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As Lia M says, ask your doc. Everyone's different, mine says no alcohol for a year then only in limited quantities thereafter. From what I have heard from other sleevers, one drink can get you wasted with our tiny stomachs! My sympathies are with you as a former champagne drinker myself - but i know the fizz would be agony in my new tummy (think about it feels with a bit of trapped air when you are drinking/eating) so even if I was allowed to drink, I wouldn't have any of that :-((( Happy 21st when it comes x

Well....first let me say that I have seen identical threads become heated debates, so if this one does too, there was fair warning That being said, aside from the empty calories of alcohol, it is a bit early on a still-healing stomach to be pouring something as harsh as alcohol over it. I know 21st is a big birthday, but it would be wise to wait until you're a bit further out from this major surgery you've had. Take a minute to think about what's been done to your stomach. Then think about what your surgeon -- not your NUT-- would say at the prospect of alcohol at this point. I don't mean to be a downer! But, the alcohol will always be there & there will be plenty of time later to drink it. I say why risk it now??? And.. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

You may want to speak with your doctor. I'm four months out and I haven't had any alcohol or soda. I've heard the carbonation is a killer. It's tough since it's your 21st! It's also a lot of empty calories.....but I would definitely ask. A nights worth of fun isn't worth hurting yourself! Happy Birthday!

I'm not planning on binge drinking. I plan on getting buzzed and staying there, as I have had some hard times controlling alcohol (only drank a handful of times, and the past couple times I've been able to recognize when I need to stop to feel in control. Tipsy, not wasted). From what I hear, people's tolerances are lowered, so maybe getting buzzed off 6 drinks, 2 drinks now might get you hammered. From what I hear, alcohol tends to replace food addictions, which I had so I am well aware of it. I'm more worried about medically though, over mentally. How well can my body handle carbonation from a beer or champagne? I was looking forward to drinking champagne. I haven't had any carbonation since, as I heard it fucks up with your stomach. Has anyone had any experiences with carbonated alcohol and want to give insight?

Which would you liken your situation to: A former alcoholic that starts dating a heavy drinker or the former casual drinker that then starts dating a heavy drinker? Both used to drink but only one at a level so toxic it took a complete lifestyle overhaul to stop. Here's the thing; I think although I would love to say no, don't judge a book by its cover; I have to be honest...food for me became an addiction. It was my go-to. Now having been sleeved, I could not risk picking my addiction back up for anyone not already committed/in a relationship with me. Sure you know the grips of that addiciton and don't want to judge others...but you cannot put your own health and safety at risk. For me, having the sleeve makes the situation more akin to the former alcoholic than the former casual drinker. Changing yourself sometimes requires being around those like yourself. No, you don't ditch those who've been in the throws with you, but you also don't go looking for the next getway drug either. To me, if I were to be dating (as a post-op), someone not into their health would be my gateway drug back to overeating. It's a lot easier to pull someone down than lift them up. Only you know if he would be pulling you back down?

Kind of fell off the wagon the last month. Worried that I'm returning to my old habits. Been on vacation, and not eating real healthy. I skip Breakfast. I eat a healthy lunch. My dinner isn't the healthiest (but I'm restricted from eating too much) Worst thing...have had 4-5 alcoholic drinks about every other day for the past 3 weeks. The drinking will go down to about 1 day/week starting next week when I'm home, but worried. The positive thing: when I used to drink, I'd eat a TON of junk food. Now, I'm too full, and the sleeve stops me from eating much. Maybe it isn't so bad, but it feels like it. I'm getting good exercise while I'm gone. (Ran 3miles yesterday, and am walking a lot & playing ball with my kids) Waiting to weigh until I get home. I don't think I've gained any, but haven't lost any either. Started this at 331 February 15. Sleeved 2/26. 3 weeks ago I weighed 250. Need to get this plan back on track

When I drink alcohol I have vodka, a little cranberry juice (I use Ocean Spray Diet), water and Mango Passionfruit Crystal Light. Tastes awesome and not much sugar or carbs.

Yeah, alcohol is ok, just beware that a little will go a long way! A drink that I like is club soda with a splash of cranberry juice and a twist of lime. You can add a little vodka to spice it up. It's pretty tasty and very low cal.

I think all docs are different on alcohol too. My doc said that I was good to drink at my 8 week check up. But did warn that it was wasted calories and that many people told him that it effected them much quicker than prior to surgery. I don't eat or graze on nights out with friends anymore so it is a nice options to nurse a glass of wine.

