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Ok so i will be 4 weeks post op on Tues i had my surgery jan 26. Tomorrow I am going out with my hubby and friends for dinner and drinks. Is it too soon to have 1 alcohol beverage? What is safe to have?

Interesting! I have fully experienced the "getting drunk faster/on less alcohol" but from my perception I felt like it wore off quicker!

https://www.rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov/How-much-is-too-much/Whats-the-harm/What-Are-The-Risks.aspx Ok this is the site where that graphic came from. The website describes the problems of heavy drinking from a mental and physical health point of view. (Dependence, liver disease, etc.) The BBC describes limits as well.... and theirs are based on consumption levels that keep risk of alcohol-related death to 1%. https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.bbc.com/news/amp/uk-35255384

my dr said not to drink alcohol for at least 6 months, then he said, if you choose to drink alcohol remember it's absorbed in your stomach first and since it will sit in your pouch you will get drunk a lot faster. So just be careful, and remember that it's liquid calories. I had a glass of wine about 8 weeks out.

Not sure of the long term stats. I basically had the lapband because it is far less invasive. Bypass is a major surgery. I also heard that with bypass there is a "dumping" syndrom that can happen. You aren't allowed sugar of any sort and no alcohol. That was a huge factor for me. I didn't want to give it up. Good luck in your decision.

I attended a reception last month (90 days after surgery) and forgot myself (control) for awhile. I had a Gin and tonic (okay then another) and some of the finger food that came around. I was also told absolutely no alcohol after the surgery. I had already cut back because it interfered with my arthritis medicine (which as a NSAID, I can no longer take). The next day, my body DID tell me something.. don't do that again... ever.

I couldn't handle alcohol before surgery and I know I definitely won't be able to handle it now! Congratulations on 9 weeks!

Honestly ( and I don't think this particularly applies to the OP's husband as he obviously has addiction issues himself), I wonder how so many of us can consider our problem with food an addiction type of problem, yet fail to recognize that part of any addiction recovery is the acknowledgement of how our addiction has damaged and hurt the quality of life of those we love. This can come in the form of not being able to do the things we enjoy to robbing the people we love of a person who was once fun and vivacious or at least not as obsessive about food nor living a lie of shame. I don't think it should surprise anyone, male or female, that if we were a certian person when we met them and then ceased to even resemble that person, emotionally and physically to expect their feelings for us to remain the same no matter what. We have a responsibility here, as we did this to ourselves and to fail to take responsibility for that fact whether a relationship survives this transformation or not is to fail to take the opportunity for growth and a failure to bury for good one of the excuses we gave ourselves in the first place. It is patentedly unfair to cry "Unfair!" about this. People love to say "But what about the vows?!". Well, aren't the vows valuable both ways? Nobody says that in the case of alcoholism or sex addiction or drug abuse or even anorexia. Why would it apply only for overeating/food addiction? I think part of keeping our own vows is keeping ourselves as someone who they can be attracted to and someone who CARES about themselves. I think every person here who is doing something about their weight is making a very lovable statement about themselves. But I wonder how many have actually apologized to their spouses for letting themselves get that way in the first place?

