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My former husband receives an injection of naltrexone once a month. It has done wonders for him. It decreases the desire to drink & prevents the alcohol from having an effect on you. Best wishes to you.

Just to keep it in perspective, alcohol dehydrates you. After drinking your body retains Water. There is no way you drank 17,500 calories to gain 5 pounds in one or two days. The change on the scale is very temporary as long as you eat on plan and drink your water.

Have had great success with my weight loss and hit my 6mo mark at 112lbs lost.. Then I decided I would try drinking alcohol again. I tried to make "good" choices on Labor Day weekend and got drinks without a lot of sugar and so called skinny drinks.. I was able to drink more then I thought I would.. Had a great time, only to see a 5lb gain in the scale today. I wanted to cry. That fun weekend was not worth it!!!! I barely ate all week trying to make up for drinking and that clearly don't work . I still feel bloated and am really disappointed in my actions. I really wish I hadn't done it and I need to learn from this and stop acting like I'm 21 !!!

I was sleeved May 19 so I have no idea what the future will bring, but for now, there is very little I can eat without pain. It seems to be getting worse frankly. Like I was okay with shrimp and then one day I was rolling around in the bed after having some (not fried of course). I eat very oddly and I know others are perfectly fine, but eating out is a mess for me. Everything is surrounded by meals. My stomach can't hang with most on the menu, but I try. Then, I get the comments about how I barely ate. It does get me down at times not because I want to eat bad foods, but I don't want to be the center of attention. It seems it may get better with time. I had to call out some friends who I noticed stopped inviting me to Happy Hour. They don't know the deal but I told them that it's the company, not the alcohol and we cleared that up. At least I know I'm making progress. My doc asked me to be in a TV ad or paper ad because of my progress. Since I kept this to myself, that isn't happening, but sometimes you need to hear the good stuff.

I hit 249 this morning! I haven't been this weight since I was 20, maybe 21. My body looks very different from what it was back them (not as nice), but I am still please with the progress. Only 50 lbs to Onderland, a place I haven't been since Junior high. When I started this I had so far to go it seemed impossible, now I just looking forward to the passing of time. Also turns out it wasn't post alcohol dehydration after my birthday, it was sign #1 that I was getting a cold! And end of summer hurrah for my body apparently. I'm hydrating like crazy. Drinking OJ for Vitamin C, and green tea with antioxidants, and trying to sleep a lot. I tried to eat my dinner last night of 6 to 8 ounces of chili no beans and I could only eat half. I think it's cuz I only had 30 minutes to eat before I had to leave (otherwise I could have eaten the whole thing, I know because I did the night before). But Hormel chili no beans is AMAZING with a little cheddar cheese. Try it out if you haven't yet!

I've lost a total of 96 pounds so far and well in the "normal" BMI range. I passed my surgeon's goal at 6 1/2 months. Passed my personal goal at 7 1/2 months. At 8 1/2 months I'm still losing at a rate of about 2 pounds/month. Like I said in a previous post, I chose to not track and measure my food. I simply eat balanced, healthy meals, focusing on Protein. I did limit, but not eliminate carbs. I've added fruit to my protein smoothies, and had occasional crackers, bread, dessert and alcohol since about 3 months out. As I got within 5 pounds of surgeon' goal, I added in even more fruit, whole grains and fats, and have continued to lose (20 pounds since upping my carbs and fat). I guess I'm officially in maintenance, but haven't really changed what I'm doing because I'm comfortable with what and how much I eat. But I totally agree with bearman99....you just need to find what works for you for the rest of your life. There are dozens of ways to make this work.....whether it's tracking and measuring or not, or going to the gym everyday or not. Postop life is all about choices, so you can choose whatever path works for you.

I always viewed the diet recommended as a guideline. In general, the less carbs the better chances of long-term success. I DO find if I eat/drink carbs the hunger hits me more. I do find that getting my 100-130g Protein keeps me satiated. If I choose to have alcohol or higher carbs I am dealing with the smack in my head calling me to want to eat more. The best is to find YOUR carb limit YOU can live with. I knew going in that if I restricted everything this would fail for me. It is a rare day my net carbs go over 100. I wish you health and happiness and hope you find what works for you for life. This is not a quick fix but merely a tool, a very powerful tool, but still, just a tool to help.

