Search the Community

ME TOO! I had mine Jan. 21st. I'm at a stall the past month. I'm going back to shakes and gonna not induldge in alcohol =) I feel your pain!

Hi - I have been reading a lot on this forum since January and today, I was scheduled for surgery on March 31st. I think I am ready...but, will definitely need a buddy to reach out to from time to time. Anyone got advice that you could share? I've quit caffiene & alcohol, ditched the sodas, loaded up the pantry with jello, crystal light, broth, light soups, kellog special K protein drinks (seem to taste better to me than Atkins), got the chewable vitamins, melting B12s, under the tongue Gas-X and probably a few other things I can't think of now. I've started using Wii to add to the physical activity and actually dusted off (and used!) my treadmill. What else should I be doing in these two weeks prior to surgery? :cursing:

when is your surgery? Your nutritionist will tell you what your surgeons/programs requirements are. Just like you said, oddly enough, everyone is given different instructions depending on their doctor's requirements. For me, I am currently following a 2 week pre op diet. My surgery is 3/4. I am allowed 5 Protein shakes a day, one serving of veggie a day, one serving of fruit a day and one serving of starch a day. I can also have all the Clear liquids I want which include sugar free popsicles, SF Jello, broth, SF liquids etc (I can not have any caffeine, carbonation or alcohol). I thought it was going to be torture but it really hasn't been that bad. I'm sure the next time you meet with your nutritionist he/she will start providing you more and more info regarding this, if not just ask. Good luck on your staring weight loss, you can do this!

I drank 4-6 cans of diet soda a day before I got the band. I haven't had one in 3 months, I can tell you that once in a great while I have the urge to grab a soda and chug the entire can down, but I don't....I paid out of pocket for this and I need it to work. Plus, I don't know what it is, but my skin is in much better condition, much less dry, and I think it has to do with not having the soda.... As for sugar and alcohol, I have had some of both, but I do it in moderation. The sugar thing is the hardest, because so many sweet things are still very easy to eat....chocolate, ice cream, caramel.....the band doesn't really restrict those things, so I do my best to stay away from because they just slow down the progress. Good luck!

Im 9 weekd post op and I tried a small sip of wine and i had a burning sensation on my stomach almost instantly. Has this happened to anyone? And do you know what that feeling is? Sent from my VS995 using BariatricPal mobile app

I agree with you but I have son who was away for a long time for a heroin addiction. Home now, he has started using alcohol and other drugs so isn't an addiction an addiction? Be well. Fran

.) Money - HAVE TO SELF PAY... credit is 545 not sure if i can get a loan or not??There are several on line medical loan companies, I am sure you would qualify, your interest rate may be a little high tho. 2.) my mom has the money, to LOAN me, but she is afraid she will need it becuz she is dying of diabetes.... etc.... Do you have a history of loans/paying back with your Mom? If so, draw up papers, and be sure to pay her back as agreed. If it is going to cause her extra stress at this bad time for her, I would try to find another way. 3.) Can I still live the fun single life... having drinks / wiine with friends, smoke a few ciggies with my martinis, going to lunch dinner with clients and friends... ??You will have a period after surgery where your eating will be curtailed, you will be on liquids only. And some Dr.s flat out refuse to take you on as a patient if you smoke...it increases risk in many ways. After you get past the liquid stage, you can eat just fine with your friends, you will just eat much less. You can drink, I am not sure if the amount would be affected or not, I have not drank to excess in several years (!). The one difference, is you will not be able to drink carbonated beverages, so will have to stick to other types of drinks. And keep in mind the small part of your stomach, may get irritated more easily with the alcohol and cigarettes than it would now. 4.) When I look at some of the lap banders, I see people who have lost tons of wt. but I dont see people who are really hard bodies, is it "impossible" or too hard to get a fit / tight body ?Most of the bandsters still posting here, are works in progress, the further along everyone gets the less we see of them! They are out living life! It is not impossible to get the "hard body" look, look up Telly's profile for instance...but not all of us are young enough to pull that off regardless how much we lose!!! But when you look in the mirror now, it is not a hard body you see obviously---so if you have a little excess skin, and end up wearing a 1 piece as opposed to a bikini---is it really worse than what you have now? Many of us will end up with Tummy tucks following this, but they can do wonders!!! When I had my LASIK eye surgery 14 years again, (before it was populaur) I was NOT scared AT all, cuz the alternative was worse for me... is this the same... thing???Well as you have stated diabetes is looking down the gun barrel at you.....yes this can be life changing, some habits will have to be changed. But it is nowhere near as drastic as the life changes diabetes brings....nowhere! Not to mention all the other health issues obesity leads to as well. All LASIK saved you from was glasses---this can literally save your life! But, I know it's not, I cant do anything anymore, and I am missing out on so much in life.... free tickets to the Broncos, Avalanceh, games, ... wont go, cuz the seats are too tight... ; Free Airline Tix, - wont go cuz the seat is too tight; Camping, Hiking --- cant go with my frenz cuz I cant breathe!!! .... I have sat in the new Invesco Field seats, and know I will fit better now. I have ridden many rides across the interstate at Elitches, and I have avoided many more, being afraid I would not fit. This summer? I am riding them all! I am back to riding horses, I can walk anywhere I want without losing my breath....hell I can run when I have too!!! You are in a great city, there is lots to do---but you will enjoy it all more, and for many more years to come, if you can gain control of the weight issue, and therefore the health issues. No one can make these decisions for you, it is a decision you have to research thoroughly, and make it an educated choice. But with your family history, and the fact that the weight is controlling your life in negative ways---it sounds like it is time to make a change, whatever the change may end up being. I would recommend banding to anyone! I love the control it gives me over my life. I can live normally, and eat normally, I no longer feel frantic and starving---and I see a future for myself, watching my grandkids grow up...life is getting better and better!!! Good Luck in your decision making. Ask any questions you may have---the support here is awesome!!! Kat