I’ll try and keep this as brief as possible. Sorry if I rant on and on. As I went from 240 lbs to 390 lbs between 2009-2019 I slowly hid myself away from friends and family. The truth is I was in denial about how bad things were getting and I was embarrassed. I was ashamed of how I couldn’t keep up with my friends just walking around the city or fitting into booths at restaurants for family milestones. I was out of breath walking into work from the parking lot. I felt like if I could avoid these things in front of other people, if other people couldn’t confirm how limited I had become, it somehow made it less true. I have missed SO many adventures and huge important events in my loved ones lives simply because I was physically unable. This hurts my heart. In 2018 I ditched a good friend’s bachelorette weekend out of town because I was so anxious about how I wouldn’t be able to keep up with everyone. Like literally I could not walk around and I felt ridiculous going to clubs with girls wearing their best outfits and me in an oversized T-shirt. By that point I couldn’t stand for 5 mins without my lower back screaming. Our friendship has not been the same since. I have always thought that was the turning point in our friendship. Now fast forward to late 2019. I happened to be invited to another good friend’s bachelorette weekend. This is a friend I met in college and we were so close we lived together for a couple of years. This is also when my depression/weight gain really got bad. I did my best to hide it, but I’m sure it was obvious. Over the last 7 years I have make excuses to avoid meeting up with her because she is so active. I even prayed she wouldn’t ask me to be a bridesmaid. How sad is that? I really didn’t think I could make it through the dress shopping bit. Pre-surgery I was 390 lbs and a size 26. This friend has run the NYC marathon and I was at least 220 lbs heavier than any other girl in her friend circle. When I was invited on the bachelorette weekend I immediately thought of ways to get out of it. I told one of the maids of honor that I didn’t think it would be a good idea since it was still early after surgery and I wasn’t sure how I’d feel. Well it’s been almost 5 months and I’ve been so lucky to have zero complications. My mobility is much better too. I am also sober by choice. I was never a big drinker anyways. I partied pretty hard as a teen so by the time I got to college I was somewhat past that phase. It doesn’t make me feel good and now with a sleeve I feel like alcohol serves me no purpose. Anyways what I am looking for is real honest advice. I feel immense guilt over declining this invite. I have thought about how I would feel if I was my friend. I could see how she would be upset or disappointed. Am I wrong to not go? I don’t drink and I’m trying so hard to stick to my diet. I know if I really wanted to I could make it work. I don’t want people to tell me what I want to hear. I guess I just want someone to say they understand what I’m saying and feeling. I don’t have anyone in my family or friends that are even overweight. I feel like no one can relate. Has anyone else been through this? Did things get better as you lost weight?

Was wondering the same post sleeve. Not a heavy drinker to begin with, but it would be nice to have one here and there when I go to happy hour with my girlfriends...but fortunately I haven't craved alcohol one bit. I would, however, like to know. My doc suggested not to do it for one year, but I got the vibe that this was more about forming bad habits than causing damage to the sleeve/pouch. Although I know some bypassers can dump from alcohol, so in that case I would probably avoid it just to avoid the embarrassment of something going wrong in public. If you do venture out, maybe try at home first so you know what to expect.

Thank you so much for the information. Unfortunately, we have exhaused all possibilities. The Dr's say my husbands liver is non functioning and his lab levels are too high even to think about a liver transplant. They won't do treatment because it will shorten his life. He has diabetes and hasn't ever drank alcohol but has last stages of cirrohsis. It is called NASH. He has been sick for awhile but like I said we didn't know. He never complains. He has liver cancer on top of the cirrohosis and it is in the portal vein. Two days ago he had 16 pounds of Fluid taken off of his belly. The work before that , 10 pounds. I don't want to sound like I've given up but I have to be realistic. I am trying him on some natural things that will help cleanse his liver and Vitamins. That is all I know to do.

I had my surgery done on Nov 28, 2006. I was wondering how long do you think I have to wait before I start drinking alcohol again? Because I'm only 21 and I still want to enjoy my life.:help:

First I will address the hospital in the ghetto concern: Yes I would go if it was a good hospital. I do my research and would not go to a hospital that did not have a glowing reputation. Many of the best hospitals in the country are in so called "ghettos". Columbia Presbyterian Hospital aka New York Presbyterian Hos is in a ghetto but it hasn't stopped US Presidents, famous athletes, and some of the richest people in the world from going there. Secondly, it hasnt stopped the top Md students, Doctors, and researchers in the world from coming to the hospital. Oprah's favorite Dr, Dr. Oz is the head of Cardiology at the hospital. So in closing, I think that you should choose whatever hospital you want. However, do not equate the quality of the hospital with your assumption of the quality of the people who live around it. If you don't want to see poor people or people who don't fit into your view as acceptable, so be it and don't go. Now I will address the no so subtle subtext: Alcoholics are everywhere, the homeless do exist, and drugs addicts live in the suburbs too. You should realize that the people who live in economically depressed areas are just as offended by the living conditions as you are.Try not to be so judgmental, we are all human.

Quite personally hon, I wouldn't do it. Your tummy is still trying to heal and alcohol is very harsh. It won't do anything to your staples, but could irratate your suture line. Alcohol and birthdays will always be there. Just take care of yourself and heal first. Your hubbie should understand. I'm out nearly 2 years now, I took my first alcoholic drink after 3 months. You do get tipsy very quickly. I don't know if it would cause complications but i wouldn't attempt it. Good Luck!

