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If you want a glass of wine that is fine just make sure you account for the calories and carbs just like anything else you eat. I too enjoy a glass every know and then. If you have a carb counting book alcohol might be listed and it is interesting which ones are higher than others.

Yet wondering...if I am consuming some alcohol but staying within my calorie requirements and exercising...will that slow my weight loss? I love spinning and core exercises, tabata, etcetera but I also like a couple glasses of wine a couple times a week. I'm keeping my food carbs low, too. Just wondering about others experiences. FYI--I am almost 5 months out. Down 63 lbs--275 to 212. Eating about 1000/ day and exercising 4-5 times week with good workouts IMO.

Yet wondering...if I am consuming some alcohol but staying within my calorie requirements and exercising...will that slow my weight loss? I love spinning and core exercises, tabata, etcetera but I also like a couple glasses of wine a couple times a week. I'm keeping my food carbs low, too. Just wondering about others experiences. FYI--I am almost 5 months out. Down 63 lbs--275 to 212. Eating about 1000/ day and exercising 4-5 times week with good workouts IMO.

I don't have issues with anything passing through the band, or being uncomfortable going down. However, what I do notice is that there are certain fruits that give me a stomach ache; honeydew melon and pineapple....to name a couple. I haven't eaten all the fruits I used to eat, but I'm guessing I'll find more that no longer agree. Weird on the alcohol, huh?? I heard people say that you get buzzed a lot quicker, and they were SO right! I can feel the first sip of wine. That's not to say that I don't drink the whole glass, but I've certainly become a cheap date - LOL (if I were dating)

The task is to enjoy and appreciate! Do not drink: alcohol will affect you much more potently with the sleeve. You might have to fake it, or find a potted plant like in the movies. Other ideas: eat before you go, clear broth soup, cut up your food and push it around your plate, or how about just going around the table like a bride and chat/reminisce with each person, then have them box up your dinner? Congratulations! Let us know how you did!

I would avoid wine or any kind of alcohol entirely. If anyone looks at you funny just say, "sorry, I can't drink right now, doctor's orders!" Unless your boss and co-workers were raised by wolves, they'll respect that and let it drop. If you have a great time and are friendly and happy with everyone, they aren't going to think you are being rude or ungrateful.

I have a small problem, and while in theory it's a great problem to have, if anyone has any thoughts I would appreciate it. I have worked for a company for the past 10 years and I have been blessed with an opportunity to move on- my last day is next week. I have a really amazing boss who is taking our entire office out to dinner this Friday to Celebrate my time with the business. The dinner is at a very, very nice steakhouse and there will be an expectation of at least a little bit of alcohol consumption. So outside of the fact that I'm a little concerned about not being able to eat much, there is also the wine issue. I've never been a big drinker, but I feel like it's rude to not at least take a few sips and to heartily enjoy what will likely be a very expensive meal. Also...no one at work has any idea I had this surgery and I am currently at 3.5 weeks post-op. My three best friends are aware that I've had it (none of these people work with me), but past that I have no intention of anyone else ever finding out. I don't want to appear unappreciative or ungrateful, but there is no way that I would tell anyone at work the real reason why I can't eat and drink. Also, while I feel comfortable with what I can and cannot nibble on, I have not had any alcohol since surgery and before that I was already kind of a lightweight. Will a sip or five of wine be ok or is this one of those things (like chicken and bread for me) that is going to make me instantly sick? Any thoughts you all have on this would be appreciated. Thank-you!

Breyers makes carb smart and no sugar added. 4 grams of sugar 4 grams sugar alcohol and 13 carbs.

The only thing I'd worry about is all the sugar alcohol in it... It'll give you diarrhea

If you are on a liquid preop diet, drinking will knock you flat. Also, if you are having problems with following instructions before the surgery, are you sure you're ready to face the diet restrictions that will follow the surgery? The preop diet is for shrinking the fat around your liver to minimize complications during surgery. Drinking 8 oz of alcohol is a lot for one evening. Please think hard about what you are doing.

The pre-op's purpose is to shrink your liver. The way to shrink your liver is by restricting total calories, total carbs, and total fats. Alcohol contains two of those (calories and carbs/sugars), and is also pretty hard on your liver. You could therefore increase the chance of complications. As a trade-off, it's hard to see the upside.

