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My stomach has been pretty happy with everything I’ve thrown at it, but I’ve categorized some things as “not for me anymore”. I know this isn’t popular and everything in moderation seems more sustainable but i also recognize that there are a few foods I can’t control myself with once I start. For me that’s candy and chips/popcorn. I know from past experience I can’t have it in the house and if I start with it I will eat too much. I also recognize that I’m the daughter of alcoholics and that I have addictive tendencies. Try to think about if you are able to eat well in moderation or if you have some trigger foods that might not be able to be incorporated into your long term diet. Fast food and cookies might be something that won’t work for you.

This is truly me. Not the professional, mother, friend afraid of judgement or wife making light of her past - but really me. Feels good to just be that - me. I had an emotional childhood. The oldest of 5 kids and daughter to high functioning alcoholic and untreated bipolar disorder/clinical depression parents. Riddled with disabling eczema and asthma, I got to know hospitals very well. I would scratch, bleed into my bed covers and by morning they had become the scabs we could not rip off. The belt beatings from my mother in a blind rage were the worst. I can still hear myself screaming. I chose happiness any way I could. I started hoarding candy from birthday parties. I was a heavy teenager but excelled in high school. I was the smart overweight friend who would tutor the football team in basic math. I wasn't date able so the guys treated me with respect but not the same goofy behavior as when the liked a girl. I was relieved to stand behind them instead of being in their sights as a possible conquest. Then one day my junior year in high school, one of the most sought after and cutest boys "Victor" looked over the railing of our 2 story honors classes building and called my name. Me? Probably dropped something he wanted me to bring up? Then he ran down the stairs half way to meet me to talk about last nights reading assignment. All the saliva left my mouth from the stair climb but I managed the brief conversation. Next day he waited and we walked up together. We realized we lived on the same long curvy street but on opposite ends. That summer we did not see each other at all. We both had jobs. Determined, I started exercising. With all my job and academic involvement I walked to the school quite a bit and decided to run. Senior year was great until his mom said he could not go to prom if it was with me. So he went with another girl "for the pictures." Talk about a kick in the self esteem. But, I chose happiness any way I could. Depressed and choosing happiness/gaining weight, I graduated and as I threw my cap in the air I walked away. I knew I was going to college somehow and getting out of this small town where you grow up, marry some guy you never would have dated in school. Have kids and repeat cycle. Got a new job through a friend who said she would set fire to my bed if I did not get out of it! I discovered that I could starve myself and only ate every 4th day and workout 3x week. That's about as long as I could go without starting to fall down a lot. When I did eat, it was about 2tablespoons of whatever. I lost 80 lbs. Women would ask me how I did it. If I felt like being honest, I would tell them. No one believed me. Guess who called 1 year after high school? Yup, Victor. I was living on my own, with job and school and car but I still accepted his invitation to lunch. He had to be home before his mom got home from work so we could not have dinner. I know, cringe. I thought I was choosing happiness. We dated again, it ended when I started dating grown men. Still starving, I started eating every other day to control my weight. I dated a semi pro athlete and he would always call me fat. I has 5'1 and 115 lbs. So, more starvation. Eventually, I met a beautiful man who loved me thin and as the pounds creeped back on. We have been married 22 years. I had a wonderful 25 year career as an advertising director of an department. I worked hard to get to that position. Many 14 hour days and late night binge eating. After 10 years and several miscarriages, we finally had a baby. 6 months later we discovered I had breast cancer while pregnant. With a very young child, I opted for bilateral mastectomy. After extensive chemo and 11 surgeries, I made a full recovery. I tried every diet out there. I had the money so why not try? Then the company shut down as the economy tanked. I was now out of a job. I could never starve myself again. It was so painful. I tried more diets. Cheaper ones. Still, they only work as long as you stick to them. 1year into my new job I started feeling sick and very tired. I knew it had to be something deep. Colds or flu don't feel this way. I had a two week rule. If it hurts for two weeks, then I go in to doctor. Most everything passed before time was up. One day as I getting my son ready for school, I lost control of my bowels and soiled myself. I knew I was going to hospital. I took a shower, got my 1st grader into the car and drove him to school. Instead of walking him in as usual, I encouraged him out of the car and told him to walk in and tell the office his mom was going to hospital. I riddled off my medical history as I sat in the ER doubled over. Good thing most of that history occurred there. After some tests and pain meds they consoled me by letting me know how sooty they were to inform me that my appendices ruptured and they would have to perform surgery asap. I chose happiness. I laughed as I told them I thought it was cancer returned. And since people live through appendicitis, let's go!!! I met my surgeon after he performed appendectomy - maybe before...morphine. When I asked him how is it my body did not stop me sooner, he very gently stated that it was my nature... My nature to endure pain. So much for choosing happiness. He suggested some form of WLS but I snuffed it off telling him that I was way to strong, smart and happy to do it. I just had to get my butt in gear. But, 1.5 years later after having lost and regained 45 pounds plus some, I came back and asked for help. I had been so tired lately since regaining weight. I just couldn't choose what I thought was happiness anymore. I needed help. When I look back and think of all the pain I went through, I wrap my arms around myself and thank God I am still here. Now that I have had Sleeve surgery, I feel like I can step back from anxiety, emotion and that overwhelming urge to eat high calorie ice cream and truly chose happiness that in the end will result in happiness - a healthier me!

