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Hello I am new to this forum i have my gastric sleeve surgery on March 6th and honestly I am freaking out a little I am 5 11 and at my highest was 385 since deciding to do surgery I have lost over 35 pounds and hope to take more weight off prior to surgery with the pre op liquid. Long term goal is 220 i went to pre op education course yesterday so I am clear on everything to do for the next week and the weeks following My questions revolve around several items is two weeks post surgery realistic to go back to work . I work in finance so desk job i understand the need to strictly follow the post surgery liquid diets etc but when you get to 6 months are you pretty much able to eat most foods ( recognizing that focusing on protein and fewer carbs will be key for the weight loss ) How common is vomiting post surgery 6 months and I assume it is just over eating is the main cause and how sensitive is your stomach ( ie I have 6 ozs of meat instead of 4 am I throwing up) the thought of vomiting a lot obviously is not pleasant . I know Alcohol is discouraged but safe to assume that for special occasions one or two drinks will be fine ( once again 6 plus months out post survey ) i am excited to do this a get to a healthier life just probably now just processing how much change there will be to my life thanks so much for any feedback

What's the limits on sugar alcohols?

Just be aware that you will get DRUNK off of much less. Your stomach size apparently helps with the processing/absorption of alcohol, so one drink might mean you'll be done.

I know first hand how difficult bipolar is on a family. I have bipolar disorder and I know that it has been really rough on my husband and two kids for the last 7 years. I have many regrets ( that I will have till I die) of things that I have said and done to all 3 of them. I love my family with all my heart. But some days, I feel like leaving them...for their own good. I have been on medicine for the past 5 years but have only been really stable for a year now. I still have my days though. Medicine isn't a miracle cure but it sure helps. My kids are 10 and 12 now and we sat them down a couple years ago and explained my condition to them. They have gone to my therapy appts with me so they have a better understanding of why I behave the way I do some days. They have pretty much adjusted to me and now they can predict which mood is coming next and when to let me have alone time. I love my children more than anything and it kills me to know that I haven't really "been" there for them most of their lives. But they tell me all of the time that they understand and still love me regardless. My husband, God bless him. He must be a saint because he has put up with more than his share. We have been married for 15 years and I can't tell you how many times I have screamed at him and threw things. It gets annoying when he asks me everyday if I have taken my medicine, but I know why he does it. He should have taken the kids and left me years ago but he didn't. I am thankful for that because I don't know what I would do without my family. My husband always tells me that he loves me and if he didn't believe in me and know the real me then he would have left a long time ago. I guess that I have always had symptoms of bipolar since I was around 10. My parents were alcoholics and very abusive. Being abused sexually, mentally, physically.....I just thought that I was normal. I didn't know any differently until my husband kept telling me that I changed and begged me to get help. All I can say is thank God for a family that is understanding and loves me now matter how I am and for my therapist.

Hello there, I waited about 3 months after surgery before I had my first alcoholic beverage. I didn't have a strong drink, something social after dinner. It took much less to get me feeling anything. I think that is because I hadn't drank in 4 months. =) However, now my main concern is the calories I'm intaking. Hope this helps!

Im not afraid of not eating, Im not afraid of PBing, Im not afraid of pain, Im not afraid of gas..... I AM, afraid, of trading one addiction for another!!! Now my addiction is FOOD. And when I can't have that food I don't want to replace it. I never knew how much food REALLY affected until now. I knotice things more now then I did before I decided I was going to be banded. For example: Yesturday I had Ramon Noddles for lunch I was good not hungry but an hour later out of the blue i warmed up leftovers and ate that. WHAT! I wasnt even hungry! Anyway the addiction im scared of is Alcohol, it runs in my family... on both sides My mom and My dad. I wont list everyone in my family thats an alcoholic the list is to long. Has anyone replaced Thier Food addiction with something else? How did you deal with it? Thanks

hi everyone- i'm jennifer- alcoholic/addict with 20 years sobriety looking to start the oa program- will be sleeved 7/20/11! i've heard there may be some prejudice in oa meetings when it comes to us wls folks. any wisdom/experience with this?

