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Hello Everyone! I am really enjoying this website. Lots of useful information. I was banded April 26th. I have been feeling great and following the diet to a T! I just have one question. I have a super busy summer coming up. Lots of wedding and graduation parties. Although I am not really a big drinkier I do like to have a couple when and where appropriate. I know alcohol is just empty calories. Just wondering what other peoples reactions are about it. Does it effect you diffently ect......

I stopped drinking before getting banded so I don't know if it effects you differently. Just the fact that you are eating less food may cause the alcohol to have a greater impact. I would be cautious for sure. And you are right, it's empty calories. Try to factor a drink or 2 into your calories for the day. Of course, this is not something you should do on a regular basis. Have fun!

I drink vodka/cran as well and did notice that the alcohol has more of an effect on me. So, I don't drink as much and try to eat 30 minutes before I drink. Julia

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!

Ya ive been focused now on the surgery and accomplishing losing this weight i have put on from doing all that.its why im overweight in the first place.im not an alcoholic if i made it seem that way to anyone lol

Today marks three months since I had RNY. I have lost 75 pounds (pre and post op) and dropped 3 or 4 sizes (depends on if its a top or pants). I feel really good. My blood pressure is normal. My joints don't hurt. I can walk briskly and up flights of stairs without getting out of breath. And I feel like I "fit" in this world better. A few observations: * This has been a huge learning experience. While I would do it again, it has not come without its hiccups. I am still testing and trying foods that I used to be able to eat. If anything makes me feel bad, I don't eat it again. * I am losing about 3 pounds a week, consistently. I have not had a significant stall. * Anything high in sugar makes my heart race and causes me to sweat. Anything high in fat gives me diarrhea. These are HUGE incentives to not eat those foods. I HATE how they make me feel. * I love, love, LOVE fresh fruit. More than I ever did before surgery. Holy moley, love it! * I can eat different quantities of different foods. Example: I can eat a lot more Soup and salad at one sitting that beef. * I have had the foamies three or four times. They lasted for about 10 minutes. Way not fun, but you get through it. * I have tried alcohol. I don't like how it makes me feel, at all. So, no more. Just not worth it. * I decided to stay off caffeine. It was so difficult to get off caffeinated coffee before surgery that I never want to go through that again. * I still can gulp Water. Yummo! * I have NOT exercised intentionally. I make a point of walking more, but I'm not someone who loves to exercise for exercise sake. That said, I did go out canoeing with my hubby this summer and had a blast. A kayak is on my to-buy list for next summer. * People (e.g. spouse) may get sick of your pro-active weight loss updates. My husband has been hugely supportive but telling him every other day that I've lost another pound gets old after awhile. I've stopped doing that, and let him ask me how I'm doing (which he does). * This really is an individual journey. You have to find what works best for you. What one person can eat, you may not be able to eat. And no matter what others think about your weight loss journey, the most important opinion is yours.

I DVR'd the show Intervention the other night and just finished watching it. It was about a young girl addicted to heroin. Now some of you may know, I'm divorced 2 yrs this month, I literally watched my ex become an alcoholic the last 3 yrs of our marriage and I thought "how dare you do this to us". I didn't want the divorce, he did, in the end because I wouldn't go out partying with him, said we never did anything together and we had grown apart, well he had met someone too. Anyway, getting back to the Intervention, I never understood how anyone could be addicted to drugs or alcohol and do that to themselves and to their family members but tonight I looked at my mom and said "you know I no different, I'm addicted to food, always have been". Thus the reason for my surgery a year ago this week. I make better food choices now, yes its hard and a daily struggle with me with head hunger and sweets and sometimes I give in but I'm no different so I have no right to criticize anyone's addiction not even my ex's. Which by the way I saw my ex today, he always forgets to mail my alimony ck so I had to meet up with him, he looked awful. For someone that used to hold a corporate job and have a company car and make six figures now looks like he does is sad and breaks my heart, I feel sympathy for him. All I can do is pray not only for him but for myself with my head hunger in which I struggle with each and every day.

