Search the Community

That is not the first time I heard of that. I hope your brother is doing well. Everyone's journey is their own. So before anyone is offended by my Irish comment I want to explain what it ment. my Mother straight off the boat (God rest her beautiful soul). Raised me right not to judge others. My family is Irish all my family that come here to visit all of us we like to drink I'm not saying any of us are alcoholics I pray for people that are. I'm not saying that I have a drinking problem I'm saying it is part of my culture being raised by woman from Ireland I guess her part of Ireland that's just what they did because that's how we were. Every gathering is a celebration there's food and drink that's just what we do. None of them were obese however so I guess that's my problem to deal with. I did and I'm fixing it have a blessed day.

I realized this site is a Trigger for me and i say this i mean everyone is talking about food it causes me to want food let me help you explain{ i am in recovery for alcoholism ( almost ten years this summer) never mind it's to complicated all i know is I'm having a hard time calling myself a "food addict" perhaps i am in denial , perhaps i need to have someone on here to help me better understand better this disorder , help me someone i cant keep living my life like this , one minute i think i might have this thing they call BED i can identify with alcoholism because i know for a fact i am for sure a drunk I'll be sober i am sober 10 years this summer ( June 30 ) anyway again i don't know if I'm a food addict but i know this site is triggering me to want food therefore does that mean i have BED because i have been triggered before and that was the result of having been diagnosed with PTSD so ( i know no one on here is an MD or maybe there is)) i know the feeling(s) that surface for me , i hoped this made " some sense " enough out of me. ☘️

She's not kidding about surgery being canceled if "caught" smoking. My thought is, if you're not an Alchie and alcohol is not a big deal, then it shouldn't be a big deal not drinking again. Hell, what's the difference? We're supposed to adopt a new lifestyle where "useless" calories have no place; you know, like sugar, too much fat, booze, etc. I've heard people on here basically saying: ok, I get it, I'll make massive lifestyle changes in terms of eating and exercise but don't you DARE mess with my booze.... Sorry, but that doesn't sound very committed. Jes sane

Yeah, that's what I couldn't remember: the weird way Alcohol works in the body post-surgery. They say that you'll get drunk far faster than you ever have in your life, but at the same time you'll sober up very fast as well. The potential for trouble from this is great as anyone can see; basically if you had any propensity towards over-doing it with booze before, you can get in serious trouble

I am looking to book in my surgery soon but it's just hit me how much I rely on food smoking alcohol soft drinks as coping mechanisms. I don't have a happy life and I need to cope somehow. Has anyone else faced this issue and how did you cope post surgery. It feels scary to be without these things. Thanks Kate

When was your first sip of alcohol after surgery? How was it?

If you are not using a mixer try it with a mixer. Does your stomach respond the same way with other liquors or alcohol? You may have a stomach issue? Ulcer? Perhaps check in with your doctor.

Possibly. I'm not trying to start a shitstorm here (so apologies in advance to any religious people), but the counselor I saw is Mormon, and they inherently disapprove of alcohol and caffeine anyway. In addition to this, one of his relatives had the surgery and gained all of the weight back because she kept eating crap. So I don't know if any of this played a role in his negative review. I'm a disabled veteran, and he also mentioned in the psych report that I had a rating for major depressive disorder, and I kind of don't like that being out there that way. Not that it's anything to be ashamed of, exactly, but it is my personal business and really doesn't keep me from being productive and living life (I still go to work and work hard, and I still have a 3.8 GPA at college). The irony here is that my massive weight is a large part of my self esteem issues and contributes to any unhappiness I have in a major way, so denying me the surgery wouldn't be doing my health any favors.

Just remember that meds will act like alcohol does when your stomach is empty(emptyish). Their effect increases. Sorry if I'm stating the obvious, but just wanted to help.

I agree with everyone else here. There are still options for you to eat especially at a BBQ when you can bring items that you're able to eat. I did this before surgery when I was on diets, I would bring chicken sausages to put on the grill or bring a salad. Also my NUT said no alcohol for at least one year after surgery. I don't drink often so it's not a huge deal for me. Hope you find the things that work for you and enjoy your family cookouts!

