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My brochure said yes. I'm a bit sensitive to sugar alcohol tho so I have kinda stayed away

When is it okay to drink beer again? Please don't lecture me on not drinking and how bad it is and blah blah blah. I'm not an alcoholic but I do like my beer occasionally. Thanks.

I've been having problems this past week. My tummy is just bloated and feels overfull almost all the time, even when I wake up. I haven't changed anything -- although I stopped taking my omeprazole for a couple of days, got the Troubles and went back on them. I don't think I'm overeating particularly. Drinking enough, no alcohol, no caffeine. I'm thinking maybe I ate something Mr Cranky REALLY didn't like. I'm not worried about a stricture because I'm keeping stuff down -- but for example just a few minutes ago I took a sip of Lifewater and felt *almost* as if I was going to vomit but didn't. It's like there's a lot less room in there suddenly. I am suddenly able to eat much less and nothing goes down very well when I eat it. I feel like I've just eaten a ten course meal almost all the time. Suggestions? Gas? More ppi? Back to liquids?

Remember that post-op care instructions vary from doctor to doctor, so different people will be told different things. From what I know, avoiding alcohol is important for two reasons. First and most important, your stomach is still healing for six months; the scar formation -- which is very important -- around your incision could be compromised if you constantly irritate the lining, and alcohol does exactly that. In fact excess alcohol can actually cause necrosis (tissue death) in the stomach lining. Is that what you want going on when your stomach is still trying to heal from a very traumatic surgery? Also, I've heard that rapid weight loss really taxes your liver, and alcohol can make that worse. Lots of obese people have a condition called hepatosteatosis -- fatty liver -- which is actually a very serious condition which can lead to cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, or even -- in extreme cases -- death. If your liver is still recovering from this, are you sure that adding alcohol (another liver toxin) to the mix is a good idea? Bottom line, follow your doctor's orders to the letter if you're hoping for the best recovery and good weight loss results. They make those recommendations for a reason

Downing a whole bottle! BWHAAAAAA. . . that is funny. . . I had my first drink after 12 weeks (and with the blessing of the doctor) and let me tell you it was sooooo yum. . and since then have been having my good old rum and cokes regularly. . . hasn't hurt me any. . . doctor just said drink within moderation, so that is what i do. . . i don't see the harm in a sip or two of wine, but i would really ask the doctor and honey don't say it's because of the stress of this and that, just say you want a drink! If it was because of the stress, heavens 1 bottle wouldn't cover it and we'd all be alcoholics! hehehehe . . . good luck!

Liquid zzzzzquil also has alcohol in it, I would recommend just buying plain old Benadryl and taking 3 about an hour before you want to fall asleep. Much cheaper, nothing unnecessary (alcohol or sugar) and just as effective.

So havent been on in a while but im hoping to get some advice from anyone that might have some. It seems like lately iv found that im eating less and less.... about 2months ago i was up to around 600 cals a day, Since then Iv found that iv been eating less and less now im down to under 200cals a day. Its not because I am trying not to eat,(or i dont think thats what it is) its because I am not hungry, and when I am hungry, such a small amount fills me that im full after eating very little. I rarely feel hungry and when I do I usually eat something very small (100 cals or under) and then im pretty much full for the rest of the day. I think maybe some of it could be phycological, I guess part of me is terrified to ever get where I was before, and I feel like I might hold some resentment towards food now.I cry when I think about how I let MY body... the only body that I will ever have get so out of control...I understand that food isnt the enemy and its the food choices you make that matter, but I feel like the more weight i lose the more i dislike food. I feel like im almost scared of food and the power it had over me in the past...Its weird because when your addicted to drugs, alcohol, or gambeling, the only way to break the addiction is to eliminate the addiction completely from your life and be "sober" but you cant completely eliminate food... so its a bit trickier i guess. Has anyone else felt so scared of food that you hate to eat now? oh ya....I am just over 8 months out and am down 80lbs from my day of surgery. I did this surgery not just to look and feel better about myself but also to be healthy... Does anyone have any help/advice? Maybe someone else has felt this way at some point...? Is this normal?

