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I was advised no flying for four weeks, for this reason. But that's here in the UK. Clearly if you're going to Mexico, you're going to have to fly. (Unless you live there, or can drive there!) Standard procedure for avoiding DVT on a plane, is applicable in this case, too. If you're not given blood thinners, take 1/2-1 tablet of asprin. This thins the blood. Drink lots of Water. No high-sugar or any alcohol (for obvious reasons) Wear compression socks on your legs. Keep mobile whilst in the air and if you have a nice friend with you, get them to massage your lower calves regularly. That's the best you can do to mitigate the risks. Unless, of course, the Mexicans can help you with additional drugs, etc.

Non-diabetic Hypoglycemia What is non-diabetic hypoglycemia? Non-diabetic Hypoglycemia Care Guide Non-diabetic Hypoglycemia Non-diabetic Hypoglycemia Aftercare Instructions Non-diabetic Hypoglycemia Discharge Care Non-diabetic Hypoglycemia Inpatient Care En Espanol Non-diabetic hypoglycemia is a condition that causes the sugar (glucose) in your blood to drop too low. This can happen in people who do not have diabetes. The 2 types of non-diabetic hypoglycemia are fasting hypoglycemia and reactive hypoglycemia. Fasting hypoglycemia often happens after the person goes without food for 8 hours or longer. Reactive hypoglycemia usually happens about 2 to 4 hours after a meal. When your blood sugar level is low, your muscles and brain cells do not function properly. What causes non-diabetic hypoglycemia? Fasting hypoglycemia: Certain medicines or herbal supplements such as fenugreek, ginseng, or cinnamon Alcohol Exercise Medical conditions such as liver disease, hypothyroidism, and tumors Eating disorders or malnutrition Stomach surgery or hemodialysis From what I have read it suggest something to eat or drink. I am going to try a cup of milk when I wake up tonight. I will let you know how that works. Non-diabetic Hypoglycemia What is non-diabetic hypoglycemia? Non-diabetic Hypoglycemia Care Guide Non-diabetic Hypoglycemia Non-diabetic Hypoglycemia Aftercare Instructions Non-diabetic Hypoglycemia Discharge Care Non-diabetic Hypoglycemia Inpatient Care En Espanol Non-diabetic hypoglycemia is a condition that causes the sugar (glucose) in your blood to drop too low. This can happen in people who do not have diabetes. The 2 types of non-diabetic hypoglycemia are fasting hypoglycemia and reactive hypoglycemia. Fasting hypoglycemia often happens after the person goes without food for 8 hours or longer. Reactive hypoglycemia usually happens about 2 to 4 hours after a meal. When your blood sugar level is low, your muscles and brain cells do not function properly. What causes non-diabetic hypoglycemia? Fasting hypoglycemia: Certain medicines or herbal supplements such as fenugreek, ginseng, or cinnamon Alcohol Exercise Medical conditions such as liver disease, hypothyroidism, and tumors Eating disorders or malnutrition Stomach surgery or hemodialysis From what I have read it suggest something to eat or drink. I am going to try a cup of milk when I wake up tonight. I will let you know how that works.

I had only recently had this topic come to mind. I know that so many times "addicts" have a turning event, something that changed their thinking. I always assumed it was when I quit playing sports and kept eating like an athlete. I only recently realized that I didn't start gaining at that point, but several years later when I got married....to an alcoholic for 15 years. Without realizing it, I began using food to hide my emotions, to Celebrate joys and events, to console me when I was sad or hurt, and pretty much to answer any problem I had. Diets won't work unless the lifestyle changes. Even though 15+ years has passed, I still have the habits that this dysfunctional marriage ingrained in me. I am now in a very supportive, positive relationship, and know that I can be happy and healthy going forward. May 5th, 2014... 10 days and counting!

I would just add that at around 6-7 weeks pis top I had my first beer, wasn't a good move as I continued after that. The result being that the bubble expanded in my sleeve and stretched my sleeve, now I have surgery coming up on the 29th May for what is called an Omega loop bypass, which is a mini bypass including a resleeve, I would seriously urge anyone to stay away from alcohol, I learnt the hard way. As for smoking, we all know the down side, but remember it hits your lungs not your sleeve Was supposed to say post op not pls top lol

Here's a brief synopsis of what I experienced - 500 questionnaire covering my outlook on life, how I viewed the people around me, my feelings about drugs/alcohol and how much I used them. Many of the questions were asked multiple times, but in different ways. Then I had a 20 minute interview with the psychologist. Basically he wanted to find out if I was fully informed about the surgery, if I had realistic expectations, and if I was committed to this new eating/lifestyle - because the Sleeve is not a magic pill, you still have to have the discipline to eat right and exercise post-surgery.