I agree chicken broth or tea. If you are looking for something more sweet diluted G2. But I have to ask why flaming hot Cheetos? The thought of anything remotely spicy that early out... Reflux, excess stomach acid, fresh wound in the tummy... I would think it would feel like swallowing rubbing alcohol.

Hi Maureen, If you're not using the app called myFitnesspal I highly recommend it. It tracks your food / drink intake & exercise. I love it. It keeps me accountable. A stall is very common in weeks 3-6 & the alcohol & popcorn are very high in sugar/carbs. Log them in MyFitnessPal & see how your day totals up. My nutritionist said to stay under 800 calories, under 50 carbs, have at least 64oz of water & 75 or more grams of Protein.

Diet rite is what I was drinking before surgery a well. What I'm confused about is some drs including mine say no alcohol for a year. So is that meaning no beer just liquor?

It's the wine, you should reduce it or even better eliminate it altogether. Most surgeons say at least 6 months before any alcohol. Also popcorn. I'm giving you the benefit of the doubt here to the fact that this is your real eating/drinking habits as what you have mentioned are products that tend to get fellow sleevers worked up and you will get many negative replies. Be prepared to be called a troll or imposter. If you are a new sleever you should not be putting your new small stomach under any strain at all, it was a major op.

My doctor tells his patients to not consume alcohol for 1 year post surgery. It is really common to replace the food addiction with an alcohol addiction and you want to give yourself the best outcome possible. It is possible to go to a party, have a great time and not drink any alcohol.

Personally, I wouldn't. Cocktails are empty calories to begin with but also the alcohol is going to hit you very hard. I'm not sure what the recommendation is for wait time for alcohol but that doesn't seem long enough.

I never second guessed my decision to have surgery. I'd tried everything else. I'd lost weight and I'd re-gained weight. I needed this new tool in my tool box. If I'd kept doing what I'd always done (bingeing and dieting) I'd always have the same results. This was a last resort for me. I'd fought this battle for 55 years and even though I knew I would still always have to watch what I eat.. for me the choice was like antibuse for an alcoholic. I needed something to STOP the binge / volume eating. The good news is.... I may choose to eat a slice of pizza some time in the future.... but I'll never be able to eat the whole pie, and polish it off with a pint of Ben and Jerry's for dessert.

Hello November Nymphs, Some news to share and an update from me. My gastric band has been left alone for about six years without any doctor’s review or adjustment. During my annual health checks the x-ray always confirmed it was properly positioned. All this time I’ve been completely happy with it and my weight has been a stable 98-100kg with no real effort from me. Over the last six months or so I’d crept up 3kg and I’ve had some uncomfortable acidic feelings in my stomach which was easily remedied by an antacid tablet or a bite of food like a cracker biscuit. But I was munching more and more Rennies antacid tablets so sought some medical help via an upper GI x-ray and endoscopy. Turns out my band was extremely tight and food was going through so slowly it was pouching in my esophagus. Stomach acid had been leaking out too; my esophagus was irritated and had grown some nodules. These were removed and sent for pathology which showed atypical cells. Left untreated this could progress to esophageal cancer. The treatment plan is to empty my gastric band, take Prevacid medicine and Gaviscom. For three months I'm avoiding irritating, spicy and salty foods plus alcohol completely. They then want to do another endoscopy and more pathology sampling. Hope is my esophagus will have healed up. Otherwise they have far more drastic treatment options. My doctor is concerned about GERD and Barrett’s Esophagus developing if left untreated. My follow up endoscopy is booked for early October and I’ll let you know how I get on. Regards to you all. Cheers, Phil.