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?

I'm super nervous about having anything to drink. Different doctors say different time limits, so check with yours. Mine said I was fine after 5 months (which was Dec 13th), so I'm going to have some wine at Xmas. I'm not a big drinker at all and have my mother's alcohol tolerance (i.e. none) so I'm going to take it slow and I'm going to be in the house, around family, so someone can call an ambulance if something goes horribly wrong, lol.

No, it's not something you can "avoid", but if you are "cheating" on your pre-op, that's not "surviving"...that's cheating. You are not going to die from an all liquid pre-op diet. If you feel like you are dying, drink MORE. I kindof understand the mentality of your DH. He figures if you cheat now, you'll cheat after. One slide and off the wagon you will go (like an alcoholic is prone to do). Thank goodness the band is NOT like that. With a whole lot less will power than you've had to try to drum up in the past, you will be able to control yourself after banding....MUCH MUCH easier. I think that is the beauty of it!

Hi All, I have just come back from the same clinic that Rukhshandah went to for the VGS. The post op diet for the 1st 4 weeks is below. Is that the same as Dr Aceves? I was very impressed with Dr Cierny in Brno, both Rukhshandah and I went there via a UK company called Cosmetic Bliss (don't be put off by the cheesy name). First day diet: Usually an i.v. Fluid has been administered and a contrast X-ray examination precedes per oral alimentation • Drink slowly in small sips of Water, tea. • Wait in between the sips for a minute or two. • Do not drink more than 50ml at once. • Nothing but tea with or without sugar, or still mineral water. • Wait for least 10 minutes between drinks. Your total per oral fluid intake should be not exceed two glasses or 0.5 litre in the first postoperative day. First two weeks • Clear broth or Soup without vegetables or meat and not too creamy. • Low fat, sugar free yogurt. • Skimmed milk. • Natural fruit juice or pureed soft fruit (apple, banana, pear, etc). • Vegetable juices. • Low calorie drinks. • Sugar free Protein supplements, with skimmed milk. • Water (6-8 cups / 2.0 - 3.0 litres a day). Between meals you may drink vegetable juice, milk, fruit juices & water to ingest sufficient liquids and prevent dehydration. Sample Menu - Week 1 & 2 Breakfast 1/3 cup pureed fruit ½ cup yogurt lunch ½ cup consommé or broth 1/3 cup pureed fruit dinner ½ cup yogurt ½ cup pureed fruit Third and Fourth Week after Sleeve Gastrectomy A liquid/pureed diet for your meals during week 3 and 4 after the operation may help you to get used to smaller stomach. Remember to keep a high level of protein in your diet. You will need to use a blender or food processor. The food has to be blended until reaching a applesauce consistency. Avoid spicy foods; they may irritate your stomach. Here is a list to give you some suggestions for what you can eat on weeks 3 and 4: Liquids or beverages, and milk. • Good options: Tea, non-carbonated drinks, natural fruit juices, coffee, water, skimmed milk, low fat and sugar free yogurt. • Limit or try to avoid: Artificial fruit juices, soda, alcohol, all carbonated beverages, Iced tea with sugar, milk or yogurt products with nuts or seeds, chocolate milk, sweetened condensed milk, whole milk. Fruits. • Good options: Applesauce, pureed pears, and bananas. • Limit or try to avoid: Canned fruits or fruits with syrup. Vegetables. • Good options: Pureed vegetables, vegetable juice. • Limit or try to avoid: Raw vegetables, canned vegetables, vegetables that cause discomfort (gas forming). Soups. • Good options: Broth, cream soups make with skimmed milk, egg drop soup, low sodium bouillon or consommé. • Limit or try to avoid: All other. Starches. • Good options: Mashed potatoes. • Limit or try to avoid: Bread, Pasta, rice and all other starches. meats or protein supplements. • Good options: Pureed chicken, fish, tuna, veal, beef, low fat cottage cheese, baby food meats, mashed or pureed tofu, pureed egg or egg substitute, sugar-free Protein shakes, No sugar added Instant Breakfast. • Limit or try to avoid: Peanut Butter, others. Fats, sugars and others • Good options: Sugar free Jellies and puddings, sugar free ice cream and frozen yoghurt, low fat (slimmers) puddings. • Limit: Others. Sample Menu – weeks 3 & 4 Breakfast 1/2 cup yogurt and 1/3 cup pureed fruit (or4-6 tablespoons cooked refined Cereal, adding 3 tablespoons of skimmed milk) 1 hour later 1 cup fruit juice (or milk) 2 hours later 4-6 tablespoons yogurt 1 hour later 1 cup water (or unsweetened fruit juice) Lunch 3 tablespoons pureed chicken with 2 tablespoons pureed vegetables and 2 tablespoons mashed potatoes, 1 cup water 1 hour later 1 cup water 2 hours later 1 cup protein supplement (or1 packet No Sugar Added Instant Breakfast) Dinner 2-3 tablespoons chicken (or fish or tuna)with 2 tablespoons vegetables and 2 tablespoons mashed potatoes 1 hour later 1 cup skimmed milk 1 hour later 3 tablespoons cottage cheese with 4 tablespoons pureed fruit 1 hour later 1 cup broth-type soup or milky (semi-skimmed or skimmed milk) drink General Recommendations: 1. Eat small meals five times a day and limit snacking in between meals. 2. Eat slowly and chew food until it reaches a mushy consistency. (15 to 20 times per bite). 3. Stop eating or drinking right before you feel full. 4. Eat only good quality foods. 5. Drink low calorie liquids. 6. Drink enough liquids /about 2.0 – 3.0 litres per day. 7. Drink after each eating 8. Exercise moderately, however not sooner than 2 weeks after the operation