I think the emotional effects on women who are pre-menopausal are not really researched enough. Previously most people who had WLS were older and super morbidly obese. If you are a menstruating woman, the hormone dump from surgery really does a number on you. Until recently I don't think there have been enough young women having surgery for this to be effectively researched. I still doubt it will be. No one in the WLS community really cares about the emotional issue post-op until people are either suicidal, drug addicts and alcoholics. Those seem to be the only extremes they recognize. I'm glad you are feeling better OP.

Are you eating foods with sugar alcohol? Because if I have any excess of sugar alcohol I get really bad gas. All day. No matter what I eat after the fact. You might just have something in your diet that has an excess of sugar alcohol or something else that your stomach doesn't handle well.

Update: I do not enjoy alcohol at all anymore. It hits me hard and not in a good way. It's not worth it to me. I enjoyed it a couple times but now it turned a bad corner.. Gives me headaches and makes me feel hot and queasy with just a couple sips .. I'm over it lol I guess I'm the new DD around here lol

My surgeon suggested that I avoid it if possible. Otherwise, he said be careful as WLS patients are more sensitive to the effects, as others have posted. One sip and I am tipsy and tired for hours. I also don't enjoy the taste any more. I chose to avoid it altogether, which is fine by me as had I not had surgery I probably would have been well on my way to becoming an alcoholic.

I'm 3 weeks out..have lost so far 11 lbs..I noticed in my arms and face a lil..I know I'm not yet losing as fast as I want.. but God willing im heading towards my goal weight..180.. I'm happy everyone here decided to go along with surgery. .I don't feel so left out... what I think I will miss out on is my get togethers..margaritas! !.. does anyone drink alcohol after surgery? ? If so how much can you drink? Does it burn?

Yes I have been drinking alcohol after one month. The doctor said it's fine but it will slow down the weight loss. Usually 2 drinks but I have been at many social events the past 6 weeks and do see a slow weight loss and increase in drinking ability, so I have given up now for at least the next 4-8 weeks.

Shoudn't be any issue, you didn't mention how far along you are but anything after a few weeks should be OK. Just be careful of the calories as wine and other alcohol is pretty high in cals. About a year ago I started drinking 3 oz of red wine each night before sleep. It helps me to sleep and it supposidly has healh benefits for cancer prevention and cholesterol reduction. Something besides general diet is working in that respect as my last months check revealed my cholesterol was 133, pretty rediculously low! I didn't realize how much I HATE the taste of alcohol though, it really turns me off, so no danger of over induging here!

I am 8 months post op and have been at a stall for 2 months. So, i finally made an appointment to see the bariatric surgeon to find out what is going on. I saw him today. It was very interesting. Thought I'd share. He basically told me that the sleeve is working just fine, but my diet needs work. He told me that most of what I was taught about the diet is wrong. His recommendations FOR ME are: Protein first, but get all protein from fresh sources no Protein shakes NO DAIRY NO ALCOHOL No beef Jerky no cheese sticks only really "good" quality cheeses in limited amounts only a bariatric Multivitamin (no other supplements needed) first thing in AM- a big glass of Water daily breakfast- coffee and a piece of fresh fruit lunch- a great big salad dinner anything fresh and lots of fish. My exercise regimen is ok Im gonna start going to weekly educational/support meetings with weekly weigh ins. I got a copy of his new book and so far it is really good. it is available on Amazon. "Ultimate gastric sleeve success: a practical patient guide to help maximize your weight loss results" by Dr. Duc C. Vuong" ...feeling hopeful

@frust8big love from me. So much of your story is familiar. My mum is anorexic - by my teens and weighing a very normal 130lbs at 5foot7, she was telling me, her friends, my friends, everyone what a humongous blimp I was, I had legs like wharf poles, was shaped like a container crane. I still hear it in my head when I am big (she is sort of paid back, though. Cos she is still like it, I only visit her when I am below 190lbs - so very short stints over the years! Her loss.) But thank my lucky stars the man I married turned out to be one of the most decent men on the planet. Our marriage was short (6 months!) but we still love each other deeply 30 years later. We have both married lovely women who are our solid rocks - but from the age of 30 he has been a steady encourager, he pushed me to go to Uni, reassured me I WAS bright enough to get a psychology PhD, pushed me to aim for good jobs and now I am a CEO with 1000 staff. And now, he is unfailingly supportive in this journey too, (as is my wife, by the way - she is normal size but has lost 10lbs with my low carb cooking!). So he helped me move in myself - from a home life of mental illness, abuse, alcoholism - to learning to accept myself, know my good and bad bits, change the bits I wanted. I read your post - and will now email my (ex)hubby - to thank him again. Because of him the band surgery in my 40s, this RNY in my 50s. If it wasn’t for him, @frust8, I am not sure I would have EVER got my **** together like you. You are a bloody miracle. Thank you so so much for opening up.

