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Sugar-free popsicles can be a life line during the 2-week liquid diet before surgery. Sometimes, however, they are hard to find. Sugar-free popsicles are basically water, flavor, color, starch, and a sweetener. Some brands found in grocery stores include Sugar Free Blue Bell7 Bullets, Sugar Free Popsicle7 and Budget $aver Sugar Free Twin Pops. The Blue Bell7 and Popsicle7 brands are 15 calories each. The Budget $aver brand is 30 calories for the whole twin pop, so you will need to use half, or one stick’s worth for a serving size. The calorie limit for sugar free popsicles is 20 calories each to keep the calories low during this pre-surgery liquid diet phase. Although sugar-free, they are not calorie-free because, of the starch and sugar alcohol content. Check the ingredient list to make sure you can tolerate them. Some of bariatric patients don’t tolerate sugar alcohols or aspartame, which are the more common sweeteners found in sugar free popsicles. Most of these sugar-free popsicles have at least one flavor that is red. No red colors are allowed on that last day before surgery, so use those first. Can you guess the major nutrient found in these sugar free popsicles? The first ingredient in all of them is…water! Nice to know it counts towards your fluid intake.

Sugar-free popsicles can be a life line during the 2-week liquid diet before surgery. Sometimes, however, they are hard to find. Sugar-free popsicles are basically water, flavor, color, starch, and a sweetener. Sugar-free popsicles can be a life line during the 2-week liquid diet before surgery. Sometimes, however, they are hard to find. Sugar-free popsicles are basically water, flavor, color, starch, and a sweetener. Some brands found in grocery stores include Sugar Free Blue Bell7 Bullets, Sugar Free Popsicle7 and Budget $aver Sugar Free Twin Pops. The Blue Bell7 and Popsicle7 brands are 15 calories each. The Budget $aver brand is 30 calories for the whole twin pop, so you will need to use half, or one stick’s worth for a serving size. The calorie limit for sugar free popsicles is 20 calories each to keep the calories low during this pre-surgery liquid diet phase. Although sugar-free, they are not calorie-free because, of the starch and sugar alcohol content. Check the ingredient list to make sure you can tolerate them. Some of bariatric patients don’t tolerate sugar alcohols or aspartame, which are the more common sweeteners found in sugar free popsicles. Most of these sugar-free popsicles have at least one flavor that is red. No red colors are allowed on that last day before surgery, so use those first. Can you guess the major nutrient found in these sugar free popsicles? The first ingredient in all of them is…water! Nice to know it counts towards your fluid intake.

Giving up beer was my only fear with the surgery. The surgeon told me it's not the beer it's the carbonation. I have switched over to a margarita or liquor and sugar free mixer. It hasn't been bad at all. I only drink alcohol once every week or two. I've had no problems and I feel the effects quicker, so Its cheaper. The one difference is that no eating while drinking or you get too full to do either.

I am trying a few of them today....mashed black beans and chew,chew,chew! So far so good I also wanted to know if anyone has suffered pancreatitis post surgically? I have been readmitted to the hospital twice each for five days with elevated Lipase levels. Unusual because I don't drink alcohol, and I never have. I did have type II Diabetes that was for the most part uncontrolled! Even with mega doses of insulin.