Hi Adrianna -- I think that working from home made it easier for me to stick to the plan better than if I was working at an office - no temptations, nobody questioning my eating habits, etc. I was sleeved 11/5/2015 and was pretty much a hermit this winter. That being said I am down 68 lbs, so am thrilled with my progress so far! I only bring foods into the house that are approved on my plan - so no slider foods, no processed foods, etc. I focus on high-protein. low (simple) carb, organic, GMO-free, vegetarian foods. My plan calls for 5 small high-protein meals per day, and I think it would be trickier for me to successfully accomplish this if working in an office. We also have almost no alcohol in the house any more -- I used to drink more than I should (was drinking way too many calories), and since surgery I've only sipped on a couple of random drinks when dining out socially. We go out for dinner occasionally but almost always for sushi, where I get sashimi (I will eat pescatarian when dining out). When I travel to my company's HQ, I bring protein bars and vitamins (was bringing protein powder but never used it). Hotel offers eggs for breakfast and I'm able to get some beans and cheese at the cafe' for lunch. Dinners are a little trickier, but I typically order an app and find that most people don't really pay attention to what others are eating -- and if they do I just say "I had a big lunch." I know I'll be socializing and going out a lot more when summer comes, but I feel that following a strict plan at home for about 6-7 months prior to that will help me stay focused and on track. Glad to "meet" another remote professional! Hey Jennifer... I work from home but occasionally have to spend a week in the office like twice a year. I only need a few professional outfits. I am at the preliminary part of this process but I was wondering if you thought the process was easier working from home. What challenges did you face. I think my biggest fear is I plan dinners with friends to get out of the house... Going out to eat will be a social struggle so I am concerned of how to keep my sanity.

Yeah. His account disappeared after that Alcohol thread debate. Pollito as well. Gone.

I'm going to share something here which up until now, I never would have shared with, or admitted to, anyone. My binges were always my deep dark secret, except, of course, for the evidence they left behind -- my big fat butt (and other body parts, ha!). And now that I've been banded, I'm even more ashamed to admit what I did lastnight. But I feel that I made a huge decision to change my life for the better, and coming out and talking about what I did is part of that change, being honest, admitting my transgressions, sharing, and hoping I learned something from it. It might be kinda long and I apologize for that, but I'm doing this mostly for me..... So anyway - my first fill is next week. I realize I might not feel any restriction after the first fill but then again, I might. I know someone who is enormously restricted after her first fill. I have very mild restriction from my empty band, but I only notice it if I really over-eat at a meal, and I've only done that a couple of times. By "over eating", I mean eating what used to be more or less a normal big meal for me. Except for those few meals, I've done VERY well since I began this whole process. I've lost 30 pounds since April 13th. Ten of that was on my own once I made up my mind I was ready for surgery, ten of it was on the pre-op diet and ten of it has been in the three weeks since I was banded. For the most part, I really haven't had any trouble sticking to healthy foods and small portions, although as the days pass since surgery, I am able to eat more and more, so pushing myself away from the table has been a little more challenging. Anyway.... after all these weeks and weeks of "being good", I started thinking about how I could have one last little mini-binge before getting my first fill (scheduled for Thursday). After all, I never got my "last supper" before surgery. Don't I "deserve" a Friday night mini-binge? Soooooo...... lastnight I made myself my favorite alcoholic beverage -- a White Russian. (and I do not make small drinks -- one home-made drink is probably the size of two in a bar). Then I made a second one. Then I started looking through the cabinets and refrigerator for what I could eat. Well, there wasn't much in the house that was binge-worthy because, after all, I've started this new life, right? I ended up having a couple of wheat crackers with a little bit of no-salt butter on them and little pieces of fat free cheese on them. Not too bad, right? Then I remembered I had bacon in the fridge. And low-fat Peanut Butter in the cabinet. And a loaf of low-carb bread I'd bought at the grocery store that day. I haven't had bread in a couple of months. Nor alcohol, for that matter. So, I microwaved some bacon and toasted that bread, and made myself a peanut butter and bacon sandwich. Yum!!! Curled up on the couch with my White Russian and my sandwich. Took a couple bites of the sandwich.... hmmmm, this doesn't really taste as good as I expected. And what's that.... I'm feeling full. Really full. (I think the milk in the White Russians contributed to the full feeling). WHAT AM I DOING??? What if I hurt my band? I can't do this. I can't. I got up and threw the sandwich away. I'd taken about 3 small bites of it. I loaded up the dishwasher and started it. I didn't want to wake up this morning and see the remnants of my little binge in the sink. Now, I'll tell you what. What I did lastnight never would have won the honor of being called a binge, pre-band. It would have been a snack.... just a warm up for the evening's binge to follow. But, it's the mindset that is at issue here. I still wanted that binge, and I gave it to myself, albeit a smaller one than I'm used to. And I guess on the positive side, I did recognize what I was doing, and I stopped in mid-bite. Hopefully, I learned something from it that will come to mind next time I get that urge. Because of course, I will get the urge. A habit and addiction I've given into for years, is not going to disappear by waving a magic wand, or a magic band. I guess this feels sort of like going to Confession. I need to share this so that it doesn't become something I'm hiding. I've hidden my eating problems for far too long. Oh and like a masochist I made myself get on the scale this morning. I knew I had to confront what my lttle binge had done. I was down half a pound. Maybe I escaped harm this time.... but these things can take a day or two to catch up with us we'll see what the scale says over the next couple of days. Thank you all for listening.... errr.... reading. I've been getting to know you all through your posts in the last few weeks and it's a wonderful place to come for support, questions, sharing, and.... confession!