I think there's a question you need to ask yourself: What's more important to you... losing the weight, or doing whatever it is you do on the weekends that you deem as a reward for working hard all week? If you're already trying to find a way to maintain the pre-op diet and still indulge in things that violate it (convenient foods, alcohol, whatever), you're going to have a hard time post-surgery. The lap band isn't a magic wand, it's simply a tool to help you lose weight; you still have to have the self-discipline to change your current lifestyle. Ya know, the one that lead to you being overweight in the first place? Instead of looking at it as trying to alter what the diet calls for so it fits in with your social life, why not focus your energy on finding ways to alter your social life so it fits in with your diet? For what it's worth, alcohol takes the same metabolic path that weight loss does... so if your body is busy processing alcohol, it's not busy processing weight loss. That's why every doctor you speak to will tell you that alcohol is a no-no post-op, and I'm sure they'd say the same for pre-op as you should be dropping 10 lbs... weight loss is the priority.

Well, I guess I should start off by saying my name is Brian. I am new to the site and pretty much have been reading it everyday for the last 2 weeks or so. I am being Banded on October 10th and am pretty nervus about it. Never had a surgrey before or even been put under. I guess thats normal? I was always an athlete and in amazing shape. I fell victum to a nasty meth and heroin addiction at the age of 15. It lasted about 3.5 years and ended when I had a heartattack and almost died in my Fathers arms. I have since been 4 years sober off drugs , alcohol and ciggrettes. When I was in my rehabilitation stage I turned to eating. I gained about 155 pounds since the date of my heartattack/quitting drugs and just havent been able to work the weight off on my own. I love eating. Its the only form of entertainment that I have and the only problem I have in weight loss. My work ethic in the Gym is still tip top and I dont eat the Chocolate, Cake, Icecream, Potatoes and stuff like that. But when I do sit down and eat I eat tons of Chicken and tons of Salad and I can pack away alot of food. So I think I have a few things working in my advantage and am eager to start this journey. I dont really know what to expect. I guess the only thing that I am expecting is that when I eat I get full. I know that the Band isnt going to melt the fat off my body and that I need to work with it. Just as long as it helps me get that full feeling I think I am going to be okay. Well thats my story! Hopefully it wasnt to long and boring. Im looking forward to using this fourm as a support system and looking to learn alot from everyone. Thank you! Brian

I was told that someone died from drinking alcohol after wls. But I do have a drink every now and then and it does effect me a lot quicker than before. It also gives me a stomach ache after too. I find that after my wls, everything affects me different than it did before....Even pain medications too..........