I've struggled with my weight since the 2nd grade. Always been very active, but I had always comforted myself with food. Being totally honest, I'm in my 20s, so a lot of my calories came from alcohol too. I decided to have surgery when it became difficult to bend over and put on my shows because my stomach was in the way. Something small and simple, but it bothered me. In January 2014, at the age of 28, I began the process to get my gastric sleeve surgery. I had to go through several visits with my surgeon's office and three visits at the hospital. Finally, my surgery date arrived on April 8th. I had the gastric sleeve surgery, hiatal hernia repair and my gallbladder removed. Before going in to surgery, the anesthesiologist warned me that being young and female, the nausea caused by the anesthesia would be very rough when I woke up. Next thing I know, I'm waking up with such debilitating nausea, I don't know how I'm going to make it. The first 6 hours were horrible because of the nausea. I didn't even want to open my mouth to talk. The only pain I felt was from the gallbladder removal. The nurse said they have to stretch a muscle really far when they remove the gallbladder and it felt like I was ripping that muscle in half every time I moved. The nurses encouraged me to walk, but I didn't until that first 6 hours of nausea passed. Then, my mom and boyfriend took turns helping me walk the halls every two hours. The toughest thing was blowing into the spirometer the tech gave me so that I wouldn't get pneumonia. It felt like I was ripping out my staples when I took deep breaths in order to blow enough air into the spirometer. After 8 hours, they gave me juice and water to drink and it wasn't difficult for me to drink at all. They gave me all of my antibiotics intravenously, so they only sent me home with nausea meds and the spirometer. I had picked up my prescription liquid painkillers the week before. I ordered ready to drink bottles of clear Isopure protein drinks ahead of time, so I drank those, along with water the first week. I ate sugar free Popsicles and chicken broth with Cajun spices mixed into it. I alternated between taking liquid Tylenol and prescription pain meds. The most difficult part of recovery was getting in and out of bed because of the pain from the gallbladder surgery. I was only off work for a week, but I should've taken off for two weeks. I'm a pediatric speech and feeding therapist, and I spend most of my day on the floor with infants and toddlers. My staples began to loosen and push out and get caught on my clothing. Everything was fine once the staples were removed 10 days post op. Taking all of my chewable vitamins (multi, fish oil. B12, calcium and D) was difficult the first month and finding protein sources that I liked was difficult. I have only thrown up one time since having surgery because I did physical activity too quickly after eating. I had horrible diarrhea from having my gallbladder removed, but that stopped after my nurse recommended drinking an ounce of blackberry juice each morning. Now, It's been over 5 months and I have no pain or regrets. I still take chewable vitamins (they're absorbed better than capsules and pills) every morning. If I dont take them, I get very sluggish by midday. I drink a GNC ready-to-drink lean shake in the car on the way to work each day and I have a Quest Bar for lunch. I eat a snack after work (usually edamame or tuna) and a 4 portion of whatever I cook my boyfriend for dinner. I feel sluggish if I don't get at least 60g of protein each day. I've never had a problem with getting my liquids in, so I drink 64 oz of water and unsweet tea each day. I walk on the treadmill or do strength training activities 3-5 times a week. I'm 5'1" and started out at 212 lbs. After 5 months, I'm down 50 lbs! My arms, legs and chin area look great. I do have some extra skin on my stomach, but it's not too terrible. My breast will need to be repaired. I was a 42D, so they're sagging and feel empty and flat. My butt isn't sagging, but it's flat too. I think squats will suffice in that area though. I used Bio Oil for the surgery scars. They've faded a lot, but can still be seen. After I'm finished having children, I'll go in for breast augmentation and a tummy tuck. My hair began falling out last month, but I can tell it's not falling out as much now. I know it will thicken up again and I've taken Biotin chewables for the past 4 months. I feel like I look great in my clothes and I know I'll look great out of them one day. I've got 32 lbs left to get to my goal, and I know I can do it. Weightloss stalls some weeks, but I still lose inches. I was a size 17 to 19 in April, and I'm already down to a 9 in September. I'm getting married next April and I can't wait to see how small I'll be when its time to shop for dresses!

THIS!! Someone very close to me had gastric bypass 8-10 years ago and when things got rough she started to drink (she was not a drinker before) and she became a FULL fledged alcoholic as it replaced her eating instead. So please please everyone be careful. She almost lost everything

In general, I always go for Protein first and I drink a 30-40g protein smoothie everyday. Other than that I don't track or measure anything, but I know I eat plenty of carbs......milk, 100% fruit juices, whole grain bars, bananas, pineapple, apples, pears, peaches, mango, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, craisins, sesame sticks, whole grain bread, quinoa, potatoes, Beans, corn, peas, Cereal, oatmeal, pancakes, granola, etc. on a daily basis. If given a choice between a sugar free/no calorie drink or the real thing, I take the real thing because I don't like the taste of artificial sweeteners. And I go out of my way to specifically eat things high in Fiber. The only things I really limit are Pasta and rice (because I get too full and can't eat the "good stuff"), alcohol and sweets. But I have had ice cream, cake, muffins, Cookies, toffee, chocolate, pie, whiskey, wine, vodka, tequila, etc...... In moderation and without guilt. At 9 pounds below goal and still losing, I can honestly say in my case, carbs are not evil.

Indulge, but remember alcohol is sugar so take it slow

I started mine today, although my surgeon did not require a liquid diet prior to my surgery on the 27th. I am drinking a Protein shake at breakfast and another at lunch. For dinner I can have a salad with some type of protein and fat free salad dressing (or olive oil and vinegar). I am also now completely decaffeinated, decarbonated, and alcohol free! Lots of Water and decaf iced tea.

