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I quoted catalystmb specifically because of the point she made about whether it would be out of your system. Can an alcoholic go on a drinking binge before they get sober to get it out of their system, or a drug addict? Nope, that ain't how it works. HOWEVER, the good news is, you WILL be able to eat food again, just not for a little while. And not as much. And, I was banded on Feb. 5 last year, and I started my pre-op diet 10 days prior to surgery. It was a clear liquid sugar free diet, with 1/2 cup of plain yogurt or cottage cheese per day. No Protein shakes, or anything like that. I only lost 11 lbs on my pre-op diet, and I started at 285. I'm not saying that losing 25 lbs on a pre-op diet is impossible, but it's not really probable. Oh, and I started my farewell to food tour on the day I got my surgery date, which was December 26. So I ate myself to oblivion and back for a whole month before surgery. Now I see how stupid that was, because none of the foods that I had in that month have really been off limits for me. I haven't even wanted some of them. Good luck, and enjoy your last hurrah if you must...but no matter what, FOLLOW YOUR SURGEON'S POST-OP INSTRUCTIONS! That is more important that ANYTHING else for the longevity of your band and your long term health.

As is often noted, when performing surgery, our surgeon only operates on our digestive tract, not our brains. Many of us come to WLS with a long time or even a lifetime dysfunctional relationship with food and/or our bodies. One resource for making peace with food and our bodies is Overeater's Anonymous (OA). OA is a worldwide fellowship that is fashioned after Alcoholic's Anonymous. OA uses AA's 12-step model of recovery and changes the words alcohol and alcoholic to food and compulsive eater. If you are struggling with food and emotional eating or other issues around food and eating (anorexia, bulimia, compulsive eating, binge eating, body dysmorphia, food obsession, etc.), then you may want to explore OA. The website (OA.org), has information about the program, literature, meeting lists, podcasts, and other useful information. Here is a good blog post about how WLS and OA can work together: http://www.mybariatriclife.org/oa-overeaters-anonymous-after-surgery/

Mine was necessary because I had NASD: Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. My liver (which lays in front of the stomach) was enlarged and needed to be shrunk so that the doctor could have easier access to my stomach. I was on liquids for ten days.

I made the decision at Universal Studios when I couldn't get on a ride that just 6 months earlier I could get on. I looked into surgery 10 years ago, but wasn't ready to give up food and alcohol at the time (I was 20). Now I've grown up and out so it's time!! It has taken me 2 months to get all the tests and dr. clearances and my surgery date is in 19 days and I'm not even cranky on my pre-op diet! Know that you are ready to make the change and if your not... its not your time yet. If you are jump on the bandwagon and we will all be here for you! Good Luck!

I agree that it's a lie that you have to file a paper to keep a doctor from talking to your parents! I've got two adult sons whose doctors often requested that I leave the room while they had private talks with my sons. The kids usually told me what it was about (drugs, alcohol, sex), but the doctors never would because of privacy laws. My youngest was dx with diabetes at 14 and his endocrinologist often asked my son if he wanted to doctor to go over the diagnostic tests with me in the room. ALL patients are entitled to privacy. As for the surgeon deciding not to operate, F him. There are other doctors and you can go to another doctor. Your insurance has already approved your surgery. If you're determined, and it sounds like you may not be?, then call that surgeon back and explain to him that YOU are the patient and it is YOUR decision that counts, not your father's. If the surgeon still refuses to do your surgery, call the insurance company and ask for another doctor's name. BTW, if I lived anywhere near NY, I'd offer to be there for you on the day of surgery. I'm a good mommy-figure.

I love my new stomach!! I have had no problems yet and I'm two weeks out. I've lost 27 pds so far. I feel amazing. I have a lot more energy too. My friends were all supportive and officially named me the designated driver hahaha which isn't bad cause I can have fun w/ out alcohol. I would definitely recommend this surgery Sent from my iPhone using RNYTalk

Lost 40 pounds since my surgery... it is hard... I binge all the time... then not hungry then feel the crave then back to normal... I try different thing but it is hard to keep me away from sugar... I was a food lover... then I feel it is no flavor anymore... I feel guilty of eating because I fear to take back my weight. I feel the people will judge me if I gain weight.. I took alcohol twice while I was not supposed to... I wanted to Celebrate my b-day. .. it doesn't take show a lot... Sent from my SM-N915W8 using the BariatricPal App

Would any of you compare food addiction to alcohol or drug addiction? If you know you are addicted to food and want to change, then you have various groups to help you control your addiction to make your tool work, just as an alcoholic or a druggie has their group. It is only when you have hit rock bottom, whatever your bottom might be that any any type of weight loss procedure will work, because that will be your main goal. It has been proven these tools do work, as long as you work them. Maybe the simiplist suggestion is once an addict always an addict no matter what the addiction is. You have to be honest with yourself and fight the battle until the day you die or nothing that they have now or in the future fo help with WL is going to work. Just my opinion and thoughts.

