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I had this surgery to live a normal life. I'm about 4 months out now and can eat basically anything. I've had fast food, I've had chips and candy, I've had alcohol. Nothing has caused me much problems. Obviously it's all in moderation. I eat well, make good choices, and make sure my Protein levels are where they should be. I work out a lot. If, at the end of the day, I have a couple hundred calories left, I'll allow myself a treat. I'm down about 45lbs now and have another 30ish to go. I still lose 1-2lbs a week steadily and I'm happy with that! I'm happy that I can eat what I want, but less of it. That's exactly what I hoped for from surgery.

I come from a wine family, father was a vintner, wine was pretty much a staple at dinner. I didn't having any alcohol for the first two months post-op, then went back to my normal habit of wine with dinner. I rarely ever have more than two glasses because of the effects, and always count the empty calories...

Amberley, what did u do for the itching? Ive gone thru an entire bottle of rubbing alcohol in one night? Welcome Wilo! Im 12 days in. The gas has subsided walking was the only thing tht relieved the pressure! Good luck with everything!

Don't know about anyone else's experience, but after the band I'm just not big on alcohol anymore...not that I ever was, but I could drink one or two cocktails. Now, I take a couple of sips and don't want anymore.

Docs will say alcohol can increase GERD symptoms and the acidity of the stomach. So you definitely want to wait until you have regular solid meals at bare minimum. But consult w/ doc on his preference.

It would be best to ask your medical team this question, as this may vary by physician preferences. I was advised to wait for an entire year post op to have any alcohol. I almost made it a year before having a glass of wine, and did not have any adverse effects. You should be aware that it may take less alcohol to experience the effects from it, so judge accordingly. My surgeon warned ahead of time that he would not be writing any letters to assist patients who got stopped for DUI because they were not monitoring the effects of using alcohol post op.

Ask your doctor. Some restrict alcohol the first 6-12 months after surgery. Others allow it after you're fully healed 4-6 weeks after surgery. It all depends on your surgeon.

I'm not sure there are any restrictions. May want to wait 4 weeks just to be on the safe side? Just remember that alcohol can cause some dehydration making your band feel tighter afterwards.

T-minus 14 days and I'm starting to freak out a bit! I apologize in advance if this thread gets a bit graphic. I plan to regularly post post-op pics to show the good, the bad and the ugly! There aren't as many pre and post-op pictures of black people showing scarring, bruising, etc, so I hope others will find these useful. Pre-pics are a bit low res b/c they're from a webcam, but hopefully my surgeon will provide his copies afterwards. I finally worked up the courage to schedule a brachioplasty and mastopexy. It's been dreadfully hot and humid in the DC area this summer and I'm tired of being too self-conscious to even wear short sleeves, much less the sleeveless ensembles everyone else seems to be enjoying. I find babydoll cut shirts are particularly obnoxious! I'm 29, black, 5'7", 177lbs (as of this morning). Pre-Op Arm Pics: I'm totally flexing in this one! lol but it helps show where the dangling skin is. According to my surgeon, I still have enough breast tissue to be a large C or small D when he's finished. I really wanted implants, but I'll heed his advice to at least give them a chance. If I still want more volume and a better profile, I can always add them during my next surgery. I'll admit my boobs look great in a full coverage bra, but they have an amazing ability to escape their confines. Seriously, I'll bend over to put something into the oven, and by the time I stand up, half my boob has managed to ooze out of my bra! Awkward. Pre-op Boob Pics: Well...there it all is! Now I'm busy scrambling and over-preparing for surgery. To those brave souls who have gone before me, in you post-surgery recovery did you use: - Vitamedica Bromelain wth Quercetin Nutrients with Anti-Inflammatory Properties - VitaMedica Arnica Montana - Biotin I'm going to ask my surgical staff, but I've read plastic surgery forums that have recommended them. Also, I live alone, so I'm hiring a nurse to stay with me for 2 days and someone to walk and feed my dog for a week. Is there anything you wish you'd had on-hand for your recovery that you didn't? So far I've purchased: - 2 long icepacks with sleeves - bed/sleeping wedge - 2 strapless dresses - Protein drinks - bathing washcloth wipes - 2nd compression garment (surgery center provides first one) - getting my hair braided so I don't have to worry about that! Yes, I'm a bit of a psycho, OCD, over-preparer... Upon the advice of the pre-op nurse, I've started taking a Multivitamin and Vitamin c twice a day. I'm also going to stop drinking alcohol today (well...tomorrow. lol). Thanks for your help!

Does anyone know when it's okay to have alcohol again? Just like a glass a wine or something?

It can also depend on your personality. To some people certain foods are like drugs or alcohol. To an alcoholic there is no 'moderation' and abstinence is the only policy. It's kind of like soda. If soda or bread are your addiction or your weakness and all it takes is one little drink or bite to get you hooked again you are better off just staying away. If you can keep it at just one slice, then go for it. I doubt many of us in here got this way by moderation though. Lol.