Is drinking a bit of alcohol 15 days post op that bad? I know they say you get drunk a lot faster, so if I watch out for how much I drink is it okay to drink just a bit? Like maybe a small cup? Or is it not allowed

Whichever doctor said that you can drink alcohol a month after surgery can I please have his/her name and practice? Thanks in advance.

I went back after one week and was fine (tired but fine). Make sure you try foods at home first. Brought my little containers of Soups to heat up. Also still bring alot of yogurt and string cheese which are easy to pack. Water bottle stays at my side so I remember to drink even now. Be careful with Protein bars - they are easy to eat in the morning or I bring them incase the hospital does not have the "grill" open - make sure you buy the ones with no "sugar alcohol" which makes you VERY GASSY and can give me diarrhea (which you don't want at work). sugar free Hawaiian lemonaid is good and I keep those little packets in my stash at work too. Keep your protein up...I am 3 months out and have almost....one more lb to go.....lost 60 lbs. I use the unjury chicken broth (you have to order it online) for making up those days that I am short on protein. I put some in little containers and take that to work too. Good luck! We have all been where you are and it does get easier promise!!!!

Had RNY I would say there are 3 phases - 1st phase is honeymoon phase which lasts about 8 months when it's pretty hard NOT to lose weight. Then the 2nd phase u still lose weight but slower until about 18 months post op and then maintenance starts around 2 years...my body seems to like the weight it is now. I exercise and if I wanted to lose weight I have to cut out carbs and alcohol.

Sure. But don't drink more than 10 drinks the first time. The second time you go out, no more than half a bottle. The third time, limit yourself to a liter of alcohol. Or 6 bottles of wine. You should be fine.

