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Went to row class at 9am tomorrow. Felt great. Also went and bought my swimsuit today. :-) so now I have one day tomorrow and I need to get 2 workouts in to hit my goal. Wondering how I will get that done. :-) yesterday evening I had serious cravings. I think it had to do with the alcohol the night before. Tonight I am going out again so I need to figure out how I will handle this. Today my cravings are in check. I fasted for 16 hours so that definitely helps with the cravings I believe. Purposely kept myself busy. After workout shopping, pedicure, manicure and brows!! here is to tomorrow!!! :-)

Possibly a similar situation may arise for others.... My wife & I had cocktail hour @ home or used to visit a local watering hole for a few pre-diner drinks. I used to make beer & have the equivalent of about 6 beers a day. Now I don't even like the taste of beer & never liked wine, so it was easy to stop drinking it & other beverages altogether. This started a downhill situation that could have easily ended in divorce. Some may want this outcome & consider it a positive. I certainly didn't, so had to adjust my habits to adapt to the other half's needs after GS surgery to having @ least one drink each day. This took the steam out of a very sticky situation. There are social occasions when one is invited to drink, such as dinners with friends @ their place. I always take my own preference including suitable glass for lots of ice & limited quantity of my drink. Non sweet, low carbonated apple cider poured over ice [reduces carbonation further & markedly] & is a drink that I now like & can easily sit on about 500ml/1 pint over an hour. Other participants don't really notice or care, plus may have 2 or even 3 drinks while I just sip away. I can drink slowly right up until food is served, then have normal small size well chewed food portions. Taking about the same time as others with portions 4 or 5 times what I can handle. But I can't drink for up to an hour after eating. Then I can be sociable again if required or I feel like continuing drinking, which is generally not the case. I have also found that I have re-acquired a taste for bourbon [i stopped drinking that 20 years ago] & can handle a couple of those with a non caffeine cola poured from a distance over ice, in a long glass. Seems one can start this drink sooner after eating. Maybe it is the higher alcohol content [using less fizzy even flat cola] that relaxes things more quickly? DON'T DRIVE AFTER DRINKING if you have had gastric sleeve surgery....you will have a higher blood alcohol reading if pulled over & be a danger to yourself & others, plus more likely to have a wreck. Stating you are driving & have finished drinking makes it very easy to explain to friends why you don't drink after eating, if pressured. My friends are unaware I have had GS surgery [just think I have good will power] & think my eating/drinking habits have changed, due to gall bladder removal, which I had a couple of months prior to GS surgery. Actually it was the surgeon who did the gall bladder surgery who suggested I should consider weight loss & GS surgery was a good vehicle to do this. He did not do the GS procedure. Hope this helps someone else who likes a couple of drinks now & again & is not hooked on or abuses alcohol.

I was wrong about how hard it would be. Because in my case it has all been so easy. The preop diet wasn't super fun, but two weeks goes by fast. Surgery and my care at OCC was top notch. Recovery was uneventful and nearly painless. None of the postop diet restrictions were too burdensome. After three months, I felt totally normal and even though my hunger returned, I have not had any major problems making the right food choices and listening to my sleeve so I don't overeat. Social functions that revolve around food and alcohol have been much easier to go to than I thought they would. The biggest unexpected part was my C. diff infection, two months of diarrhea, and subsequent fecal transplant. But that's all behind me, I'm doing great, and the whole experience makes for interesting conversation.

Glad to have a check in source aka fellow June sleevers... band to sleeve revision Surgery 6/24 HW 265 SW 225 CW 213 No regrets but the recovery time has been much more grueling, slow and emotionally painstaking than the band. I go back to work Monday but am still extremely sore on my left side..convinced I pulled a muscle.. Also still tire easily.. Seems the left side pain diminishes after 3 wks or so, would anyone agree? Experimenting with foods and have been focusing on protein shakes and soups but can get greens down too.. Also experimenting with a lil bit of juicing. Last two days had some avocado and quickly feel nauseous, though it's soft maybe it's too pastey for me to have just yet.. Idk how some people have been drinking alcohol 1 wk or so out. I had three sips of wine yesterday and combine that with the avocado I wanted to die from feeling overfull. I love my wine and avocados and I know in time I will be able to have both in moderation but as of now I'm terrified to try it again..