Happy Nurses Week!! To all of those that I am sending this to Happy Nurses week YOU MAY BE A NURSE IF……… 1. You believe that every patient needs TLC. Thorazine, lorazepam, and Compazine. 2. You would like to meet the inventor of the call light some night in a dark alley. 3. You believe not all patients are annoying, some are unconscious. 4. Your sense of humor gets more warped each year. 5. You know the phone number of every late night delivery place by heart. 6. You can only tell time by the 24 hr clock 7. Almost everything can seem humorous….eventually 8. When asked what color that patient's diarrhea was, you show them your shoes 9. You know the smell of different diarrhea to identify it. 10. Every time you walk you make a jingling noise because of all the scissors and clamps in your pocket. 11. You can tell the pharmacist more about the medication they are dispensing that they know. 12. You refuse to watch ER because it is too much like the real things, and it triggers flashbacks. 13. You check the caller ID on your day off to see if anyone from the hospital is trying to call and ask you to work. 14. You've been telling stories in a restaurant and made someone at another table throw up. 15. You notice that you are using more 4-letter words than you did before you started nursing. 16. Every time someone asks you for a pen you can find at least 4 of them on you. 17. You can intubate your friends at parties. 18. You don't get excited about blood unless it's your own. 19. You live by the motto "to be right is only half the battle , to convince the doctor is more difficult" 20. You've basted you thanksgiving turkey with a Toomey syringe. 21. You've told a confused patient that you name was that of you co-worker and to holler if they need help. 22. Eating microwave popcorn out of a clean bedpan is perfectly normal. 23. Your bladder can expand to the size of a Winnebago's water tank. 24. When checking the level of a patient's orientation, you aren't sure of the answer. 25. You find yourself checking out other customers veins in the grocery waiting lines. 26. You can sleep soundly at the hospital cafeteria table on you dinner break and are not embarrassed when you wake up. 27. You avoid unhealthy looking shoppers in the mall for the fear that they will drop near you and you'll have to do CPR on your day off. 28. You throw a party for a co-worker and use a urinal (clean of course) as a lemon-aid pitcher and use a bed sheet for a tablecloth. 29. You hate to get dressed in "real clothes" because scrubs are what you live in, and why can't they make jeans that comfortable 29. You often stay awake for 24+ hrs at a time when you work nights and realize you don't need alcohol or drugs to hallucinate, just lack of sleep. 30. You pull over in some parking lot after working nights because you are too tired to drive home and wake up to someone knocking on your window thinking you have had a stroke because you are passed out in you car and drooling. 31. You finger has gone places you never thought possible. 32. You've sworn to have "No Code" tattooed on your chest. HAPPY NURSES WEEK

OMG, I had such terrible gas pain after my VGS on 10/29/15. I took no narotics in the hospital or out. I walked and took lots of Gas X. I also realized all the things they tell you to drink are sugar free. My body had a really hard time with the sugar alcohols. Once I stopped, the pain improved. Just in case someone else is struggling