Hey Mr. Butterthebean, My thoughts for you are if ever you feel numbness or tingling in nerves and limbs, hands and feet you'll know that deficiency may be acting on non repairable systems. My other thought is that perhaps the liquids diet and good B values in your food are OK for you enough but I know from reading that a portion digestive system missing post surgery inhibats natural process during digestion for obtaining larger enough B12 long term. I do have a more genetic type disorder ( not alcohol/drug induced ) and I only knew about after suffering loss of feeling in toes and parts of feet and legs, after the fact of getting enough B12 back into my system, artificial ways, direct way through sublinguals and now shots my energy daily was boosted and the numbness is mostly gone as I have haulted that process of detereoration of part of nerves in my system. Have you ever require it, know ahead and not to late that a small or good amount supplement can correct the problem. Nerve system can not repair all this type damage after its done. As for D, I live way North, for G@d sakes we are having this Blizzard as I write here. We can't get D3 enough in winter months and deficientcy is a hot topic as a cause for many things and found to be at a high rate prior to studies. Also, it might be a good personal choice or medical needs may be there enough but not necessarily for WLS folks searching necessities. lol, love seafood, south & north traditions, spanish stew with octopus.

Everybody's doctor tells them differently but my advice is to wait until you are totally off all painkillers and any other meds that you are not suppose to drink with. After that consume in moderation. Many people move the food addiction to an alcohol addition so you have to be careful. My NUT told me to go ahead when I asked at 4 weeks and I probably could have started earlier.

Hi Kay, As far as Diet coke I still don't drink carbonation drinks. I sipped it once and it gave me an amount of Gas that I won't forget. But I've read people here that can tolerate carbonation. Being real about Alcohol. Talk to your doctor. I do have an occasional drink of alcohol but I can't tolerate sugary drinks of any I tried it my self at the same time. That said enjoy your Holiday.

My husband is 50, and occasionally he has some difficulties, but we have found ways to work around it. No excessive alcohol. It never even leaves the gate if he does. If he has "specific plans" for me that evening, he will do it himself in the shower about an hour or so before we hit the sack. That way he lasts longer. It also depends on the type of sex. If we're making love, it can last for up to half an hour. If it's hot nasty sex, when we finally get to penetration it's usually about 5 - 10 minutes. We take turns going first. I don't have an orgasm with penetration alone. Although some well placed toys can work wonders. If we spend an extra long time on foreplay, sometimes it doesn't happen at all. It all depends on our stress levels, our mood, the type of sex, if he's fatigued, if he's been drinking, where we are when we are having sex..... A hotel or vacation destination is always better. It just depends on the circumstances.