Glad to have a check in source aka fellow June sleevers... band to sleeve revision Surgery 6/24 HW 265 SW 225 CW 213 No regrets but the recovery time has been much more grueling, slow and emotionally painstaking than the band. I go back to work Monday but am still extremely sore on my left side..convinced I pulled a muscle.. Also still tire easily.. Seems the left side pain diminishes after 3 wks or so, would anyone agree? Experimenting with foods and have been focusing on Protein shakes and soups but can get greens down too.. Also experimenting with a lil bit of juicing. Last two days had some avocado and quickly feel nauseous, though it's soft maybe it's too pastey for me to have just yet.. Idk how some people have been drinking alcohol 1 wk or so out. I had three sips of wine yesterday and combine that with the avocado I wanted to die from feeling overfull. I love my wine and avocados and I know in time I will be able to have both in moderation but as of now I'm terrified to try it again..

I know that a food addiction is an addiction, just like drug addiction, alcohol addiction, cigarette addiction, etc . However, like you stated, with food we must find a way to co-exist, bc unlike drugs, alcohol, and tobacco, one does NEED food to survive. So in many ways, it is a much harder addiction to live with. Just my humble opinion........

Congratulations on getting started!!! I have lost 28.5 since my surgery on May 21. I was prepared I would lose slower since my bmi was 35 day of surgery.. I remember the closer I am to goal the slower it comes off.. I'm happy with the 28.5 praying it keeps going down lol Really still loving the bypass! So far the only issue I have had is with hard alcohol I tried some vodka and yeah my tummy revolted lol Can hardly wait to hear about your surgery date!

Ah oh!!! I didn't blog yesterday. So update is I didn't workout yesterday or today. Went out last night from 8pm through 4am. I surprise myself sometimes and drank alcohol too which is the first time in a while so it got to me. So I spent most of today sleeping off the alcohol. I'm working out tomorrow. Row endurance class. No workout today either. Wins: went to grocery store and resisted the urge to buy icecream. It isn't good for my body. Second win is I did my guided meditation on Wednesday night. Yay

Would you do it again knowing all you know and what you have experienced? Yes , just I wish I did this back in October when my dr first suggested it. I am am a lapband to sleeve revision. I know first few weeks liquids and protien shakes but can you eat real food again? I'm only 2 weeks out and eat normal soft foods. I can't wait to get back to other normal foods. What are biggest highs and what are worse things? Worst for me is Protein shakes. I'm having such a hard time as they all seem to sweet for me. Crazy to think since I have a big sweet tooth. Also trying to get in the 1000 calories my Dr wants me to when I'm not hungry so I have to force my self to eat something at times. And the biggest high is hearing everyone at work say they can see changes already so it makes it worth it. (Down 22 lbs since surgery on 6/18). Can you drink alcohol again once recovered and havre been on this new journey for awhile? I hope so even though I'm not a big drinker but do enjoy one here and there especially holiday time.

I mean this in the most supportive way, you posted within a topic and we call that hi-jacking a thread/topic. Not a big deal except there are only 6 other people following this thread/topic. If you want hundreds of eyes to see your post, start a new topic? It's easy to do and you'll get a much better response than posting here. To answer your question, I drink Water, beer or wine on occasion when I eat. New studies show that it's OK to drink and eat as long as you follow this rule: Don't drink for one minute after you've swallowed your last bite. Never use fluids to wash food down/through the stoma. If you're taking small bites, chewing your food to mush and eating slowly, the peristaltic motion of your esophagus massages the food through the band within one minute. If you eat too fast, the food will back up into your esophagus. But, I find the band works it's magic much better if I don't drink at all. And I drink maybe 10% of the time. Mainly, if I'm at restaurant or I'm eating dry foods like leftovers. I find it hard to understand how just drinking is your only indiscretion? Does your drinking include sugary drinks, or lots of alcohol or do you eat too much because you don't feel satiety since you're washing your food down? Here's a video that may help you? This is just one video in a series of 4. If you can, watch all 4. But at least watch this one and your concern comes up around the 7 min mark. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wbdhf44ZweI&feature=relmfu

i am a former chemical dependency counselor and i can tell you LOTS of medical professionals, including doctors have drug and/or alcohol problems. LOTS. i worked in a program for medical people, cops and firefighters. doctors were the worst in terms of denial and relapse, esp surgeons. hopefully he will get the help he needs. a doctor in buffalo NY hit and killed a young woman skateboarding when drunk. he left her to die by the side of the road.

