no bowel movement, call the office. 13) Utilize the on call surgeon whenever you feel you need to. Don't wait to call. 14) No straws Whew!

I am curious about sugar free products such as jellies jams and desserts for diabetics, and what it means when It lists sugar alcohol levels does that raise your sugar? for a lapband patient would those things be okay as a treat in small amounts?

Always remember doors close for a reason...............Another door will open!! This is such a true statement! Reflect from inside yourself and you will find the answer! You have already started a new life maybe this is just a part of it. I truly wish you the very best. This is just one of many test in life we have to conqueror. food, cigarettes, alcohol have always been a the go to relief. This is the part that you have to figure out how to handle without using one of these vises. I know you will figure it out!

Great to read all the happiness! I had my 3 month on Monday. 30 pounds total and my slow loss and plateau that lasted 4 weeks is over. BMI is just out of obese realm but hovers dangerously close. I can, unfortunately, eat just about anything I halve tried. Have not done much bread, fried, or pastas and hope not to...can drink alcohol but must be vigilant. Exercise is so much easier but not yet habit. Hoping to knock off 10 these next 6 weeks and then deal with it maintaining before taking on the next 10 pounds.

I had RNY surgery 20 months ago. I was in a weight loss mode for 7 months and then very naturally transitioned into a maintenance mode. In the maintenance mode, it is very important to be happy. I try to find a balance with my meal, Protein, liquid, and Vitamin requirements while at the same time find an approach that I can live with in the long term without regaining the weight back again. I asked my nutritionist "Why are people successful with weight loss after surgery, only to regain much of the weight back after surgery?" She said it is probably due to snacking between meals. I took the approach of eating high protein homemade chili and Soups as my meals. As a result when I worked my way up to 1 cup per meal, I was consuming around 65 grams of protein solely from my meals. I hate Protein shakes. As I obtained more and more protein from my meals, I could phase out my use of protein shakes. I still supplement protein. But in my case it is either a cup of hot cocoa (no sugar added) or a blueberry smoothie each day. They make me happy. For me the other part of the equation is what to snack on. Protein is a good snack. But for me, the best snack is items that contain fats. This is because fats take away hunger. I make homemade whip cream. I substitute Splenda in place of sugar. (I do avoid sugar almost completely.) I have one cup of coffee each day with a very large scoop of whip cream. Another item that I use is Adkins treats. They contain fat and substitute sugar alcohol in place of sugar. I generally limit my calorie intake to 1300-1500 calories per day. But I also monitor my weight each day. So long as my weight is stable I am happy. Everyone is different, what works for me may not work for you. The important thing is to find your happy state. Something that you can live with for the rest of your life, while still maintaining your weight loss. For me experimentation was the answer.

I chose the sleeve because it seemed like a less evasive surgery. I didn't want my innards re routed. I also didn't like some of the side effects of the bypass. I had to do a 6 month supervised diet for insurance approval and in that time I researched and learned what I would have to do to be productive after the sleeve. I knew I could do it and I am doing it. My recovery was wonderful and nothing like I expected. I kept saying this is weird everytime I didn't have an issue or problem with something I tried. I have not had any dumping or throwing up issues, but I also have followed my surgeons orders pretty much to the letter. I really believe that has made the most difference in where I am today. A friend at work had the bypass around 9 years ago, she said she still throws up all the time. YUCK, But it is because she eats things she shouldn't and she does drink alcohol here and there. So I think with any of the surgeries if you do what you are suppose to 90% of the time you can avoid things like this. Just my two cents!! Good Luck with whatever you decide, make sure to let us know!!

I'm pretty close to your stats... 12 1/2 months out and 102 pounds down. I went home for the holidays and ate like crap...sweets, bread, potatoes, rice, more sweets, fried food, alcohol and more sweets. I made a lame ass attempt to get in all my Protein by drinking a protein smoothie everyday, but seriously, it was a bad week. The thing is I totally planned for it. I knew I couldn't resist my mom's yummy cooking so I didn't even try. I ate guilt free, knowing it would only last a week. When I got back I stepped on the scale and had gained 4 pounds. Since I was still jonesin for sweets I immediately detoxed the sugar out of my system by doing protein and veggies ONLY for a week. Then went back to "normal" eating, which was easier since that first week flushed out my sugar cravings. I lost the 4 pounds by the end of the second week. I think this is what you may have to do. Draw on whatever mental strength that got you through the preop and postop diets. Get rid of the Cookies and anything else you shouldn't be eating. If it's not in the house you can't graze on it. Stick STRICKLY to protein, healthy fat and veggies. Keep a Water bottle with you at all times. Drink everytime you want to eat. Drown yourself in fluids. Do you have any "before" pictures? Hang them on the fridge. Put your gym bag in your car. Go straight there either before or after work. Look for different protein options at the grocery store or deli. Explore new recipes. Transfer your desire to graze to preparing and tasting new high protein healthy foods. You can do this!

I saw my dr today and he told me that my 25 pound loss in 6 weeks is perfect. I had a Lapband before and he said that x-lapbander tend to loose a little slower but that's okay. I'm 2 pounds away from my lowest on the band. Woo hoo. He also reminded me that 25 in 6 weeks is significant and keep doing what I'm doing. Protein and water are the key he said. We also talked about alcohol. He said anything carbonated is out. A little wine is fine but to never drive even if I have one because absorption is so much quicker and higher that I may feel sober but would blow way over the limit and would probably be more impaired then I realized. And it's empty extra calories. As far as vitamins. Chewables or gummies. I have Chewables at work in case I forget my gummies in the mornings. I feel like they've really helped with feeling tired. I had some overcooked chicken nye and ended up vomiting it all plus up. It was hard to eat anything the next 2 days. Dr said when that happens revert to softer foods for a day or too. Baby my tummy basically. I feel like sometimes on forcing myself to eat. Need to stop that. Other than that all is well.