I was banded on October 2nd, 2006. I have no problem with drinking alcohol. You should probably stick to wine or cranberry juice and vodka. That's what I do. I limit the beer to maybe 1 or 2. I don't do too well with that. But I wouldn't recommend anything with coke or too sweet. Good Luck!

Hey guys I had e-mailed penny for info to join you but I am scheduled next week so opted not to....(SORRY Penny I did not e-mail back my computer was down with a virus and I had to have it fixed I could not check or send e-mail reply back ) I am wondering about alcohol I am due to go on a special vacation with my daughter and mother Nov 11th -15 th at disney for the ABC super soap weekend. We go every year.. I know dinner and pleasure Island is definate. Can I drink wine? Can I have One -two -Three glasses or no??? I am scheduled for surgery 10/19 as I have posted but even if the answer is no for the trip ....Can I later on ??? I had so much wanted to meet you all in Las Vegas but I could not go away twice in one month due to my business and since I am scheduled 10/ 19 with Dr. Rumbaut I simply could not do both. My daughter is soooo looking forward to the super soap weekend or I would have opted out this year due to surgery. But maybe not what do you all think Surgery 10/19 super soap 11/13 Also answer on the alcohol question thank you....

My one rule with alcohol is nothing fizzy. Which coming from someone who loves cocktails and champagne, but most importantly a great G&T - is hard. But since I had the surgery, I've managed to get rid of the carbonated drinks. I usually drink red wine or vodka with apple. Cranberry is out as I have had it so much now it makes me feel nautius (on one occasion I did nearly throw up - painful), not a fan of orange juice either. But my preference is for cocktails. I know I need to work on drinking a lot less myself and I am fine going out in social gatherings and not drinking at all, however I think you have to give yourself some "treats" and not put yourself down if you do drink. Everything in moderation (so boring) but I try and save drinking for the weekend as much as possible and never drink on my own in the house.

It all boils down to what u, ur band, can tolerate at the end of the day. U've just learned that alcohol or a certain alcohol mix irritates your band. The entry way between ur upper small pouch and the lower bigger pouch is probably swolen shut and not allowing anything thru now. Wait until the swelling subsides to eat or drink anything. Rest ur band for a few days with tolerable noncarbonated liquids and U'll know the moment the irritating & swelling are gone. Good Luck!

oh also, my nurse said that they tell people you cant drink alcohol for 6-12 months after, but in reality by 3 months you can. You'll just get drunk quicker, sober quicker, but it stays in your bloodstream longer (so no driving or you'll get a dui), something to do with your liver processing the alcohol...

Alcoholism and drug addiction are the most common addictions and these are considered as illnesses which needed serious treatment. Alcoholism is an uncontrolled consumption of alcoholic drinks which affect the brain but with proper treatment, the damaging effect to the brain could be stopped. Drug addiction on the other hand is a complex disease which also affects the brain, it is a drug seeking behavior regardless of the obvious fact that it has negative consequences. But with the help of expert psychiatrists and psychologists as well as with a tranquil and beautiful residential treatment center , it will be successfully treated. Residential treatment centers are often called rehabilitation centers where patients will be staying in for the treatment process. These residential treatment centers have different structured programs designed for the patient’s needs which will help them in gaining back their balanced control of their lives. Treatments inside the residential treatment centers are very effective because they will be guided and will be given special attention by the professionals. One of the most reputable residential treatment centers is the Serenity House in Costa Rica, it started in 2007 as Casa Serenidad and have branched out as Serenity House in 2012. The Serenity House was founded by Dr. Francisco Jimenez, M.D, he was appointed as the Chief of the Department of Rehabilitation with the Costa Rican Institute of Alcoholism and Drug dependence. Dr. Jimenez is also a Medical school professor, a published author, and a prolific researcher. The Serenity House has a twelve step program with Cognitive Behavioral therapy and they believe in a holistic and integrated approach to wellness which includes traditional medicine and alternative therapies. The Cognitive Behavioral therapy used by the Serenity House can be a very effective tool which helps their patients learn how to successfully manage a stressful life situation. The Serenity House’s Very Effective Therapies The Serenity House has various types of therapies, it includes the Art therapy, the 12 Step Groups, Structured Groups, Yoga, Tai Chi Chuan, AcoPhysical Activity and Physiotherapy. The Art therapy uses art as a primary method of communication, and many people find it very enjoyable. The 12 Step Groups are primarily based on the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. The Structured Groups refer to a group therapy with a wide variety of therapeutic approaches which are employed by highly trained specialists. Yoga is a physical, mental and spiritual disciplines which will produce an internal heat, sweating and relaxation. The Tai Chi Chuan is meditation in motion which practices the mind and body and has a great value in treating or preventing various health problems. The AcoPhysical Activity is a widely adoptive and a planned repetitive movements which will help improve and maintain the body in a good condition. And the Physiotherapy is a service oriented relaxation therapy which includes Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage, Relaxing Massage and Deep Tissue Massage. The programs of the Serenity House run from a 90 day program to the 30 day Awareness and Stabilization program. www.serenityhousecr.com