I've never had the band, so I don't know what you're dealing with. A distant relative had a band-to-sleeve revision last year and she's happy. Having heard her story, and on the advice of my surgeon, I went straight for the sleeve. My other option was standard bypass, but that seemed like more life-long maintenance and potential issues to worry about. At first, it's just surgery recovery. A coworker described my post-op diet as "newborn on fast-forward." I think that's pretty accurate. I was on solid foods after 6 weeks, and almost entirely unrestricted by 3 months. At around 5 months out, I started getting hungry again. Not family-bucket-of-KFC hungry, but I-forgot-to-eat-Breakfast hungry. Today, I can eat about two chicken legs and feel very full, and a few cubes of cheese or a dozen almonds is enough to satisfy me for several hours. If I eat too much - even one extra bite - I puke. I can drink as much as I want before a meal. Gulping traps air in my stomach and causes a burp, so I sip or use a straw. More than a sip during or right after a meal makes me feel overfull and causes me to puke. Every food I've tried so far works, but some didn't at first. I don't have trouble with straws. Some do. I haven't tried bubble gum or alcohol.

I have had the sleeve back in December 2008 & have lost 80lbs so far I didn't have any complications after the surgery may I add that the only reason I haven't lost all the weight is because the sleeve has a small tricky side..It is the best decision I've made in my life! Thus far I had the surgery when I was 21..I'm 22 now..a November baby....okay well first off it's a life changing thing...& unlike most people my insurance did not cover it...so my mother paid the $20,000+ straight out of her own pocket- no payment plan- no credit card... So that i could have the surgery very thankful since my health was going in a direction in which I was told by the time I was 30yrs old... My health wouldn't be too great, so what I wanted to speak on was the sleeve.. Alcohol consumption for me if I get enough in my system I'll say 1or 2 drinks... "smaller stomach makes you come into a state I don't care to be in alot faster "drunk" so me me it tricks my stomach / my senses and I am able to eat more then I normal eat,.. ALL the bad foods chips, cookies candy, the SOFTER foods I can consumer alot more of that if I dont eat my 2-3 small meals a day..meat MUST be chewed well...I seem to do better with chicken then steak.. Remember reduced stomach means reduced acid in the stomach which helps break the food down..a small steak is fine... & I mean Small!..so now that I'm back on track with the weight loss I have no regrets about the surgery, I have 3 spots on my stomach were they cut me.."microscopic" so no major Horrific scaring...heals with time & proper care+ a scar cream... if you allow it to be like I did which caused my small set back..in me only losing 80lbs is snacks, junk food the Softer the food(mush mush) the more your stomach can hold but don't let bread fool you that's one soft food I avoid with a meal because it swells up and makes you full before you even get your dinner "well with me it does" anyways I believe you get the idea....acid reflux> I take my nexium once a day...skinny people have acid reflux so if the surgery doesn't totally eliminate it..then it will reduce it alot.. I've noticed foods with too much of a kick don't sit well in the stomach.. Gives me a burning feeling sometimes it just depends.. Other then that...I love love love the sleeve, it is a life long change.. Ask yourself this if people are going to lose the weight and then remove the band...and HOPE to remain thinner, why get the band At all especially if they say food can slip through,get stuck& you never really feel full? what kind of mess is that! I thought that was the point to make you eat LESS& BE FULL(really) and all by consuming smaller portions...with the sleeve there isn't any trickery when it comes to the full feeling "except maybe when consuming alcohol like I said earlier" otherwise when YOU feel full, you are full(.)And the backlash for trying to push through that full feeling is you have to throw up plan and simple if you have tried for years to lose weight like I did.. Go with something that will help you benefit you, and actually give you good results.. Instead of being pumped or undone, or redone again.. For those that might not know They sleeve was/ is used on patients that were over 350+ lbs I believe ..& was the first step in prepping patients to get the gastric bypass by allowing them to lose weight( 380+ weight is too high a risk when doing such a major surgery like the gastric bypass) .. But turns out the sleeve made a lot of those patients lose a good amount of weight... Thus the sleeve became one more option in weight loss surgery.....

