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Nothing....my sleeve is very accommodating, just very restrictive. I can eat a little bit of ice cream, fried green tomatoes, a bloomin onion from Outback, pulled pork, steak, shrimp.... anything food grade, just not a lot of it. I haven't yet tried alcohol, pecan pie, twinkies, or anything with lots of sugar. I would absolutely love some praline caramel pecan ice cream in a waffle cone, but would absolutely hate to throw out the part I couldn't eat, so I just don't order one. I used to love Pan pizza from Pizza Hut, but haven't been there since my surgery. Still love pizza, but just can't eat very many carbs. My only symptom if I overeat is that I will get really intense hiccups. You can't eat anything when you are hiccuping...lol.

Oh yes! Lemonade with a lemon slice would be wonderful. I'm not much of a drinker, so I don't know a lot about what would work, but could you get a diet margarita and just hold the alcohol? You could still rim the glass with salt. Or better yet, a frozen diet virgin margarita...

Hi, This Saturday, I want to attend a 40th anniversary cocktail party. I'll be two weeks post surgery. I won't be eating at the party but I would like to have a drink. Since carbonated beverages aren't allowed and sweet cocktails will just make me sick, any suggestions? I know alcohol is discouraged, so wine isn't an option either. I would love to hear what others do in these type of situations.

Originally posted on 3/30/2014 Link to original post http://www.bigfatloserblog.com/2014/03/back-to-drawing-board.html So, a big blow to the morale! Back in January I got call from Michael at AR Rehab congratulating me for being approved for the Gastric Sleeve through a state program that would pay for my surgery. This came after 2 years of work. Doctors appts, food journals, sleep studies, psych evals, and much much more. He explained that funds would be available in March, and that I should call him back then to discuss it further. I waited until about the middle of the month to call him, and tried for over a week. He was either out of the office "temporarily" or on the other line, or a myriad of other excuses. Finally last week I received a call back from him and he left me this voicemail. (The name was distorted on purpose) I was left scratching my head after this voicemail, because it was pretty unclear. "Is he saying that they aren't going to pay for it?" I was unhappy with the voicemail, and so I called him up. I could tell by his tone he was immediately on the defense. I asked him to elaborate what the VM meant. Michael: "You listened to it didn't you? I said everything in the voicemail" Me: "Well, yea, but what does it mean that you are re-evaluating spending? Are you saying you are cutting the program." Michael: "Look Ronnie, I could have just told you no back in January, but I went to bat for you. You are being ungrateful" Me: "No Sir, I was very grateful when you told me I was approved. I told my entire family, I blogged it, and I have been expecting this surgery ever since. I would have rather you told me no in January than to congratulate me on something that wasn't a done deal." Michael: "I feel like you are being rude." Me: "I feel like you lied to me, and my whole family." Michael: "I can see that this conversation isn't going anywhere, so I am going to let you go and get back to work." That was all she wrote. I stared at my phone for a minute. I literally felt like I was punched in the gut. My next call was to Blue Cross Blue Shield. I would have to be out of pocket 4 Grand, but I was confident that I would have support to help me get the surgery. I explained that I had a packet put together already with everything they would need to approve me. Doctor's notes, medical records, (about 60 pages of information). The rep said that they would not be able to accept that from me, but instead would have to receive it from each perspective doctor. I explained that it took over 2 years and thousands of dollars to gather this information and I can't afford to go back to the doctors and get the same paperwork I already had. They insisted.... So here I am, back at square one. 400 lbs, and no closer to surgery than I was 2 years ago. So unless I squat and lay a dozen golden eggs, and shell up $16k, I'm starting over. However, I am not going to be stagnant while waiting for this to come together (if it ever does) The fact is, ever since I learned I was getting the surgery I have let myself go. Red Bulls, fast food, alcohol. All because I thought, what the hell, I'm getting the surgery in 2 months anyhow. NOPE NOPE AND NOPE. I immediately regret that. Starting tomorrow, I am going to give the Keto Diet a shot. A real shot. It is a little controversial and defies common knowledge of how diets work, but I have seen a lot of success stories revolving around this diet. And, it's gaining popularity among medical community. However, it is expensive. Let face it. Meat, Cheese, and fresh veggies are high. My health is more important though and I need to make sacrifices elsewhere so I can afford it.

Hello Everyone...I had my surgery 8/17/2012. It was my new lease on life! My highest was 348 and since surgery my lowest has been 229...for me...amazing! Yes I want to lose more but...I too am sugar and carb addicted. I know there are some people who swear they will always follow the rules and do...I did. But I have also been struggling because of my need to have food and alcohol...socially and I love food. You can slip with the sleeve. Sometimes life gets in the way...excuses. But today...right now...I have to take charge and remember I eat to live not live to eat. I have to remember two years ago the pain I had physically and emotionally an how I was blessed to have a restart button. As an addict I must encourage my fellow addicts to remember who you were and how we hoped and prayed for the ability to walk without pain, play with our kids and/or grand kids, shop in the regular sized stores, sit in a chair without fear of breaking it, not need an extender on an airplane, have friends and family stop telling you what your problem was...The list goes on and on for each of us. I am beginning again to touch my dreams...today! This may not be anyone's truth but I just needed to vent and recommit publicly...Blessings!