Oye ... 9 to 5 at this time in favor of having height displayed. I don't see how any good can come from this and only gives folks another method of comparing themselves ... something I feel strongly about. It's like giving an alcoholic and empty bottle of booze. The only thing they can do with it is beat themselves up with it. *** Removing my height information from the profile ***

While I generally agree with @The Greater Fool, I've been told at least 64 oz post-bariatric surgery as you are losing weight because when the body is breaking down fat it uses water, so we need to drink more. Also, sometimes after surgery people don't drink enough because it's hard to swallow. I don't know how far out you are from surgery or if you actually have not had surgery yet, as your profile suggests. Some people find that drinking more curbs their hunger. This doesn't work for me, maybe it does for you. Some people will drink absolute gallons of water in a day; that can actually be dangerous as it throws your electrolytes out of whack. If you're not being extreme in either direction, not drinking a lot of alcohol, not running in today's Boston Marathon, not thirsty, you're probably gonna live.

today i decided to actually write down what i have been through and how i've overcomed so i can see that i really, really have overcome some hard times and being overweight and getting healthy is my next hurdle to overcome. I started supporting myself and working at 14, I was fiercly independent. Had a loving family, however, they were very strict religiously and me being the oldest of 3 girl, I was often severly punished, borderline abusive. I decided to get my own apartment with a friend of mine, had already bought my 1st car and ran away from home at 16 (actually, just left a note saying I wasn't coming back and told them where to find me if they needed me and they chose to let me stay on my own). Was very, very wild, did everything I never was allowed to do at home. Drank, slept around, experimented with drugs....Met my 1st husband at 17, married him about a year later when I was 4 mo's pregnant. Had my darling baby boy at 18 and vowed to show him so much love he wouldn't know what to do with it. Unfortunately, my husband started to abuse alcohol and crack cocaine and once I figured this out, it was too late. When he was high he would hit me, throw things at me, strangle me, do so many humiliating things that after trying to leave him for years I finally succeeded. Stayed in battered womens shelter with baby till i could find place of my own. Husband continued to stalk me and anyone I dated he would beat up or intimidate them. Starting coming to my job threatening to kill me and to kill my co-workers and company got police involved and he began to chill out. Then he started again, calling me telling me he new where I lived and was going to shoot up my house or bomb it. Finally, he went to jail. I moved home for a while, but my religious parents kicked me out of the house because I would go hang out with friends or go to the club and drink with my friends. Once they kicked me out (they kept my child, which I didn't fight at the time, because I was so tired and trampled I just wanted to worry about me for a while - which was horrible, selfish and completely unfair to my baby but I was 21 and stupid). My life became all about drinking and going clubbing all the time, left child a lot with parents. Started to get my shit together at 22 then went to prison for a year because of drug smuggling for the Jamaican mafia (don't ask!?!) an airplane with a 100 lbs of weed (stooopid choice). I had had a job and everything but my partying and care of my son was cutting into my budget and I insanely thought I could get away with doing this outrageous act! Prison was so difficult as I was in a city where I knew no one and I DESPERATELY missed my child and was so ashamed of what I had done. I had never even had a ticket and it was such a crazy time in my life. I got out of prison and got my child back, got on welfare, got section 8 housing. Soon I found a a job paying $7 hr it was very difficult because I tried to be honest at first on applications asking if I had ever been convicted of a felony. Then, I got a better job paying about $15 hr. I was able to get off welfare and get my own apartment no longer on public housing at 25. Then life came crashing down around me again. The company I was working for got shut down and I stupidly started selling crack (another great decision) then I started doing it myself! How could I do this after seeing my ex-husband and so many friends become so sad and drug addicted and lose any semblance of the person they were before? Why on earth would I do that to my child after having already went to jail and stay away from him for a year? Why would I take a risk like that? I have so, so much guilt and anguish over this and to this day I apologize to my son on the regular. My only guess is that I had not yet been diagnoed with being bi-polar and I was making crazy, crazy decisions with horrible repercussions. So, eventually I was addicted and spent a year doing crack, trying to hide it from my friends and family. It was the worst year of my life. I woke up one day and prayed to God for help, I just knew I couldn't do this to my son or myself. I quit cold turkey, and at 26 moved to new city with my child where my best friend was. She helped me greatly I love her and we are friends to this day (since high school!) Eventually, I met a man that was a few years younger then me and got into relationship with him that was full of ups and downs, hot and cold and I was so in love with him. I had dreams of marrying him one day, unfortunately, he did not love me as much as he loved his burgeoning rap career and his record label and his groupies (imagine that!) this relationship ended abruptly after a few years, worst heart break of my life, some of the worst pain I had ever felt and ate until I got fat. I then worked my up from a customer service position to doing sales for this .dotcom company. Eventually, I was making $50,000 a year - I thought this was sooo much money, and for me, it really was. I was finally able to really take care of me and my son the way I always wanted to. Fast forward to 29, met love of my life, he proposed after 3 mo's and got married 3 mo's later (now getting even fatter). At 31 I decided I wanted more of a challenge and felt I could make even more money and there was really no where to grow at my job. I applied, interviewed and was hired at another .dotcom and this has been my employer for the last 3 years. I now make around $120,000 + a year. ME, I did it, I actually made a success out of my life after all of that. I also bought my first house at 33... all this and never graduated from high school and never went to college, grew up in a poor burt loving family - beans and rice and top a ramen were normal meals. I was also sexually molested, me and my sisters were by a family friend for years when were were young, but that is another story. I was raped several times in teens and early twenties, yet, i still moved forward. Now 34, married almost 4 years (still in love), son is 15, raised a great, smart, loving, moral MAN and raising a lovely young 16 yr old step-daughter whom i adore. i'm loyal to my friends, and my husband. i'm smart, funny and will be pretty again once i lose 60 l bs. I CAN DO THIS! Oh, yeah and now I quit smoking which I have been trying to do since I was 17! Sometimes you actually have to write down and look at things in your life to learn from them, let go of them and forgive yourself. I'm so glad all of this is ANONYMOUS!