You betcha!!!!! From what I understand, when we had this surgery, not only were our tummies removed but some hormones and other "stuff" we may not know we needed. It makes sense to me, however, when some of these hormones are removed, people do stuff they never used to. . .turn to drugs, alcohol, sex, get more emotional, get angry, etc. . . I did that too. . never was a drinker, but recently I could easily become an alcoholic. . .thank goodness I have control not to do that. . .but it's definately there, that and wanting to go crazy on carbs. . . at 3 years out this is not a good thing (no wonder some people fail with this surgery after a while). . . I had posted a post about my hubbie hurting my feelings by telling me I had gained weight, well after having had a pity party with myself and LOTS of self talk, I told him thank you cause even though I did not gain weight (according to my scale) it made me realize that maybe I'm doing bizzare things which i didn't do before. . . and then I realized that yes I'm snacking like an idiot on carbs and between meals and yes I was drinking alcohol A LOT!!! Sooooo, i stopped that dead in its tracks. . . think head hunger is murder? Try stopping every thing cold turkey! If i wasn't crazy before, I will be now! hahaha. . . but it's only temporary cause once my body gets back on track, I will be ok. . . . PS: For you stats folks, I don't have proof of my findings, only observation. . . .

Ever hear of transfer addiction? Don't start drinking now just because you can't eat. I think a little alcohol here and there is fine, but it's strange that a non-drinker would suddenly start craving it, IMO. My psyche told me that I would "definitely" become an alcoholic, so I've been very stringent on how much and when I drink...and I never drank much pre-op either. Good luck!

Rachael, i think they refer to alcohol as "empy calories." Not good to drink alot. I know its ok to have a little now and then, but overdueing, like food - isn't great. Remember, smaller portions and moderation kathy sorry for the interruption,/crash but...... Lissa, i see you have been creeping "down" in weight to losing 91 lb - how terrific is that? congrats kathy

It could have been the cider, it had vodka in it, but I had less than a teaspoon! I ate the dip because I rationalized: I'm allowed chicken (and it was shredded), cheddar cheese (but it wasn't low fat). But I'm not allowed Frank's hot sauce, blue cheese dressing or celery! I mashed it up with my fork and it was about a 3/4 tablespoon serving. I probably had a beverage shortly beforehand and afterwards, forgetting about all the rules! (My first social event since sleeve and I was feeling great!) No alcohol means no alcohol! Low or no fat, means low or no fat! When will I learn?

Yes I also have the resturant one I never used it yet but the cook this not that is very good I can't wait untill I can eat again... I keep reading the book like its a porno mag I want everything in it lol lol And the book also have a lot of interesting facts like one for instace Men who moderately drink alcohol 3 to 7 days a week are at a 32% lower risk of heart attack then men who drink less then once a week. Which me boyfriend pointed out to me after I said I think he drinks to much (foot in mouth) lol I can't wait untill I can start making this and there is like 3 fullfulling meals Breakfast lunch and dinner that I can make and it will only add up to 1200 calories and low fat They also have a section on instant lunches for example They have buy a rotisserie chicken at the supermarket remove the skin and shred every last bit of meat. Then it gives you a lunch idea for each day of the work week and all together it will cost 20$ I just want to eat.. I'm not hungry but all the food ideas look ohh soo good lol

I think it's especially important for us to pay attention to these things too. Not only because it takes so much less to knock us on our butts. I think the risk of a "crossover addiction" is very easy! I come from a background of family members with addiction issues (drugs alcohol) I have NEVER had a problem with drugs or alcohol (just food) . I was very prepared for many things after surgery but the one thing I didn't think about was the temptation to find comfort in things that never comforted me before.. The weeks after my surgery I became increasingly aware of my "need" for my pain meds (refilled twice) it got to a point I looked forward to my nightly dose. I wasn't taking it during the day just at night for my relaxing down time (the time I used to over eat also). I knew it was becoming an issue so I fessed up to my husband who then helped me hold myself accountable after. To this day I have to be really honest with myself as to why I want to take a medication.. Even allergy meds that make me sleepy. Eyes wide open.