Alcoholism and drug addiction are the most common addictions and these are considered as illnesses which needed serious treatment. Alcoholism is an uncontrolled consumption of alcoholic drinks which affect the brain but with proper treatment, the damaging effect to the brain could be stopped. Drug addiction on the other hand is a complex disease which also affects the brain, it is a drug seeking behavior regardless of the obvious fact that it has negative consequences. But with the help of expert psychiatrists and psychologists as well as with a tranquil and beautiful residential treatment center , it will be successfully treated. Residential treatment centers are often called rehabilitation centers where patients will be staying in for the treatment process. These residential treatment centers have different structured programs designed for the patient’s needs which will help them in gaining back their balanced control of their lives. Treatments inside the residential treatment centers are very effective because they will be guided and will be given special attention by the professionals. One of the most reputable residential treatment centers is the Serenity House in Costa Rica, it started in 2007 as Casa Serenidad and have branched out as Serenity House in 2012. The Serenity House was founded by Dr. Francisco Jimenez, M.D, he was appointed as the Chief of the Department of Rehabilitation with the Costa Rican Institute of Alcoholism and Drug dependence. Dr. Jimenez is also a Medical school professor, a published author, and a prolific researcher. The Serenity House has a twelve step program with Cognitive Behavioral therapy and they believe in a holistic and integrated approach to wellness which includes traditional medicine and alternative therapies. The Cognitive Behavioral therapy used by the Serenity House can be a very effective tool which helps their patients learn how to successfully manage a stressful life situation. The Serenity House’s Very Effective Therapies The Serenity House has various types of therapies, it includes the Art therapy, the 12 Step Groups, Structured Groups, Yoga, Tai Chi Chuan, AcoPhysical Activity and Physiotherapy. The Art therapy uses art as a primary method of communication, and many people find it very enjoyable. The 12 Step Groups are primarily based on the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. The Structured Groups refer to a group therapy with a wide variety of therapeutic approaches which are employed by highly trained specialists. Yoga is a physical, mental and spiritual disciplines which will produce an internal heat, sweating and relaxation. The Tai Chi Chuan is meditation in motion which practices the mind and body and has a great value in treating or preventing various health problems. The AcoPhysical Activity is a widely adoptive and a planned repetitive movements which will help improve and maintain the body in a good condition. And the Physiotherapy is a service oriented relaxation therapy which includes Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage, Relaxing Massage and Deep Tissue Massage. The programs of the Serenity House run from a 90 day program to the 30 day Awareness and Stabilization program. www.serenityhousecr.com

You are definitely in the right place! You will find tons of great folks here who are more than willing to answer your questions based on our personal experiences. The most difficult part of post-op life? Many folks who suffer from obesity are food addicts. There are a number of similarities (and differences) with addiction to other things such as alcohol or drugs. Some experience a type of "withdrawal" from their former eating habits. The big difference being that it seldom manifests with physical symptoms such as a drug addict would experience. It is usually more of a mental challenge - often described as losing a best friend and often resulting in depression. The good news is that it is usually short-lived. Watching the pounds melt away usually puts you in a pretty great state of mind! Maintaining your goal weight - I believe that maintenance should be practically seamless from what you were doing during the rapid weight loss stage. The only change should be a gradual, nice and easy increase in your calorie intake until you determine what your daily calorie number is to maintain your goal weight. Your surgeon and his/her team will likely drill into you that the surgery is a tool. Far and away the most important part of the process, what I call the Prime Directive - lifestyle changes. And you develop those changes during the first year following the surgery. The really cool part is the surgery makes those formerly impossible changes, possible. Finally, start maintaining a food log. And never stop. Do a search here on the forum for the thread "A Little Too Skinny". You might find it interesting. Gym rat - I lost 130 lbs in thirteen months and did not visit a gym a single time. I chose instead to walk. At least four times a week (often more), 20 minutes each time to begin with and slowly building up to two and half to three miles and 45 to 60 minutes each time. But that was my choice. What's important is that you get active and stay active. There are many, many options for doing that. I'm sure some of the folks here will chime in with their choices. Whatever you do, find something that you ENJOY. If you hate your choice, it's not sustainable. Keep trying as many things as you need to until you find something you enjoy. Remember that staying active is not synonymous with working yourself to exhaustion. That's not sustainable and more importantly, it's not necessary. You're gonna love the new you!!

Thanks for you input everyone! I decided against drinking a soda last night and I don't think I'll even try it for at least another couple of years, I'm fine with tea and will continue to drink that. I tried drinking alcohol, but have completely lost the taste for it - I only had a couple of sips of one two weeks ago and wasted my money, not a bad thing...I wasn't much of a drinker anyway, but when I was I was the life of the party and people miss that. So do I, but it's okay...I'm still good company, just not the happy drunk everybody grew to know, love and look forward to. LOL

The reason he is withholding fruit for the first month is because they are high in acidity. Bandsters are prone to GERD/reflux, especially immediately after surgery because the stomach is already acidic due to the lack of solids. it's a good idea to avoid the fruits for now. It's also important to remember that if you start to develop GERD like symptoms to avoid other foods/drinks that increase acidity (so remember our fruit conversation, but things like coffee and alcohol are also culprits). Once you are past the first month, experiment because some fruits can be hard to eat. Fibrous ones are the most difficult (ie oranges).