I found it hard to stop my vices cold turkey, I'm kinda odd so made myself a plan for decreasing my quantity of caffeine, alcohol, processed sugary foods etc. I also gradually increased the decaf content in my coffee to the point that I drink a decaf coffee a week or so. I switched from pop and alcohol to carbonated Water with a dash of juice, to kombutcha tea, then to fun herbal teas cooled and over ice. I started changing my behaviours as soon as I went to the first information session but got serious about 10 months before surgery (my first intake appointment). I also struggled with the waiting for things to move on the hospital end, but hoped that if they saw the deliberate effort I was making maybe it would speed things up (it hasn't in my case). I think the awareness and effort on your part is the biggest factor, no matter how small the changes may seem.

Yes. You need to replace your bad habit with a good habit. Many WL patients become alcoholics, drug addicts. You have to find something you love to do. I took the first four weeks after surgery to get a grasp on my addiction. Figured out my triggers and conquered my food demon. Good luck on doing the same! It's a hard road.

You can do that....or you can probably find a few support groups in your area. A lot of the surgeons have organized their own support groups that meet regularly. The thing is, with a support group you are going to find that you are not alone with your questions....MANY lapbanders are emotional eaters and going through the same thing. Like Alcoholics Anonymous, sometimes it is just what you need to be with people who are walking or have walked in your shoes.

I've had dumping syndrome even before having my surgery. I am a type II diabetic and would experience it if my sugars would drop too fast after being high for so long. Since my surgery I've had it happen a couple of times. Once because of one of my Protein shakes (which contained sugar alcohol) and a couple of days ago when I overdid it with fruit. Sometimes it happens right away, I'll get the sweats and tough it out. Other times, it can be more gradual and I'll end up in the bathroom for an hour or more. I'm almost 8 weeks out and still figuring out what food are ok. I've lost a little over 25 pounds. Fatty foods my body doesn't seem to like at all. So I stay away. I still crave sweets, but I am doing my best to keep away and not wanting to dump helps with that. I want to try a small bowl of ice cream, but I am nervous. In any event, I wish you the best of luck.

I would suggest staying away from Sugar free! Although youth think its " sugar fee " itore than likely is loaded with sugar alcohol. Sugar free candy makes me dump believe it or not so I make sure I stay away from that stuff. Try not to start on the chocolate or chips again! I now on a carb free, sugar free diet to break my sugar addiction. My goal is 20 lbs by the end of the summer. I keep telling myself that every 5 lbs is a bag of sugar (lol how ironic)

Okay...so a lot of people have posted questions on here about the psych evaluation. I don't expect this to necessarily help anyone but I wanted to share my experience. It is somewhat different that any other post I have read. First of all I struggled with the decision to see a psychiatrist or a psychologist. I know a psychologist on a professional level so I knew I would feel comfortable with him. I also knew if I went to him I would have to complete testing whereas if I went to see a psychiatrist, it would only be an interview. In the end it was money that made the decision for me. I only had a copay with the psychiatrist whereas I would have to pay for the testing and interview with a psychologist, which was considerably more than my copay. How did I find the psychiatrist? An acquaintance had the surgery and said she could only find one who would do the evaluation. I would have to drive 90 min one way. Fine. I asked about her experience with the evaluation and the first thing she said was "I felt like she was trying to talk me out of it." The acquaintance was 5'5 inches, 300 lbs and had no co-morbid conditions. So, I was curious to see if I felt like she had tried to "talk me out of it." I am 150 lbs overweight. I have diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and a long history of high cholesterol and triglycerides (although I do not currently have this problem). The psychiatrist asked questions I expected to be asked: current medical conditions, medications, family history, occupation, marital status, past and current mental health issues, past trauma, past relationships and how long they were, etc. She asked me what procedure I was having (sleeve). She did not ask me anything at all about my weight history, if I had a support system or if there were any stressors in my life. So at the end of the interview this is what she had to say: 1. You need to know there is currently NOT a cure for obesity. If there were, everyone would be having the surgery. You should also know the statistics say there is a high rate people who regain their weight back. My response to her was i felt like without the surgery I had a 0% chance of losing this weight and keeping it off. With the surgery, at least I will have a chance! I added I think the benefits will outweigh the risks. 2. There is a phenomenon known as addiction transfer and you are at a very high risk for this. I immediately stopped her and told her I was aware of this concerned about this as well and talked to my therapist about it. With regard to the transfer of food to alcohol addiction, I don't drink at all now. So, in order for me to avoid this, I should not ever drink. Of course, at this point she had to tell me about her "friend" who never drank before surgery who ended up being an alcoholic. I'm not quite sure why she said I was at a "high risk" for this because the only addiction I've ever had is food. However, my father and sister both died from drug addiction so I am statistically more likely to have addiction problems. I understand this may occur so I will be more cognizant of it. 3. You need to be aware this is a "dangerous and risky procedure." Well so is life saving brain and heart surgery! She said this on two different occasions. First, she told me about another "friend" who had a leak at the staple line. Then, the kicker of it all is this psychiatrist was morbidly obese herself! Not just obese, morbidly obese. Round as she was tall. So then she says to me I would have the surgery myself if it wasn't so "dangerous and risky." So..did I feel like she was trying to talk me out of it? Hell yes! I find it ironic that a person who I know understands the struggles of being obese would have this perspective on WLS. Her responses were the kind of feedback you get from a normal, lay person. Another oddity...she also out of the blue said "you look good." What does that mean? My hair and clothes were clean or I didn't act like was experiencing psychosis? I didn't ask. She did clear me for surgery so I guess that is the most important thing but that experience left me scratching my head......