I am 20 years old i did the sleeve and i do drink. Its my college year. Dr said it was fine as long as i consume low calories drinks such as vodka water or whiskey water. Ofcourse i dont have the same tolerance as before, i get tipsy faster but you can deff drink shots and alcohol. So far ive lost 55 lbs in 3 months and nothing bad has happened.

I'm curious about the gin and tonic (as that was one of my main pre-op drinks.) I would think the tonic Water would have a ton of carbonation? Glad to hear it doesn't affect you that much. I hope it's the same for me. A month out and just experimented with alcohol for the first time this past weekend. We had a tailgate event with a bunch of friends. Over a period of 5 hours, I had 3 drinks. I had a glass of red wine with dinner, a screwdriver, and a Moscow Mule after. I was a little worried about the Moscow Mule since there is a little Ginger Beer in there. However, it went down fine. I drank all of the drinks very slow compared to how I drank pre-op. I might have had a little buzz after the screwdriver, but, nothing major. Overall, I was very glad to see that I could socialize like normal and not have the alcohol majorily affect me. However, I will say that I had been losing around 1.5 lbs every other day prior to drinking. And I was same weight for 2 days after. It definitely affects the weight-loss part.

The reason we are not supposed to take NSAIDS is because of their risk of causing ulcers. With our teeny sleeves, an ulcer would be that much more dangerous to deal with and treat. It doesn't matter if it's administered orally, IV or sublingual. The systemic action of NSAIDS that relieve pain and inflammation is the same mechanism that causes ulcers... "NSAIDs work by inhibiting two enzymes, substances that cause chemical changes in the body, called COX-1 and COX-2. Both enzymes produce prostaglandins—chemicals produced in the body's cells—that promote pain, inflammation, and fever. However, unlike COX-2, COX-1 produces another type of prostaglandin that protects the stomach lining from stomach acid and helps control bleeding. By inhibiting COX-1, NSAIDs increase the risk of a peptic ulcer developing and bleeding. Many people have come to rely on NSAIDs. Some take the smallest possible dose of aspirin once a day to keep their heart healthy. Others take NSAIDs throughout the day to reduce pain and inflammation. As with all medicines, NSAIDs offer many benefits, while also carrying some risks. Doctors and patients work together to weigh the benefits and risks of using NSAIDs, even when NSAIDs have caused an ulcer. Patients who stop taking an NSAID at their doctor's request may want to resume use once they feel better. In other patients, the benefits of taking an NSAID outweigh the risks. In such cases, the doctor works with the patient to determine how an NSAID can be safely continued. Whether deciding to resume or continue using NSAIDs, patients should tell their doctor about all prescription and nonprescription medicines they take. The doctor then decides if the patient can safely use an NSAID that caused an ulcer or should switch to a different NSAID. In either case, the doctor prescribes a PPI or H2 blocker to protect the stomach and duodenal lining and promote healing. People with a current or resolved NSAID-induced ulcer who need the benefits of NSAIDs can promote healing and reduce the risk of ulcer recurrence by..... taking the NSAID with a meal using the lowest effective dose possible quitting smoking avoiding or limiting alcohol Peptic ulcers can return, however, even when patients have been careful to reduce their risk." That being said, my surgeon actually sends his patients home with a 5 day supply of a sublingual NSAID. It's the only pain med he Rx's postop. He explained the benefit of reducing inflammation at the incision sites and in the new sleeve outweigh the risk of ulcers. Especially since it's short term and we are taking a PPI at the same time. I had so little pain I actually only took them for 2 days, so I have extra on hand if I need them for back aches, knee pain, etc. (And as a side note, so you don't take NSAID warnings lightly, aspirin is SO good at causing ulcers, they actually used to administer aspirin to induce ulcers when researching ulcer treatments)