Tamara, have you followed up with your surgeon's office or NUT recently? Maybe a visit with them will help get you back on the right track. I'm newly sleeved, so the information is fresh in my mind, but my surgeon's rules are 3 meals a day and nothing in between except for Protein shakes if you are not getting in your protein. Also, no alcohol. I know a lot of people do imbibe after they are sleeved, but I know in the past drinking has definitely affected my diet inhibitions! It caused me to throw caution out the window and just eat whatever I felt like. I don't want to go back there, so I don't plan to go back to drinking at all. Plus, alcoholic beverages are just empty calories. I'd rather eat my calories!

Also, you can drink lots of calories in ways other than alcohol (certain coffee drinks, for example).

.Eating around your sleeve can be caused by high calorie liquids/sliders, alcohol, grazing and not eating your dence protien first according to my doc.

Someone once said to me "gastric bypass is taking the easy way out" To that i said "didn't you tell me you where sooo thankful your father got a liver transplant (after years of drinking)" Obesity like alcoholism is a disease. The root word of ignorance is ignore, she is ignoring your health by telling herself your having " cosmetic surgery" is a liver transplant cosmetic?

Not all surgeons require the liquid diet. Mine didn't at all and he has done over 1800 sleeves. Just Atkins style for a week low carb. And I get a last supper the night before surgery including alcohol. I feel very blessed!

Make sure you pack some sleeve friendly Snacks. I would also request that they order salad and non-alcoholic beverages. Most pizza places do salads. If not, I would eat a healthy snack before you go to the dinner or just eat the toppings off the pizza and toss the crust. Good luck and have fun

I'm going to be traveling from Nashville to Wisconsin for work. I'm not sure what to take with me for food. I'm one year out but I prepare all my meals and snacks. I will be eating out every meal plus we will be doing socializing drinking. I have not drank an alcohol drink since surgery so I'm getting really nervous. My company normally orders pizza and beer/wine for dinner. I don't eat pizza because the dough makes me sick. Any suggestion?

I was allowed ice cream, but I wouldn't start eating it again until I was back eating a substantial amount of calories. You'll need to eat the most nutritious food you can get, at first, to recover and heal. And if you're eating sugar free ice cream, it is probably going to contain sugar alcohols, sugar alcohols were very hard on my new stomach.

my mother is kind of the same way, she was an alcoholic and was one of the people that as a kid was always giving me food when i was sad or upset. I think she has guilt some over the things that happened in the past. She still has a tendency to push food at me. I hope things can be worked out but sometimes i think we cant change peoples minds. Best of luck and dont give up on your journey. There is def. alot of support here.

My suggestion is not to label your friend as horrible, evil, etc... compassion can remove the hurt and feelings of betrayal. There are a lot of people in the world who bite and lash out due to their own fears. I think of alcoholics and other addicts that lash out, but that is because it is an internal process they haven't yet to come to understand/learn about themselves. Your friend may be one of those people who have some internal issues that they do not understand just yet. Like the aforementioned groups, they can alienate themselves and others in the process of meeting their own fears. Just suggesting that compassion and letting go might be something to consider as you move forward.

I work in an office that definitely likes its alcohol. We even have a conference room with a liquor cabinet. But, I decided that I would avoid alcohol until I get to goal. In addition to the calories in the alcohol, after a drink or two, I like to eat junk-- more calories. I don't miss the drinking nearly as much as I thought I would. When people ask what I am doing to lose weight (I kept my surgery private), I tell them that cutting out alcohol is part of my program. Nobody has batted an eye. My surgeon said no alcohol for 3 months post-op, and I do plan to starting drinking once in a while after I get to goal. I'll figure out my 'rules' for that when I get there.

Exactly 6 weeks post-op I will get on a plane and fly back east to the wedding of two of my best friends. I have not seen this group since last Thanksgiving and I'm totally nervous about this trip. My weight loss isn't dramatic, but we are a party group and my non-partying ways will be noted. I admit to testing my limits with alcohol with this new stomach which I know is a no-no but I made sure to be super active for two days to combat the calories. I knew I would never go back to my partying ways and as 30 looms another year away I made my peace with that. But now... knowing what I'm heading back into.... I wonder how I pull this off. I am not telling anyone about my surgery. My body is my business and they love me regardless so I feel no need. I just worry about how to combine two lifestyles that do not go together at all. Oh and also about making a fool of myself if I have three glasses of wine. The best part is... I have another wedding to go to at the end of August and I get to do this all over again.

I say the same thing!! So many skinny people pick and barely eat now I am with em...I think it makes some feel uneasy but I just have to keep it moving and keep my eye on the prize! Not having alcohol has been so hard but I just keep saying it's not forever just for a year! Small sacrifice for a new and improved me!