Did your doc tell you that you had to wait a year? IF not, from reading on here by now you should know "do what your doc says, not what you read on here" Call Monday and find out what his policy on alcohol is, and follow it.

my doc never said I couldnt have it...he even said I could have soda from time 2 time..but because of what I've been reading Im jus gonna stay away from soda period...He asked me if I drink alcohol and I said when I go 2 parties and stuff and he said no prob...but Im gonna call on monday 2 check 2 see if Im allowed 2 have a glass of malibu bay breeze

So the alcohol and fatty meats aren't a great thing if you've got a fatty liver, but, more than likely you didn't cause enough damage/increase in those 2 occasions to cause any real issues with surgery. Most certainly stick to your liquids for the next 3 days and I'm sure things will be just fine. Just remember, afterwards for the best outcome, you should try to find other, non-food/alcohol methods for stress relief. Just stay focused, You got this!

Thanks for the advise ladies... I am sticking to it.... I eat what I am supposed to --follow the rules, and no alcohol even though we live a fairly social life... I am also working out everyday and striving for the goal!!! It is just frustrating when you see pictures and you feel like you haven't changed.... but maybe the next 10 lbs I will see it.... I did do something for a pick-me up during my lunch break-- I went to the store and tried on pants.... and I am down from a 22-20 to a 16.... so I guess that's something... I know that it is working-- I can see it on the scale and in smaller clothes, I guess I just thought that 40 lbs would be more noticable besides in my face!! LOL! My doctor told me that I would really start to notice after I passed 40 lbs... so I will keep up the work...

I have a big event 3 days before my surgery. Is there any danger to having a few drinks at the event?

We are asked to wait at least 6 months. Two reasons: (1) avoud alcohol's irritating effects on your new stomach, and (2) avoid transferring your 'addiction' from food to alcohol. That said, 'one' won't kill you.

I do not have cravings for sugar. I don't eat sugar laced items on a normal bases, and my doctor okay Alcohol after 3 months. Carbonation as long as zero calories is also approved (sparkling water ect). The reason why most doctors say no carbonation is due to drinking cokes and other sugar laced drinks. And carbonation does effect everyone the same. From looking at my stats we can all tell I am taking this life change seriously. In 3 1/2 months I have lost a total of 44lbs and counting. For me a mimosa/ wine here and there does not send me of the wagon. Each person's weight loss story and transformation is uniquely their own. I thought of the diet Dr pepper as it is zero calories, zero carbs, and I felt like I needed a little pick me up from the caffeine. If I could stomach the carbonation this would be a better choice than a cup of coffee with 3 sugars. Well all need to keep everything in perspective and remember that not everyone has the same Dr. after surgery instructions, and there are many outlooks on what is okay verse not okay after surgery. Making blanket states of " that is not allowed" is just not correct and not giving out the best advice to the newbies. I think it would be so much more helpful if we say " per my Dr.'s instructions" and advise that there are many outlooks on after care. But back to my original question.... How are others handling carbonation and have you found different carbonation sources to play a part in the ability tolerate??? Just interested in learning many view points.

I'm 10 months post op and I have no issues with carbonation. I was cleared for carbonation and alcohol after 6 months per my plan. I don't drink a lot of it but I do have a seltzer from time to time and when I was hit with the stomach flu back in August I lived on Diet Ginger Ale for 2 days per my surgeons suggestion because it was literally the only thing I could keep down, even water was not working. I have found that carbonation from a bottled or canned beverage does effect me differently than from a tap. It doesn't cause pain but I do burp a lot more.

