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Well.... Im going to come clean and say that I have had about a 8 nights since surgery where I have consumed alcohol... one of those being last night.... I dont feel the need to drink alcohol but I find myself in my twenty-something social group going out to the clubs and buying into that lifestyle sometimes..... I am still in my losing stage and I know that this is not a great choice on my part.... AND i must admit ... when i wake up in the morning i feel a little pain underneath my scar in between my boobs... This is definitely a sign telling me that my liver is not appreciating the abuse and I know I have to chill out because I still want to lose another 23lbs to get to goal... BUT most importantly... i want to be healthy .. after all that's why we chose this surgery in the first place.... I just wanted to be honest... but also admit that I havent made all the perfect decisions when it comes to post op lifestyle.

Thanks for saying that Melissa <3<3 I worry that I didn't paint the picture clearly. I don't feel like i have to drink in my professional life, I don't think i have to be like a man in my male-dominated career (ever. Ever ever)... I just have one of those types of jobs, where that's what I'm surrounded by. That's the back story. What happened Saturday night is that I just had a couple of cocktails because i wanted to. I'm not an alcoholic, I'm a fun young completely healthy person, and I experimented because I feel awesome and back to normal, and just wanted to Celebrate and see how it would go. I'm not going to start going out every night, i'm not going to turn into an addict. I researched beforehand, I was incredibly cautious, I coupled the drinks with Water, and everything went fine, which is the point of my post. Everything's cool, I promise! <3

Getting banded on 4 March as well. Stopped drinking any alcohol about 2 weeks ago (used to have a double Scotch every night) and starting the liquid diet today to try to get the liver as small and healthy as possible so I don't run into any problems during the surgery. I have read on this site where people have had to go thru the surgery twice because the liver was to big.

Let me preface this story with the fact that I know that my current relationship with alcohol is and will be different than it was before surgery. What i'm basically saying is, "INB4 outrage & judgement" Before surgery, I was an avid and enthusiastic party girl. I have an extremely stressful full-time, 24x7 boys'-club, mind-numbing soul-crushing (albeit high-paying) career, filled to the brim with heavy drinkers. More than once a week, I find myself out after work either enjoying cocktails with co-workers or going to vendor/customer dinners, where it's not uncommon to have drinks at the restaurant bar before, wine throughout dinner, scotch after, followed by drinks at the bar after to close the night. I don't consider myself an alcoholic - for the 2 weeks in preparation to surgery and for the 2 weeks after, I haven't had a drink, and it's not like I got the DT's or anything. I have however been very concerned and curious about what was going to happen when I did have my first cocktail. I was worried I would be drunk after one sip, or my new stomach would reject it and I would vomit uncontrollably at the table, or worse - I would never be able to have a drink again... All kinds of horrific scenarios went through my head. So I called my best and most trusted friend last night and told him that I was feeling back to normal (for the most part), and interested in testing the waters. We went to my local low-key boozer, sat at a booth. I responsibly ordered my low-calorie standby: Grey Goose & Soda (single tall), and sipped apprehensively while watching jealously as he took long pulls from his Heineken. (I was a beer drinker in my past life - I'm pretty sure it's responsible for 50 of the 100 lbs I'm trying to lose.) My first cocktail went down very slowly - it took about 45 minutes to get it all the way down. I definitely felt it about halfway in, but i felt well within normal operating limits. I could feel my body processing it a little differently, but no big deal. Even though the drink includes soda Water, there is very little carbonation in the drink, so I felt good about my order, and didn't get the burps or anything. Over the course of 3 hours, I had 3 cocktails and a glass of water. I got home feeling like a solid 4.5 out of 10. I finished my Protein drink and took a big bottle of evian to bed, and sipped on it while watching tv. I woke up this morning feeling fine, a little bit of a headache and pretty thirsty, but other than that, I felt great. Although, I have to say, I am feeling my first pangs of hunger since before the surgery, so that's new... I'm not sure if that's related to drinking last night or if my stomach is just healing up properly. I'm going to go and make myself some grits!

I have a few drinks a week, nothing wrong with that. But I very rarely have more than 1 - I'm pretty sure I've had 2 in a row before, but to be honest, I can't even remember the last time. I haven't had more than 2 drinks in one day since the surgery, but I've never been much of a drinker. Generally, the normal alcohol intake for women is limited to 2 drinks a day (4 for men). It sounds like you were venturing into alcoholism territory before surgery, so I think this would be prime time to seize the day and consider some counselling. As mentioned earlier, substitute addictions are quite common after WLS and without food to turn to, your tendency to consume too much alcohol may be more likely to spin out of control. I understand your work/social circle forces you to go to bars, but no one's forcing you to have alcohol - you can have a pop, non-alcoholic cocktail, or tea/coffee and still enjoy the social aspect of hanging out.