Most doctors will ask you to not drink any alcohol for 6 months. Why? It lowers you inhibitions and you might eat too much or foods you shouldn't eat. Also, carbonated beverages will expand in your stomach and if you drink too much could cause the sutures around your stomach to tear away. However, we all live in the real world so here's what I do. I limit myself to 1-2 drinks per week. Occasionally I'll have a beer. Just one. Sometimes we have wine and I may have two glasses of wine. Alcoholic beverages are empty calories and should be avoided as much as possible. tmf

I just volunteer to be the designated driver! I find that alcohol affects me more quickly now than when I was 63kg heavier and it's just not worth the risk of overeating due to lowered inhibitions, or to my driver's license. I still have a great time and I remember it all the next day!

I'm 11 weeks / 3 months post op and I can say that at this point I've tried everything I've craved. I do track every bite. I don't dare to try bread, pasta, tortillas or rice. I just feel it will be very heavy for me and I'd rather pass. I'm not a alcohol drinker so that's no biggy for me. I feel very normal with family and friends just takes me longer to eat a tiny plate/bites (I've adapted very well to my sleeve) loving the results.

Hi sleevers- I was wondering how long after surgery did you have any alcohol and what the experience is like. Thanks

I got sh*t faced 7 weeks out by accident, it for sure hits you A LOT harder than you would imagine. If you're going to drink, try a small sip first, I also tried drinking a shot at 5 weeks and it burned waaaay too much. everyone has different opinions on alcohol

There are only a few things that are on my never again list. The most critical one is soda pop. Drinking anything while eating is a no no permanently and NSAIDs. Now keep in mind that if you have severe arthritis your Bariatric team will work with you on an NSAIDs program that will protect your pouch. I have severe arthritis in my spine and several other joints but I choose not to risk a potential ulcer. Alcohol after year 1 is fine in small amounts but realize you are drinking your calories. I have been eating raw celery once 8 weeks out, it has never bothered me. I just chop it in salads and Soups small. I use a straw everyday! It helps me drink all my liquids. You simply have to learn not to gulp. I am now 21 months post op and have tried just about everything else I once did. I just don't like things like greasy foods, sweets or heavy carb foods. I crave good quality Protein, great fruit and veggies.

According to the Atkins protein bars, sugar alcohols are subtracted from total carb count because they minimally impact blood sugar. I always deduct them from the carb count on anything I eat that contains it. I have had no digestive problems or stomach pain from it.

I don't love the Quest bars, but I found them tolerable. I am usually full after 2/3 of it, so I toss the rest and feel quite proud of myself that I didn't "clean my plate". I love love love the Oh Yeah Bars. I am not a big sweets eater so one satisfies me and I have no carb cravings after. They are definitely a meal for me. Make sure to get the grab and go, not the BIG HONKIN' size. Nutrition Facts Serving Size 1 bar (45g) Servings Per Container 1 Amount Per Serving % Daily Value Calories 180 Calories From Fat 80 Total Fat 9g 14% Saturated Fat 4g 20% Trans Fat 0g Cholesterol 5mg 2% Sodium 65mg 3% Potassium 70mg 2% Total Carbohydrates 19g 6% Dietary Fiber 1g 4% Sugars 8g Sugar Alcohol 7g Protein 14g 28% Vitamin A 0% Vitamin C 0% Calcium 4% Iron 4% Phosphorus 6%

Since nobody addressed the alcohol I will. When you are allowed alcohol seems to vary from surgeon to surgeon. I have read some surgeons are no alcohol ever, for a year after surgery or not until you get to the maintenance phase. I am allowed to have alcohol in moderation at 6 months. I have been told that many post WLS people become a cheap date. They get buzzed MUCH quicker post surgery than pre surgery due to the change in anatomy. Therefore, I would not try alcohol for the first time when you are out with clients. You may want to try that glass of wine at home or a non-business event with a designated driver.

I can relate to this. I knew when the surgery was coming I needed to quit drinking. I did self assessment and realized I had been drinking regularly for a long time. That meant there was the risk of sudden alcohol withdrawal symptoms. This article was helpful on tapering off without a problem: https://hamsnetwork.wordpress.com/2010/10/09/more-on-tapering-off-alcohol/ If you are going to drink, but still want to lose weight, you need to have a plan. I like this site, it is a middle ground between the AA model and "who cares." http://www.hamsnetwork.org/ a128blo drinking this much may mean you are like me and can't relax. That is an area you might want to explore. Figure that out and see where you are.