I thought this might be interesting as an addendum to the nightshade post from yesterday. As I come out of the elimination diet and start adding foods again, I will post how these items make me feel. Thanks to Simone of Behind Fibromyalgia. Foods to avoid that may help alleviate some of your fibro symptoms. Dairy products Caffeine in any form Alcohol Soda Chocolate Sugar and aspartame (NutraSweet) Wheat, oats, barley and anything containing gluten Eggs Bacon, sausage, hot dogs and lunch meats Peanuts Peas, beans and corn Citrus fruit All processed foods Anything containing monosodium glutamate (MSG) Food colors and dyes. Have you eliminated any of these things ? Does it help? Simone * I'm not a Dr. Please speak to your Dr first. Sick or not a healthy diet is important. *

That's one of my biggest fears that I would forget and take too big of a bite, not chewing properly! It's probably one really big reason I'll hold off on alcohol....potential for forgetfulness and hunger. Bad combination. As I have been feeling more normal it is easier to forget about "mindful eating". Thanks fot the reminder!

I recently tried the Celebrate Multi-Vitamins - HUGE mistake for me. I had horrible stomach issues, gas, and diarrhea all day. Then I read the ingredients - first two are both sugar alcohols! Some people are more sensitive to sugar alcohols than others, but these vitamins CLEARLY did a number on my system - instantaneously! I have switched back to a Target (Up&Up Brand) multi-vitamin/mineral - it is in gummy form, and it works great for me! I am not switching again after the Celebrate episode... But you will need to try things out for yourself. In my support group, everybody has had a different exerience with the vitamins - it all boils down to what your body will or will not tolerate. Most of the Bariatric companies offer free samples if you email them - it is a great way to try them before making a big investment.

I think sugar alcohols aren't absorbed by normal people...but they can affect you after RNY. I try to keep the over all level low. But....I buy those popscicles ...and I'm basically addicted. I like the tropicals box the best!

Ok so I bought these yesterday because they said sugar free on the box. But I got home and it says sugar alcohol. What is that? Does anyone know.

HI there! First, no, I never really drank alcohol after the surgery (had a daughter in 2009 and pretty much haven't drank since!) HOWEVER I do find myself slipping with soda pop, and other no-no's. I am currently 4m pregnant so the cravings can be SUPER intense and I have also come to be in a wheelchair for the time being, rendering me basically stagnant exercise wise. My only real advice is to remember how miserable life was before and DURING the surgery! After all that hard work and dedication you have to honor YOURSELF and make these changes PERMANENT! Otherwise whta was the piont!? (Plus, I REALLY love all my new cute clothes!!)

I know a girl who was banded 3 years ago. Now, I know she was pregnant during that time and take that into account. But she is still morbidly obese. ( and her babies are now two years old!) I was out with her once at a party and she ate a lot of deep fried junk and drank alcohol. If I didn't know she had been banded I would have never imagined it. When she found out who my surgeon was she begged me not to use him. He had been her surgeon and she had nothing good to say. But here is what I see...She claims he never told her how to live with the band. She said he would fill the band to a point where she could barely eat. Well, isn't that the point? I believe she blames him for her failure. I think she was one of those who thought she would get it and just keep doing all she had done, and that the band would magically make her thin. She switched doctors and now has one that obviously allows her to believe that. But I am getting off topic. I think you can live your life after WLS without giving up everything. You just have to be smart and make wise choices. We don't go through all of this just to maintain bad habits. If we do, then what is the point? Good job, continue to make good decisions!

It could be the various sugar substitutes or alcohols being used, may try them one at a time and see if it's one specific kind that causes you problems.

Ok lots to digest here but just a simple observation for my body pre and post vsg, the theory 3500 cal = 1 pound gain/lose never and still does not apply. I have lost 114 lbs from 344 to 230 in six months. Up five lbs this morning due to eating salty meals and Snacks on a party weekend just gone, no alcohol, and never went over 1300 cal per day and still exercised. It will take me a week to get back to 230, hopefully 229 or 228, at 800 - 1000 cal days ( my normal). So my question, is this my normal or a new normal due to surgery?

Well it seems that I am 18 days before I make my life change and take the journey. But I want to know if any is dealing with people asking questions concerning you and food? I will explain what I mean. I am a big watcher of Food Network and a show that comes on called Chicago's Best. I love just to see the different types of food and how it is made. Please tell me why my husband asked me if I am have surgery due to me have food issues, why do I continue to watch food shows when it's not good for me. Then he said if you have an issue with alcohol you don't keep looking at ads for liquor. I told him just because I watch it on tv does not make food jump into my mouth. This surgery does not make me stop eating, I have to leave to work with food in my limitations I have. I can still eat, which is crazy that he thinks like I have to stop eating all foods for the rest of my life. It really makes me wonder if he was really listening when we went to the different classes about what is about to happen to me and how the rest of my life is going to be. It took me back to when I was doing weight watchers, I never told anyone because I did not want any saying what I should or should not eat and this is what this feels like now he is going to be dogging my heels about everything I put to my mouth asking "are you suppose to eat that". I was upset for a minute but then I had to remember that he has to be educated just like I have been and by doing lots of research I have learned so much. I just need to vent and see if any else is hearing these kinds of statement.

Please remember you are in the "GOLDEN" time with WLS. Your tummy is probably still swollen. Make sure you get your liquids and protein and you are good. Your food taste will come back, in the mean time you should be losing lots of fat, you can get to goal quicker by being on track. Its when people go off track and it takes awhile to get back. ( off track I'm meaning eating slider foods, drinking alcohol, eating white carbs ect.) Hope this makes sense. Good Luck Linda

It's there any advice you could give to me I'm 3 1/2 months out and I have almost given up... my body feels like I never had surgery with the exception that I can eat much... what was your approach to getting the weight of and did our do you drink alcohol after surgery