You can get your mind off things without alcohol if you work at it. Your pre-op diet exists to shrink your liver and to get you as healthy as possible pre-op. Alcohol is NOT good for your liver. I am no prude nor am I a teetotaler. I lived in a sorority house for 4 years and I still drink my share of cocktails at the old lady age of 42. Difference now is that I just put my body through a MAJOR surgery so that I could change the food addiction I had before and make myself into a new, healthier being. Alcohol will not prepare you for that, in fact, it's detrimental to your health. You will be able to drink again, it may just be at New Year's instead of tonight. I assume you are an adult, but if you had to ask, you probably know, deep down in there, the answer is that it is not a good idea.

to get my mind off things and be around my friends. I was told after surgery to avoid wine or alcohol for 3-6 months. No one talked about before

Hundreds of surgeons and NUT instructions. All as different as snowflakes. Yes, you would think that since we all had the same surgery, we would all have the same, pre op diet, post op diet and post op restrictions. Straws? Never? After a few weeks? From the get go? Same question for alcohol, caffeine, grapes, carbonation.....the list goes on. My take is that I trust my surgeon and follow his advice but at the end of the day I know that since there are so many different instructions for every surgeon, my conclusion is this: Our surgeons are basing instructions based on the following, first they are going on medical fact, then medical opinion, covering their asses and lastly, serving the lowest common denominator. I don't recommend anyone not follow the instructions given to them, but I also believe in common sense. That's my story and I'm sticking to it! p.s. I use a straw all the time. I get way more liquid and way less air than just drinking. Probably get close to 100oz a day with my straw and Tervis Tumbler. I take it with me everywhere!

This may sound nuts, but it worked for me. I have a cup of Water with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and a teaspoon of honey. The problem with acid reflux, as I understand, is not that you have acid. It is that the valve between your tummy and esophagus doesn't stay tightly closed. Certain things trigger it to relax and others trigger it to close. Caffeine, alcohol, smoking all trigger relaxation in the valve and encourage acid reflux. Acids tighten the valve, hence why vinegar works. This isn't for everyone, but give it a try if you want. Works for me. Another good quick relief is maalox.

I bought little 1oz and 2oz cups w lids to easily measure food. I made sf jello "shots" to be ready when I get home. Was odd making Jell-O shots without alcohol

Here's the thing: there's a lot of calories in alcoholic beverages, and it's not like it's healthy calories...just "empty" calories. Next, alcohol (especially hard liquor) can irritate the lining of your stomach...something you don't want right after surgery. Once it heals a bit, I think what many of the others are saying is true: probably a small amount in moderation is ok. Remember, it will get into your bloodstream faster...so make sure to drink accordingly...you might get drunker than expected otherwise. The other thing is that many of the recommendations are adopted from instructions they give gastric bypass patients. Obviously, for us our intestines aren't getting re-arranged, so many of those guidelines aren't as important. For example, my surgeon explicitly told me I can have coffee and that the "no coffee" rule is just for his gastric bypass patients.

You will get a lot of different opinions on this. My NUT told me absolutely no alcohol ever again. However, my surgeon told me that one small drink here or there will not do any harm. I think the main concern is the empty calories in the alcohol, and the fact that you will get drunk much faster because the alcohol will be absorbed quicker so you need to be careful with that. I have not had any alcohol yet since my surgery, but I can't say that I will never have a drink again. I used to have a drink with dinner all the time before surgery, but now I can't drink liquids when I eat so that pretty much eliminates that.

Alcohol YES please. Oh um yes I tolerate alcohol but not to the excess I was able to before sleeve. I have not touched a beer since pre surgery and never will. I now enjoy some wine a few times a week. Most I can drink in a little over a glass. I get bad headaches if I drink more than that now. Otherwise I had no issues.

Hello everyone...my sleeve is scheduled for October 21 pending insurance approval. Can anyone enlighten me as to whether alcohol is well tolerated after being sleeved? I love my weekend drinks and would hate to give this up for life!

Here goes: When I was on my pre-op diet, I swear I thought I would die on liquids. A couple times I chewed up something (cheeseburger, pizza) and spit it out because I needed real food in my mouth. When I was on the pureed stage, hubby and I took the kids to the movies. I was licking the popcorn - didn't eat it - but the butter/salt was soooo good! I started drinking alcohol as soon as I was able (4 weeks according to my dr.). I started slowly but now (5 months out) I can drink more than I should. I don't do it too often but this week at a work event (meaning the drinks were free) I had 2 drinks and 2 tequilla shots over the course of 3 hours. I've tried drinking from a straw and it doesn't bother me as long as I can remember not to drink a lot at a time. I've also tried soda, but the carbonation bothers me. I cannot drink soda from a can or bottle (too bubbly). I can drink a very little if it's a fountain soda and I let it go a bit flat. Good news is my favorite soda - Dr. Pepper - no longer tastes good to me. Same with french fries - I used to adore McD's french fries, but now they really hurt my tummy.