I'm two weeks away from surgery, but I wanted to offer some advice regarding alcohol post-surgery. I know this is the type of thing you've probably heard about before, but wanted to share an experience. My ex-wife had bariatric surgery in 2004. At that point, we had been married for 14 years. She was never a drinker before that. I can remember a whole year going by without her even drinking a glass of wine. For the first couple of years after surgery, everything was fine. She lost nearly all of her excess weight. Then, she got a job at a restaurant where the staff would drink a glass of wine together at the end of the night. Within a year, she was an alcoholic. It became apparent to me that she had replaced the feeling of comfort that food gave her with alcohol. By early 2010, our marriage came to an end because of it. 20 years of marriage with 2 kids. We tried to help and and get her into treatment but nothing worked. Today, she is a shell of her old self. She has liver disease and I doubt she will be here a year from now. If you are addicted to food, I would suggest that you stay away from alcohol as long as you can after surgery and try to find something non-destructive to comfort you. I love drinking and collecting red wines. I take regular trips to Napa Valley. But I've had to make a commitment that I won't drink wine again until I'm comfortable that I've resolved any addictive behavior in myself. Thanks for reading

Have one for me! The only word of caution I have is that alcohol seems to affect me much easier now! Sip slowly and enjoy!

Hi everyone im new and needing information. Im type II diabetic so I have tried all forms of artficial and natural sweetners. I caint tolerate sugar alcohols at all. My questions are this? Once I have surgery I will need to get lots of protein. Are all the protein drinks sweetened with sugar alchols? Thanks u guys seem to be very knowledgeablevand friendly

Keep in mind that many store-bought Protein bars (especially the "low carb" and "low sugar" ones) use sugar alcohols than can cause some pretty serious flatulence at best and have a rather strong laxative effect at worst. So be careful eating too much/many of the sugar alcohols. If you're not familiar with sugar alcohols, see http://breakingmuscle.com/nutrition/what-you-need-to-know-about-sugar-alcohols

Thanks! But like I said, judgers gonna judge, haters gonna hate. I'm 48 years old, like to party and ride a big ass motorcycle for fun! And yes, I do limit alcohol when I'm on two wheels, judgers!. I need every ounce of coordination I can muster to hold up the big ass bike especially now that I'm smaller! I like to have fun, but I don't have a death wish. Certainly don't act my age, but neither do the folks I hang out with now that I think about it! Age is just a number! A piece of advice now that you've called me helpful and supportive... And this goes beyond folks judging about alcohol intake. Let the "frustration" go. People can only piss you off if you let them. Don't give them that much power!

Thats not the point either. It is an age thing. Its the I'm older and know better mentality. It is the condescension. I do not need alcohol to have a good time but imagine that you are newly 21. You would want the experience. I brew beer. I am in a homebrewing club. Beer is central to who I am around. I can easily not drink while out but it will be a strain as time goes on to be out and not participate. I will follow the rules but ny lifestyle does not mean I am or will become an alcoholic.

I had my doubts. I had fears that I wouldn't succeed and would look bad because I failed again I still have to work at this it's still a diet although I thing of it as change of life style like an alcoholic In a way I still get to part take in my drug but I cannt hang out at bar or in my case the fast food place. I still have to fight to push back fears. But wow. Is it easier!!! I'm sooo happy I did this. It gave me the confidence I needed.

