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It seems like those of you who are saying you do fine are at least a year out (2014 surgery). I am three months out and I can't even imagine the thought of alcohol, so I'm not inclined to try. It could knock me out even at my highest weight and larger stomach. Given this thread, I am definitely waiting until the 1st anniversary (incidentally, the day after my birthday).

I am 5'10" and have always been tall and solidly built. Even in high school when I was athletic, I weighed 160-170. My HW was 374. I lost 50 lbs on my own prior to surgery and 80 since. I had RNY in December 2020. I had a follow up appointment last week and asked a question similar to yours of one of the program doctors. I asked what my goal weight was as I didn't recall ever being given one. I said I realized that to be considered normal BMI, I would have still have to lose a considerable amount. I said that while I still am actively losing, if I never lost another pound, I would consider the surgery a success given the improved health and ease of movement that I've regained. The doctor stated that my program does not give goal weights nor rigidly follow BMI guidelines as every individual is different. Improved health and wellness is what the goal is. If I ever see 199, I'll be thrilled just to say I was once again in the 100's. I can't imagine being 150-155. I don't aspire to be that just so I can be considered a success in someone's statistics. It IS my body. I am 100% working the program provided to me. Even during preparation classes, questions were answered with what the best practice is for any situation but they also addressed the questions from a realistic standpoint. Coffee and alcohol were examples: the advice was not to consume but the realization was that we make our own choices and provided suggestions on how to manage if we were to consume.

My doctor was crystal clear that drinking alcohol before 6 months post op can have very serious consequences (he would prefer 12 months). He said alcohol acts as an abrasive in the stomach and can wreak havoc on the skin around the staples. I wouldn't risk it. My anniversary is October 11th and I plan on going out, having something simple to eat (soup), but definitely NOT having any drinks.

I was eating too much (and eating too much sugar) once I was allowed to eat real food. More recently I have cut out all processed sugar and started counting my calories ... I've also recently gotten a fill that has helped my hunger TREMENDOUSLY. I would encourage you to, while it's hard to turn down those delicious foods (and drinks), try your hardest to do that. You are only one month out, so I think you should make sure you're eating what your doctor wants. Also, don't drink too much alcohol as you are still healing. This was the worst time for me as I didn't have a fill and didn't feel any restriction, so I know how difficult it is to turn down tempting food. You can always tell your friends you aren't that hungry or your can nurse a drink rather than drink a couple. Just remember you feel the affects of the calories you eat/drink - not your friends. Good luck!