Hello Daybyday! What a wonderful name you chose! It's possible that you might need a fill. Go through this checklist and see what you think. I've seen several people post this information but I think it might be helpful to you. (Adjustment = fill) Adjustments<!--webbot bot="Navigation" i-checksum="27883" endspan --> <TT>How to Tell When You Are Perfectly Adjusted You are losing 1-2 pounds per week. If you are not losing 1-2 pounds per week: A. You may need an eating adjustment 1. Are you eating 60 grams of Protein a day 2. Are you eating 25 grams of Fiber 3. Are you avoiding all liquid calories a. Soup can be sign of “soft calorie syndrome” b. Alcohol contains a lot of calories – 7 calories per gram (1) It’s also a stomach irritant c. fruit juice is just sugar Water 4. Are you making healthy food choices from a wide variety of foods? a. Are you avoiding soft foods b. You can’t just eat what’s easy c. cheese is glorified fat 5. Are you drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day between meals 6. Are you eating too much junk a. chips, chocolate, nuts, ice cream, Cookies and other highly processed junk foods are too calorically dense to be regular parts of a healthy diet. But don’t avoid them completely to the point where you feel deprived. b. Stay out of fast food places 7. Are you getting in two servings of Calcium daily 8. Do you always eat the protein first 9. Then the vegetables or fruits a. Five servings a day b. Potatoes are NOT a vegetable 10. Is your portion size appropriate? a. meat or fish (1) 3 ounces – the size of a deck of cards b. Vegetables (1) ½ cup – the size of your fist c. Starch (1) If you eat the protein and the vegetables first you don’t need much (2) Avoid: rice, potatoes, Pasta 11. You might try avoiding artificial sweeteners a. Some people think that artificial sweeteners stimulate the appetite b. They are HUNDREDS of times sweeter than sugar c. They teach you to like things too sweet d. There is no evidence that people who use them are any thinner than people who don’t 12. Avoid most diet foods a. Real food usually tastes better b. Real food is more satisfying than low calorie substitutes c. When you are only eating a tiny bit the caloric savings is not that great (1) Use a teaspoon of real butter instead of a tablespoon of diet margarine (2) The body has no way to break down artificial fats a. They may go into permanent storage b. Some people think liposuction is the only way to remove hydrolyzed fats from the body</TT> <TT>B. You may need a behavior adjustment</TT> <TT>1. Are you eating only when you are hungry? a. If you’re not sure drink 8 ounces of water and wait. 2. Are you eating three meals a day? a. With maybe 1 or 2 small Snacks 3. Are you sitting down to eat? 4. Are you eating consciously? a. No distractions, turn off the TV, put the book or newspaper away, pay attention to your food and your companions 5. Are you eating slowly? a. Put the fork down between bites b. Take 20 to 30 minutes to finish a meal c. Taking longer might cause the pouch to begin emptying 6. Are you taking small bites? a. Tiny spoon, chopsticks, cocktail fork 7. Are you chewing well? 8. Are you drinking with your meals or too soon after your meals? a. Practice water loading between meals b. You won’t be thirsty if you are well hydrated before the meal 9. Are you stopping at the first sign of fullness? a. Sometimes it’s a whisper: not hungry, had enough b. Hard stop versus soft stop 10. Do not eat between meals. Stop grazing. 11. Do not eat when you are not hungry</TT> <TT>C. You may need an activity adjustment</TT> <TT>1. Are you getting in 30 minutes of physical activity at least 3 times a week? a. Over and above what you would do in the usual course of your day b. Could you make it 4 or 5 times a week? c. Could you make it 45 or 60 minutes? 