I would avoid both at that point. Youy stomach incision will be barely healed at that point and the alcohol can be very detrimental to your new, healing stomach, and cigarettes actually impede healing. So the reasons to avoid so soon out are really to avoid leaks and ulcers rather than the usual "empty calories/not good for you" reasons. I had my first wine at 3 1/2 months out and it really didn't affect me at all. But, if you really feel like indulging on the 15, I would maybe experiment in the safety of your own home beforehand to make sure the alcohol or cigarettes don't make you hurl or something. As for non-Water things to drink, I used Mio and Dasani flavor drops, drink dilute organic juices, Propel Zero, Sobe Lifewater, K2O, and Vitamin Water. And of course lots of Protein drinks.

I am not a smoker, but from what I've read that is a no-no - forever... as far as drinking - my doctor says nothing for 6 months, The alcohol will go straight to your head--one drink and a lot of people feel as though they have had 5.

Carry a handkerchief and dab rubbing alcohol or a neutral smell of your choice and it helps with the nausea.

I don't crave the alcohol, just the smoking, I actually slipped back into smoking with everything I been going through, and I need to stop again, just haven't had a chance to get to the head shop in my area??? I need to get there though!!!

This got me to think, I would say my root cause to my obesity is both genetic and that I am addicted to food. Ever since I was little I have been the big kid. I come from a family who was obese. My grandpa was 500 pound man, my mom was overweight, and multiple other family members as well. Also addiction runs in my family, so the whole addiction part is what gets me today. I love food like an alcoholic loves liquor. It has always been that way up till now. Addiction runs in my family as well with many different vices. My vice and my downfall is food. It is a comfort in all of its glory. I saw my grandpa with the same addiction tragically lost his battle back when I was a sophomore in high school because of his obesity. I thought I was ready to change my life outa high school and had the lap band put in place. Then life happened and that addiction came back stronger than ever. It took me five years of soul searching to finally tell myself "hey, its time" and get healthy. I fight this addiction and the obesity factor everyday. What keeps me going on this path of my new healthy self is knowing that in the future when I have kids I will be around for them, I will be able to live longer than my grandfather, also I am finally happier than I was 100 pounds ago.

I agree with the above...all of them LOL I haven't touched carbonated beverages since my surgery, I don't miss them at all, and I was a 2 liter (minimum) a day Diet Coke drinker...when I gave it up for my liquid diet, I never looked back, and I don't regret giving it up...don't miss it at all. I really thought that would be a hard habit to break... At the Success Habits workshop that we had to attend prior to surgery, Nisa put a balloon over the top of a bottle of coke, and it filled with gas, without any help...she said she left it on her desk one time to see how long it would stay filled...she said it stayed for 3 days before she dumped it...3 days of AIR in your tummy!!! NO THANKS. Decaf iced tea for me, or Torani syrups added ... As for alcoholic beverages, was never a big drinker, so I don't miss that AT ALL...empty calories and carbs.... but as stated, I will never say never...who knows what tomorrow may bring... you just have to live in the moment!

leeann71, I'd say the root cause of my obesity was the sexual abuse in my childhood. Only happened once but what a profound, deep scar it imbeded on my spirit. I turned to food to soothe me in my alcoholic, dysfuntional home. Food was my friend and was AlWAYS there for me. It never turned away from me, called me names, made me feel unloved or inadequate. It was readily and easily available. Overeating put me in a stupor and buried those emotions I didn't want to deal with. I think food was the way I survived my "childhood". I put it in quotes because at times, it wasn't much of one. One of the results of this is I live in South Texas, a few thousand miles from my family. I'm going to Michigan in July to attend a wedding. I'm actually not looking forward to being in that environment again. I wish there was some kind of "brain cleaner" so I could flush those memories out. God, why is it so hard to put the past IN THE PAST and just move on? What I wouldn't give to flip a switch and just get on with my life without the past. I guess I need to see the flipside and realize--that very past which was so difficult at the time, has made me the strong, independent woman I am today. It also gave me the absolute determination to loose 75 pounds and join the Army so I could leave that small town and get an education, in both the world and at college. Got out of the Army and quit smoking--weight came back with an absolute vengence. That's what brought me to weight loss surgery. Took the same determination to escape that small town I had in my twenties and applied it to the surgery. Now here I am, strong, independent and a smaller size to boot! Clothes are falling off and a regular thrift store shopper--out of sheer necessity. Sorry to go so long and off on a tangent. Blessings, Kathleen