BetsyJane posted this and I thought it might come in REAL handy. `````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````` HowtoTellWhenYouArePerfectlyAdjusted: You are losing 1-2 pounds per week. If you are not losing 1-2 pounds per week: A. You may need an eating adjustment 1. Are you eating 60 grams of protein a day? 2. Are you eating 25 grams of fiber? 3. Are you avoiding all liquid calories? a. Soup can be sign of soft calorie syndrome b. Alcohol contains a lot of calories 7 calories per gram.(It's also a stomach irritant). c. Fruit juice is just sugar water 4. Are you making healthy food choices from a wide variety of foods? a. Are you avoiding soft foods b. You can't just eat what's easy c. Cheese is glorified fat 5. Are you drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day between meals? 6. Are you eating too much junk? a. Chips, chocolate, nuts, ice cream, cookies and other highly processed junk foods are too calorically dense to be regular parts of a healthy diet. But don't avoid them completely to the point where you feel deprived. b. Stay out of fast food places 7. Are you getting in two servings of calcium daily? 8. Do you always eat the protein first? 9. Then the vegetables or fruits a. Five servings a day b. Potatoes are NOT a vegetable 10. Is your portion size appropriate? a. Meat or fish (3 ounces the size of a deck of cards) b. Vegetables (½ cup the size of your fist) c. Starch (If you eat the protein and the vegetables first you don't need much - Avoid: rice, potatoes, pasta) 11. You might try avoiding artificial sweeteners a. Some people think that artificial sweeteners stimulate the appetite b. They are HUNDREDS of times sweeter than sugar c. They teach you to like things too sweet d. There is no evidence that people who use them are any thinner than people who don’t 12. Avoid most diet foods a. Real food usually tastes better b. Real food is more satisfying than low calorie substitutes c. When you are only eating a tiny bit the caloric savings is not that great (Use a teaspoon of real butter instead of a tablespoon of diet margarine. d. The body has no way to break down artificial fats). a. They may go into permanent storage b. Some people think liposuction is the only way to remove hydrolyzed fats from the body B. You may need a behavior adjustment 1. Are you eating only when you are hungry? a. If you're not sure drink 8 ounces of water and wait 2. Are you eating three meals a day? a. With maybe 1 or 2 small snacks 3. Are you sitting down to eat? 4. Are you eating consciously? a. No distractions, turn off the TV, put the book or newspaper away, pay attention to your food and your companions 5. Are you eating slowly? a. Put the fork down between bites b. Take 20 to 30 minutes to finish a meal c. Taking longer might cause the pouch to begin emptying 6. Are you taking small bites? a. Tiny spoon, chopsticks, cocktail fork 7. Are you chewing well? 8. Are you drinking with your meals or too soon after your meals? a. Practice water loading between meals b. You won't be thirsty if you are well hydrated before the meal 9. Are you stopping at the first sign of fullness? a. Sometimes it's a whisper: not hungry, had enough b. Hard stop versus soft stop 10. Do not eat between meals. Stop grazing. 11. Do not eat when you are not hungry C. You may need an activity adjustment 1. Are you getting in 30 minutes of physical activity at least 3 times a week? a. Over and above what you would do in the usual course of your day b. Could you make it 4 or 5 times a week? c. Could you make it 45 or 60 minutes? 2. Are you taking advantage of opportunities to increase your physical activity? a. Taking the stairs instead of the elevators or escalators b. Walking on the escalators instead of riding c. Parking your car further away from the entrance d. Getting out of the car instead of using the drive through e. Getting off the bus one stop before your destination f. Washing you car by hand instead of the car wash g. Playing with your kids D. You may need an attitude adjustment 1. Are you committed to your weight loss journey? 2. Are you totally honest with yourself about how much you are eating and exercising? a. Log your food and activity on ww.fitday.com for 3 days 3. Are you using food inappropriately to deal with emotional issues? a. Have you identified what the emotions are that drive your eating? b. Can you think of more appropriate ways to deal with those emotions? c. Are you willing to seek help from a qualified counselor? 4. Are you attending and participating in support group meetings? 5. Have you drummed up some support from your family and friends? 6. Have you dealt with saboteurs realistically? 7. Do you have realistic expectations about the weight loss journey? 8. Are you still obsessing about food, weight, dieting, eating? a. Obsessive compulsive thoughts (Obsess about something else) b. Perfectionism (All or none, black and white thinking) c. Patience with the pace of healthy weight loss 9. Are you acknowledging your successes with non-food rewards? 10. Have you learned how to take a compliment? 11. Are you giving up diet mentality? a. Stop weighing yourself several times a day or every day b. Stop dieting c. Stop depriving yourself d. Stop defining food as good and bad e. Stop rewarding and punishing yourself with food 12. How do you feel about all the changes taking place? E. You may need a band adjustment 1. You feel like you are making healthy food choices in appropriate portion sizes but getting hungry between meals? 2. You can still eat white bread, fibrous vegetables and large portions. 3. You are having to struggle to lose 4. You are gaining weight in spite of eating right, exercising and having a good mind set. F. You may need your band loosened 1. There are times when you can’t get fluids down 2. You are vomiting too much a. How much is too much? 3. Do you have frequent reflux or heartburn at night? a. Do not lie flat or bend over soon after eating b. Do not eat late at night or just before bedtime c. Rinse your pouch with a glass or water an hour before bedtime d. Certain foods or drinks are more likely to cause reflux: (1) Rich, spicy, fatty and fried foods (2) Chocolate (3) Caffeine (4) Alcohol (5) Some fruits and vegetables (6) Oranges, lemons, tomatoes, peppers (7) Peppermint (8) Baking soda toothpaste (9) Carbonated drinks e. Eat slowly and do not eat big meals f. If you smoke, quit smoking g. Reduce stress h. Exercise promotes digestion i. Raise the head of your bed j. Wear loose fitting clothing around your waist k. Stress increases reflux l. Take estrogen containing medications in the morning m. Avoid aspirin, Aleve and ibuprofen at bedtime (Tylenol is OK) n. Take an antacid (Pepcid complete) before retiring o. Try other over-the-counter heartburn medications p. See your health care provider