Slim, thank you so much for helping us understand this complicated journey. What you opinion or experience related to alcohol?

WHAT.!?! If your doctor gives you permission to have a drink he/she is probably an alcoholic? Are you kidding?

It is one thing to talk about yourself but you lump every overweight person into your own experience. Generalizations and stereotypes can be very counter productive regardless which population is being discussed. It is like saying all alcoholics just like the taste of beer, or all drug addicts just like to party. Do you feel that all drug addicts are merely addicted because they like to party? Or do you recognize that drug addiction is a mutli-faceted problem? Do you recognize that genetics can play a component in drug and alcohol addiction? How about societal factors that encourage teenagers to drink as much as possible to 'have fun'? Actually, I am no longer mad with you. Are you sure you are not a food addict in denial? Perhaps on the honeymoon phase where losing weight is easiest? Are you prepared for the maintenance mode? It is a good thing that you are exercising and trying to make permanent changes. I hope you carry those changes for life. Just to be on the safe side, perhaps you might consider reading about food addictions. Also, check out the links Alex put. It will save you from accidentally hurting feelings if, indeed, that was not your intention.

So how long did you guys wait until you had a drink with alcohol in it? 4th of July weekend and I am REALLY wanting one.

Under the influence... geeze. And yet another reason I get squeamish when people say "my doctor said I could drink"...yeah, prob because he is an alcoholic him/herself.

Wowza! Just thank your lucky stars that this happened before your surgery and not afterward. You might never have known if he had alcohol in his system while he was operating on you. Please try not to be too nervous. Don't let one bad apple ruin this experience for you. I'm sure his partners will take wonderful care of you. Good luck with everything; I hope this incident will be your only 'speed bump' during your journey.

Hi. I was sleeved June 27, 2014 in Juarez, Mexico by Dr. Rodriguez through the BeLiteWeight.com program. I just wanted to tell you my experience thus far, and I am also a nurse so I was very observant during my hospital stay. I was advised to be there on June 26, 2014 and was picked up by a taxi at the El Paso, TX airport. I was scared to death when I saw the taxi which was a bright orange van, very dirty, with hardly no air-conditioning. The driver was pleasant, courteous, but did not speak English. I was pleasantly surprised when another lady from Arkansas boarded the van with her young daughter and we immediately bonded and my nerves were eased up. The trip across the border was no big deal and it was a short trip to the hospital. The hospital was Angeles Hospital which was in a nice area that was surrounded by fencing and security at the gate. The hospital was beautiful, and was exactly as it is represented on you tube, if you would like to look. We were taken straight to admitting and never left alone at any time. Some advice for those of you that are admitted a day early, bring plenty to read or keep your self busy, it is a long night. In reference to pain, expect it. This is a major surgery and there is pain especially the first post op night, however they will give you morphine and will respond quickly to your light. The best thing you can do is get up and move as soon as possible, this will help you a great deal. I was fortunate that I did not have any GAS pain any place other than occasionally in my tummy. But most all patients have gas pain and it can be in your back, shoulders, chest, etc. (gotta move) STICK to your diet, do exactly what you are instructed to do and you will be fine. Your body will quickly tell you when you have taken too much in, so you will learn quickly to take in small sips. I am not hungry, but I find myself very exhausted so I push fluids and it does make you feel better. I am less than a week out and I am sleeping well, taking very little pain medication, and can get down my pills with no problems. PROS: The hospital is beautiful and very clean. The surgeons and anesthesiologist are very compassionate, and will visit you daily. The staff seem very happy to be there, and have a desire to please. All the staff are dressed in nice matching uniforms, with starched white jackets. The towels and dishes are monogramed, it almost feels like a 5 star hotel. Security is everywhere, and they do watch the elevators. No one comes or goes unless they check you out. I felt completely safe. Call lights are answered quickly. They will have food brought in from the outside for your guest. Almost everyone I came into contact with had a smile on their face and had a good attitude. CONS: Communication is terrible, even if you use a translator on your I phone. Not one person that entered my room washed their hands, and the hand sanitizer outside my door was empty. No one wore name tags or identified themselves as a nurse or a tech etc. No one wore gloves, except maybe one time as I remember and there are no gloves available in the rooms. There are no paper towels in the bathroom, even if they wanted to wash hands before care. No one ever cleaned the hub of the IV port with alcohol before push medications. The T.V. only has 1 English channel, boring. So basically the staff needs additional training in infection control. Things to take with you. Wash cloths, large hand sanitizer (and make them use it), magazines, chap stick, all your paper work, music, toiletries, Gas X strips, chewable antacids, liquid Tylenol, and any comfort things... I have no regrets, I am glad I did this. Hope this helps some of you. Qmovinon