I am also a self-pay. I had no other issues other than being overweight and according to my insurance company I wasn't enough overweight to qualify. To start - I went to a bariatric surgeon's seminar, then set up an appointment (free) with the surgeon to discuss if this was something I wanted to. My PCP is still of the mind set that if you do the right thing you can lose weight. I am a new patient of hers so she has no idea of my story. Overweight since 11 and never been able to lose. I went through the hoops of pretending I would qualify for surgery and that helped me A LOT. For 4 months I met with a nutritionist to plan my meals and discuss issues with food, I met with a psychologist (just once), I hired a personal trainer I met with once a month regarding exercise and confirming calorie intake and output and I met with my PCP. In these 4 months I gave us soda and alcohol along with learning to not drink with meals. And to confirm I can't lose weight - I gained 1 pound in those 4 months on a 1200 cal a day diet....go figure. They still filed the insurance request and of course it was denied. Your hospital may have payment plans. I also know of people who have borrowed from their 401K, or even a loan from the bank to pay for the surgery. Best of luck to you!

I had my sleeve done on Sept 30, 2013 in MX. It was a little rough at first but almost 7 months later I can't believe how normal I feel. I did not weigh prior to surgery. Day of surgery 300lbs. Today 220!!! I don't follow the rules as much as I should. I rarely have a shake. I try to get all my food from Protein. I rarely eat bread or past. I mostly eat meats and vegetables. I eat a sweet every night. I need to drink more Water. I drink alcohol about 2 to 3 times a month. I probably could have lost more but honestly I am happy with my progress. My biggest concern was never eating the foods I like. I eat small portions if whatever I like. So loosing and eating what I want on occasion is success to me. My goal weight is 160 and I hope to get there by Sept.

I was told by my dr no alcohol for a year, but I actually gave up alcohol all together. Last drink was July 23, 2013 lol I started trying to lose weight last year and it knew alcohol was just a waste of calories. Just my choice