This is the approach that I use: I strictly avoid processed sugars. I have a sweet tooth and that is one of the major causes that contributed to my weight gain over my lifetime. I limit myself to artificial sweeteners (such as Splenda and sugar alcohols), to natural low calorie sweeteners (such as Stevia) and to the natural sugars found in fruits and milk. I had diabetes. That went into remission when I left the hospital two days after surgery and I have not taken any diabetic medicine ever since and my blood sugar levels are good. I test my blood sugar levels periodically. [Currently over 5 years post-op] I read the labels of all food that I consume. I look at the grams of sugar per serving. If it is above 5 grams, I look at the ingredients. The ingredients are listed in order by highest percentage, and if the first 5 ingredients contain processed sugar (in any of its many forms), then I avoid this food, like a plague. I also restrict myself to about one meal per day containing complex carbohydrates (such as pasta and bread). I also avoid all carbonated beverages. I lost 20 pounds pre-op solely on eliminating carbonated beverages from my diet and I will not go back.

Kind of makes you realize how much of an addiction food can be. I tried comparing food addiction to alcohol addiction in a conversation with my brother once and he wasn't buying it. I hadn't done any research on the subject at the time, it was just a thought. I know now after researching WLS that it's a real thing. I can imagine that an alcoholic might have the same self destructive and impulsive thoughts when a commercial comes on about alcohol. I think about all of the bad foods that I love that got me into this mess while driving around but the scars on my gut quickly remind me why I shouldn't give in to the urge.

yes, need more details. Do you have a budget? Will it include alcohol?

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

i know i can't drink coffee or alcohol for about a year but what about drinks with high sugar? if i go out in the summer can i have iced tea or lemonade or is there too much sugar ?? what about Vitamin Water zero ? or Sobe Life water zero ? any chocolate or sugar candy ? just curious. i don't even have a sweet tooth any tips are greatly appreciated thank you

So, I had my 6 week check in today and all is well. Weight loss is on track...27 lbs down. I do need to increase my calories. I've been around a thousand and the doctor and dietician would like to see me at 1200-1500, particularly before I start going to the gym. While I was there, I asked how long I needed to wait before I could have a glass of wine. I expected to hear 6 months to a year based on what others have posted. I was surprised when the dietician said that I could have started a couple weeks ago! Of course they gave the usual caveats...empty calories and take it slow to see how I react. Just thought I'd share since I know that question comes up a lot

As obvious as it sounds to say it... go and don't drink. If people are gonna be asses about it, you don't have to tell people you're not drinking, if you don't want. Order something virgin at the bar that looks vaguely alcoholic and sip it. I did that when I was newly pregnant but didn't want people asking questions LOL. Or, alternatively, be open that you're not drinking because you're looking after your health. People should respect that, and if they don't that's on them! You could say you don't want to drink your calories, or say your doctor needs you to be extra careful with your liver, or or or. People quit drinking for plenty of reasons! You don't have to avoid social situations just because you can't have alcohol, though. This is lifelong. Even if you do decide to start drinking alcohol again (which you absolutely can if you want, post sleeve, you just have to be conscious about how much you're drinking and follow your surgeon's directions on when it's safe to have a drink post-op), there will always be other situations where you will not be able to do things the way you used to, or participate the same as others do... eg going out to a restaurant you might have to order a noticeably smaller portion, or say no to the deep fried chicken wings everyone else is having on wing wednesday, etc. We just have to find our own way to participate in these rituals that allows us to maintain connections with people and be a part of social events without compromising our right and our responsibility to care for our bodies.

We've all heard of cross addiction, right? We trade overeating for alcoholism or a gambling addiction or drug addiction, etc. From reading these posts it looks like we should add "scalaholic" to that list. Not being able to control a behavior and letting that behavior control our emotions and mental well being definitely falls into the category of addiction.