The only foods you should really avoid are bread, Pasta, rice (they do tend to get stuck...and are empty calories for the most part), and sugar obviously. Alcohol because it, too, is high in calories. Carbonated drinks because the bubbles can be a problem. Caffeine because it stimulates hunger...but lots of people still drink coffee and tea anyway!! Other than that you can and should eat healthy foods that you enjoy. Everything you put into your mouth should have good nutritional vaue. You are eating so little, you have to make it count!

Me too! I was starting to get worried, thinking it was only me. I can't think of anything I enjoy eating now, trouble is my mind thinks I will and then when I taste it nothing happens! Lol. I am pleased really as my enjoyment of food and eating out got me needing help! I just miss the socialising...at the moment meeting up with friends etc is often challenging and overwhelming as it often consists of food and alcohol and they don't know I've had the bypass [emoji33]

I tried different OA meetings in my area a few years ago. They were actually quite different from each other. One had a very large group, many different people participating & telling their stories. In another, there were 3 of us, including me. I didn't like the whole sponser thing, personnally. I found it more annoying than accountable- the first sponser I had I thought was crazy. (If I decided to eat a peach instead of a plum, I was supposed to call her and then she would give me a hard time.) I tried another one, but I still felt uncomfortable. There is a website for Overeaters anonymous where you can get an idea of their philosophy and you can read their online magazine sample and buy books. I am pretty sure it is www.OA.org (or just google overeaters anonymous). For me, OA helped me think about different ideas, but some people at these meetings have major issues. (One lady was telling us about how her alcoholic husband hit her and she thought her weight was the problem. I truly felt like speaking to her separately- but I am not a professional, but I felt she needed professional therapy. ) There is no professional in charge- but I did order some of their literature on line, which I found useful. They also have on-line meetings. It may work for you- its costs nothing to give it a try, so you should give it a try.

I used alcohol.

Your best bet is to call and ask your doctor. Most say no alcohol for a certain period (for one thing it can impair healing)...so follow your doc's advice, like ckelly says! :Dancing_sorry:

JanelB hi there i am a 2 fisted "water" drinker only!!! check w/your doc before you have anything you have alcohol as in many other things, all doctors have different opinions on when you should be allowed that first drink as you lose more and more weight, your tolerance should decrease you might get "drunk" or tipsy sooner than later good luck CHEERS kathy

9 days, I probably wouldnt and I'm not one for strict rules, and denying yourself. But 9 days out from stomach surgery, alcohol really isnt going to do you much good. Also .... cocktail..... what sort? Some cocktails are HORRENDOUSLY high in calories. Personally, I'd stick with wine, something relatively low calorie like that. I think a healthy diet includes your fave tipple now and again, but its pretty hard to account for 700 calorie cocktails on a weight loss diet. Depends wht you mean by cocktain of course.

My nurse from my general practitioners office told me that I would end up a drug addict or an alcoholic! I was absolutely floored! Needless to say every time I go in for a checkup since surgery I make sure to make a comment like....well still not on any meth thank you! Lol Some people can be really rude and insensitive to other people! Grrrrrrrr!