Wow I can’t believe yesterday has been one month since I got banded. I am happy to say that I have lost 27 pounds and I feel amazing. I really didn’t have any plans yesterday I just made me some coffee and use Atkins French Vanilla protein shake as creamer and worked out for 15 minutes until I received a phone call from my Bestie Mandy. She stated that she had a surprise for me. Mandy had tickets to the St. Louis Cardinal game! I was a little bit excited until my fears kicked in. So what were my fears? Yesterday I was able it start drinking alcohol but will I be tempted to have a beer or mix drink. What if I get hungry and Busch Stadium didn’t have 5 week post op friendly food. Unfortunately I did not have time to research their menus and I need a better cell phone. My least favorite fear was am I ready to do this? I decided to not shelter myself because I am banded I need to live and learn. Mandy brought her cooler and added 4 bottles of water. At the stadium we found an Asian stir fry place and they had shrimp. I ask the hostess if I can just order a side a shrimp because I am lap band patient but they charge me $10.50 anyway. Mandy didn’t care about the price and paid for it. The cool part about it was they gave me a Large Chinese to go box full of shrimp! We got more than $10.50 worth of shrimp. Mandy stated laughing at me because I got full of 12 pieces of shrimp. She ended up taking the leftover home. It was a great game because the Cardinals won! After the game me and Mandy met up with our friend Jessica. I haven’t seen Jessica since she came over and made me homemade soup for day one of my 2 post op diet. Jessica complimented me on my lap band success and told me that I look amazing. I have to admit I felt pretty good. We went to our first bar and I had a glass of water with lemon. I wanted to have a drink at the second bar we were at. I was thinking shot of grey goose with water and I was going to add a crystal light packet in it or maybe a beer and let it fizz out for a bit before drinking. I had all these scenarios going through my head and I decided to drink at home first to see how it feels before I drink in public. So water was my drink of choice last night and I was okay with that. If felt good going out last night and just having fun. I am so bless to have great friends in my life. Thanks for reading.

You are smart to correct your wine habit now, pre-surgery. This is a hard journey. The best I've ever undertaken. But it's hard. And there is cross-addiction susceptibility among our community. And drinking post-wls can be terrible for our bodies and also contribute to regain.Even thought it will delay surgery, it will benefit you in the long run. Praying you can find a group that works for you. I don't think alcoholics can "cut back." I think there's too much back sliding. Do one thing at a time. Take care of the booze problem first. Then clean house and fill it with nourishing food. And start addressing binge eating/night eating. Maybe even seek personal counseling for substance abuse and disordered eating.

Since there is no malabsorption with the band, in theory you should have no problem processing alcohol. However, since you're eating so much less, it could mess with your blood sugar levels (alcohol increases blood sugar, and higher blood sugar causes irritability, excessive thirst, and increased hunger). I was told not to drink alcohol for 6 mos after surgery because it can irritate the stomach. At 6 mos I had lost quite a bit of weight. I had a martini and it hit me hard. Before surgery, I could drink a martini in 30 min. This one took me 90 min. and I was blitzed by it. I avoid alcohol because it is empty calories and clouds my judgment when it comes to food. Jean

I know I've posted this elsewhere but this is the info I was given about alcohol. In addition to meeting with my nutritionist for an hour appointment, I had to attend a 2 hour class which discussed nutrition post surgery. We were told to avoid alcohol at all costs for the first year of losing weight. Not only does it lower your tolerance to alcohol but also puts your liver at increased risks for liver toxicity, cancer and other liver diseases. It can also contribute to hypoglycemia. ulcers and malnutrition. It was explained that your liver is not only working overtime burning fat from your body but if it has to process alcohol then it's giving it a double wammy for having to work that it's defenses are at higher risks for getting sick.

I have no advice because this is a huge issue for me too. I was sleeved 8/15. I get so frustrated going out to dinner and only having a couple bites and no alcohol, then just sit there forever while everyone else finishes eating. I hate it. It makes be very angry.

Um, probably becuase she LIKES it? Why do you assume there would be any other reason? I really like club soda and ice as a drink. I vastly prefer it over still Water. Its also great half half with white wine to reduce your calorie and alcohol intake. I can handle carbonation fine though and my doctor doesnt believe it needs to be avoided.

My surgeon's rule is that you should end up with at least 64 ounces of fluid each day, but it doesn't matter whether that is from water, broth, protein shakes, tea, juice, skim milk, etc. As long as it isn't alcohol, soda, or something with a high carb count (we are restricted to 60 carbs per day).

Understood. I try to avoid fast food. It's high calorie, fairly low satiety, and loaded with who knows what that would probably gross me out if I knew it was in my food. If I'm forced into it, I also try to go for Wendy's chili. The important thing is that whatever you choose, control your portion size and count your calories. And still practice small bites and slow chewing. As far as alcohol goes, it's a similar story-- control your portions and count the calories. Wine is, in my opinion, the best bet. It's socially acceptable to nurse a glass of wine forever, you have a variety of flavors and styles to choose from, and it's not mixed with anything carbonated or high in sugar/calories to add to its negative impact. Also, there are proven health benefits to red wine in particular, provided it's consumed in moderation (1 glass per day). Don't be surprised or insulted by people who caution you after reading this type of question. In the end, everyone just wants to help you succeed. Good luck!

I took my bandages off the day after surgery and never looked back. I eventually had to use alcohol, about a week later, to get the gummy stuff off my belly. I walked a lot after my surgery. I walked around the night after surgery and the next day. Two days after surgery, I walked at least a mile. I think this helped with the pain and gas and all that discomfort stuff. Dr. Sanchez, who banded me, encouraged the walking, not only to relieve shoulder and tummy discomfort, but also to prevent blood clots in the legs. I know you are probably past all your discomforts by now; I thought that perhaps this would help others who were about to have the surgery. 5 weeks since mine and 20 pounds are gone. I feel great!

I don't believe that driving drunk is a largely accepted social crime. I don't need or want to drink to be social, and I have no sympathy for anyone who gets a DWI. My own adult son got one once and I hoped they would throw the book at him! Don't get me wrong, I love him with all my heart, but how do you correct a wrong behavior? With discipline. Alcohol consumers have no business getting behind a wheel, and that goes for pot smokers as well. Anytime you are impaired mentally or emotionally (like right after the news of the death of a loved one, or a fight or intense argument with someone, after drug use, etc.)you should walk, not drive.

Now that is funny. I also think that it should be required to check the ID of everyone buying alcohol and those who have a DUI on their record should have a color coded license should be refused service.

About the carbs, I had to stay away from them as much as humanly possible. I, too, would have classified myself as a carboholic. I stay away from them just like a recovering alcoholic stays away from alcohol.