mustaphr WELCOME WELCOME to sleeveland you are doing terrific not "officially" 3 months - and you've lost 52 lbs!!!! GREAT!!! there is a saying "knowing the problem is 1/2 the battle"!! (something like that) things you don't have a total grip on yet - you are working on correcting them!!!! you know you must drink more water (you are not alone with that issue - many others have that problem too ) chewing slowly - yes thats very important (vomitting is no fun ) drinking alcohol - glad that you are trying to curb that recording your food - that is great to do (but to be honest, i don't record enough ) smoking - no lecture, you know its bad for you i never smoked but i realize thats a very hard addiction to deal with - but I know you can do it, you will be successful Ok, out with the bad, in with the good you are eating properly, exercising - doing many things right Not to forget, you are losing lots of weight too!!! continue to work on fixing your "issues"/problems and you will become a healthier, happier person, looking forward to a longer life keep up the good job good luck kathy congrats

Hello all; this web site was very informative and supportive in my Gastric sleeve journey. So I am sharing here some information that would be helpful to all: Gender: Male Age: 40 Height: 173 CM (5.6 feet) Weight at day of Surgery: 259 Pounds (117.5 Kg) Weight today August 8th 2013: 207.4 Pounds ( 94.1 Kg) Surgery date: 15-5-2013 Surgent: Dr. Hekmat Mattar - Abu Dhabi - Highly recommended - an amazing doctor food intake: between 400 and 1000 cal's depending if am excising or not that day. I am practically eating everything except sweets, sugar, and bread). I am still eating them, but quantities are close to nothing on a weekly basis. Water intake: 1 to 2 liters per day. That is a problem, I should increase Fluid intake as I noticed in the weeks I drink more water, I loose more weight even with less training. Main exercise activity so far: brisk walking 2-3 times a week. between 4 and 8 km per walk. No weight lifting yet... did some scuba diving two weeks ago which helped a lot continue the weight loss. Planning to start going to the gem next week to continue the weight loss. Medicine and Vitamins intake : in my last visit to the doctor he was not happy at all that I am not taking my medicine and vitamins as he prescribed. He scheduled me for 3 shots of Calcium. Also he stressed on quiting smoking taking Pariet 20 mg to protect the stomach from acidity and Centrum every two days as Vitamin supplement. The Good: no major complication so far, losing weight incredibly fast, eating everything (much smaller portions). fully functional at work after 5 days of the surgery. exercising (though not regularly) The Bad: water intake not enough, not recording food any more, not getting used yet to chew enough. When I don't chew the food enough, I will definitely be vomiting. I am drinking alcohol again, but only once a week, one or two glasses of wine of blended whisky. Just trying to feel normal The Ugly: I am back to smoking cigarettes two weeks ago this is really ugly. I am feeling its effect on my stomach and its making my energy low again. I am working on quitting. Hopefully more intense exercising will help... Below image has my weight progress over the last 84 days. GOOD LUCK TO ALL OF YOU

My doc specifically said say goodbye to sodas and alcohol, of course I tried both, I don't recommend that you so, cause the feeling will make you miserable, YOU Have been WARNED! Sent from my iPhone using LapBandTalk

And folks that are on or approaching the pre-op diet - the goal is to shrink your liver, this vital organ is lifted with a small retractor to get at your stomach . Yes the benefit of losing weight prior to the surgery is great, but reducing the size of the liver is what is crucial as most of us who are over a healthy BMI have some level of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. What that means is that your liver is large, puffy, and soft - My surgeon compares it to the texture of foie gras and it can be very easily damaged if you do not comply with your diet protocol. You want to talk about the mother of all complications - inadvertently slicing your liver is not good. Low carb diets rapidly shrink the liver and change its texture and size for a safer surgical procedure. Every Doc has a different protocol - my surgeon does not have his patients do liquids but rather Atkins induction in the weeks prior to surgery. Every gram of glycogen has about 3 times that in Water attached to it - thus why we drop weight so rapidly on a very low carb diet initially - the water is going as we burn off our glycogen (stored carbohydrate) stores. Here is a good read about how our bodies metabolize glycogen stores. http://www.justinowings.com/understanding-bodyweight-and-glycogen-de/ None of this is easy - it is very much about discipline, turning yourself around to learn how to really take care of ourselves, physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually. No, not easy, but hands down probably the nest thing you will ever do for yourself and your health in the long run.