What's the hot topic for today? I've been thinking about "community." We all have our little groups (communities)...family, work, church, activities, our children's activities....maybe even people who have chosen the same surgery, like here at LBT! These communities give us connectedness to the outside; they provide a meaningful way for us to relate to each other. Sadly, not everyone feels that they belong to a community, so they make some up: gangs, drug and alcohol abusers, unhealthy relationships, etc. Ironically, these communities seek further isolation from society, so that the problem that led people to them is exacerbated further by their participation. Ask yourself if you know anyone who is part of a community that leads to further isolation....I know I have sought company by banding with others who have the same isolating problem I have had. Maybe you're doing the same thing? Take a close look at your communities. Make sure you are part of groups that are caring, positive and supportive of each other. If you are "stuck" in a group that is not like this, (family) do what you can to change your reactions to it. Notice I have not said that these communities have to think, talk, or believe exactly the same as each other...there must be room for respectful disagreement. Respectful. Disagreement. Those two words do not go together often today, do they? They should. So, let's start in our little communities...allow a disagreement of opinion. Seek to give help more than you ask to receive it. Instead of going within, reach out. Somewhere earlier I said I think I do better when I'm helping others...since this topic came to me today, I would imagine I've done enough introspection for now, and it's time to take the show on the road! I am grateful for my communities...my family, my work, my church, my friends, and LBT. I am grateful for my electric foot warmer...so cozy! I am grateful for the love and friendship I share with my husband. To be continued....

Well I don't know about you but alcohol was one of my all-time munchie-inducers. I don't drink at all anymore, but if I did I'd probably try to give it up post-banding for two reasons. First, of course it's just empty calories. Both the alcohol and the mixers are loaded with poison, things that do your body no good at all. Outside of really fine wine I can't see putting much of that stuff in me anymore. Just like I can't imagine smoking. (Of course, I'm still pickled from my college days--I drank enough for a lifetime.) Second, the loss of impulse control would do me in. Munching whatever is at hand was always a hallmark of a few drinks for me, and I know I'd be forgetful about chewing carefully. Maybe I was the wrong person to respond, and I really don't mean to sound preachy, but my recommendation is stick to wine and make it an infrequent indulgence.

I have not tried beer I heard that was a no no with the carbonation. I have tried wine (zinfadel) and did not have a problem. Also a "mudslide" well actually two of those lol. Didn't have a problem with wine. Did have extreme heartburn with the mudslide the next day. I think I had that before band though. It had been about 10 years since I had one last, so don't remember for sure. As long as you drink in moderation and don't substitute alcohol for meals?? but, I am not an expert. I would talk to a professional who won't tell you not to drink for morality reasons, but for medical reasons. There may be a study about it or something

I think it was about 1 week for me, I had a glass of bubbly, and then a week later it was Christmas so I had more glasses! I generally am happy to have a drink whenever I go out or over to mum's for dinner or anything like that however these days I have one, before dinner and then stop drinking. I'm still open enough that if I had 2 or 3 I'd say "what the hell" and overeat, the way alcohol tends to make you do.

There are plenty of things you can eat while banded that will help you gain weight. You can wash all kinds of food down with Water or juice. Even easier is drinking the calories. I don't personally know anybody that is banded but I do know a few that had bypass. One of them is an alcoholic and after losing only about 50 pounds managed to pack that and more back on drinking beer. As for hurting when overeating; I'm not banded yet but I have eaten so much in one sitting that I was in pain for hours many times in the last 45 years. It never stopped me from doing it again and again.

I've taught psychopathology for over 25 years and I don't believe that article suffers from selection bias or that the results could be applied to the general population at all. There is a far greater incidence of PDs in patients with morbid and super obesity than in the general population. Furthermore, NurseGrace, I am not here as a staff member or the forum psychologist. Given what's transpired on this thread, that article is entirely apropos and informs a great deal of what the OP complained about. The sharing of that article was not a bastardization of anything despite the fact that my motivation in doing so was obviously over- and multi-determined! As for your earlier idea about labeling members by their orientation to abstinence vs. moderation, i.e., "different ideas about how closely we follow the guidelines," the only long-term guidelines I received from my surgeon were: 1) no carbonated beverages ever and; 2) no alcohol for at least one year. For the record, I plan to follow both those guidelines religiously. So, please, put me down as "by the book!"

I occasionally drink a margarita, 3 yrs after. I've had my fair share of glasses of wine also (the first 1 after surgery - maybe 2-3 mths - I was tipsy on about 5 sips!). Even partaken in the carbonated beer. I'm really watching it right now, however - on the Atkins plan. NO ALCOHOL is allowed (lowers your food eating inhibitions). I promised myself NO MORE DIETS after getting banded, but after a 20 lbs gain, I ahd to do something! Everything in moderation... Marci