Jachut hit the nail on the head in the first paragraph. Nothing has changed being banded for me other than I eat A LOT less than I used to. I can eat bread, in small quantities, I can drink alcohol, although it doesn't take much to get me drunk anymore, I can go out and do exactly what I used to, i am just more careful. Maybe I am one of the more fortunate ones and am not so limited as others. I lose slower than some on this site, but I still LOSE! I had a BMI of 34 when banded with no other complications. I paid for it on my own. I didn't want to wait until problems came about for my weight. If you are not ready for what might come, you may want to wait and do more research. Good luck in whatever you do.

My problem with these programs is that they are all so religion based. I personally don't believe in god, but why shouldn't I get some support too? My husband was having trouble with alcohol awhile back, and I made him go to AA. He went once and never went back because all they talked about was god. I wish there was a way to get support for your issues without having to believe in god, I mean we are still humans even if we aren't christians.

I'm not having any issues with it i'm only 4 Weeks out of my second surgery just think that i might have problems with alcohol, or even pain meds, however right now i'm waiting for a call back from a psych. And hopefully well bee seeing me within the next week I need help!

Yes there are some here that have experienced crossover addictions... I have, to a smaller degree experienced it. I've never had an drug or alcohol addiction. But I come from a family with both (my mother and brother) This is a post from me some months back.... Comfort.. It's why I ate. Numbing myself with each bite, from what? Past trauma? Disappointment? Boredom? Life? The answer? All of the above. As you know a lot of us struggle with addictive personalities here. If you've been around here you've heard me talk about my problem with the pain meds at night, I started taking them in the evening ( the same time I did my best eating) long after I "needed" them.. I shocked myself because drugs or alcohol have never been a problem for me. It's like an addiction is waiting around every corner just waiting for me some days. I've been sick this last week and had bad allergies to top it off. I have always stayed away from Benadryl because I have a bad drugged type reaction and then it knocks me out. Well a few days ago I got so desperate I took one, worked awesome! I went back for more the next night. Last night I couldn't find them, my husband took them. He said I know you just want to knock yourself out.... Was he right? Maybe. We have additive personalities, and we are sneaky beings. So we are always looking for ways to fill that hole. My husband knew about the pain meds in the beginning because I told him. That's how he knew to take the Benadryl away and confront me on it. You need to do the same. Shine a light on the problem, talk to a close family member, friend, and counselor. And us of course,

Hehe....I didn't mean drinking alcohol with my meals--sorry if it came across that way...LOL! I meant anything. My whole life I have grown up drinking with my meals and now I am not supposed to. It has been a hard transition for me!

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My honest opinion? If you're letting her stick around, and you're supporting her, if she's not blood, or wearing your ring, she's out regardless. So you're not together, she knows this, what if she brings another man over? You gonna handle that well? What if you have the chance to hook up with someone, and you tell them "oh my ex lives with me still" boom she'll be gone faster than the road runner man. Plus, the wonderful common law marriage laws and community property laws. Not sure what state you're in but in Texas, she'd have rights to everything in your house and nothing you can do but take her to court. You said she's done nothing wrong, but then you say you can't stop revisiting the past and her "habits" etc. I'll tell you from experience in law enforcement, if her habit is alcohol and drugs, and your little boy is around that, and Mom is a clean person and finds out about it, you'll have more trouble on your hands than it's worth to keep her around.

My work out of choice is swimming. After swimming I am Starving! My mother on the other hand does not get hungry from swimming. Soooo I exercise before dinner. I measure my meals out and that's what I have no seconds. I recently had my fourth fill which may be restriction (or close to it) but time will tell. You may want to find preplanned Snacks. When I don't have a plan and get hungry is when I'm in trouble. I like hummus and baby carrots, instant hot cider (non alcoholic) 15 cal., suger free hot chocolate about 60 cal., and hot coffee with splendra/and or suger free flavored syrup no calories. I'm in NE and it's starting to be winter. It can really calm me down to have a hot coffee.