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Let me rephrase this a little... Because my doctor didn't just say, "You will become an alcoholic." He was basically giving me facts, about how most of us have an addiction an it's food, that's our comfort an go to. When we can't have certain thing we try to replace them with sonething else.. Like alcohol. Statistics show that 34% of wls patients that drink to early after surgery continue to keep drinking more than they had prior to surgery, an 15% end up doing rehabilitation programs for alcohol instead of over eating. He basically was giving me facts an letting me know the statistics of what others have gone through. I have been looking for these statistics online to post link but I can't seem to find.... Sooooo idk if dr was pulling my leg or not, but to be honest I really dnt care. It's not a crime to have a drink every now an then, so I will continue. #BottomsUp

People feel they can criticize our method of losing weight there's a real lack of compassion for food addicts u have rehab for drugs and alcohol I feel like this our "rehab" so to speak much the same as drugs and alcohol if u don't work the program u will fail as obses ppl we can sometimes take a lot of crap that others wouldn't take the ppl with all the negative " opinions" are often the biggest offenders of shaming us and acting superior to us well if we lose weight what are they going to be able to insult us about? I've had ppl in my family say things to me like well "just don't eat so much ... Really? if it were that simple no one would be overwieght or offering to "cook my meals" lol that almost made fall over laughing considering I've been cooking since I was 10 yrs old taught them to cook fed them as children and adults still do who do they come to for holidays party's etc? Me! it's not a matter of not being able to cook or not understanding nutrishion it's a matter of wanting to eat too much food too often much like drugs and alcohol it's an addiction the skinny ppl just don't seem to get it

I was sleeved in July and I have drank 4xs since mid September and I'm still loosing! Oh and It hasn't made me an alcoholic so that's a plus!! I drink vodka with water and squeeze the flavored drops in it. My favorites are strawberry lemonade or fruit punch. I do feel the effects a little quicker but not much of a difference in my overall tolerance since before the surgery.

I was on the boards for over a year pre-op, and inhaled all kinds of stories. I was (I believe) adequately prepared for how the VSG would be a tool, would offer a brief time (1 year) to build new skills, deal with surprising upsets about not being able to soothe myself with food. I also realized I needed to be in therapy, during my journey -- I call it my Year of Losing Weight, my Year of Maintaining my Weight, and Boring Real Life. That's my therapy commitment -- three years. I'm old enough to know that life isn't an endless honeymoon. Boredom, habits and real life end all honeymoons. And then the marriage begins. So I was well prepared. I do see those who are starstruck and want to wake up 365 days later and find themselves Cinderella at the Ball being chased around the floor by The Prince. I see some who are, frankly, not smart enough to appreciate what they're doing to themselves and what it will mean. I seem some who thought they were ready, but find it so much harder to adapt than they'd dreamed. Some of those adapt. Some of them don't. I see some who can't be compliant because they're too food-addicted or simply unable to follow directions or those who can't let anyone be the boss of them or those who think they're too special to do it the boring way everyone else does. I see the perfection puppies, the alcoholics, the ones whose lives are a train wreck with no space in it for self-protection, the wounded adult children, the smart ones who can fix everything but their weight. I see those with bad surgeons and inattentive care. I see those with no support at home or outright antagonism and hate disguised as nagging. People who are desperate enough to have weight loss surgery are not all in mental spaces or physical spaces that are safe enough for them to undergo WLS and its aftermath. Of course, I see people who do well. A lot of them are older. They know it won't be perfect, but they're patient. They have seen tough times, and they aren't shocked by some tough things about WLS. They're a bit long-suffering and don't bitch about every new food that doesn't thrill their palate. They can tolerate temporary discomfort to get to the easier times two months out. In a word, they're just compliant -- or as compliant as they can be. They don't beat themselves up when they're not perfect and they are resilient enough to get back on the path without being a drama llama about it. They don't start threads with titles like: "Oy vey ist mir!" or "Will I ever be happy again?" or "Please tell me this won't last forever." They already know they'll be happy again, that this won't last forever, and that ein bischen vey doesn't require a clickbait thread title.