Thanks guys this is good to hear. How do you survive socially? Having dinner with your partner who's eating normal...going out for tea. Have you drunk alcohol? Any tips would be fab. I just rung my surgery who said I'll meet the nutritionist next week and they decide If I'm on optifast for 1 or two weeks

My NUT was kind of judgey and acted like you were an alcoholic if you ever wanted to drink again. I waited 3 months. I'm 6 months out now and I'll have a couple of drinks a month. Usually wine or sometimes beer that I let fizz out for a bit. I do get drunk super fast and also sober up super fast. I never get sick and I don't get a headache or anything. You're basically going to have to learn to drink again. I just pace myself.

You're welcome Yes it could had been to strong or maybe thw alcohol in it,...feel better

Hello All: Had my surgery 13 days ago, and have begun the discovery process on the board. Lost 18 lbs at my first Dr. visit 10 days out, so happy about that. About to begin my travel schedule again for work after two weeks out. I have my Protein shakes to cover mornings and lunches, thinking about Yogurt, Soups, Underwood deviled products for dinners. Water won't be a problem. Any suggestions. Really just looking to say hello, and anxious to read about other success. If you are from Houston, let me know! I need an alcohol free, easy on the stomach place to watch some football, and my house with the rest of the gang isn't it!! Regards,

My birthday was on Friday, and it was pretty emotional for me, since it was the first one since my divorce this year but I didn't make bad food decisions I also am 1 lb shy of my goal of 25 lb down since surgery. I am 24 lb down since July 24. I'm not sure if I fall under the slow loser category or not but I'm pretty okay with my progress, especially since I know it's only a little over a month out. I still have a long way to go! I decided to give myself a break from protein shakes, they make my mouth taste funny and they aren't delicious. I've been concentrating on getting protein in food form, and I've been doing okay. I can definitely do better, I just don't have the room, or the desire to eat! I went out to dinner at Applebees for my birthday last night with my friends, and I had an AMAZING time, it really reminded me that I have great friends and people love me. I had the quesadilla burger and I half the patty with some salsa, it was really good. They brought out my birthday dessert, a scoop of vanilla ice cream with some chocolate sauce and whip cream and I ate two spoonfuls and wanted no more. That was huge for me, as I was a big time sweets addict. When people would say they don't crave sweets after surgery I didn't believe them and now I see that it is true!! We also went to bar and I had half a small drink that didn't hit me at all alcohol wise, though I still feel the post drinking dehydration hitting me this morning. I went on a shopping spree with my mom yesterday with all my happy birthday discounts and I went to Ross and bought three future shirts. I'm looking forward to wearing them in a month! They don't look too bad on me now actually. They are all 2x from Ross and I use to have a problem finding 3x shirts that fit at Ross, so yay NSV!!

When is it ok to have like wine, or light alcohol? Im 2 months post op and miss wine like crazy!

For me when I read a thread where someone asks a question if I can relate I respond if not I don't. I have saw many threads where an OP asks if anyone has ate pizza or drank alcohol at a time that seems too early to many people and I have seen many people become what I consider rude and preachy. There are so many different diets out there and when answering a question I take that into consideration. If someone asks if anyone has ate pizza at a month out for me it is rude to say ask your doctor or you shouldn't have had surgery.

I see patients everyday in clinics throughout NJ....there are patients who take things soberly and to heart, a real pleasure to work with., and then there are people who will come up with every possible rationalization under the sun thinking they can get away with something, at least in their minds....but in reality they are fooling no one but themselves... I see that behavior everyday on this forum...people just searching for excuses to do something they know they shouldn't, or after consistently doing things and then look for people to tell them it's going to be OK.... How many posts are there concerning Alcohol or pizza??? WHAT does YOUR Dr. say??? Those are 2 that jump immediately to mind... After a few years you see a trend with this, and unfortunately when a Newbie asks a question they get hit between the eyes as though they were the ones asking the same question time after time.