Happy to help! I also recommend making some if ur own broth and freezing it in baby 3 oz or 1 oz tupperware! 1. Beef broth . Buy bones from butcher, they are usually ore wrapped in meat section. Out in pan w onion (i buy frozen chopped for this), add garlic and pepper and roast 350 for about 30-40 mins, turning bones once until brown. Add bones and onion and any liquid from pan into large pot. Add kitchen basics beef broth....whole carton and one can beer. Add dried mushrooms (or fresh), garlic and a spoon of beef "better than bullion" simmer a few hours, covered. Add more kitchen basics broth if u like. Uncover and let beer alcohol boil off. 2. chicken broth. Remove meat from costco or other roast herb chicken. Put carcass in soup pot, add one bottle of chardonnay or other white wine. (it will boil off too but if u r concerned about alcohol check w ur nut.) Add kitchen basics chicken broth, better than bullion, garlic, pepper, onion, mushroom. Simmer 2-3 hours, covered. Uncover, adjust broth w kitchen basics if needed. Enjoy! Let me know if u have questions.

GOOD LUCK! parties and such are the hardest part of this but i will say this - you are probably way more conscious of not eating/drinking alcohol than other people are of noticing you not eating/drinking. There are ways to avoid scrutiny by walking around with a plate with a little food on it or a drink cup in your hand (just put water/crystal light in it). Don't worry - and if anyone asks why you aren't drinking alcohol - do what i did when i first learned i was pregnant but before we started sharing the news with others - tell the person you had a little too much to drink the night before and can't do it again today - any drinkers will understand that and back off LOL!

<BR><BR><BR>Thank you so much for that tip with the alcohol since we have all been there before it is totally believable!

I have had gas off and on since surgery and sometimes it is bad and I feel very bloated. I swear by Gas-x I carry it with me everywhere. There are sometimes I may take it several times a day and I can go weeks and never need it. I prefer the strips that are mint or cinnamin that you place under your tongue and I also take Prilocex daily. I tried to stop taking the Prilocex but had to add it back. I also notice if I eat protein bars with sugar alcohols or just protein drinks that sometimes I have more gas. I honestly think it is due to the size of our stomachs and the slower rate that the food passes through but have nothing to back that up. Good luck and I wish I could say the gas went away but I am 1 year out (almost) and it is still there.

Neither my surgeon nor dietician gave me calorie goals to follow while losing. They did recommend 1/4 cup of food from purée stage slowly increasing as I was able to eat more as long as it was low fat, low sugar, low carb. I wasn’t eating 300 calories in that first month. I remember my surgeon drawing a picture of a side plate, then drawing a circle of protein & a circle of vegetables & saying that’s about how much I’d be eating at goal. He also outlined the size in my palm. He was pretty right. I was told a daily goal 60g of protein & then slowly add vegetables & fruit to my eating as I progressed. I saw my dietician every two weeks for almost a year (COVID ended it) where we discussed what I had added to my diet & what I thought I’d try next. I can go back to her at anytime. It took me about a year to find the sweet spot in maintenance & to stop losing. I’m really not active so I maintain my weight through calorie control though I don’t religiously measure & count calories except when I add new foods or do random checks to ensure I’m not slipping. I keep to about 1200 calories give or take. Awareness of portion size & nutritional value of what I eat are my key considerations. I prepare most of my food so I have control over the ingredients & how it’s cooked. I eat protein (average 60g from meat, seafood & dairy), vegetables, fruit & whole/multi grains (some crackers as a snack & rolled oats). No processed carbs & I avoid as much sugar, sugar substitutes or artificial sweeteners as I possibly can. No fast food in my life & I’ve had takeaway three times since surgery (braised chicken & cashews & skinned steamed gyoza). No carbonated drinks except for tonic, soda or sparkling water. I don’t allow high sugar or high fat food in my house - if it’s not there I can’t eat it. If I have people over, they take home the leftovers of foods I don’t eat now for the same reason. It may sound restrictive but it’s working for me & I really don’t miss anything. There are some things I can’t eat or don’t enjoy anymore because my tummy doesn’t tolerate them. I used to eat a lot of avocado but now it tastes off & the texture is strange. Mashed potatoes & pasta (including plant ones) sit heavily in my tummy & I don’t enjoy alcohol as much. My hunger only came back earlier this year but I still have days I’m not really hungry (like yesterday & today) so I try to eat to routine so I don’t miss meals. If I’m going out for dinner, I’ll drop a snack to allow for what I might eat at the restaurant. In the past, I wouldn’t weigh myself if I thought I’d put on weight - if I couldn’t see an actual number on the scales I could convince myself I hadn’t gained. So I weigh myself almost every day. I have a fluctuation window of about 1kg (2.2lbs). If it sits on or close to the max for a couple of days in a row, I review my diet & make slight adjustments: drop a snack, reduce a portion size. Sometimes it’s just fluid or constipation but I find I know my body a lot better now & I make allowances for that. My medical team would like me to put on a couple of kilos but I’m happy where I am. But who knows what the future will bring. I certainly eat way more frequently than I ever did before surgery and also more than I used to eat: 3 meals & 3-4 snacks. I think I have a metabolism that is finally working again. There are so many different eating plans you can follow to lose or maintain. You’ve just got to find what works for you & how you want to live & enjoy your life. Finding a good dietician & therapist who are experienced with bariatric patients is a good place to start. Good luck finding your path. Sorry it’s so long.