I'm scheduled for October 6th. I went through the munching stage, where I ate everything. My favorite saying was "I cant eat this after my surgery, soooooo why not?" I have now slowed down and I am preparing for my surgery. I amd so excited I am counting the days. I have a great support system in my family, friends and co-workers. My friends are giving me a going away party (weight is going away) before my surgery. I am not sure what that includes, but I am pretty sure alcohol and food are the topics. You know going out with one big bang. I am ok with that....

When people asked me why I was eating so little I said well I have am really watching my intake. At a wedding I even carried around a glass that looked like it had an alcoholic bev in it but was really Water with lemon! I was lucky and was able to avoid major get togethers the first 8 weeks. I lost pretty slow so I got a few comments but nothing jaw dropping. I made sure to bring a shake with me just in case, but I always found some kind of meat that I could cut up. I to this day(being over a year out) have mastered the move food around on my plate move, to make it look like I am eating more than I am. And I eat VERY slow. Most people don't even notice

Alcohol can also cause ulcerations to the anastomoses ...... Where we have been rerouted.

I read somewhere that RNY patients have to be careful about drinking alcohol particularly in the first year. Apparently we are at high risk for developing a replacement addiction from food to alcohol or drugs. I think it is a good thing to avoid while we work out out emotional reasons for over eating. Not to mention alcohol is high converted sugar. ????

I wasn't given an "don't ever eat this" list, only a list of foods to avoid or limit, which includes alcohol. My surgeon's view is that as an adult, I have to decide to make better choices to assist this new tool. With that said, I do avoid high sugar and high carb foods, carbonated beverages (even sparkling water), and alcohol.

There are some very smart people on here with good advice. I was a smoker but not every day or week, sometimes months without. My lung doc told me if I didn't stop there would be nothing he could do to help me. I smoked more after that. I got vertigo and was told it might last 1 to 2 weeks. Well 10 weeks later it went away and the quickest way for it to come back is by drinking alcohol or smoking. Even when I was smoking there were friends houses I would go to where they smoked in the house. My home is 49 years old and we have never smoked in it. It finally got down to if we wanted to get together if I had just washed my waist length hair they knew I would not come so I wouldn't have to wash it when I came home, we would hang out side. My nephew stopped for a while but went back and does not have the energy or desire to do anything after getting off work. You have a lot going on right now, but you have many options. This surgery requires a lot of physical, emotional, and mental strength, so maybe working on getting your relationship in a good place should be a priority before the surgery. Many things can happen for the good if you can sit down rationally and talk, even have a buffer if necessary. We all change and grow in our own time. You are in the same boat with a hole in it, instead of throwing water at each other, help each other bail it out. I hope you continue to seek help be it spiritual or professional. I see a lot of underlying issues that needs addressing for both of your sakes. You have time, so no need for rash decisions, really talk to each other and find out where you both want to go from here. You might just be surprised by the abundant blessings waiting for both of you. God bless you and your family.

I was pretty much like you and far as steady weight loss (except I had 1 month-long stall when I was sick between weeks 6-10). At about 10 pounds before my surgeon's goal I started adding in more fat, fruit and whole grains. I also started getting a little more lax on the "Forbidden" foods like rice, bread, pasta, desserts and alcohol. Well, that was 17 pounds ago. I hit his goal and then my personal goal and kept losing. The loss has gradually gotten slower and slower, but I think I might finally be close to the end. Basically from a mental and dietary standpoint I've been in maintenance for 3 months.....my body just didn't know it . Since I'm already eating what and how much I want, I'm not really doing anything different. What kind of transitional changes are you expecting to run in to?

I still love all my old favorites, but I do find myself seeking out healthy foods I never really bothered with before. I do indulge in pizza, baked goods, chocolate, deserts and alcohol on occasion but I don't really crave any of them. The biggest addiction I've developed is for mixed nuts and Peanut Butter. Gotta have a bit everyday or I start "jonesin" I wouldn't worry about your tastes changing. If you don't like pizza postop then you won't miss it. I'm actually excited about all the new foods I've discovered and prefer to eat over the chips and candy and fried junk I used to eat (and love) everyday.