I am in the same boat. Three days until surgery. My surgeon’s record is almost perfect. Only one leak in many year doing about 500 per year, never killed anyone. The pre-op liquid diet has made me drop many pounds fast, which makes me think I could do this on my own, but then reality sets in and I know I will over eat. Its just a matter of time. Then I start thinking about all the life style changes I will be committing too. How will I spend my now idle time when food isn’t part of the equation? How do I deal with social interactions without food and beverage? No more alcohol. Ouch On the bright side getting my health back will be great. Everyone in my support group says you get more energy and feel much better fast. As you said a few weeks of struggle and everything should be better. I have to say everyone I have met that has had this surgery has enjoyed the benefits. Each one seems to have their own set of struggles, but they are content with their decision. It comes down to taking a leap of faith. If I make it though the surgery centers doors on Wednesday I will be asking for some pre-op drugs so that I dont turn and run. This is tough and I am scared. .

Welcome Paige - congratulations on your surgery and your decision to take control of your life. I'm a firm believer that a lot of success stories are more about your overall outlook on life and your attitude. I am and always have been a very positive person and that's what I contribute my success to. Every morning when I look in the mirror I congratulate myself for doing the right thing yesterday, I tell myself it wasn't so awful and remind myself I can do it again today. Yesterday morning I had a little head conversation with myself, it was my sons high school graduation and I knew it was going to be an emotional day for me filled with family, friends, food and alcohol. The family and food wasn't the problem, it was going to be the last two items which were my go to things when my emotions were running high. I told myself that if I wanted to see him graduate college I needed to keep to the plan and not give in. I reminded myself that if the emotions got to me I needed to talk with family and friends instead of reaching for a chip, cocktail or sweet. I made sure that I had my water/crystal light cup in my hand at all times so I remembered to get my fluids in. And you know what? Because of all the activity and my "pre-game" talk with myself, I actually woke up today, stepped on the scale and discovered I LOST 2 lbs. So my talk this morning with myself was a big "congrats" and a pat on the back. I'm going to relax today, no exercise (except some yard work) and give myself a break as a reward for my success. If you keep your head straight you'll do fine. Keep busy, talk to your support group/friends/family if you need to and follow your plan you'll do great. Don't ever allow for exceptions because if you do it once, your brain will tell you it's okay to do it again. Before you know it you'll be doing so good you won't want to fail or mess up. Best wishes for a great success and if you need more advise, check in.

Jersey, you gotta be up front with your friends! There is nothing wrong with your procedure and to know is to better understand! I had to tell my friend yesterday at a cook out, I'm not pouring you a alcoholic beverage and you should not ask me to do that knowing I can't drink! You know I would want one! She understood!

My Doctor told me no alcohol/beer till 9 months after :(

Hello, sorry I haven't checked in for ages. Life has got in the way. We moved from Brisbane to the Gold Coast last November and I started a new job. I've been travelling interstate and to NZ regularly and entertaining almost daily. I am very pleased to report that I have not put on any weight and am still down 38kgs. I still want to lose another 3 kilos and know that if I cut out the treats such as alcohol and desserts it would probably come off. I will focus on this at some point, but for now I am enjoying life and still loving shopping for new clothes. I hope everyone is doing well and would appreciate hearing how you are going if you are already at maintenance phase.

I haven't been on here in way too long. I guess a lot of it has to do with shame and guilt with not changing my eating habits over the last year & 8months and drinking WAY too much alcohol after my surgery. My food demons are still very present unfortunately. Surgery weight was 335 & current weight is 220. surgery date was september 27th 2012. I logged in here to ask two questions: 1. In the last 4 days I have lost 9 pounds. the last two days I have had terrible "runs". I cant remember if rapid weight loss caused this? Anyone know? 2. My surgeon strongly discouraged me against the sleeve because all the patient's he had performed the sleeve on, didn't reach their goals. He said I will lose around One Hundred pounds and there it usually ends. He firmly recommended I get the RNY/Gastric Bypass. I started out thinking I wouldn't be one of his statistics but that wasn't the case... On an interesting side note my surgeon continued to do the vertical sleeve for a little over 6 months after I had surgery but then discontinued it and now only performs duodenal switch and RNY. Recently I started on phentermine to get back on track and start over with this never ending food addiction. In addition I made an appointment with a therapist and scheduled an appointment with a hypnotherapist also. Cant hurt right? Back to my point though. Have the majority of you only lost 80 to 120 pounds and still have OVER 30 pounds till you reach the ideal weight on the weight chart?

Danila I'm sorry you have to do all liquid. My surgeon has done over 3000 sleeves and I don't have to do all liquids until after surgery. I'm on low carb (Atkins style - just had an omelet and bacon yumm). I heard from some you tube videos of people that went to this surgeon we actually get a last supper the night before surgery! Anything we want including alcohol. Yea!! Anyone else get a last supper?