I know crazy right! But I have tried and tried to quit drinking Diet Coke- and just couldnt-don't get me wrong I had the strongest urge to pull up to Sonic and get me a Rt 44 today - I was a very serious addict to doing this- more so than alcoholics I think- I couldn't go a day without it- I would even sneak out of the house and go get me one and just sit and drink it lol Anyway- - but my headaches are gone and I am on day 3 of my preop diet- also I get two shakes a day and a smart ones for dinner- so it has been really not to to hard- I can have jello or broth and my new favorite is diet snapple- I never had it before now- so anyways- AND I am after 3 days- down 5 lbs. (Well Sunday all I could have was clear fluids cause I had my EGD yesterday) but I am thankful!

When you look at the inactive ingredient label. The second listed ingredient is ethanol, and the 6th is high fructose corn syrup. Since ethanol [ethyl-alcohol] is an alcohol, it might cause a problem, especially soon after surgery.

I wonder if some people were on the verge before surgery. Or maybe had a problem already. I like a glass of wine now and then but have always gotten tipsy on one glass so I think that I would have to stay completely away from alcohol altogether.

Thanks everyone. Your responses are greatly appreciated. I should probably say that I'm afraid of these questions because I'm afraid of being denied! I have heard of folks "failing" their psych evaluations for various reasons including the possibility of crossover addictions and alcoholism. I feel like this is my last best chance to get this done. My work insurance won't cover so I bought an exchange plan and want to get this all approved as quickly as possible.

I'm over three years out from my surgery. I lost over 100 lbs. The last six months i have really started drinking too much, therefore i've gained so much weight back. Anyone gone through this?

I'm almost 1 month post op, so I'm just out the gate. I used to LOVE wine, but I've been a good girl and have had nada. I am a bridesmaid in an upcoming wedding and I REALLY want to imbue. Be honest. How have you dealt with alcohol? I don't want to go bananas and drink all night, but I'd sure like a glass of wine at the bachelorette party (this Sat) and one at the wedding (June 4). Go for it? One or the other? Avoid? Do you drink? Please put in your 2 cents.

My doctor said to avoid alcohol for almost 6-9 weeks. 6 weeks was good but 9 would be best. Edited to add: just looked through my paperwork from the doc and they recommend a year without alcohol. I'm not a big drinker (maybe once a month) but I do have a vacation coming up so I don't know how I'll do.

I would recommend wine. I found moscato to produce no heartburn in me. For me, a glass of white wine seems to go down easier but it may not be the same for you. I am sure that you have been warned that you will likely feel the effects of the alcohol more quickly. I found that I can really feel it after 1 glass. I have only had wine a few times since surgery because of this. I avoid mixed drinks like the plague. Tried it a couple of times and even with the "top shelf" stuff had terrible heartburn and nausea. Have never tried beer since the surgery. With all the carbonation in beer, it just doesn't seem like a good idea.

Find out when your doc clears you to drink. Alcohol is empty calories so just keep that in the back of your mind. Also crossover addiction is a concern. But one night after doc clears you probably won't be too risky. Beer may make you feel bloated, but it wouldn't stretch your stomach. If any excess gas is stuck you will burp it out just like pre-op. With the fundus removed, the stretchy part is gone. Alcohol on a fresh cut probably doesn't feel too good. So at least six weeks. But again ask your surgeon.