Last night I attended the bariatric support group meeting of my local medical group. There were 35 people in the room including a staff nutritionist and the Procedure Scheduling Coordinator. The attendees fell mostly into three groups. The first group were people going through the process of being approved for surgery. The second group had received surgery recently and were in the first few months of reducing. The third group were people who had surgery about a year ago and had lost a substantial amount of weight. And then there was me. I was the only one there who'd had WLS more than a year ago (2003 is certainly more than a year ago!). As I listened to the discussion, what struck me was that the main voices in the room were those in the honeymoon period. Most speakers were less than a year out from their surgery, had lost a tremendous amount of weight and were very euphoric. The theme that dominated the session was that it is smart for the prospective patient and those in the first few months post-surgery to surround themselves with people who have only positive things to say about their WLS, only read positive message boards and blogs, and keep away from any 'negative' perspectives. I make a point of spending time on message boards where people are struggling with their weight-loss surgery. I need to be able to understand their challenges in addition to those I have personally faced. As a Life Coach I need to see why and how people struggle and how they get beyond it. In addition to benefiting me professionally, this helps me on my own journey to maintain my goal weight when my old thoughts and behavior patterns re-appear. I spoke up to the group last night because I think it's important for all of us to focus not only on the positive, but also to acknowledge the land-mines that anyone can experience after weight-loss surgery. Otherwise, the opportunity is lost to learn from the struggles of others and avoid avoidable pit-falls. Weight loss surgery is an amazing tool for change, but it isn't good for everyone. Attention to some peoples' bad post-surgical experiences is an opportunity to balance the information given (or not given) by the those with an economic incentive to sell surgery. For example, at last night's meeting there was a woman (who has been approved for surgery in November) talking about how she looked forward to the end surgery would bring to her desire to eat in stressful situations. The professionals in the room were silent. I said to this woman, "Many weight-loss surgery patients still battle the tendency to eat when stressed." I told her that she shouldn't expect the surgery to eliminate the desire to eat when stressed and that it would be wise to begin to create strategies now for dealing with her stress after surgery. I told her that in my experience and in the experience of many of my clients, the stressful situations that triggered the desire to eat in the past are still very present after weight-loss surgery. With the loss of food as an ally and a slimming body that can feel vulnerable and unprotected in the world many turn to drugs or alcohol or force unhealthy foods down their throats looking for a de-stressor or comfort. Last night's discussion leads me to ask you, the BariatricPal veteran, the following questions: What were you told prior to surgery about life after surgery that was not entirely true or was not the entire story? What do you wish you had fully understood prior to surgery that you did not and what do you believe would have put you in the best possible position to succeed after surgery? What information, if any, was missing in the lead-up to your surgery that gave you unreasonable expectations or that led to disappointment in the months or years since surgery? I don't pose these questions to be negative, I want as many people as possible to succeed with their surgeries! I want to clear the air and "add to the record" about what weight-loss surgery does and what it will NEVER do. So, those of you who have had surgery, what do you want those considering surgery to know?