I am waiting for my insurance to OK my lap-band surgery. But in the mean time i am eating like i always have,its like i know i will never be able to have these foods again. And i guess maybe i will feel deprived and have mad cravings? why do i do this knowing i need to change? I feel like i want to eat everything ,i guess like a alcoholic having his last drink before going in to rehab. I just hope that i can get over these feelings and have better control of my eating. Maybe i will have to change or die. ...feeling out of control pre op surgery in November 2014

I, like most of you, have been over weight my whole life. I battled with weight right next to a thin younger sister. She is now a stuck, materialistic kind of person who doesn’t care about other people. To tell you the truth, I hate being fat and hated the years I had to grow up fat but I wouldn't have traded it for the world. I wouldn’t be the person I am today had I not been. I feel I have confidence in my personality, my brain, and my work ethic. I strive so hard to be what people wish they could be or just be someone people want to be around. This could have something to do with having a father who was a productive alcoholic. He liked to work more than he liked being with his family. At a younger age, I prided myself off the fact that no one hated me. This, I feel, has caused me a lot of emotional and mental damage. I know I did things out of lack of self worth and as ashamed as I am to say it, lack of self respect. I mean I slept with people so they would like me more. I have matured since than, so I can see the errors in my ways. I just find it’s difficult for people to understand why I did it. All I can say was I wanted people to like me, I wanted to be that girl and if I gave people what they wanted, I thought I would be. You know it turns out life isn't that way. AAHH! I just blamed so many things on being fat. I mean I had girls be so mean to me in middle school who said they were my friends and had been for previous years. A girl who said she was my best friend dared her neighbor to see how far he could get with me. He did, but I was innocent than. He had me backed in a corner... I'm sure you can imagine the rest. My own friends. How sick. I never thought what crazy people. I thought wow something must be wrong with me. Honestly even today, telling that story out loud brings me to tears. I lived with my Grandparents at the age of 7 while my parents were building the house they live in today. My Grandpa was a heavy machinery mechanic so he worked nights. He taught me to read and watched me everyday after school. He was like my father since my real one was never home. We eventually moved out and had been over at their house visiting. My cousins were there and my mom said we had to go home. I threw a baby fit and went to sit in the car. My Grandpa was standing outside and lipped Olive juice to me (cause it looks like I love you). I just gave him a dirty look because I was so mad and than we left. My grandpa died that Friday; Father’s day weekend. I have never felt so guilty about anything in my life. My Grandpa’s death has haunted me since the day he died. Even typing this right now is making me sick to my stomach. Since I had been so confident to go to middle school, and the girls were so mean, I was dreading high school. I started smoking pot over the summer. I just had such a big fear of saying something wrong that I wanted to make sure I could have an excuse. Saying oh because I was high gave me the illusion of being cool. I started getting into heavier drugs and hanging out with people who only wanted to take advantage of me. I let them. Knowingly. I just wanted so bad to be a part of a group, I was dumb. Eventually I transferred schools and started living better and made real friends. One day I had missed the bus and my mom was really mad that she had to take me to school. We had been talking about a family friend of ours that my mom had always kept on a Pedi stool even though she’s stupid as shit. She had always compared my sister and me to her and her brother. My mom than started talking about me losing weight and here are her exact words, “I just don’t think you are the kind of girl that guys look at.” Today I know my mom didn’t mean that the way it sounded. I just felt like mentally I had grown up a lot and no longer had a surface hate for myself, had good grades and was off drugs. It just felt like it was never enough. It was never going to be enough. Let’s just say my high school cycle repeated itself with the self hate and the drugs. Today, my mom is so proud of me. My whole family is. My mom had called me one day and said you need to take a new picture because when you call I see one of this fat girl. I know it was supposed to be a compliment but it hurt. I felt like if I ever gained the weight back she wouldn’t love me as much. I mean I know it’s because she wants me to be all I can but my mind just won’t take it that way. I know I still have self hate in my body. It’s deep in there but I can feel it. When I have time to think, I don’t have very happy thoughts. After losing 90 pounds I should but just don’t. I go in for a screening for counseling on September 3rd but have nothing in the meantime. I have a guy who’s like my brother to confide in, but he has been away for the past year and doesn’t have much time to talk. Oh and I do have a boyfriend but don’t tell him anything about this because he takes it personally. Stupid I know but he’s been here since before I had the surgery and is now more insecure now that I am thin. I just wish I didn’t care about what other people think.

For those who drink...how far out from surgery did u start drinking again?