2. Are you taking advantage of opportunities to increase your physical activity? a. Taking the stairs instead of the elevators or escalators b. Walking on the escalators instead of riding c. Parking your car further away from the entrance d. Getting out of the car instead of using the drive through e. Getting off the bus one stop before your destination f. Washing you car by hand instead of the car wash g. Playing with your kids</TT> <TT>D. You may need an attitude adjustment</TT> <TT>1. Are you committed to your weight loss journey? 2. Are you totally honest with yourself about how much you are eating and exercising? a. Log your food and activity on ww.fitday.com for 3 days 3. Are you using food inappropriately to deal with emotional issues? a. Have you identified what the emotions are that drive your eating? b. Can you think of more appropriate ways to deal with those emotions? c. Are you willing to seek help from a qualified counselor? 4. Are you attending and participating in support group meetings? 5. Have you drummed up some support from your family and friends? 6. Have you dealt with saboteurs realistically? 7. Do you have realistic expectations about the weight loss journey? 8. Are you still obsessing about food, weight, dieting, eating? a. Obsessive – compulsive thoughts (1) Obsess about something else b. Perfectionism (1) All or none, black and white thinking c. Patience with the pace of healthy weight loss 9. Are you acknowledging your successes with non-food rewards? 10. Have you learned how to take a compliment? 11. Are you giving up diet mentality? a. Stop weighing yourself several times a day or every day b. Stop dieting c. Stop depriving yourself d. Stop defining food as “good” and “bad” e. Stop rewarding and punishing yourself with food 12. How do you feel about all the changes taking place?</TT> <TT>E. You may need a band adjustment</TT> <TT>1. You feel like you are making healthy food choices in appropriate portion sizes but getting hungry between meals? 2. You can still eat white bread, fibrous vegetables and large portions. 3. You are having to struggle to lose 4. You are gaining weight in spite of eating right, exercising and having a good mind set.</TT> <TT>F. You may need your band loosened</TT> <TT>1. There are times when you can’t get fluids down 2. You are vomiting too much a. How much is too much? 3. Do you have frequent reflux or heartburn at night? a. Do not lie flat or bend over soon after eating b. Do not eat late at night or just before bedtime c. Rinse your pouch with a glass or water an hour before bedtime d. Certain foods or drinks are more likely to cause reflux: (1) Rich, spicy, fatty and fried foods (2) Chocolate (3) Caffeine (4) Alcohol (5) Some fruits and vegetables a. Oranges, lemons, tomatoes, peppers (6) Peppermint a. Baking soda toothpaste (7) Carbonated drinks e. Eat slowly and do not eat big meals f. If you smoke, quit smoking g. Reduce stress h. Exercise promotes digestion i. Raise the head of your bed j. Wear loose fitting clothing around your waist k. Stress increases reflux l. Take estrogen containing medications in the morning m. Avoid aspirin, Aleve and ibuprofen at bedtime (1) Tylenol is OK n. Take an antacid (Pepcid complete) before retiring o. Try other over-the-counter heartburn medications p. See your health care provider 4. See your health care provider immediately (or call 911) if a. You have a squeezing, tightness or heaviness in your chest, especially if the discomfort spreads to your shoulder, arm or jaw or is accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, irregular or fast heartbeat or nausea. These could be symptoms of a heart attack. b. If your symptoms are triggered by exercise. c. If your pain localizes to your right side, especially if you also have nausea or fever d. If you throw up vomit that looks like black sand or coffee grounds. Or if your stool is black, deep red or looks like it has tar in it. These are symptoms of bleeding and need immediate attention.</TT> <TT>(Note: Pepto-Bismol or other medications with bismuth will turn your stool black. Iron supplements can also make the stool tarry.) e. If your pain is severe</TT>