The first group were people going through the process of being approved for surgery. The second group had received surgery recently and were in the first few months of reducing. The third group were people who had surgery about a year ago and had lost a substantial amount of weight. And then there was me. I was the only one there who'd had WLS more than a year ago (2003 is certainly more than a year ago!). As I listened to the discussion, what struck me was that the main voices in the room were those in the honeymoon period. Most speakers were less than a year out from their surgery, had lost a tremendous amount of weight and were very euphoric. The theme that dominated the session was that it is smart for the prospective patient and those in the first few months post-surgery to surround themselves with people who have only positive things to say about their WLS, only read positive message boards and blogs, and keep away from any 'negative' perspectives. I make a point of spending time on message boards where people are struggling with their weight-loss surgery. I need to be able to understand their challenges in addition to those I have personally faced. As a Life Coach I need to see why and how people struggle and how they get beyond it. In addition to benefiting me professionally, this helps me on my own journey to maintain my goal weight when my old thoughts and behavior patterns re-appear. I spoke up to the group last night because I think it's important for all of us to focus not only on the positive, but also to acknowledge the land-mines that anyone can experience after weight-loss surgery. Otherwise, the opportunity is lost to learn from the struggles of others and avoid avoidable pit-falls. Weight loss surgery is an amazing tool for change, but it isn't good for everyone. Attention to some peoples' bad post-surgical experiences is an opportunity to balance the information given (or not given) by the those with an economic incentive to sell surgery. For example, at last night's meeting there was a woman (who has been approved for surgery in November) talking about how she looked forward to the end surgery would bring to her desire to eat in stressful situations. The professionals in the room were silent. I said to this woman, "Many weight-loss surgery patients still battle the tendency to eat when stressed." I told her that she shouldn't expect the surgery to eliminate the desire to eat when stressed and that it would be wise to begin to create strategies now for dealing with her stress after surgery. I told her that in my experience and in the experience of many of my clients, the stressful situations that triggered the desire to eat in the past are still very present after weight-loss surgery. With the loss of food as an ally and a slimming body that can feel vulnerable and unprotected in the world many turn to drugs or alcohol or force unhealthy foods down their throats looking for a de-stressor or comfort. Last night's discussion leads me to ask you, the BariatricPal veteran, the following questions: What were you told prior to surgery about life after surgery that was not entirely true or was not the entire story? What do you wish you had fully understood prior to surgery that you did not and what do you believe would have put you in the best possible position to succeed after surgery? What information, if any, was missing in the lead-up to your surgery that gave you unreasonable expectations or that led to disappointment in the months or years since surgery? I don't pose these questions to be negative, I want as many people as possible to succeed with their surgeries! I want to clear the air and "add to the record" about what weight-loss surgery does and what it will NEVER do. So, those of you who have had surgery, what do you want those considering surgery to know?

I quit coffee for six weeks after surgery. Now over 2 months out, I drink two mugs of coffee in the morning (but do not continue to drink it throughout the day like I used to), and it tastes delicious! BTW, I gave up alcohol July 1 (I formerly drank 1/2 glass wine 3-4 nights per week with dinner) and don't miss it.

I am so sorry for your loss, I am completely compassionate about what your going through. Some people say "you don't have a clue how I feel" but I actually do..lemme tell you why? <-- should make you feel a little better. February 2013 I had to have an emergency gallbladder operation, simple 1 day procedure you would think, but ended up getting aspiration pneumonia from the anesthesia which left me with 6 days the hospital. Wasn't planning that but had to use some of my vacation time from work. Then I found out I had Thyroid Cancer in October and had my Thyroid removed in November 2013, (no more cancer) then my boyfriends son and his girlfriend decided to do drugs and get caught so their 2 year old was brought to us temp. custody on Thanksgiving 2013...then my 24 year old son and his 2 dogs were brutally murdered during a burglary at his house...imagine loosing a child!!! then in March the druggy son of my boyfriend goes to court and tells the judge that his father is an alcoholic and is denying them court ordered visitations with their son to which is not true...they NEVER showed up and my boyfriend hardly ever drinks...but the judge took the child away from us and gave him back to the druggies <-- see how our justice system works? Then to make matters even worse, when I finally had enough...it was time for me and I decided to do my homework and educate myself on the Gastric sleeve to wit I made my appointment with Surgeon at the end of May 2014 and found out my insurance will cover it...but also found out I am now a diabetic. So..this surgery is the best choice I can make in my life..funny tho...if I have no appendix, Female parts (hysterectomy), gallbladder, thyroid and now soon to loose over half my stomach...why does God give them to us if we can survive without them? Anyway...I hope that makes you feel a little better that we all have our trials and triumphs, one is no worse or better than the other..but to us..they are tragic. Just know that no matter where you are..someone is listening weather it's someone in your personal life or someone from this forum...your not alone. Keep your chin up...smile and get back on the program expeditiously and that in itself will make you feel so much better. I promise you!!