This is what works for me and were all different so I'm by no means telling you to do this just sharing my journey. I really don't think i do anything special and there's some areas such as exercise that I still need to get into a better routine of but here is what a typical day looks like for me: 80 oz of fluid- Water, tea, crystal light 60-80g of Protein Approx. 1200 cal. per day Each meal consists of 3-4oz of lean protein, 1/2 c veggies, and 1 starch serving I ALWAYS eat my meals in the following order, protein first, then veggies, and lastly the starch (if I have room) I never drink anything while eating or for one hour after. NO CARBINATION NO ALCOHOL I NEVER DRINK MY CALORIES Below is where I may be different in some areas than others: Limitation of Carbs- Not Elimination but Limitation:-) I told myself when I had this surgery that bread was a no no (the doughy kind), so, the only bread I've had has been whole wheat toast for a sandwich. I've had Pasta twice and while I did fine with it, I chose not to eat it because it really didn't fill me up and I decided I would rather spend my calories on food that keeps me fuller longer with better nutrition (with less calories and all the other stuff). Same with rice. So basically I limit the type of carbs I allow in my diet. They either come from Veggies, or when I cook sometimes I will roll my chicken breast in bread crumbs or if I have a sweet tooth craving I buy the skinny cow chocolates or ice creams which of course are heavier on the carbs (15g or so), or I will have a 1/2 of a flour tortilla for a wrap or 2 corn taco shells, but typically I limit my actual Starch servings to once a day. I've also never been a real big fruit person, so I rarely eat it. My surgeon told me about the sugar and carbs found in fruit and while they encouraged eating them in moderation they did warn me not to overdue it so if I have a fruit with a meal or as a snack I will not have a starch etc. There are some things I knew I wanted to eliminate all together because there's no nutritional value and it's a trigger for me so I made a mental list of all of those foods and I'm not going to try it not because I think the band will have issues with it but that my head will have issues with it. For instance pizza, I haven't had a slice of pizza in over a year and I don't miss it a bit, If/when I do get an urge for it I know theres a healtier version; I have a recipie that uses cauliflouer crust when that urge arises I will op to make the healthier version. Don't get me wrong I don't deprive myself, I made this a lifestyle change so I made it to include the things I CAN AND CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT. Like if I want a cookie, once in a while I will eat a cookie, I just take it off of my calorie intake for the day, you just can't make this an every day occurance so if you know this food is a trigger for you to binge then learn to live without it or make a healthier version. If I want chips I get the individual bags of Special K Sour Cream and Onion. 1 package has 110 cal and I get by with just 1/2 now:-) so for 55 cal, 1 g sugar and 11 carbs I feel like I've had a cheat:-) There's a tradeoff for everything and for me it's all about balance. If I can find a healthy alternative for something I love and it's good then I'm all for it, if there's not then eat the real thing in moderation (as long as it's not harmful to your band), count it off your daily calories and move on:-) Some examples of food are: Breakfast Dannon light greek yogurt with 3tlb hy vee trail mix- 212 cal 16g protein 2 eggs with 1 piece of farmland low sodium bacon crumbled with some onions and mushrooms sprinkled with 2% shredded cheese and salsa. Approx 250 cal 16g protein. lunch 4oz deli turkey 100 cal 18g protein 2slices slim cut kraft cheese colby jack slices. 70 cal. 6 protein 1 tlb okios greek yogurt dip 13 cal, 1p 2 Romaine lettuce leafs 8 cal Total approx 226 cal 25 g p Detour low sugar protein caramel nut bar. 340 cal, 5 net carbs 2g sugar and 30 p (Only eat maybe once a week in a pinch) dinner Parmasean crusted tilapia (can send you recipie if interested) with green giant just for1 cauiflouer with cheese sauce. Approx 300 cal 35 p Smothered chicken with cheese oniins & mushrooms with salad with homeafe ranch dressing. Apprix 369 cal 30 p I have a couple of Snacks throyghout the day, some options: Okios yogurt dip with veggies or 1-2 oz of colby jack or pepperjack cheese with 5 townhouse reduced fat crakers 70 cal 180 cal - 280 cal 7- 14 g p ( if I eat this 2 oz I will do one if the lower cal snacks later) SF fudge ice cream bar 35 cal 60 cal sf pudding Skinny cow choc. 3pcs 130 cal Skinnk cow drumstick 160 cal I always make sure that I have quick and easy things laying in the fridge for those days when I don't feel like cooking or am in a hurry so for me that means deli turkey meat, and kraft sliced cheese (love the slim slices 35c each) so I weigh out the meat throw it in a baggie and eat it on the go. I love it;) As far as motivation goes these are the things thst keep me going: I have a strong faith in God, my family, I have a great support system, I love being able to do things I haven't done in years, LOVE walking into a store and seeing something i love and not worrying about if it comes in my size. Oh yeah and all those peple who thought i was crazy, doubted me or waited for me to fail, being able to prove them wrong:) Any time someone thinks I can't do something or discourages me you better watch out because I fight like hell to prove them wrong!!! So I guessI should thank them;) I hope this helps and if anyone has any recommendations please share I'm always open to better options. Thanks!

I'm cruising in a month. Here is a thread I posted - some excellent responses on it. I do plan to drink alcohol, maybe one a day. I do expect to eat off plan, but I'll stick with Protein first so that it will fill me up and limit the sliders and sweets. I'm going to try and avoid grazing. I will do shipboard exercise classes and hit the gym, walk the ship (and ashore) and get in my normal 10,000 steps a day. It's OK if I don't lose, I don't expect to. But, I don't want to gain, either. Have fun, everyone!

Hi there My surgery is May 6th, I had to start my liquid diet today, for two weeks, to me its like saying to an Alcoholic " In order to get into rehab, you need to be tee total for two weeks,,!!) basicallly it aint happening, so today, day one, yes I cheated, Im supposed to have milk, I did fight off the urge to go buy a big box of biscuits or chocolates or cakes, which was hard enough but after cooking a hunk of beef I just HAD to have some,,, but thats not bad is it?