My family knows but I've only told a few close friends and I did, indeed, get a raised eyebrow or two. I would not begrudge an alcoholic and drug addict whatever method or "shortcut" he or she felt was needed to succeed. But I can understand not wanting to tell people. Of course, I know a handful of people who have had the surgery, and they're very supportive!

I've been to a bunch of social occasions, and on a 9-day vacation during my first 11 weeks. The secret to success (and mental sanity) is planning! Although, as others have said, there should be food you can eat at the wedding, you can't count on it. You need to bring something you can eat if there's nothing appropriate available. Several thoughts: Don't go hungry -- eat before you go. Bring along a Protein shake in your purse in case of emergency. You might even cook up a chicken breast and have it in a small tupperware container. You can quietly drop it on your plate and eat it with a knife and fork. Don't feel deprived. You're doing a great thing for yourself and your family. Don't let an event derail your progress. If you make less than optimal decisions, you'll pay for it on the scale. Not worth it! And to help you make good decisions, don't drink alcohol! Not only is it loaded with fast, non-filling calories, but it leads to questionable decision making. 30 minutes after you eat (whatever it turns out to be), start pounding the Water. You don't want to be hungry when the cake is cut. (That may be a good time for your secret shake.) When you make it through, be proud of your accomplishment. And if you don't, get back on the horse immediately - not two days later on Monday. That's the "old" way of thinking. Remember, you're only 7 weeks into a new life. Do your best not to sabotage your progress. As others have said, people may notice, but they won't really care what you're eating. And if anyone asks, just tell 'em you're eating carefully these days for health reasons. Good luck -- you can do it!!!

This month marks my 2 years since surgery. I have lost 50% of my body weight since surgery and I am happy where I am at. My problem is...I am TERRIFIED of putting ANY weight back on. I think I am so concerned about it because if I tell someone I have had the surgery, they are like "oh, that's great, my so and so had that surgery but he/she gained all their weight back." I eat pretty good, no fast food, I don't drink alcohol, and I think on average I consume about 1,500 calories a day which I have been told I should be averaging about 800-1000 for being 2 year post op. I try to get 30 mins of walking in per day. I just don't know if I should have the fear of putting the weight back on or if I am over reacting. I step on the scale every day and I know that is not psychologically healthy. I need some guidance from someone that has had gastric bypass surgery and has successfully kept their weight off. This may be a stupid question, but do people that have had gastric bypass surgery put weight on faster than the average person with a similar diet? I really need a good mentor that can help me work through these clearly emotional issues I am having.

We have a lot to ponder upon. A lot of the research I have done lately points to the fact that this is a tool not a cure. Meaning we will get a jump start on weight loss but only for a little bit (6 months according to another Bariatric doctor I saw) after that is up to you and how well you count your calories. The human body is so adaptable and will learn to cope with the new starvation status quo after surgery 1. Metabolism will slow down 2. The 2/3 intestine remaining will become more efficient with food absorption 3. The new pouch will stretch very gradually with time if we eat too much and will hold more food 4. Hunger will cause many to regain weight because even though your pouch is small you can eat all day long if you eat slowly and take breaks. 10 little meals a day are possible. Over 1,500 calories a day is totally possible. Also, high calorie foods and drinks will still be in this world too. In other words, it will still be a head game, just as it right now before bypass. The hope is those 6 months we will be enough time to reprogram our eating habits and reform. It kind of works like rehab, as I understand it. I don't have substance abuse but I imagine you go to rehab for a period of time to learn to cope without the substance you crave, lets say alcohol. You can't have it because it's not available at first. Same with food after bypass. The only not so little problem is you can live your live without alcohol but you can't without food. It will likely be - being an alcoholic who has to drink 3 drinks per day but no more. Are we going to be ale to stop at 3 drinks? This is what keeps me up at night in this decision process. We may well be in a situation where this is the only choice but we need to go to battle in full knowledge of what we are dealing with, don't you think?

I think the alcohol question is like so many other things, there are differences between each practice's guidelines. My doctor / NUT advised not drinking. Not only the whole empty calorie issue, but because of alcohol tolerance changes in most people. Also, there can be issues with cross addiction. Once you have to give up overeating as your vice many will turn to alcohol. But here is my two cents...I have drank. Not a lot, but on occasion I have been drunk. I know what I can and what I cannot tolerate. ( 1/2 of a margarita kicked my BUTT! Could have been the tequila or the sugar, or both) I have found if I stick with rum and diet Coke ( heavily iced to knock down the carbonation) I seem to do ok. And the day after? I usually weigh anywhere from 2-4 lbs lighter! Of course it all regulates when I rehydrate. And when I am drinking I believe I am the world's best dancer. Therefore I have also included a pretty good cardio workout in my night out, which my legs are not to happy about the next day...LOL Alcohol is like any many other life choices. Use your best judgment and you should be ok.

