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Hey everyone, I went to my PCP on 2/18/19. I weighed 298 lbs at 6 tall. I was huge. Depressed, sleep deprived, eating disordered etc. My Dr. recommended me to the options program at Kaiser. 12 weeks of weekly classes to see if I was ready for the surgery. During those 12 weeks I researched weight loss drugs, and went on Metformin every morning and Bupropion x2 a day. I immediately lost interest in food and over the 12 weeks lost 45 lbs. I'm not diabetic but very hypertensive and sleep apnea severe. They approved me with no out of pocket costs for the surgery tomorrow at 7 am PST. The reason I'm doing the surgery is that I have a 3 year old daughter, and I want to be around for her. I'm late 40's and sick and tired of being sick and tired. My Dr. requires a liquid diet for 2 days before the surgery. I had five fast food dreams last night and dreams about chocolate candy bars and dreams about triscuits and cheese plates, etc. I cant believe I didn't struggle for 12 weeks of losing 45 lbs but 2 days of no solid food and its a huge struggle. Clear liquid protein, broth and lots of caffeine. I got really irritable at dinner time tonight and was frustrated. Even after losing 45 lbs I still ate unhealthy and had trouble controlling my appetite and had serious unhealthy disordered food cravings etc. The frustrating part was after losing 45lbs the teachers in my weight classes and my pcp and my specialists were all like why are you doing this? You are now on the border of obese and look really good. They all tried to talk me out of it! My Bariatric surgeon was very supportive and immediately scheduled my surgery. I'm excited and nervous. The really hard part is that not eating solid food for the last 2 days has been difficult and made me want to regress and go back to junk food! I didnt and I'm ready for the surgery but I hope my taste buds change and I become much healthier and practice mindful present eating habits. I know the Metformin and Bupropion were temporary battles won but not the war - which is why I signed up and I'm ready for surgery. I have my sugar free popsicles, and Premiere protein clear gatorade looking bottles and my vitamins and crystal light sugar free. I'm ready to win the war and this is a battle I knowingly go into with open eyes and a clear heart. I hope the surgery really helps the anger and depression and manipulative hormones that emanate from my stomach when it doesnt get its fast food or junk food fix. I want to enjoy not having an appetite and eating small healthy portions of healthy food. I want to be the 190 lbs guy from my college days. I have broad shoulders and a football players body and played in college but really just get healthy again. Two things I enjoy in moderation is 1 cup of coffee a day and once a month having a drink of alcohol or two socially. I hope I can regain both of those in the year after the surgery. I don't care about the junk food, fast food, and sugary or fried food. I hope I don't ever want those again. (My stomach is talking now) literally 8 hours before the surgery! Mark PS I hope losing weight helps the sleep apnea and lessens it, since the cpap doesnt work very well. I also hope to stop the 4 blood pressure drugs I'm on as well.

well never mind all that - I just googled them, and they don't contain sugar alcohols. Not sure what it was you were reacting to...

I have the most amazing friend. She was so excited and open and told everyone about her decision to get her sleeve. It was because of her courage and strength that I have decided to embark on my own journey. I will be meeting with the surgeon in a few weeks and I am so excited, ready to embark on the road to a healthier me. I even found out my insurance does cover it!!! That said the one thing that I have struggled with is deciding if I was going to tell everyone or not. My husband is very supportive and so is my awesome friend, but after a lot of thought I have decided I am not telling anyone, with the exception of some friends and anyone I meet or know that is struggling with obesity themselves. My MIL is a nurse and she will not be supportive and I know she will say I need to do it on my own as she did 30 years ago. When I mentioned my friend having surgery all she said was "well...you have to be careful so many of them become alcoholics, or shopping addicts, I see them all the time at work" . Mind you I wasn't saying I was thinking about it or anything. She also talks about everything and everyone, not in a harmful way at all, she is not mean spirited, but is always talking about various peoples health and medical issues ect. After discussing this with my husband I have decided to not tell my in laws or anyone in his family. This is a very personal choice and I feel I want to keep it private. I wish I too could scream it from the mountain tops like my friend, but I fear that any form of negativity will keep me from being successful. Am I a coward??? :confused5:

In my programs it was recommended to wait for 6 months for bread and raw vegetables. But I think it was a year to never again for alcohol 😂

... in America and other places We're actively encouraged to figure out our new tolerance in a safe environment, because it is assumed life will happen and with life, alcohol. Hence the cultural differences.

Where did I say that? No, there's alcoholism. There's probably a lot less than what's usually assumed in America (sometimes, AA meetings aren't the solution to being a bad person/having a life that needs fixing), and a lot more than what's usually assumed in many parts of Europe (sometimes you're not fun, you're just a drunk). The truth is probably somewhere in between.