Okay, this post is not to bash the newbies or newts (not a newbie/not a veteran), although I can see how it could look that way. My sense of humor is dry/sarcastic and it's hard to convey that in print. I thought I'd start compiling some of the most commonly asked questions I see posted on weekly basis, just to show that you are not alone with your thoughts and concerns. Will all my hair fall out after VSG? "Individuals don't begin to notice the increase in hair loss when showering or brushing the hair until about three months post-surgery. Although the resting hair is being pushed out of the scalp by new hair that is already growing, it can take anywhere from about six months to a year for the hair to return to its normal fullness. Individuals who have undergone gastric bypass or other operations of the digestive tract designed to reduce obesity are more prone to hair loss post-surgery. This is due to the reduced intake of food in the weeks and months immediately following these procedures. The body needs an adequate amount of proteins and vitamins to maintain hair production. Protein-enhanced shakes are often recommended for these patients as a substitute until solid food can be better tolerated. Hair loss related to surgery typically reverses itself without any medicinal intervention or the need for over-the-counter hair loss tonics or treatments. However, maintaining a diet rich in protein and iron is believed to help promote and speed up healthy hair growth. Suggested foods include salmon, beans, eggs, spinach, broccoli, nuts and whole-grain cereals. Avoid foods that can inhibit hair growth, such as those that contain high levels of caffeine and fat." Losing Hair After Surgery | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/...l#ixzz2Maz1GjQH Can I take my leftover stomach home in a jar? Man, what kind of sickie... um I mean, that's a very astute question. I didn't ask my doctor about it, but from what I've read, it's considered medical waste and a biohazard in the U.S. So you can't have it as a trophy or to tan and make a beanie out of it. If you're having surgery out of the country, then they may let you take it home, just be careful going through customs. If they ask about it, just tell them you found proof that the Chupacabra exists in Mexico. Can't I do this with out the surgery? You know, eat the crazy small amounts and still lose weight? Why isn't that ok? You can eat the small meals to lose weight, and it is okay. I just couldn't live that lifestyle for very long. It was a non-stop battle to keep myself from eating more. How did you choose your doctor, how much did it cost, and how did you pay for it? I don't want to recommend my doctor, since I wasn't happy with the aftercare, but I paid about $5k between the doctor and hospital. I put it on a credit card and will have it paid off before the end of the year. I found my doctor by calling my insurance company and getting a list of approved WLS doctors. I did a Google search for each doctor and read the reviews before choosing my surgeon. Do you regret having WLS surgery? I do not regret it for a minute. Even with all the discomfort of the 1st 10 days, I am very happy with the result. Food is no longer the focus of my life and I love sitting at a buffet restaurant knowing that I will only eat about 1/4 plate of food. What do I need to pack for the hospital? Here is a long list of suggestions on things you might want to consider taking with you. http://www.verticals...surgery-thread/ How soon after surgery can I start drinking alcohol? I'm sure every doctor has their own recommendations, but my doctor said wait 6 months post-surgery before drinking alcohol again. I'm not a big drinker to begin with, so I didn't miss alcohol. But I did drink about 2 oz. of Tequila at month 6 or 7 and was buzzing immediately, more so than I would have been pre-surgery. So, if you're going to start drinking again, just be aware that it may take less alcohol to impair your system. :-)