@@More than this hi welcome I see your in Canada the pre op testing your facing is pretty much the same as in the USA I had to do all that as well your cash price is good tho compared to here for sure lol I just want to say that a lot of Drs and regular ppl too are against WLS especially those who don't and never had a weight issue some think it's just mind over matter eat less move more etc and that's true to a point but the is an addiction in my opinion no diff than drugs or alcohol when u say to those they use substances just stop well yeah if we're that simple no one would be on drugs or alcoholics or eating too much I'm not suggesting your dr isn't a good dr but Drs are human beings with opinions feelings and judgements etc you must be able to decide for yourself and not be treated as if your a child or like your not allowed to help yourself in the way u see fit these procedures have been around for a long while now yes some have complications but most don't don't put off doing what u feel u must do to help yourself a dr advice is to guide you and be sure u have all the facts which u can do by researching as you obviously are doing and I have to say I do feel as if this dr is trying to scare you out of this based on their disapproval however it's your life your decision and you must live with the effects and limits being overweight not the dr so do what u need to do for your life and do not allow ppl or Drs to back u down its your life you get to run it hey if you can come to the states to get it done try that where ever you live see where the nearest big hospital is and see if they have bariatric programs u can probly email someone at that hospital and ask questions etc I'm about 5.5 months post op sleeve I'm in ny

Not totally sure if this is the proper subforum, but it's about food so here goes. I'm on day 4 of my pre-op diet and it's going very well so far. I've resisted all cravings and have zero intention of giving in. It's usually not terribly difficult as I really cut out all sweets, most carbs, all alcohol and other icky things months ago. But today, I woke up craving a chocolate caramel turtle. The ones with the pecans. I've always clenched my jaw and carried tension there, so chewing things that are really chewy (caramel, those bit o' honey candies, etc.) always really satisfied this bizarre need to work my jaw. This lead to me binge eating foods like that to the point that I was no longer eating just a bit o' honey anymore when I'd consumed 60 pieces of said candy. I'm not interested in returning to those behaviors or stepping a toe out of line on my pre-op diet because thankfully, I'm the paranoid type. Soooo...I'm at a loss. Eventually the craving will subside -- I know, but right now my jaw is really craving that hard chewing session. Being on primarily liquids (except for one meal a day -- again, thankfully) means I'm able to release that tension less often than I'm used to. My understanding is that chewing gum is frowned upon, though, my nutritionist never said anything specifically about it. I also have trouble not swallowing gum, so I don't know if that's a good idea anyhow. When you are really, really craving something, how do you handle it? What do you do to distract yourself until it passes? Has anyone else had this withdrawal from chewing frustration? My mind tends to ruminate on things, and hearing some suggestions would be very helpful. Thank you!! Sent From BariatricPal App