Jonathon brought up some very good points. Sometimes a significant other doesn't want the other person to get better for a variety of reasons. Some might be afraid the relationship would change. Some might worry that you would leave them. Some might want to keep the "upper hand" if your weight issues keep you insecure and dependent. Some might feel your getting healthier might "push" them into a healthier lifestyle too that they aren't willing to do yet. Some just fear losing their "eating buddy" and wonder how you will spend time together if it isn't around food. Those are all codependencies. I wouldn't be surprised if your husband has other reasons besides his fear that you may die - especially since your chances of an early death are far greater without the surgery. (He might not even be aware of all his motives.) Think of it this way - if you were an alcoholic or drug addict and you decided you want to get treatment to get sober and your spouse didn't want you to (for whatever reasons) - wouldn't you do it anyway? Of course you would! Healthier is always better - and in the long run, it makes for much healthier relationships. Change of any kind is scary, not just for the person going through the change, but those around them. But if the direction you are heading to with those changes are good, then everything WILL work out. At the end of the day, you have to do what is right for you and he will either get on board too or he won't. That is his choice - and what he chooses will tell you who he really is.

I was told no alcohol for one year post sleeve. Just with post op diet progression, every doctor has his or her own thoughts. I was also told to be careful because you don't know how you a hard and fast a drink will hit you post sleeve.

Hi Carolinda, There is another whole thread about this titled 'Alcohol intake'. There seem to be 3 schools of thought on the subject. In a nutshell... A. The Carrie Nation school of thought. "Do not let alcohol pass your lips, least you become a drunken alchoholic!" B. The Play it Safe school... "I will do what my Doctor says to do." C. The Your'e Ok, I'm Ok school..... Which I subscribe to, wherin, an occasional drink isn't going to hurt me and moderation is the key. You chose... remembering that alchohol is empty calories and can lead to poor food choices. But only YOU know your own body and weakness's, so if you can go out and have a good time and have a drink and not overindulge in chili cheese fries, please do so. I certainly would!

Ok so I was sleeved August 4th and my doctor told me I had to wait 3 months before drinking. I usually go out with my coworkers after work and it's been a little frustrating not being able to drink. I'm not a big drinker but a social drink is always fun. How long you waited or what did your doctor recommended. Halloween is coming and I'm dressing up for the first time since I feel good

I have the same co-morbidities. I was sleeved Sept. 26th at a Bariatric Center of Excellence. The doctor said my diabetes would go away in 3 - 4 days. It went away in 2! He said the sleep apnea and non-alcoholic fatty liver would go away in 3 - 4 months. I never wanted my insides re-routed or the dumping you get because of the removal of the pyloric valve with bypass. I also didn't want the higher level of aftercare necessary to make sure I didn't develop Vitamin or mineral deficiencies. I was sleeved on a Friday morning. By Sunday morning I felt as though no surgery had happened! VERY happy I chose the sleeve.

I was sleeved on 9/23, I have had a glass or two of wine since then. I haven't noticed the flavor has changed but I did notice I drank slowly.. very slowly, a 4 oz glass lasted about 90 mins which is fine. I drink dry red wine or dry whites so they were not sweet at all. I haven't really noticed that flavors have changed but I haven't tried anything sweet or fried and I don't mind missing out on those. We collect wine and have about 200 bottles plus sitting in the house with our fall wine club wine deliveries coming in right now I was banded for a long time and I knew a lot of RNY patients, I noticed more with the RNY where the intestines were changed that patients felt the effects of alcohol faster and some patients did trade a food addiction for a booze addiction. I think if you deal with your food issues you will be ok with booze but it is empty calories!