Do you take NSAIDS regularly? Have you been drinking alcohol? Both can cause gastritis. If you don't know the cause of yours, I'd definitely see your surgeon, just to be sure it wasn't caused by a backup of bile from your band being out of place or too tight. Best wishes.

I don't drink coffee,alcohol (yet) ... the only juice I've had lately is V8 splash ... could that be it??? I didn't even think about it ... I'm not going to drink another sip. I eat/drink babybel lite cheese, chicken, tilapia, chicken/turkey deli meat slices, costco chocolate Protein shakes & Water (with flavorings) .... that's it. :-( I stay hungry ... but now I don't know if I'm hungry or if its the acid. :-( Looking forward to relief!

How are things going with the sleeve? Things are great now. Some days I don't even think about my smaller portions. I just made sloppy joes two nights ago, portioned out my 2.5 oz and topped with a serving of mexican blend cheese. The day before that? I made crockpot honey garlic chicken. I ate one thigh. It really isn't anything special. I just make my boyfriend's plate right along side mine, but I get the cuter plate, lol. It is just a way of life now making sure I get enough Protein and keep my carbs down. I use myfitnesspal religiously to make sure I am getting the nutrients I need. How long ago were u sleeved? I was sleeved 7 months ago. Has the adjustment gone well? Yeah, I was doing low carb six months prior to being sleeved. Soon as you get past the Fluid and mushy stages, I really think life perks up. Before that though, you gotta remember you are healing and relearning to eat with a totally new stomach. And sometimes there are hiccups, I didn't get any protein in my first two weeks. I had a really hard time with anything not a vitaminwater, but it gets better. Don't rush the stages, sometimes you have to linger a little. How has adjusting to so little food been? It was a mind trip at first. I really liked my big portions. Before VSG, I could eat an entire hot-and-ready pizza by myself in about 15 minutes. Now? I eat about 3/4 of a slice. I just tear off the crust. You get used to it. You sigh, you cry, you have a little fit where your SO laughs at you, and you move on. This is life. Side note, I really hate leftovers now though. I didn't before surgery, but post-op I really can't stand dried out chicken or even one of my favorite foods ever, pulled pork. I loathe eating reheated stuff. My boyfriend laughs and says, I got picky post-op. It is okay though. I just make a smaller meal that night and remake it in a couple of days so the meal is hot and fresh. Have you engaged socially yet? Haha, yes, and that is where I go a little carb happy. I may not be able to eat like I used to, but I sure can still get down my fluids. I am really only limited by how much I feel like. I can drink 2 large unsweet iced teas from McDonald's in about an hour if I tried, and 3 or 4 of my low carb daiquiris like it is nobody's business. I have no problems getting down fluids. I like to keep a decaffeinated beverage in my hand now because I almost passed out on campus once when I forgot a Water bottle all day. I definitely learned that lesson well. When I go out with my friends, I order things without bread, and I just don't eat Pasta. At Chipotle? I get my burrito bowl without rice and Beans, lots of veggies, double meat, and pile on that cheese and sour cream please! I eat about a third of the meat, cover it and bring it home. Okay, I will always eat Chipotle leftovers. I lied, lol. If I go to Buffalo Wild Wings or an Ale House? I get wings. If I go to my favorite Mediterranean place? I get the fried jibneh or kabobs. Indian? Paneer or Tandoori chicken. Vietnamese? Pho with extra beef. If I go for BBQ, I always get my ribs and just refrain from smothering everything in the sauce. I get the things I want, try to stay on plan, and just try to keep my protein up and be happy. I can eat whatever I want, but I feel better when I am not eating bready things. They just don't sit well for me. I get really uncomfortable. At parties, I take a beer and chat. Carbonation doesn't bother me too much anymore. Have you had a glass of vino yet? Err... lol, I guess I got ahead of this one. I will have to say yes. I have had wine, beer, vodka, tequila, bourbon, rum... Can I use my college student excuse? I admit I like going to parties and the club. What can I say? Just talk to your surgeon about when it is right for you, and definitely wait until your stomach is healed. Did your body respond differently than previously? At first, yes. I definitely could get tipsy off of a few sips of Riesling. Now? Tequila shot, you say? Don't mind if I do. Alcohol hit me hard and fast at first and it tapered off just as quickly. Eventually, you will definitely be able to hit the tapas and restaurants with your hubby again, but it might take two or three months. Again, talk to your surgeon about his or her recommendations. Don't worry, life goes back to normal. Just follow your plan though for the most part and the weight will come off. How will I stay engaged at social or family events that ,as always, revolve around cooking, eating and appreciating copious amounts of food? Well, for me, I just do what I normally do, chat up a storm. I carry my unsweet iced tea (blashphemy in the south, I know), grab a deviled egg, and play with my cousins. Same old, same old. I am just not carrying a huge plate anymore. When I have friends over for a meal, everyone knows I eat low carb, so I just grab a little meat and a couple of veggies and do the same song and dance. I eat slower. I enjoy my company more. If I go out, I like not having to worry about eating an appetizer, entree, and dessert all by myself. I enjoy a little of everything in moderation and take the rest home along with my shrinking waist line. Hope I answered all your questions and didn't come off as an alcoholic, lol. I really don't drink that often. VSG is just life now, and I really am happy with my decision. If you have any more questions, please feel free to ask.

Hi Joy, transfer addiction is real. My very well adjusted and successful brother had an issue with alcohol after his by-pass surgery. Congratulations on being conscientious about it. If you have to drink Water and for the sake of others say it is vodka, then that's what you do to ease the pressure (do Irish even drink vodka? LOL). Anyway, this your journey, no one else's. Stay the course and good luck!!