You’ll probably find your own strategies for getting through the holidays without gaining weight and without getting into trouble with your gastric sleeve, gastric bypass or Lap-Band. Here are a few tips to get you started. Follow Your Weight Loss Surgery Diet Rules Go back to the basics if you want to stay on track this holiday season. Portion size rules are still in play. A quarter-cup of mashed sweet potatoes is very different than a few large ladles. Measure everything you can. When it’s not possible to measure, eyeball the portion sizes. Enough is enough, and another bite is too much. Stop eating when you’re barely full. It’ll keep you from gaining weight or from getting dumping syndrome or feeling sick. Choose protein first, whether it’s turkey, ham, or the egg whites from deviled eggs. Go for vegetables and fruit next, whether it’s salad, roasted veggies, cut raw veggies on a vegetable platter, or a fruit salad. Keep moving. Make time for your regular workouts. On the days when things get too busy, think about moving as much as possible. Go for walks whenever you can as long as the weather does not involve icy conditions, white-outs or other dangerous situations. Always Be Prepared You don’t always know when they’ll happen, but challenging situations are sure to hit. Always be prepared so you can come out on top. For example, you can keep some almonds and yogurt at work so you have a high-protein snack available at any time. That’ll help you stay away from the chocolate-covered raisins on the secretary’s desk. Also, plan activities that will keep you out of the kitchen. When you’re off work and at home without anything to do, you might find yourself wandering over to the fridge. Keep yourself busy with anything that will keep you away from the fridge, whether it is meal planning, taking a walk, doing needlepoint, or going to the mall. Make Holiday Recipes Healthier Make healthy substitutes for holiday favorites. Try broccoli slaw or grated turnips fried in cooking spray instead of potato latkes deep-fried in oil, and serve with apple slices and Greek yogurt instead of sweetened apple sauce and sour cream. Turkey or ham instead of duck or brisket. Roasted root vegetables with rosemary or green beans with almonds instead of green bean casserole. Roasted sweet potatoes or acorn squash instead of candied yams or sweet potato pie. Baked apples with cinnamon instead of apple pie. Hot tea with a cinnamon stick instead of hot cider or spiced hot wine. Be a Good Guest and Host How does that help you lose weight? When you’re a guest at someone’s party or event, bring a dish to share. The catch is that you make it a healthy dish. If there’s nothing else healthy for you to eat, you can always keep munching on the dish you brought. If you’re hosting a holiday party or dinner, you can still serve everyone’s favorite dishes. Just make sure to make some dishes that you can enjoy, too. The following are good party dishes. Shrimp cocktail Skewers with cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, and low-fat mozzarella or feta cheese Stuffed tomatoes with fat-free cream cheese and olives Salad with spinach or mixed greens, pistachios, and cranberry vinaigrette Chicken and vegetable skewers Roasted Brussels sprouts with chestnuts and sage Fruit salad Spoil Yourself You are someone who is entitled to eat only the very best, and not someone who must eat everything that is available. Think of yourself as picky, not deprived. Unless, of course, you are afraid of dumping syndrome or you have certain food intolerances, you can eat your favorite holiday foods. Just keep the portions small, and choose only the ones you truly want. You’ll feel better deliberately eating a few controlled and measured bites of your aunt’s sausage stuffing than you will if you skip it and later eat a cup of it, plus some mashed potatoes and gravy, because you feel deprived. Want It When Willpower Runs Thin Want it. We all run out of willpower around this time of year. Instead, think about your “want power.” It’s not about, “I need to gather the willpower to pass up this cinnamon roll.” It’s about, “I’m going for a walk in about an hour, and I’m going to feel way better during it if my stomach isn’t bugging me because of a cinnamon roll.” Drink Water. Drink Water. This tip has so many benefits! Drinking water instead of alcoholic beverages can save tons of calories. Choose water or hot tea instead of cider, hot chocolate, and other caloric drinks. There are other reasons to drink water. Sip on water at parties. As long as you’re circulating the room with a glass of water in your hand, you won’t be able to carry and eat from a loaded plate. Plus, your weight loss surgery diet doesn’t let you eat solid food while you’re drinking water. Choose the water over the solid food for most of the party, and you. Enjoy the Company, or Pretend to This may be the only time of year you get to see certain friends or family members. Take advantage of it. Focus on them, and not on getting seconds and thirds. You may actually find that you enjoy your holiday events more when you notice the non-food aspects of them. Socialize even if you don’t like the company, because it’ll keep you from digging into high-calorie food that you don’t need or want. Look at it this way. If someone told you you could lose weight and the only thing you’d have to do is listen to your coworker’s friend’s husband talk about his snail collection for an hour, you’d do it, right? Well, do it. You can stay healthy this holiday season as long as you focus and plan ahead. Once you do, you’ll feel very proud of yourself, and with good reason. Happy Holidays!