I was sleeved on Oct 2, so I'm just over 3 weeks out now, almost 4. I have now been able to be on the puree stage for a week now, and able to move to the soft foods stage tomorrow. The good: Surgery went great, no complications. I've physically healed really well. Another good, I'm now almost down 40 lbs! (15 lbs of that was on the 2 week pre-op liquid diet, the rest is post op). I am starting to see a difference in the way my clothes fit, they're finally starting to get a little loose on me. The bad: I work hard at getting in my liquids everyday, but I still struggle with that. I do have a little more energy (which is good), but it's not as much as others seem to have experienced early on. I do know everyone is different though. The other "bad" part for me, I struggle with what to eat, I just want to be at the "normal" stage. I'm starting to notice the difference of the full feeling when I do eat, but I don't have the "not hungry" feeling like others talk about. In my mind, I'm still "normal" like I was pre-op, but I know that physically I am not. I struggle with having patience with myself on this journey and remembering this is only the very beginning. The ugly: I would say the emotional/mental side of this journey is ugly. I don't think I could've ever prepared myself for how I would feel post op. I struggle when the people around me can be "normal" and eat normal meals, etc. I would kill (not literally...lol) for some crunchy or soft shell tacos, or for a piece of pizza, or a burger. I know that eventually I should be able to have those things, it will just be smaller amounts. Last night we went out with some friends for dinner (first dinner our since surgery). Our friends all know about my surgery, and they picked a restaurant where I could at least have Soup. (I had french onion by the way, just ate the broth, and man was it good!). However, it was difficult sitting at the table, watching everyone being able to order a drink (alcohol), and eat appetizers like spinach dip and chips, and then having their meals of Pasta or burgers and even one really good looking salad. I know if I could've handled all that kind of stuff in a "normal" fashion before, I wouldn't have been in a position where I needed the surgery. I know this gets better (or so I'm told from those that are much further out then I am), and I will adjust and it takes time. But, that is my "ugly" frustrating part that I'm at right now. Just had to vent, thanks for "listening".

Hi, My Doc has said I can have anything except bread, alcohol and fizzy drinks. I can't drink with a meal either. He dosen't want me to have a liquid diet as he says these tend to contain more calories. I am eating sensibly and chewing well, mainly soup, salads, fish and yogurts really.He says my stomach is not that different to before size wise though it is a bit swollen. i am only eating small portions as I don't want to have too big a shock when I have my fill!

These are the most common questions I see asked, many in posts asking "is this normal?" What is a reasonable amount of weight to expect to lose the first month and/or weekly for My BMI? How many ounces should I limit each of the following: liquids, soft/puree, solids? How common are stalls/plateaus? When is it normal to have the first BM post-op? Can I have caffeine, alcohol, carbonation, etc... (as applies) What are my goals for Protein, carbs, calories, and fluids daily?

Hi All, I am scheduled to have my surgery Feb.22nd @ TLBC. I inquired about this procedure in 2001, but have put off the reality of my situation until just recently. I have about 150lbs to lose and I'm counting on this procedure to help me reach my goal, one step at a time. Has anyone had to seek out help for the emotional side of over-eating? I have seen interviews with Carnie Wilson and she was still unable to deal with her emotional bagage, even though she was down 150lbs. She ended up drinking excessively and had to seek therapy for her emotions and alcohol addiction. Any suggestions/thoughts/comments are welcome..... Jill:confused:

What kind do you take are they soft chews? If so are there sugar alcohols in them or dairy? Maybe that's it?

I always eat a little bit before taking mine. I've never felt gassy. But you might check to see if it is sweetened with sugar alcohols or sucralose. Both of those sweeteners cause me cramps and gas bubbles.