I had planned on documenting my gastric sleeve surgery experience in the order it occurred, but I forgot about the psych evaluation. Once again luck was on my side as I knew what to expect before arriving. I had a chance to talk with a post-op gastric sleeve patient during my 1st appointment with my doctor. The test itself was about 451 questions. Really though, you could say it was about 150 questions asked 3 different ways. My best guess is it is done in that format to measure how consistent and true you are answering. I guess that they believe that if you are trying to manipulate the test for whatever reason, by asking the same question 3 different ways mixed in with 450 questions, you won't be able to remember how you answered previously and your true feelings will be revealed. I can't remember the exact answer selections, but I think there were 6 choices - ranging from Always True to Never True. So they might ask, "Have you consistently missed work because of drinking?" and you choose among the 6 answers as to how true the question applies to your situation. 50 or so questions later, it is asked again differently, "I never drink so much alcohol that I have called in sick at work." And they mix in questions about how alcohol has played a part in your family and social life. Your feelings about stealing, is it better to be a child or an adult, how you behave in social situations, how you bad/good feel most people behave, which is the better part of life - being a child or being an adult. I think you get the general idea. The psych interview was pretty brief - about 15 minutes. The questions mainly center around my eating habits and what I knew about diet and nutrition. That I realized that surgery was only a tool and not the solution. That I needed to exercise before and after surgery. And what I thought my ideal body weight should be. I told him that I didn't want to fixate on a specific number and just wanted to look "normal", whatever that weight turned out to be. I had been following a guy on youtube who started out at my weight 350 and was down to 235 and I thought I'd be very happy to look like him. I haven't been down below 270 since 1997! My doctor later told me that my ideal weight is 200 and seem to take it in stride that I'd have no problem getting to that weight. So we'll see. My plan is to set small goals and not get too hung up on reaching a specific weight. Expenses so far: My copay for the doctor has been about $2000 so far ($500 office visits, nutritionist counseling / $1500 surgery cost) My hospital costs so far, $3000 ($1000 blood, ultra sound, chest xrays and EDG / $2000 surgery cost) I had a bit of a panic yesterday. The hospital called to confirm my surgery date and collect payment. They told me the surgery cost was $19,000 and in my mind I'm thinking "NINETEEN THOUSAND DOLLARS!" I wasn't expecting to have to pay out of pocket that much! And then they said,"Your copay is $2000." Fortunately, I hadn't completely stroked out after hearing the first part and was able to get my heart out of my mouth after I realized I wasn't responsible for the full 19k. :-) I fumbled my Discover card out and gave them the digits. Still to be paid (and as far as I know, the last): Pre-op blood typing/urine testing (must be done within 72 hours of surgery) - I'm scheduled to be tested on 12/26 / surgery 12/27 / expected to return home 12/28.

Ok, for those of us having trouble getting our Protein in and still crave something yummy and sweet: PROTEIN PACKED PUDDING!!! ...all you need is: 1 box of fat-free/sugar-free jell-o pudding mix Skim or soy milk Your favorite Protein powder ...mix these things together and have a protein packed snack! ************* Don't know what to do with that disgusting (not so) unflavored protein powder??? Well, how about PROTEIN SHOTS?!?! ...all you'll need for this one is: 1 one package of your fav jell-o mix Water And that awful unflavored protein powder....make sure to add A LOT!!!! Pour the mixture into those little condiment cups. (*ya know, the ones we use for actual Jell-O shots, with the alcohol!* wink, wink!!! Refrain from using the vodka this time guys! Lol) Let the mixture congeal and you have yourself little protein shots that you can have each day, just like your supplements! Idk what to do about the awful tasting chewable Vitamins, you'll just have to man up and take them until they're gone...or just chunk them and get more!!! Haha Let it congeal and enjoy as much as you'd like!

Hello Sleeve Siren! You sound so positive and up beat ... I am counting down the minutes until I will be "sleeved". Tomorrow morning at 7:30am I am scheduled for surgery. I am so ready too! Lots of emotions and feelings going on but keep assuring myself that the " prize" is just around the corner. You mentioned how the liquids went. Actually my experience has been quite " freeing". Almost like an alcoholic giving up alcohol. I just kept reminding myself "one day closer" to freedom from all that "we" have endured being "fat". With each sip of Protein drink I rather enjoyed not having to deal with food. Didn't have to look at it, smell it and actually declined one of the roughest 2weeks at work with everyone bringing in treats and goodies. Saying no was so empowering. The past 4days I have done Clear Liquids, crystal lite, Water, tea, bouillon. My day is finally here and I am actually looking forward to Protein drinks. To make them interesting and tasty i purchased the powered mix from Sams club in vanilla and chocolate. the vanilla i would change up adding different extracts. My favorite drink was the vanilla mix, coffee and carmel extract mixed with powdered milk, and a few ice cubes in the blender. Yummooo! I do sing praises to the wonderful delicious taste of the brand that I have been using. I highly recommend "Muscletech" to everyone. It taste NOTHING like a Protein Drink. No yucky after taste, just a wonderful tasty milkshake!!! Ok well, sorry about the longgg post. Good Luck!! It's all in your attitude and I believe you will do just fine.