:bow: :bow: No, I don't drink at all (alcohol, that is), but I LOVE gadgets, etc. Anything that comes in a set of 4-6 had to be for some sort of food/drink related thing. If they weren't drink markers I was going with some sort of origami napkin ring type thing... lol Bring on the puzzles!! P.S. PnP - I got to your puzzle thread late - don't stop!! I can't decipher the Eminem license plate (stuck on LR), but I'm ready for the next one!!

To the weight loss surgery patient slider foods are the bane of good intentions and ignorance often causing dumping syndrome, weight loss plateaus, and eventually weight gain. Slider foods, to weight loss surgery patients, are soft simple processed carbohydrates of little or no nutritional value that slide right through the surgical stomach pouch without providing nutrition or satiation. The most innocent of slider foods are saltine crackers, often eaten with warm tea or other beverages, to soothe the stomach in illness or while recovering from surgery. Understanding Slider Foods The most commonly consumed slider foods include pretzels, crackers (saltines, graham, Ritz, etc.) filled cracker snacks such as Ritz Bits, popcorn, cheese snacks (Cheetos) or cheese crackers, tortilla chips with salsa, potato chips, sugar-free cookies, cakes, and candy. You will notice these slider foods are often salty and cause a dry mouth so they must be ingested with liquid to be palatable. This is how they become slider foods. They are also, most often, void of nutritional value. For weight loss surgery patients the process of digestion is different than those who have not undergone gastric surgery. When slider foods are consumed they go into the stomach pouch and exit directly into the jejunum where the simple carbohydrate slurry is quickly absorbed and stored by the body. There is little thermic effect in the digestion of simple carbohydrates like there is in the digestion of protein so little metabolic energy is expended. In most cases patients in the phase of weight loss who eat slider foods will experience a weight loss plateau and possibly the setback of weight gain. And sadly, they will begin to believe their surgical stomach pouch is not functioning properly because they never feel fullness or restriction like they experience when eating protein. The very nature of the surgical gastric pouch is to cause feelings of tightness or restriction when one has eaten enough food. However, when soft simple carbohydrates are eaten this tightness or restriction does not result and one can continue to eat, unmeasured, copious amounts of non-nutritional food without ever feeling uncomfortable. Many patients turn to slider foods for this very reason. They do not like the discomfort that results when the pouch is full from eating a measured portion of lean animal or dairy protein without liquids. Yet it is this very restriction that is the desired result of the surgery. The discomfort is intended to signal the cessation of eating. Remembering the “Protein First” rule is crucial to weight management with bariatric surgery. Gastric bypass, gastric banding (lap-band) and gastric sleeve patients are instructed to follow a high protein diet to facilitate healing and promote weight loss. Bariatric centers advise what is commonly known among weight loss surgery patients as the “Four Rules” the most important of which is “Protein First.” That means of all nutrients (protein, veggies, complex carbohydrates, then fat and alcohol) the patient is required to eat protein first. Protein is not always the most comfortable food choice for weight loss surgery patients who feel restriction after eating a very small amount of food. However, for the surgical tool to work correctly a diet rich in protein and low in simple carbohydrate slider foods must be observed. The high protein diet must be followed even after healthy body weight has been achieved in order to maintain a healthy weight and avoid weight regain.

hey all, My name is Tim and I am an alcoholic. It took me 40 years to address my disease of alchohol and now it is time to address my weight.... seems that there is lots of support in regards to the sleeve which is really cool. I just stumbled on a site that talked about it and now I have been doing some research and been verey pleased. I don't think it will be long before I decide this is what I am going to do. Is there anyone else here from Canada? Is there any other males that have had this? Thanks