My initial post on this thread was a highly critical indictment of the abstinence model in regard to compulsive eating and I have been taking this position professionally since 1985. I have written numerous articles and professional book reviews that have essentially made the very same points. Not once have I ever been attacked by other professionals who also happen to be members of OA or AA or believe that abstinence from sugar, wheat, and alcohol is essential to their own personal recovery (and there are many who do). I appreciate that this is not a forum for professional people (although there are members with professional degrees) but I am not going to apologize to those who took offense because they live by an unsubstantiated model of recovery that I happen to be critical of and have been professionally critical of for 28 years. Does my promotion of moderation mean that I am encouraging people to live an unhealthy lifestyle or to subsist on junk food? Of course not and that's a completely disingenuous distortion of what I've written. I don't see this as a contest or issue between strict vs. "undisciplined?" sleevers. For me, this is strictly a matter of two competing models: disease vs. mental health. I stand behind everything I've written on this thread with the caveat that nothing I wrote was deliberately directed at anyone in particular. If you took offense, then challenge the argument, don't attack the member. You and Dean are right about one though: I really shouldn't be writing here with professional authority as an academician and then claim "regular member status" when feathers get ruffled and buttons get inadvertently pushed. I have been writing as if I were addressing colleagues, yet another book review, and you and Dean have made me realize that I need to write at all times as if I'm addressing patients, i.e., with a very different kind of sensitivity and mindset. Quite frankly, that's a burden I rather not assume. I won't be posting on these forums anymore. Best of luck to everyone in their life's journey towards a healthier and thinner body.

I have heard the same harsh comments as many people have...just cut back, exercise, diet, drink more water, eat more veggies...you name it, and I have probably heard it. I didn't choose to be overweight, it just seemed to creep up on me slowly and before I knew it, I weighed 300 pounds...from having kids, from not being active, from being a good cook, from marrying into an Italian family. I had WLS after my husband said to me that he was concerned about me and my health, and that he wanted me to be around so we could enjoy retirement together. He didn't want me to sleep all day and not be able to go for a walk, and mostly he could see how I was depressed from my weight. He is my biggest supporter, and he didn't care how much it would cost, just "get it done". So, after years of yoyo dieting, trying every fad diet in the land, I was banded and I have to say it is the best money I have ever spent. I do not regret it for one moment because you see, I am a food-aholic...just like an alcoholic, but with food. I was not able to help myself. Now, I have learned healthy eating habits and choose the foods that appeal to me. I no longer crave the chips, chocolates, ice cream, cake, cookies, popcorn that used to rule my life. Now when I get a hankering for something to eat, my thoughts turn to protein, veggies and fruit. But I know this would not have been possible without my band. My band is a reminder to me each and every day of the new me, and I am going to be on this wonderful journey forever. So, when someone gives you a bunch of grief because you have decided or did have WLS, tell them to walk a mile in your shoes, and tell them to be sure to climb those stairs 2 or 3 times a day, and then tell them it is not a crime to want something better for yourself, to want to be around to see your kids or grand kids get married, to see them graduate. My bi-weekly trips to my dr's office are fantastic. I get excited to get on the scale and see that it has moved backwards, closer to a new me. The dr is proud of me too, and I can tell you, that goes a long way in my book of "good feelings". So if you are contemplating WLS, I say B-R-A-V-O. YOU GO AN 'GET'ER DONE'. You will probably find the road a little bumpy at times, but so worth it. I LOVE MY BAND Zil Banded 8/19/2011, starting weight, 299, weight loss to date 76#s, and another 65 to go...hoping to make it by 11/1/2012. Oh, BTW, it did take me 5 months to get into the green zone and that was with fills every 2 weeks.

My 14 day preop diet is 3 meal replacement shakes a day with 3 zero calorie snacks. I had to do a lot of research to find shakes and vitamins that don't contain artificial sweeteners because I'm allergic. Anyone else have artificial sweetener allergies? In particular Splenda and sugar alcohols.

For me, there was no question in my mind that I needed to do this. I have been on the weight yo-yo my entire life, and I had nearly 100 pounds I needed to lose. Tired of being a frequent flyer with Weight Watchers. I knew the surgery would involve a commitment to permanent lifestyle changes, and I was ready. So far, I am at 4 months post-op and down 65 pounds. And I have NO REGRETS - would do this again in a heartbeat! It was the best decision I have made in a long time. But I will not lie - it has been, at times, difficult. My head still wants pizza sometimes, or pasta, or whatever everyone else is eating. But I am commited to doing this the right way - I eat my lean protein and veggies and quit after a few bites when I am full. Is it POSSIBLE to eat whatever you want after surgery? For some people, yes, and for others, no. I cannot eat concentrated sugar in any form without horrible stomach cramps. But it is ALSO possible to gain all that weight back by eating slider foods and junk. With the ability to eat so little, you must be focused on getting nutrition in every bite. And it all boils down to calories in, calories out. You can pack a lot of calories "in" with alcohol and slider foods. So unless you are ready to commit to a healthier lifestyle, I would say "wait." For me, it was a no-brainer - I was totally ready, and I have NO REGRETS.