I had a VSG in September. I was permitted to have raw vegetables at three months, along with carbs. I haven’t had any issues with veggies but it does seem like the few times I’ve had “conventional carbs” like a piece of bread or a little pasta it hasn’t agreed with me so I avoid them (I make “sandwiches” with low carb or cauliflower tortillas, or on lettuce, when I want something like that.) Alcohol they told me to wait at least six months, preferably a year…I’ve had alcohol twice, and while I havent gotten ill or anything it is a lot of empty calories and I can’t have club soda, tonic water, diet soda as mixers or something like beer or White Claw because of the bubbles. Be warned; the first time you drink after that long and after losing six months worth of weight, it’s going to hit you much harder. Be careful.

Dietician, filling in online form at 4 week meeting: so what kind of alcohol have you been drinking Me: oh well I can't drink beer cause of the gas so I've been trying dry Vermouth. It's quite good. Dietician: and, frequency? Me: twice Dietician: twice a day, ok Me: no...just twice so far Dietician: *laughs* *rolls eyes* : OK...

Idk, I only focus on myself tbh but I’d hate to be the person not properly warned that a brand new alcohol addiction is possible.

I laughed almost as hard at the people who scolded you as I did at your phunny post. When I first started reading your post I almost couldn't believe my eyes. I couldn't imagine how in the world you were able to eat enough pizza that there was none left for the kiddo. You're funny. Pizza is one thing that I've wondered about. I had surgery on the 28th of April so I'm a month out. I'm trying very hard to do all the right stuff. I want success so very much!! And so far, I'm doing fine. Losing little amounts every day. But I do worry that I'm going to eat too many calories so I write everything down all day long. I think that helps. I meet with the dietician in a couple of weeks. I'll probably ask her about pizza and alcohol. Not ready to party yet, but one day maybe..... Good luck with your new tummy Mr. Bigga and keep the funny stuff coming. We need to keep our sense of humor and stay happy on this journey!

I wonder if the "quick drunk" thing is more common in RNY patients since the pyloric valve is bypassed. Liquids go directly into our intestines (and right into our blood stream). I know alcoholism is a risk with any WLS, but the rapid intoxication may be more of an issue with RNY. I don't know this for a fact, though...

Alcohol is empty calories you know- but you're a Grownup so YMYBYC ( your money- your body-your choice) Okay?

Jul, I am so sorry for your story. It brought tears to my eyes about your brother! It sounds a lot like my situation. I have an older brother (11 years, by her first husband) and he was heavily into drugs and alcohol. I'm sure he still lights up every now and then, but he has managed to turn his life around. He left VA when he was 20 and she didn't follow him! I move to TX - where she says she'll NEVER live, and she followed me! I'm sure she would again, if I moved away. I can say that *most of the time* my mom isn't really mean for the sake of being mean. She used to be, but she's calmed down a lot. I think she just wants to be taken care of, but doesn't really know how to interact with people. Although, she has told me before that she should never have had me. She was older and she and my dad got along great until I was born. Then, he still wanted to go out and she had to stay home. I think she feels she sacrificed for me, now it's my turn to reciprocate. I don't feel that way - now, but I did for a long time. The other day she was stressed over my aunt's visit and she got so mad at one of my dogs she through something at her. I gathered up our stuff and left and my DD said, "I can't believe she threw something." I said, "oh, I believe it!" When I was a kid, she'd grab anything that was near her and throw at me. Shoes, books, a plant once! She had a temper! Now she's just kinda pathetic. Since I told her being bitchy to me wasn't acceptable, she's been much better. I think I just need to keep her behavior on a short leash and stay in control. When I start trying to be the daughter and put her in control is when things go to hell. She's not a fit parent - never was and never will be. Good luck with you staying strong. Do you feel you'll call them again, or are you done forever? If they contacted you, what would you do?

Good luck Glou..., I wasn't strong enough to break up with my alcoholic toxic father until he died and now there is peace! Take care Nancy.

You sound very well prepared!! I also had some decent success over about a 1-1/2 year span where I exercised at least 3 hours a day and ate 1000 cal or less. It was great. BUT it started climbing back up. I couldn't have eaten any less and I certainly could not have exercised any more. So, I gave up. I feel I can easily do the work...I'm not a binge eater, emotional eater, stress eater, etc. I actually like low carb foods, I can give up soda and alcohol. I'm not a big sweet eater. I just don't want to be hungry all the time. So, I feel this surgery would be a good option for me. I will probably get more excited and start stocking up more when it becomes more real...after I finish the various appointments! Let me know when you get your date!

I am now 10 days into the full 3mg dose. The side effects, if any, have been minimal for me. I have had some general sour stomach, other than that, not much negative from it. My appetite has decreased substantially, but my late night cravings for a sweet snack have not left completely. With the medicine, I've also started the intermittent fasting, not eating anything until 10AM. Once I eat my lunch, I am ready to eat dinner at 6PM and typically the late night cookie or jello cup goes down. Overall I feel good having dropped 26 lbs in 6 weeks, but most of the loss came in the first 4 weeks with the new medicine and reduction in alcohol. I'm still having a glass of wine or two, but not the daily 2-4 drinks prior to the new year. Overall, I like the appetite suppressant....yet it's the lifestyle change that has me wanting more.