Up until last wk ( after a signifixant gain) I drank a glass of red wine everynite. Im 16 mths out of a band to sleeve revision. I never had that "tipsy on less" thing that some people have. The problem I have with alcohol is tjat it makes me tgink that unlimoted snacking is a fantastic idea... So no difference for me. Never noticed a difference with my band (2009) either. Guess Im a freak

Sugar Alcohol will upset peoples stomachs easily for some. You might be having problems with the whey Protein and might need to take lactose pills to help digest it. Ask your nutritionist about this. There is egg white Protein powder that you can ask your nutritionist about if that could be substituted instead. Jay Robb makes that. All of Jay Robb products use Stevia as their sweetener. I use Jay Robb products and have no problem. Read labels carefully. This could be a temporary problem and might go away as you progress. I would really discuss this with the surgeon's office and most certainly with your nutritionist so you can get the right nutrition in you. Good luck and feel good.

My rule was that if the ingredients had any kind of sugar, corn syrup, or sugar alcohol it wasn't for me. It works.

After the sleeve, I found that my tastes had changed. Basically, you stick to the rules your NUT gave you: Eat Protein first, then veggies. IF you have more room, it's OK to have carbs. Don't drink within an hour before or after a meal. Not a good idea to drink alcohol.

Thanks that's what I heard from other friends! I'm not worried about being an alcoholic so I can deal w it just want to lose weight and still have a life! Because I'm changing!!

I had my sleeve 9-2, and yes I've had a few drinks since. Unlike everyone else it seems, I am not any more sensitive to alcohol than I was before. I like to occasionally have some light cranberry juice with vodka, and my stomach seems just fine. And I'm still losing. I think it is hooey to say if you drink, you will not lose weight. Calories in, calories out. Alcohol doesn't have super calories that defy physiology. They are empty calories, sure. Alcohol may impair your judgment about food choices, yep. But I've seen no credible evidence that drinking alcohol will stall weight loss, all calorie intake being equal. I'm obviously not saying go against what your surgeon says, this is just my experience.

I'm not one of those people who say 'You can NEVER have X THING AGAIN!' And neither is my surgeon. He does try to keep us in good information about putting ourselves in a position to win. Transfer Addiction is a huge deal for WLSers and alcoholism is a BIGGIE. I also know that if you want to be successful, alcohol should be kept to a minimum because your body will burn that sugar and those carbs before ANY FAT. Your first year is your golden ticket... you'll lose more in the first year to 18th months than you might lose in the 2 years following. Use that time wisely. As well, we metabolize alcohol very quickly so you'll be drunk off of one glass when two used to just make you feel good. It is recommended to avoid it for as long as possible. I know quite a few people who started drinking wine and liquor around 7 months out... loss has slowed or stopped and they just seem to DRINK a whole lot. People do much better when they keep it to a minimum. That said, you're an adult and you know the rules. Your Mileage while sticking to them or bending them may vary. I'd hold out as long as you can and if/when you pick it back up, count the calories, count the carbs, plan to not lose lbs that next week and don't make it a habit. There's nothing more embarrassing than a drunk WLS patient. It's REALLY not pretty.

Your Doctor said you would become an Alcoholic????? Sorry but that stikes a nerve... I can understand substituting alchohol for comfort food but that doesn't make one an Alcoholic anymore that eating a cookie makes you a cookie monster!

Surgery is about 3 weeks out. I have to do the liver reduction pre op diet and I know about the post op diet stages. Of course all WLS materials tell you " no alcohol " even later on. I know there's calories but at this stage of my life I really enjoy a glass or 2 of red wine on the weekend nights. Is this gonna be a problem long term?

Wow!! Congrats! You look fantastic! Im getting sleeved Dec 11th, I'm 22 currently. How long did it take for you to get back in the swing of things and recover? I heard anywhere from 1-3 weeks, but I'm thinking it may be sooner since I'm younger than most WLS patients. Also, did you have any problems you had to figure out socially after getting the sleeve? (Going out, alcohol, ect)

I started out with a relatively low BMI and had a self-pay surgery with Dr. Lopez in Puerto Vallarta mid-August. It was the best health-related decision I've made in years. I've lost just 50 pounds, am eating SUPER healthfully and I don't miss processed foods, bad carbs, alcohol and diet soda. And I have my passion back for my workouts. God bless this crazy sleeve!