Have I let the Genie out of the bottle? Current mood:dauphin- esque Category: Blogging Ciss and I went out this last weekend to Shreveport. Lemme tell ya, it was a good time. The food was good (On the Border....mexican hit the spot), the conversation was good, and when things get a little slow, I can always look at Brandi's boobs (she doesn't mind.....much). What else could anybody ask for in an outing? Alcohol? Why yes, there was a little alcohol involved. The thing is, I'm not very much of a drinker. I don't think I had too many. Let me reflect back: Did I give unsolicited advice? No... Did I delve into the philosophical? No... Did I slur any words? No.... Did I hit on Brandi by feeding her cheap compliments? Maybe... Did I "weird out" Heather and Paul with one of my rants? I don't know.... Did I stop at WhattaBurger on the way out? No... There ya go. Survey says.....Didn't overindulge! But....I'm kind of an antisocial bastard. I'm really pretty shy. Sometimes having a few beers helps me to get "in the zone" to make interacting with people (and let's face it....when ya go out drinking with Brandi and Ches, you never know who else is going to show up) a little easier. I thought I did my usual stellar job of balancing between just enough and too much......so imagine my surprise when it turns out that now Cissy is the fun drinking one of the couple! WTF ?!? Cissy? Seriously? How could I have allowed this to happen? Back early in the marriage, I was the fun drinking one of us, working the crowd and regurgitating charm all over the room. Or was I? After I thought about it a little, I came to an uncomfortable conclusion....I have always been the guy in the group to hold back a little.....to make sure that somebody was sober enough to ensure the safety of whomever I was responsible for. Man.....That Sucks! And it's not helping out my rep as a party dude, either. So how do I de-throne Ciss? I'm thinking that for the next outing, I have to go full-tilt. I'm gonna pound them drinks down. I plan on getting so incredibly inebriated that I will puke, take a deep breath, and call for more (Uh, I actually know a girl that did this with Strawberry Daquiris......No, that girl was not Brandi....). I will be an ass-spankin, dirty joke telling wastrel that hits on every chick that moves, bro. Now all I need is somebody to throw a party. Any volunteers?

You and I are almost in the same boat except I have not been approved yet - it was just submitted last week to insurance. I am 4'11" and I am 184 pounds. My weight history is varied and I am 43 years old and really struggled since 27 when i had my last baby (17 years ago lol). I have been on weight watchers too many times to count. I have tried so many diets. During these 17 years I got down to about 137 twice, once right after I had the baby and went on WW and another time when I was going through the divorce diet. Most of the time I have been about 170 but up and down up and down, total yo-yo diet and up to 189. When I was 189 last time they denied me two years ago because the previous year I dropped below my BMI while on prescription weight loss pills. So I thought here I would try it again two years later as I am at 184. My cut off is like 174. The other day I was 179 because of the new blood pressure med I am on is making me pee tons. I am back up, though. I am so close to my BMI that the pre - op diet could screw me up. So number one: I have never been able to keep the weight off myself. Number two: I have never been low enough to make my medical issues decline. Number three: I would like to lose weight and decrease my medications eventually. I can lose 60 pounds and be close to my goal weight of 120. I have type 2 diabetes, no insulin. I am headed that way. I hope to be off metformin with wls. I have osteoarthritis in my back and neuropathy in my feet and hoping that by losing that I can be off the Lyrica I take or at least decrease it! High blood pressure: It was 200/120 the other day - tell me now that I am too close to the cut off even if it is 60 pounds? Right? So with the new BP meds I am on I am closer to a normal BP range, but still I hope with WLS I can decrease my BP enough to be off meds. Sleep apnea: again WLS should help Fatty Liver (non-alcoholic): I am sure it is all the cheese I eat. lol! But he told me five years ago if I don't lose weight that in 10 years I was looking at the beginning of cirrhosis, hows that for scary. I am probably forgetting something but that should be enough. My point is, even if you don't have much to lose, check out your past history and take into account your health and how WLS will be a tool to help you manage your weight loss. My daughter said if I get denied: "Can't you just send a picture of yourself to the insurance company and they can see your body?" HAHA! It is true though, if they saw how I carry my weight in my waist and arms, upper back, they could tell I look like diabetic headed for a stroke. That is my 60 pound story. If I was 100 pounds over weight I would probably be dead. Technically I could weight 100 pounds and still be in my weight range but 120ish is the goal.

Hello all, just thought I share this info. http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/nutrition/cmsID,10305/mode,content/a,cms/ Please copy and paste - this is good info. Stay hydrated! Jason

Liquid zzzzzquil also has alcohol in it, I would recommend just buying plain old Benadryl and taking 3 about an hour before you want to fall asleep. Much cheaper, nothing unnecessary (alcohol or sugar) and just as effective.