My surgeon advised not to even attempt alcohol until after 14 weeks I believe? It was in the same category as red meat. After posting here I realized my surgeon allowed foods post op that other surgeon's do not. For example, Cream of Wheat the same week as mashed potatoes. So I can't say if that's normal or not. I can absolutely guarantee you that 3 months out, you may take a few drinks and still lose weight. However, give it another month or 2 and it will slow or stall weight loss.

I have had a drink or two starting at four months out. White wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon blanc) is my drink of choice. I am usually tipsy without getting sloppy after two glasses. Before the people on here get all judgey and stuff...We are human and enjoying a glass or two of wine with friends while out to dinner is NORMAL! We get the SLEEVE to be NORMAL, right? -- I just have to get that out there. I have read forums where people start berating for asking the question about alcohol and get all soap boxy about surgery and weight loss...blah blah blah... Anyhoo...I think you are in the safe zone about four months out, but take it easy. SIP SIP SIP!!! YOU WILL GET TIPSY QUITE QUICKLY...so stay ahead of getting drunk!!!! NURSE YOUR DRINKS...until you know what you can handle with your little stomach!

I am pre-op (in liquid phase) and my Dr. insists on no alcohol for a year. I don't plan on touching a drop until that time and then it will be very moderate. Alcohol has so much sugar in it in all forms. Not for this chick for all the money sunk into this surgery. (smile)

Weight loss is in slooooooooooo moooooooooooooooootion! But to be honest, I have been partaking much more alcohol this summer than usual and eating more of the bad stuff. But my fill is still pretty good. I am going to be more serious about my good food this month and come September, I am gonna rock on hard. I am determined to beat the odds of a 60% weight loss. I am aiming to lose 100%..... 20-25 more to go..... How is everyone else doing on their current fill. I'd love to hear. I am thinking, one more small fill to 3.2 and I will be there.

I've lost a good bit by now (84lbs with 39 to go) my belly button isn't getting any air and it's gross and smelly and wet. Sooo gross. I've tried lotrimin spray and alcohol to clean it but it's still gross. Any advise on how to deal with this? Also when do you start thinking about plastic surgery. Again I still have a ways to go but I'm already seeing belly button issues and thinking I need to wrap my head around another surgery. And also what's the chance I get my insurance company to pay for it? Band to sleeve revision surgery 1/16/17 HW: 283 CW: 199 GW: 160

I don't really blame your Dad for refusing treatments for lung cancer. Many times the treatment is much harder than the cancer and it can sometimes speed the death process. The final days are not very fun on chemo. As for the ways your Mom treated you growing up... I have this theory. If I had a chance to change things and not have been raised by alcoholics, I still wouldn't change a thing. It wasn't easy but I learned a great deal from it. I have skills and abilities I wouldn't have had I not been raised exactly as I was. My sisters whine and complain and blame every issues within their personalities on the way we were raised. I guess I just see things differently. It gave me a great deal and I learned from it. Question... what in the world made her quit drinking at 70? That's a long time to be drinking and suddenly quit. I'm sorry about your Dad. Treasure even the frustrating times. If I could have my Dad back in ANY way, with any personality, with any issues... I'd do it in a heartbeat. Just get him to tell you stories that he remembers about when he was growing up. Or have him remember the times that were fun and tell about it. Just be honest, tell him that with his cancer nobody knows what kind of time he has left and you want the stories. People LOVE to talk about themselves. They love to tell stories, they love to talk about funny things they remember. If he is still grumpy and grouchy talk to him like his little girl and explain to him what you have told us here. Just be honest with him. Try it, tell him you are going to miss him *so* much and you really need some Dad/Daughter time. What do you have to lose?

do you eat anything with sugar alcohol in it? Most sugsr free foods have some. My protien bars had 9g and I was having the worst gas ever. I switched bars and it is a lot better now. Just something to look into Good luck,

JaLynn, That is really cool about your dad. Cat for sure takes care of their employees and guests! I can guarantee you that your dad has an awesome time at the races! Yeah cutie pie Kasey! My 16 year old daughter caught a glimpse of him on Sunday and I thought she was going to die! How 'bout Mark Martin #4? He is so awesome! Did ya'll know he is a recovering alcoholic? He also love rap music? Does anyone watch NASCAR 360? It is usually on on Saturday nights during the September programs. Ya'll should catch it if you can! It is an awesome show. the spotlight like 3 different drivers each week. The funniest one is was when Kevin Harvick farts on his prissy wife! I died laughing! Just a couple weeks until Texas! Wooo hooo Getting way excited!

Hi there! I was sleeved by Dr Hart also, on May 15th, so I'm exactly 8 weeks out today. Lost 35 since surgery, 50 since heaviest weight. I'm doing really well, but I like to drink alcohol a few times a week. Vodka doesn't bother me at all, but trying to find new ideas for mixers. Seems like everything is either sugary or carbonated. Any yummy suggestions for what you drink? Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using BariatricPal mobile app