I come from a long line of addictive behavior. My mother died from prescription drug abuse. I have always been overcautious in all matters but food , and now I'm getting a handle on that. My husband and I previously enjoyed wine as a hobby, belonging to tasting groups, seeking out new wines etc. We've probably toured more than 100 vineyards.We usually had a glass with most evening meals. I stopped any alcohol on my pre-surgery diet and I'm surprised that it doesn't bother me when he has his wine with meals now. I don't mind being the designated driver when we are out with friends. I'm relieved to see it's going pretty easily. My doc and NUT say no wine until July for me and I will approach it very cautiously when I do thanks to the warnings I've seen here. I had a very near disaster driving home the other day -- a car that was heading for me overcorrected at the last minute and flipped the car on the other side of me. Both cars were totaled and I heard later that people were life-flighted out. The minute that I recognized I was OK - even with my heart pounding out of my chest - the first thing I wanted was to stop at a restaurant and "pull myself together "(actually eat something to calm me down). When I talked myself out of it, I had a strong need to go to my local bead shop. I do seed beed and other jewelry design as a hobby, but have noticed my materials stash is really been filling up since the surgery. When I get tense or frustrated I head to my studio room. Doing it definitely soothes me and likely is a substitute addiction. But the good news is beads don't take up much space and my friends, family and I get some great gifts out of my "safe" obsession. But I'm watching myself on my tools and materials spending with weekly limits. Having an addictive personality, no matter how much support and/or therapy you have means always walking a fine line.

I haven't had my surgery yet but my nutritionist told me that drinking can be very dangerous after the surgery because our bodies just can't process the alcohol like it used to. She said I could get drunk after just a bit of wine. She warned this was a slippery slope. I happen to love wine, so this is something I'll have to deal with.

I personally find that I do not lose as well when I don't hit my Water minimums. I also need more than 64 oz a day because I live in the desert. Dehydration is bad stuff and I don't see why anyone would even consider risking it, but that's just my opinion, and I am not a doctor (I'm not even "in the medical field" teehee). If you want to go through all this effort, time and money for your sleeve to screw it up by not drinking enough water, go for it. No judgement here. Personally, if I'm going to screw up, it's going to be over something huge and wonderful and preferably involving alcohol and/or chocolate, not something lame like water LOL

Good Morning: This is my first post on this forum and I'd like to say how amazingly grateful I am for all the information and support. I have really immersed myself in the tide of knowledge and experience contained here, it's almost overwhelming. In addition to being an aspiring pre-op sleever, I'm also a sober/clean alcoholic/addict. I've been working the steps of AA for 15 years and my wife, who is also a newbie pre-op sleever, has 21 years. We're pretty active in our various programs but neither of us have had much in the way of results working an OA program. Furthermore, I've observed a fair amount of, shall we say "resistance" within the OA community where I live to embrace people who have chosen WLS as a solution. As much as I like and will continue to use this forum extensively, it seems like it might be difficult to preserve one's anonymity here and the Traditions we observe compel us to guard our anonymity at the public level. Therefore, I've decided to start a secret group on Facebook called "WLS Support for 12 Steppers" and we are welcoming anyone who is pre-op/post-op WLS of any kind, AND who also happens to be in any 12 Step program regardless of malady. If you are interested in being added to that group, please message me your Facebook email address (which is in the "About" section of your profile) and I will send you an invite. Thank you for your interest.

The carbonation can expand the pouch. Check with your doctor though. They seem to have differing opinions on whether or not their patients should stay away from bubbles. Personally, I don't drink any carbonated liquids. The only thing I miss is a Stoli and tonic so I find myself drinking wine (on occasion...alcohol has alot of calories) LOL...great minds think alike.

We have a local gastropub that is always packed and there is usually an hour wait for a table. My husband and I will order a beer flight, I have one he has the other 3 or 4 depending on what we order. I have no problems drinking my small glass of beer, and then an hour or so later having dinner. I will say that the alcohol sneaks up on me, and after only 1 beer, or 1/2 of a vodka cranberry I'm tipsy. I'm like you a few drinks a year at most, but pre-surgery I could handle my liquor with no problem, now lol not so much. I will also let you know that if alcohol hits you like it does me, the tipsy feeling only last 15 or 20 mins. I am totally sober by meal time, and don't have to worry about eating too much due to lower inhibitions. It's a weird buzz, it hits quickly and disappears just as quickly. I'm aware the beer is empty calories, but it's something I enjoy, and it hasn't slowed my weight loss at all.