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My husband and I researched WLS 10 years. We knew what to expect, what the risks were, and what our risks were if we had not had the surgery. I hope anyone who has not had surgery yet makes sure they can handle this. It is not for everyone. We both had hernias. We both were prepared not to eat pizza and french fries the rest of our lives. We gave up cola and alcohol. We are smiling at each other today, over 4 months later, because the sleeve surgery has exceeded our expectations. I am so sorry for anyone who has had these extreme problems, but I have also seen threads where someone is very sick and in two days they post how much better they are feeling or had an issue resolved by their surgeon. I would do everything in my power to follow strict eating and drinking guidelines, even if it meant eating yogurt 3 times a day because nothing is worse than being ill. WLS is not for everyone. You will still want pizza. If you are depressed you will still be depressed. If you drink and party, you will still want to drink and party. I wish better days for everyone who is feeling sick. Linda

I like several brands, I look for low sugar, low or no sugar alcohols, and high protein- this rules out a lot of "body builder" type of bars. Other than that, go for best taste. I second the Quest bar recommendation.

Does anyone have any experience with drinking alcohol after the sleeve surgery? Specifically: how long did you wait to drink, what did you drink, any awful side effects?

Well my name is Jennifer I had my lap band put in on April 3, I started at 240-230 when I went to my first appointment. Because of my insurance it took me from October till April to finally get my surgery. Today I am five days post op and weigh 211 witch is awesome. But I actually started my journey about a year and a half ago after years of living with constant pain and fatigue I had acquired health coverage and was able to see a doctor. I was told that I had non alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver or Fatty liver disease and they gave me at most ten years. I also had polycystic ovarian syndrome, high cholesterol, and problems with my knees. Knowing all this set me into a bit of a depression for a couple of months. I couldn't sleep but I could eat so one of those late nights of watching tv I saw a commercial for True Results and decided to make a appointment to see what it was all about. And now I am five days post op and on my way to being a healthier me.

Seriously listen to me. You can do this. What you tell friends is that you are dieting. Truth. You are changing your life. Truth. You have a diet plan of no soda, carbs, sugar, alcohol. Truth. My husband and I did this. I too felt I was not being truthful but I know in my heart my husband was right in making me promise this was our business and no one elses. People love to talk and they would be talking about us if they knew. I have lived my life too much like an open book so this was hard for me. My husband has a 30 year old son who has not said a word about his dad losing 60 lbs. Hang in there, you can do this. Hey, you are getting healthy while you recover from that hernia (like we both had) surgery and losing weight. Best of luck!

I love what you said here. Just to put it out there, last night I brought home an Escape from New York large half cheese, half Canadian bacon pizza. A real NY style pie which is one of the best you will find on the West coast. I had just over half a slice of the CB. Your share reminds me of something shared at an AA meeting this past weekend. A fellow was in rehab following an intervention. He said he didn't drink all the time. He was able to control his drinking most of the time. He didn't believe he had a problem. A counselor then asked him to think about this next question, not answering it until the next day. The question was, when you are not drinking, what percentage of your mind is spent thinking about alcohol? This is when he realized he had a problem as after some reflection, he realized not only did he merely think about it, he romanticized it. The moral to my story is that even if we are able to control our consumption of a food with the aid of the sleeve, if thinking about it in an unhealthy manner occupies our time when we are away from it, perhaps it is something which should never cross our lips in the first place.

I am 4 months out. Ive lost 75 lbs and I am feeling great. About 20 lbs from my goal weight and everything is going well, no coffee, no alcohol, and following all the rules accept 1. I still eat pretty fast. I dont eat much and I am eating very healthy but eating fast is just a habit I cant break. Does anyone know why we have to eat slow? Is it because we will stretch our our stomachs again or just so we dont get intergestion or something? I dont want to screw this up.