For me I waited six months before drinking anything alcoholic and have tried both wine and beer since then. Wine seems to give me more of a buzz than it used to and two glasses is my limit now. Beer seems better tolerated even with the carbonation though I generally pour it into a glass now to get rid of some and can have a beer or two before dinner without too much effect but have to stop drinking when I start eating and wait at least an hour after a meal before drinking again which I rarely have so far. Still I am 120lbs lighter than I was a year ago so would be worried if I did not get buzzed faster than before.

Sounds like you’re describing my life! Honestly this is what I think…… If we’ve gotten to the point of needing WLS, we have issues LOL. Well an addiction. I completely believe food is like a drug and is addictive. Like alcoholics for example, just because they quit drinking doesn’t mean they don’t crave a drink still! They have their goods days and their bad days, just like us. Sometimes we all relapse and for some people it’s more extreme than for others. I’ve been relapsing for the last 2 yrs and put 30lbs back on. Yuck! I think the only way it passes for us bandsters is when we’ve had enough of backsliding. I have finally had enough and have gotten 5 of the 30lbs I gained off. I’m trying to remember that consistency is key. There is no end to this new lifestyle like there is with a diet. You got this, just remind yourself that you’re worth it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! =)

My body actually seems to not absorb my pills right, nothing seems to work for pain but I think I'm just immune to meds now however, since I am a 1&1/2 years out my thyroid level has had to be reduced. I think a lower body weight has a lot to do with needing less meds. they also did tell me not to drink alcohol because it would get absorbed faster, and it would take less to effect you mentally. I don't drink anymore so I wouldn't know, but those two things I would say could make them feel more powerful.

I love Quest bars - 20 gm protien, and only 3g net carbs per bar. There are lots of flavors; my faves are Cookies & creme, chocolate chip cookie dough and vanilla almond. I purchase them online, from www.questnutrition.com, because (a) I buy a LOT of them, and stores won't always have the quantities I want; and ( the ones I've bought in stores aren't as fresh as those I get online. For me, 1 Quest bar = 1 fully satisfying meal. For convenience and because I love the flavor, I would be quite happy eating a bar for 3 of my 4 meals each day. However, I've found if I eat more than 1 Quest bar per day, I stop losing weight. I don't gain any, but I don't lose any either. I think it's because I'm on the Atkins diet and the Quest bars probably have some sugar alcohols that interfere with that.

Well, I have alot of allergies, both medical, seasonal, and food allergies. So the first thing I would look into is if you have any problems with the soaps or washes you've been using. I found out that chlorhexadine which is a heavy medical disinfectant is also being used in shampoos, soaps, even lubricant(that as an aha! moment). I happen to be highly allergic to it, but for others it dries them out just like alcohol would. Since it's in alot of products, I now use olive or coconut oil for lube, but there is also a very natural lubricant called H20 that is for all practical purposes a gelled Water. Very nice. You can of course, verify that oil is alright to use with your pharmacist or doctor as I am not a medical professional just someone who has been through the grind. *smiles* Hydration is key of course. Making sure that you get enough water every day. I know that I don't have enough if I even get an inkling of a headache. Some people praise premarin cream, but I had to go as far as full hormone replacement with the patch. My hair had began to break off in clumps and I had lost over a full inch in height in less than a year. It wasn't pretty. I hope this was maybe a little helpful. I can tell you more if you like, just tag me back.

Always the hard headed one, alcohol does not affect me easily. It is quite a waste of time now, I am not fond of the taste and the amount needed to cause me too feel it is far beyond my capacity and not worth the belly burn. I am intoxicated my not being fat anymore.

For me, I could basically out drink a football team before surgery, so I was looking forward to becoming a "cheap date" afterwards. Unfortunately that didn't happen. A couple drink experiments proved I am still pretty "alcohol -proof". It's actually become a motivating factor for me to not even bother to drink alcohol anymore. If I can't get buzzed, what's the point of drinking those empty calories when it has the same effect as drinking water.