Hi All, Had the Gastric Sleeve done on Monday morning 11/11/19 at NYU Medical Center in NY. I’m super pleased to report that everything went extremely well and that I was really surprised with how manageable the discomfort has been post-op. For those of you considering it and nervous about the pain and suffering after surgery, don’t let it be the reason you cancel of postpone. Go through with it and take your future health in your own hands. My procedure was at 7:30 am on Monday. It lasted about 1.5 hours. During the surgery the doctor fixed a hiatal hernia and also took a biopsy of a small growth on my liver which thankfully turned out to be fine by pathology. Basically speaking, I ended up with 3 for 1 and honestly, had that liver thing shown up on a CT scan I would have wanted it biopsied anyway, so this was a blessing in disguise. Immediately after surgery, I was taken to PACU and stayed there for about an hour or so to recover from the anesthesia. Zero nausea, pain or vomiting. In fact, before going up to my room they had me walk several laps, which I did without any difficulty. In the room, the only issue I had was gas pressure (a sort of dull cramping feeling) on the left side of my stomach. Zero pain on the right side where the stomach pouch was stapled and removed. They had me up and around, walking and sitting in a chair for most of the day sipping ice chips and water out of those little one oz plastic cups. Zero hunger, despite basically fasting for 48 hours before surgery and a liquid diet for the two weeks pre-op. They were ahead of all my pain and symptoms by giving me Zofran for nausea, Levsin for inflammation and 10mg of Roxy (Hydrocodone w/ tylenol). The monitored all vitals carefully, had me walk every few hours and made sure that I was peeing. The gas pressure persisted, but it eventually got better. Still had not passed gas. The following day, the goal was for me to complete a drinking challenge, which consists of drinking 4 one ounce cups of liquid every hour for 4 consecutive hours (basically 16 oz of clear fluid). On the first try I got through the first three hours, but couldn’t complete the last hour so they had me wait. Ended up completing it later that evening, so they decided to keep me another night. Finally started to pass gas and even had a movement, so they discharged me today. Only real problem last night and in the morning was some reflux that they gave me Protonix and some Malox to counteract. Moving around and walking is basically normal, but I’m being very careful not to bend down or lift anything heavier than 5-10 lbs. When I got home I did feel a bit hungry, so with the Doctor’s clearance, I attempted small sips of Slim Fast Advanced High Protein. The first ounce went down good, but the second one caused a sharp pain which might have been my first experience with dumping syndrome due to the sugar alcohols in the Slim Fast. Still experiencing some lingering reflux, slight nausea and a bit sore, but definitely progressing. For those of you who are further along, what have your experiences been transitioning with liquids and diet? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Hi there I'm a nurse and iodine is a toughy. Use rubbing alcohol for an initial scrub but than soap/water will do the rest. Mind you, iodine stains readily and is hard to remove. It will be absorbed and will diminish with time, but it does take time. Unfortunate that the med team didn't wipe the initial gunk off post surgery for you. Large iodine doses screws with the thyroid so it's common practice for nurses to take as much off as possible.

I was just thinking about this. I am celebrating a birthday and super bowl this weekend. No alcohol and no pigging out. I am getting through it by going to one of my safe resturants for my Birthday and cooking a healthy meal for tonight. For a cake I got the smallest carvel cake for my family to split.

Tips? Keep saying the mantra "it gets better." Every day things get better: the pain, the emotions, the weird feelings when you drink. And before you know it, you are rewarded with weight loss! My tastes seems to change everyday. I was able to eat my chewable Vitamins for the first week post op. Now, they make me nauseous. Like they actually come back up or make me feel blah I am switching to the Celebrate vitamins you can mix together like Crystal Light (Celebrate bariatric vitamins are what my surgeon recommends). The simpler the taste the better for me. I was able to drink some Protein shakes and Carnation Instant Breakfast-No Sugar Added post op. But after a week, the only thing I want is plain skim milk with nonfat dry milk powder added (by drinking 3 to 4, 8 ounce glasses of these a day, I get my 50+ grams of daily protein needs). My best tip would be using alcohol wipes to stop nausea. I got nauseous about 4 times during my 3 day hospital stay. I would call for my nurse and she would quickly put one on my nose and I would take like 3 to 5 deep breaths and it would calm me down (meanwhile she would be putting nausea medicine in my IV but told me it would take a few minutes to work). I still use this trick regularly (my nurses kindly gave me like 30 wipes to take home). Granted I don't get anti-nausea meds pumped into me anymore but it still works (you have to realize early post-op nausea is a little more intense because of all the pain meds they are pumping you with). One more thing - friends and family act funny post op. Learn to deal with it/laugh it off. A coworker ate candy in front of me and then was like Oops! And hid the wrapper behind her back. I laughed it off but trust me, I want nothing to do with sweets right now! And then the other day my dad was driving me to the pharmacy and was mad that I didn't "eat" anything that day yet. He asked if I could have a Wendy's Frosty! Clearly that is not a good idea - but I gave him an alternative, we went to McDonalds and I got a kid-sized milk. I now use that little half pint container daily (8 oz)...cutest thing ever. I digress... Let me know if you have any other questions while it is still fresh!! Good luck with your surgery! I am sure it has been a long journey. I had to go through a 6 month insurance approval process. I pinch myself everyday that I am now on the other side!