Hi Jen -- Yes, you really can do this! We all got cold feet during the last week or two. Right up to the point where they put you under you'll be thinking, "I can still back out!" That's totally normal. After 4 weeks you should be pretty well healed from the surgery itself. There may be some remaining tightness from the swelling, but easy foods like tuna salad should be going down pretty well by then. I used Hellman's Low Fat mayo on almost everything for the first couple of weeks of solid food. If you're driving to the wedding, take along your shakes. If you're flying, maybe you can get someone out there to buy some, or find out where they sell them and buy them on the way in from the airport. Also buy tuna/mayo and Greek yogurt if you like them. Use the shakes, tuna and yogurt to get you through the wedding. In fact, pack a shake or two in your purse for the reception just in case. By the way, my favorite Protein shake is Premier Protein, chocolate flavor. Pre-planning is the key to travel success! I just got back from a 9-day vacation where we ate out 2-3 times per day. I made good choices and lost 5 pounds. And even though it's a special occasion -- Don't drink alcohol. Not only is it really bad on this program, but it leads to other bad choices. Do drink your 64+ ounces of Water or Crystal Light - that will also fill you up. If you feel hungry between meals, you are probably just thirsty. Do focus on getting your protein in. It helps you feel satisfied. Take all your Vitamins and supplements. And don't cheat! (That means no sugar/carbs.) They will start you down a bad path right off the bat. The good news is you shouldn't really be hungry. Plan your strategy in advance and keep to your plan. Eat your three meals and two Snacks each day and drink all your liquid and you should be okay. Hope that helps. Good luck with your surgery and the wedding!!!

Thanks Richard. You know I've had some good success so far. I have stuck to my program religiously, except for some occasional alcohol (guilty pleasure). Weight loss has been steady, but slowed as of the last few weeks. I think I have more weight to lose but not sure. It sure would be nice if we knew where the weight loss would end. I do track everything, but that works well for me. I dont think that maintenance eating will be very different than how I eat today. I have really tried to look at this as a lifestyle change that I needed to make and I am completely comfortable with avoiding some foods that are not good for me.

Had surgery 1 1/2 years ago, lost 155 lbs, and at 6' 220lbs am pleased with my new body... probably still about 20lbs overweight and despite working out 5x/week still have a lot of loose skin. It was pretty easy losing the weight, but it was torture the whole time. Post surgery eating was a horrible experience - nothing tasted good, I never felt satisfied and I always felt sick after eating and extremely hungry all the time. It was brutal. The good news, though - was that the weight just seemed to melt off. The bad news was that to survive, I would cheat with candy, cake, Cookies etc on the side because they didn't make me feel sick and they felt satisfying, and it didn't seemed to slow my weight loss. Now, the sick feelings after eating seems to be easing. I still have to eat slowly or I will feel terrible, and I still have to have small portions, but my weight loss has completely stopped and I have actually gained 7 lbs from my low. No matter how careful I am with my calories, at levels where before I would steadily lose weight, now causes me to stay flat at best or even gain. Yuk. This is kind of depressing. BTW I have cut out all alcohol now for 2 years, which is very boring and I eat very little, exercise a lot - and am now gaining - yuk, yuk. I feel like I am back where I started, ever day I wake up and say to myself I am going to try to eat even less and exercise more so that I can lose more weight, ie DIET. This doesn't feel sustainable and doesn't feel good. Any words of encouragement/advice or similar experience? Thanks

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!

Please be strong for yourself. I am very sorry your mom is an alcoholic. As people have advised, you may wish to go to Al Anon. Your mom switched one addiction for another one. What matters is what YOU think about yourself. Don't listen to her negativity. It is your life. You know you can do it. Best of luck to you, dear.

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.

So my mom told my sister that having the sleeve will be such a drastic change that I won't be able to handle it and she doesn't understand why diet isn't working for me. I'm just frustrated. I thought my mom was supportive but I guess she's not. She lost 100 lbs a few years ago, BUT she gave up food and transferred her addiction to alcohol. She still eats lots of sugary foods and counts fat content, which doesn't work for me...I'm happy she lost weight, but sad that she doesn't support me and that she continues to drink.