After being sleeved on Dec 3, 2013, my body doesn't process alcohol the same. Please save the "you shouldn't be drinking anyway lectures." If I drink mixed sugary drinks, or even wine a little too fast, my face gets very flushed. Another symptom I now get is a severe pain behind my left ear. Has this happened to anyone else? I have googled the ear pain from alcohol and it points to Hodgkin's Disease so I'm a little worried now. I also have had a small lump the size of a pea about 4 inches below my armpit for about 8 months. Thanks.

Sugar alcohol can act like a laxative... so do this in moderation. :-)

uh I think not.... but if it makes you sick, you probably won't try it again. All the sugar free products usually have sugar alcohols that act like sugar in your system........ I won't even try that and it's not low in calories either.. Now the question is.... could you just eat one..... I probably couldn't ....at least before surgery.

@@Amanda Nicole Hosaflook I hear it gets better by six months post op...... Focus on your weight loss.... the bad habits were what got us to this point in the first place...... you can still go out with friends but you just have to eat less and eat things that your are able to. Not sure how old you are but since I'm 60...I am not interested in going out for drinks anymore.... and even if i did I could drink something else besides alcohol...... I've actually done this before my sleeve..... I order non alcoholic drinks..... I can have fun, laugh and have a great time without alcohol..... Good friends and good company is all i need. I'm hoping that I'd even have more fun if I went out because I'd have a nicer body and could finally look good when i dress up and go out..... that in itself would make me happier than any alcohol could ever make me feel....... just my opinion..... it'll get better.....

Dec 2, 2013 - Pre-op appt - 208 Dec 16 - Surgery date - 202Dec 30 - 2 week post op - 194.5Jan 24 - at 6 week post op - 189 March 15 - 3 month post op - 175 So 27 lbs within 3 months. Now down to 170. I've somewhat hit a stall lately, but I've included more alcohol in my diet too so that's slowing me down. You might make it too. Some people lose quicker some lose slower. I have missed the gym more than gone, but I've definitely kept up my walking. Try your best to really limit portions. Stop when you've eaten the 4-6 oz even if you don't feel full. Hang up a swimsuit for motivation.

I've got an upcoming business trip that will "require" some time to be spent "networking" at the bar in the evenings. I will be about four weeks out from surgery at that point and don't want to drink alcohol. I also don't want to drink Club Soda since I've given up carbonated beverages. These types of trips come up a few times per year - any suggestions? Thanks

Sounds good, when I saw the title "Jello Shots" I was thinking alcohol!! LOL but yours sound so much better and healthier!!

I am so sorry you're having diarrhea. Have you used artificial sweeteners in the past? If not, you really have to watch out for sorbitol and the sugar alcohols in sugar free products. They will give you both gas and diarrhea. I hope you feel better soon.

Hi; I have not read about this topic on here and so I thought I would share my latest health issue. I found this article on it and thought others might find it interesting because it does happen to WLS patients more then you think! What is reactive hypoglycemia? After bariatric surgery you may experience reactive hypoglycemia: • Hypoglycemia means low blood sugar • Reactive hypoglycemia is having low blood sugar after eating a meal or snack This may happen after eating foods that are high in sugar or simple carbohydrates. It is thought to be related to dumping syndrome. How do I know if I have reactive hypoglycemia? You have reactive hypoglycemia if you have: • any symptoms listed below a few hours after having a meal or snack and • these symptoms go away after eating or drinking What are the symptoms of reactive hypoglycemia? You may feel one or more of these: • hungry • sweaty • shaky • anxious • dizzy • weak • sleepy • confused What should I do if I think I have reactive hypoglycemia after having a meal or snack? Having low blood sugar is not good for your overall health and can be life-threatening. • If you think you have reactive hypoglycemia, check your blood sugar. • If your blood sugar is less than 4 mmol/L, you need to treat it to bring your sugar above 4 mmol/LWhat is reactive hypoglycemia? After bariatric surgery you may experience reactive hypoglycemia: • Hypoglycemia means low blood sugar • Reactive hypoglycemia is having low blood sugar after eating a meal or snack This may happen after eating foods that are high in sugar or simple carbohydrates. It is thought to be related to dumping syndrome. How do I know if I have reactive hypoglycemia? You have reactive hypoglycemia if you have: • any symptoms listed below a few hours after having a meal or snack and • these symptoms go away after eating or drinking What are the symptoms of reactive hypoglycemia? You may feel one or more of these: • hungry • sweaty • shaky • anxious • dizzy • weak • sleepy • confused What should I do if I think I have reactive hypoglycemia after having a meal or snack? Having low blood sugar is not good for your overall health and can be life-threatening. • If you think you have reactive hypoglycemia, check your blood sugar. • If your blood sugar is less than 4 mmol/L, you need to treat it to bring your sugar above 4 mmol/L. Follow the steps on the next page. If you do not have a meter, talk to your family doctor, health care provider or the diabetes educator in the Bariatric Clinic to get a meter. When your blood sugar is less than 4 mmol/L: 1. Take 15 grams of a fast acting carbohydrate right away. This will raise your blood sugar quickly. Examples of fast acting carbohydrate include: • Chewing 3 to 4 dextrose or glucose tablets (read the label) or • Drinking ¾ cup (175 ml) of juice 2. Wait 15 minutes and check your blood sugar again. 3. If your blood sugar is still below 4 mmol/L treat again with one of the fast acting carbohydrates listed above. 4. Repeat these steps until your blood sugar is above 4 mmol/L. 5. If your next meal or snack is more than 1 hour away, you need to have a snack that contains carbohydrate and Protein that fits into the stage of diet you are at. Examples of Snacks are listed on the last page. You may feel like eating sweet foods like Cookies, cake and candy. Even though these foods are high in sugar and can raise your blood sugar, your blood sugar will go too high too fast which is not safe. This can then lead to another low blood sugar because too much insulin is released. How can I prevent reactive hypoglycemia? You can help prevent reactive hypoglycemia by following your diet guidelines for bariatric surgery. • eat 3 healthy meals and 2 healthy snacks each day • space meals and snacks 2 to 3 hours apart • eat protein at each meal and snack time • avoid skipping meals andsnacks • avoid or limit alcohol depending on what stage of diet your are at • avoid or limit caffeine depending on what stage of diet your are at • avoid sweets like cookies, cakes, candy, pop, juice and sweet drinks Instead of sugars and simple carbohydrates, eat complex carbohydrates because they release less sugar over a longer period of time. Having a complex carbohydrate with protein will slow this release even more. Try putting any of these together when they fit the stage of bariatric diet you are at: Complex Carbohydrates • whole wheat crackers • whole wheat bread • whole wheat pita • whole grain rice • potatoes • cereal Protein • nuts • cheese • meat • lentils • peanut butter • eggs • yogurt Here are some snack ideas to have after treating a low blood sugar: • crackers and cheese • pita and hummus • nuts and yogurt • melba toast and Peanut Butter

Carlotta, I am with you. i visit family for a week or two several times a year and it always messes me up. I don't get in enough Water or Protein, I drink too much alcohol, and my carbs are too high. In March I only lost 2 lbs because of my week back home. I didn't get in enough exercise, either. We need a good strategy to deal with this.

I had surgery on May 8th, and on June 20th I rode everything at Universal Studios Orlando for my daughter's b-day. I was fine. The biggest challenge was finding stuff to eat. I had a small side of grits and scrambled eggs for Breakfast (a few bites off my hubby's plate), for lunch I had a yogurt, and a Protein shake that I made with a Bariatric Advantage pouch and a carton of skim milk, and half a bottle of Water, then for dinner I had a side order of shrimp from Jimmy Buffets. I ordered a shrimp cocktail and just skipped the sauce, I used a few extra lemons and a dash of hot sauce to give them some flavor. It was hard watching my family eat giant cheese burgers, and fries, but I did it, and was satisfied after the meal. I was comfortable with what I ate, and went home without feeling hungry. I live about 3 hours away from the park in North Florida, so on the drive home I stopped at a gas station and bought some propel to help replenish my electrolytes. Just remember to stay hydrated, avoid the beer gardens at Busch Gardens, as the alcohol will hit you much faster, dehydrate you, and are empty calories. Do your research ahead of time on what they allow you to carry in foodwise, I have a card from my doctor explaining that I eat a limited diet, so they allowed me to bring in my little lunch box sized cooler with my applesauce and yogurt in it. I also had my little carton of skim milk for my Protein Shake. If you are on your regular food stage, then look at menus online to see if they offer anything you are willing/able to eat. Now that I'm further out from surgery I just get a grilled chicken salad or a grilled chicken sandwich with no bread, and I eat the chicken, and I ask for fruit in place of fries, or just order ala carte. I was fine on the rides, it was the other changes that surprised me.

I am 63 years old, been married for almost 40 years with two daughters, 25 and 20 yrs old; luv my two dogs, a chocolate lab and a beagle. I am retired. I enjoy cooking cuisines of other countries, minimizing the fat and carbs. I have a lot of trouble being consistent with aerobic exercise, either because my hip joints hurt when I do it, or I feel depressed and don't feel like doing anything. I have a BMI of 38 and was tired of trying to lose weight, losing a little, and gaining it back. I have diabetes, sleep apnea and non-alcoholic fatty liver. I recently found out that the NAFL is progressive, which will result in another loss of pancreatic islet cells, eventually leading to my needing to use an insulin pump. To reverse the NAFL, I was told I would need to lose ALL the extra weight so my body will next take the fat cells out of the liver so it can work properly again. I went to the surgeon's presentation and was happy to hear that there were less-invasive options for bariatric surgery than gastric bypass and decided to get the gastric sleeve surgery. It sounded like I would be satisfied with less food and not feel hunger. I was pretty excited and thought this was the answer. Today was my first nutrition class. I found out that I would never be able to eat enough to nourish myself completely, and that I would have to sprinkle Protein powder over my food to amp up the protein. I believe I would lose a lot of weight, but am worried that I'd be taking away any "normal" fun I would have tasting food and trying new recipes. I could cook them, but not be able to each very much at all. Sounds like no fun. I have read posts from other people on this board being cold all the time or gaining the weight back, or they need to eat 800 calories to lose weight. I thought, "I need to eat 1000 calories/day to lose weight now, how is that different? I am seriously considering dropping out of the program and not getting the surgery. Maybe I could join a bicycle group that rides frequently. I don't know what to do.

Thanks BigGirlPanties (love the name lol). I'll keep those drinks and food in mind. I too don't drink coffee and was a huge zero coke girl. One question, what do you drink when you go out? Just water? I'm fine with no alcohol but I wondered what I could drink anyway.

I am totally having food funerals... Chinese today, alcohol and sushi tomorrow, and hot wings on Sunday!!! I know I need to get it out of my system !

I love this! I am a recovering alcoholic and this tool has helped me along in my sobriety. The act of making the list makes you realize simple things you didn't even realize you had to be grateful for. It always got me off the pity pot. I never thought of making one after surgery. Awesome tool! I would say today I am grateful for... No more foot pain Feet have gone down in size Being able to be active with my two year old and twelve year old Fitting on Disneyland rides with my kids Overall health Not obsessing about food all the time Saving money because it costs less to eat the way I do I could go on...these are just my surgery related gratitudes also grateful for so much more.

No alcohol and no more diet colas. Cleaning up the act to make the best of this surgery. It works!

I wasn't much of a drinker pre-op, but if I had the desire to drink before I started the pre-op diet, I would have. But I wouldn't drink once I was on the diet. Alcohol has too many worthless carbs.

Did you/ are you planning to drink any alcohol before you start your pre-op diet?