Yep, doing that too! More fluids, more salt, no alcohol (not that I was drinking any anyway), regular exercise to promote blood flow, smaller more frequent meals... etc etc etc

My doctor says no alcohol for a year. You are healing and still swelled up. Most leaks happen at 3 or 4 weeks out. I would not chance it for wine. You can have a fruit drink with no alcohol and still have fun with the girls! Dont chance it!

The other aspect, beyond the basic sleeve healing and caloric intake issues, is liver health. Being obese, our livers usually aren't in the best of shape to begin with, and the rapid weight loss further taxes it by it's role in metabolizing all the fat that we're losing, so it doesn't need any more work by having to metabolize the alcohol. My doc is a liver specialist outside of his bariatrics practice, so you better believe that we are on the no alcohol program for the 12-18 months of rapid weight loss - he doesn't like seeing his WLS patients coming back as transplant patients!

Well I have only told one friend about the surgery. I was a person that just could not see getting gastric bypass. My sister did and she looks awful, rotted teeth, no bone density, no muscle, just flabby gross and very sickly. Then to top it off she became an alcoholic! I am not doing this for anyone but me. I went to CA with my granddaughter and just had no strength in my legs to do all I wanted to and so that was it for me. I took my 10k from my retirement acct and 5 weeks later I am done. The incisions aren't leaking badly, but the coughs still give a new adventure in pain. I was bad today, ate some chocolate covered strawberries. Mothers day gift. I am in some pain but working through. I need and want to lose weight. I am tired of being tired and fat and weak. I will resume my pool time as soon as dr says I can. swimming will tone me best! Keep smiling!

Hi Everyone, All addictions have one thing in common- they numb you out to what is happening in the moment. They offer instead, an intense sensory experience which either absorbs all of your attention or distorts reality. You may think you’re having a real moment, but you are not, because your addictive activity, such as food, drinking, or drugs, is actually disconnecting you from your true emotions and, therefore, making it difficult for you to connect with others around you. My food addictions always came along when I am happy or miserable and sometimes bored to death. Then when we get to the time in our lives and we feel like we can never lose the weight because we are so fat, we think what the heck let’s just eat anything and any amount we want, We know honestly that is NOT the answer. “People who are hungry for more real moments often us addiction to get a temporary hit of happiness” But because the feeling of happiness that that we get from our food addiction is only temporary and then it becomes a vicious circle of always eating the wrong things and overeating. So the happiness is only temporary, you can’t feel good without the bad behavior of abusing food. This is how you get hooked into you addictive behavior of using food for comfort. Addictions are so socially acceptable in America that, often people don’t even realize that they have one, especially when it comes to eating food. Food is NOT something that we can simply say I am never going to eat again. If it is an alcohol addiction then you can say—I am never going to drink alcohol again. Food is something that we are going to have to deal with for the rest of our lives. For me I had to make a lifestyle change. It is like going back to school. I had to start reading labels, planning my meal and using a journal and keep track of everything I put in my body. If I didn’t have “bad” foods in my home that would tempt me to eat them—then they would not be a problem. I learned to make healthy choice including snack and what I craved. If it was something sweet like a desert I learned how to make some healthy ones. It take a lot of effort and a immense amount of time, to plan my meals, shop for my food, and read labels and keep track of what I was eating. I know it takes a lot of time to keep a journal, but it will really be helpful to you. I use this site: http://www.livestrong.com/myplate/ . I know there are other sites that people use. Do what works for you when it comes to keeping track of your food. You also need to exercise. Having a food addiction is NOT an easy thing to deal with. Start asking yourself when you want something to eat—do I just WANT this food or do I NEED to eat this food. Most of the time it is you just “want” to eat the food. Find something else to do—like posting on this board and talking with other about their addiction. I wish you nothing but success, but I want you to know that this is something that we all will struggle with. I am here to help in any way I can. Hugs, Suzanne