James is right…the walking was the key to no pain. I came out of surgery around 4 pm and was walking at 7 pm and did walk every 2 hours, with no pain. The only "pain" was dragging the IV around. They will send you to have do a "leak" test and that required drinking a little Fluid so they could see if it went through without leaks. The beds aren't very cushy, so I sat up in a chair in the room a lot because the bed hurt my bottom. Made it easier to get up to walk also. While I had someone stay in the room with me, I found the staff to be really kind and attentive and sent my mom back to the hotel so she could sleep. My surgical location was 4 hours from where i live, so the journey home was a bit arduous - had to stop every 45 minutes to walk for 15 to prevent blood clots. Once home, my incisions never hurt (they were all laparoscopic and small), and getting up and down wasn't difficult either. I was on Protein shakes for 2 weeks after and I think that was the most difficult part. Everything tasted super sweet but I plugged my nose and drank 4 oz 4 times a day! I was also sent home with medication for my gall bladder (for some docs,it's standard procedure) to prevent any gall bladder issues. You will have some trouble getting in all the Vitamins, Water and protein to being with just because your tummy is so small. Just be diligent every 15 minutes or so to drink water and take a Vitamin or pill when you do. Once I was on soft foods (2 weeks out of surgery), I had to focus on getting in 92 g of protein. I had a hard time doing so because my tummy was so small - had to really plan! I went back on all foods on August 15th however, I have kept out of my diet anything but lean protein, fruit, veggies and sugar free popsicles. I was a carb eater and so I have left out bread, tortillas, crackers, Cereal etc..and my weight continues to decline. Started at 368 prior to surgery and am now at 298. I am eating Quest Protein Bars and have found them a great help in getting in all my daily protein. These were recommended by my nutritionist. I order them on quest.com and they are shipped to my door in about 3 days. They are made with sugar alcohol and can be pretty sweet. I eat half a bar at a time because they really fill me up and are so sweet. I did have some odd sensations when it came to smelling food because my appetite is gone. Some smells nauseate me and I don't like things I used to , but all in all it's a good thing! My head likes to tell me I am hungry when I am not, so I have been really paying attention to that issue. My goal is to be down 100 pounds total by Christmas and down an additional 75 by June. Again - good luck!! Clarissa

I've always just followed the program.... 1) minimum 64oz Water. (I usually get more like 70-80oz.); 2) eat when I'm hungry and just until satisfied, not full (this has become even more important the farther out I get because I can eat a lot more than before and if I tried to eat to fullness, I would probably stop losing and /or gain) 3) 60-70g protein/day (I can only do this with a 30-40g Protein smoothie in addition to regular food) 4) Snacks and meals are always protein first, then veggies, fruit and whole grains ( a balanced diet is important for proper nutrition and a healthy body) 5) whole food based Multivitamins and whatever additional supplements your bloodwork indicates you may need (I still take Extra Vitamin D and B12 sublingual, but discontinued Iron and Calcium after labs showed those levels were high) 6) stay active (I don't have a regular exercise routine, but my job and recreational activities are very physical) 7) don't obsess over the scale. (NSV's like how I feel, how I can move, How my clothes fit, how my knees and ankles don't ache everyday, and how my blood pressure is back to normal are all more important to me) At this point I consider myself in maintenance. I guess if I set my goals a lot lower, I might be frustrated, so you may want to readjust your expectations if this is happening to you. Since I was already eating healthy and as much as I want, I haven't changed a lot. I added more fruit and higher fat food options to try and slow my weight loss, but that was 17 pounds ago. I haven't lost anything in about 3 weeks, so I don't know if this is a stall or if I'm done. No way to know and no sense fretting over it. And yes, I do indulge in Desserts, breads, alcohol, and other "no-no's" but always in moderation and completely guilt free.

If you're following the program but not losing any more weight then you probably reached the maximum weight loss you can get with your sleeve. Of course if you aren't happy with that weight you can still push your body more by increasing your exercise. Your nut will help you with maintenance. If you don't start eating sugar and alcohol again you shouldn't have a problem with it