Drinking 4-5 days per week, 2-3 drinks sometimes 7 or 8.......certainly sounds like an alcohol problem to me.

Here’s why putting yourself first can make everyone else happier, and how you can put yourself first this holiday season. The holidays are about being a good person, right? You’re supposed to be thankful for what you have. You’re supposed to give to others, and put others’ needs first. I agree completely, but you can do more for others when you’re at your best. You’ll be at your best when you take care of yourself, so here are some ideas for keeping yourself in your best physical, mental, and emotional shape…so you have more to give others. So here are some ways to put yourself first this holiday season. They’ll help you eat a little healthier, stay a little fitter, and be a little more in control than if you neglect your own needs. And they’ll help you be able to do more for others. Eat Right Can’t get away from this one, can you? You know when you eat well, you have more energy, feel more confident, and are happier. That’s a recipe for being able to do some quality gift shopping or even volunteer work. You know what “eating right” means. Base your meals around lean protein like non-fat cottage cheese, tuna, beans, egg whites, or chicken breast, for example. Add a bunch of vegetables, and enjoy some fruit or healthy starches at most meals. Pretty simple, and so effective! Oh, and if you do indulge? Keep it to a small and delicious bite to savor. Use the Trash Can, Don’t Be One If you’ve ever eaten something just because it’s there, you’ve used your body as a trash can. That’s because you ate something you didn’t need instead of simply leaving it or throwing it out. This happens a lot around the holidays, when you might eat the leftovers or a plate of Christmas cookies because you feel guilty throwing them out. Guess what. When you throw trash into your body instead of a can, you’re not helping starving children in Africa. If you really want to help them, why not make a donation? Donate, say, a penny for every calorie you dump, or a quarter for every cookie you toss. Now that’s how putting yourself first can help out others in need! Exercise When you exercise, you’re happier, more energetic, and more focused. Sound selfish? Not really. You can be more productive at work, better able to entertain your friends and family, and readier to whip up that next batch of cookies when your children have a last-minute request for a contribution to a classroom holiday party. It can be tough to stick to your regular exercise schedule during the holidays. You can save time by getting your gear ready the night before and by planning your workout ahead of time so you make use of every moment. Since it can be tempting to sleep in instead of a morning workout or just hang out at home in the evening, make use of other people to stay accountable. Make plans to meet an exercise buddy, or commit to group fitness classes. And, if you’re feeling too stressed or tired to do a hard workout, try going to the gym for some easy stretching. You’ll still get the mental benefits and stay in the healthy habit of being a gym rat. De-Stress Have you ever wanted to tell someone to just “chill!” because they’re making you nervous? Don’t be that person! Keep yourself cool and collected so everyone wants to be around you and not avoid you. De-stress in whatever way works for you. You can go for a walk, get a massage or manicure, take a drive, or go shopping. It doesn’t matter…as long as you do it and it works. If it involves someone else, you’re doing double duty and helping someone else out as well! Have Fun Amidst all the hustle and bustle of taking care of yourself and others, don’t forget to have fun. Do whatever you want, whether it’s meeting a friend for (healthy) lunch, watching a full season of a TV show in a few days, or doing all the aisles at Walmart at 1:00 a.m. Whatever you’ve been dying to do all year, do it now. When you keep yourself happy, you’re better able to appreciate what other people need or want to be happy. Forgive Yourself Yes, things will go wrong. You’ll eat too much, or go a little overboard on the alcohol at a holiday party, or sleep in instead of working out. Or you’ll forget to pick up a gift for someone, or burn the cake you’re baking. It’s okay, and you’re best off if you can laugh it off and move on. Fret about it, and you’ll just be hurting other people who would rather see you happy than upset. The holiday season is supposed to be about giving, but that can drain you if you don’t take care of yourself. Just like you do during the rest of your weight loss surgery journey, you need to put yourself first during the holidays. That lets you give your best to everyone else, too.

When I drank alcohol for the first time, drinking some yummy Hurricanes, I cycled in and out of feeling tipsy and feeling sober. Real quick, it was odd

IIRC, rapid weight loss can lead to gall bladder disease, so if there are pre-existing GB issues, some surgeons remove the GB at around the same time as doing the surgery. Again from what I remember, the number of people who get gall bladder problems with WLS is about 1/3, and there are a few things you can do to "stack the deck" a little if you don't have your GB out at the time of surgery. I posted those in another thread, but they include coffee (obviously decaf at first), fruits and veggies (when cleared to eat them), low-fat diet, slower weight loss, and (oddly) moderate alcohol consumption. I'm not a doctor tho... talk to your doc if you have questions :cursing: