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One thing to keep in mind that I never thought about until now: I am having issues with my pancreas. I am a drinker and have only been drinking on a regular basis for about 2 years. Obesity and significant weight loss can bring on gallstones and excessive alcohol consumption can directly affect the gallbladder and the pancreas. Just something to consider

Dumping syndrome is not just vomiting, yet everyone mentions that as the only form of dumping syndrome. Yes nausea and vomiting are two symptoms but so are cramps, diarrhea, flushing, dizziness and even rapid heart rate. it is rapid gastric emptying where food moves from your stomach to your small bowel to quickly. while yes suga is a big trigger it’s not always a trigger or the only one. I think most sugar is avoidable after bariatric surgery (there are sweet alternatives) and a low carb way of life is optimal. But other things can trigger dumping like some sugar Alcohols and foods a particular person is sensitive to. i avoid sugar and eat as low carb as much as possible. My nutritionist suggests less than 5 grams of sugar in a meal. as for dumping on purpose? Someone might do it if they are constipated. And it doesn’t mean cheating with sugar. Mostly it just happens and you might not know the trigger because it’s not always as simple as sugar. I also think doctors don’t explain dumping syndrome and what it is. My nutritionist did but not exactly the symptoms or that sugar isn’t the only trigger. I could be wrong but everyone seems to assume the OP wants to binge on sugar to see what happens. some folks can have a little bit of natural sweet food And complex carbs after bariatric surgery and do fine while others need to eat little to no sugar or carbs.

I can have wine, but as I mentioned in another reply, I grew to like wine too much. I was drinking one to two bottles every night. I'm proud to say I haven't had any alcohol for more than 10 weeks! What do I do when I'm in a large group? I tell people, "Enjoy!" I eat my portion & that's that. I've regained nearly 40 of the 108lbs I lost. I'm not proud of that. Alcohol played a part. I'm sorry to read you're nauseous & constipated. I hope both of those improve for you!

The hardest thing for me to deal with after being banded is that I’ve had to learn how to live my life without “using” food. Not that I’m trying to be dramatic, but I consider myself to be a recovering addict, and that’s pretty much something that no one goes over with you in pre-op orientation. For the longest time, I couldn’t figure out why I would have periods ranging from slight sadness to extreme anger, and it would happen all of a sudden. Then, the other day, after an explosive confrontation with someone, it came to me so clearly: I’m having to deal with, cope with life without my “crutch.” It’s like being an alcoholic or a recovering drug addict. I mean, I could make any situation so much better for the time it took to wallow in some food. Bad day, argument with my husband, coworkers driving me crazy, overdrawn bank account…whatever…no worries…give me a cheeseburger from the Sonic, a large order of onion rings, a route 44 Slushy and a bag of Hershey’s kisses with almonds and my world could come crashing down around me, and I’d die smiling; but no more. Now, I have to deal with things…REALLY deal with them. I see things clearly…too clearly at times. But hey, I’ll gladly learn how to live this way, and I mean “gladly”; gratefully, happily and gladly.

The hardest thing for me to deal with after being banded is that I’ve had to learn how to live my life without “using” food. Not that I’m trying to be dramatic, but I consider myself to be a recovering addict, and that’s pretty much something that no one goes over with you in pre-op orientation. For the longest time, I couldn’t figure out why I would have periods ranging from slight sadness to extreme anger, and it would happen all of a sudden. Then, the other day, after an explosive confrontation with someone, it came to me so clearly: I’m having to deal with, cope with life without my “crutch.” It’s like being an alcoholic or a recovering drug addict. I mean, I could make any situation so much better for the time it took to wallow in some food. Bad day, argument with my husband, coworkers driving me crazy, overdrawn bank account…whatever…no worries…give me a cheeseburger from the Sonic, a large order of onion rings, a route 44 Slushy and a bag of Hershey’s kisses with almonds and my world could come crashing down around me, and I’d die smiling; but no more. Now, I have to deal with things…REALLY deal with them. I see things clearly…too clearly at times. But hey, I’ll gladly learn how to live this way, and I mean “gladly”; gratefully, happily and gladly.

Psych evaluation was pretty basic...I talked to the psychologist for an hour...we talked about what I knew about the surgery, did I understand I could die, loose skin, support system, drug or alcohol use and diet and exercise. After I had a about a thirty minute questionnaire!

Any kind of fluid is fine. Even coffee and beer (not that I am recommending either!) will keep you hydrated. http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2016/06/30/milk-and-other-surprising-ways-to-stay-hydrated/ Reporting on a scientific study of the hydrating effects of many different beverages: "drinks containing moderate amounts of caffeine and alcohol or high levels of sugar had hydration indexes no different from water. In other words, coffee and beer are not dehydrating, despite common beliefs to the contrary."

Had my 3rd fill yesterday. I now prop myself up on my elbows instead of laying flat, and watch the whole thing while carrying on a conversation about the weather, sports, etc.. He uses a very large bore needle, that has a open/shut valve between it and the syringe. He sticks it in the port, and pulls all the saline out of the band. Turns the little valve closing the needle off, then removes the syringe from the needle. I'm laying there as he examines the saline in the syringe with the needle sticking out of me like a pin cushion. He's basically measureing the volume taken from the band. He then replaces all the saline with fresh, plus a little more. Yesterday was 2 cc's more making a total of 8. He then re-attaches the syringe to the needle, opens the little petcock, and re-fills my band. After he pulls the needle out I hold pressure on the point with the alcohol swap, and walk down the hall to the Water cooler. I then have to drink the water in front of him to show him I'm fine. Then I'm on my way home. I have to say that mu port is right there under the skin. Not only can I feel/see the port, but also the small tube that runs from it for a few inches until it goes deep.

You will here answers and opinions all over the board on this one... My NUT and surgeon said that I can have non carbonated alcohol (wine and liquor basically) at 6 weeks out. They also advised not to drink, as it is dead calories that will more than likely stall your weight loss.

This has never been a favorite holiday or anything (always felt kind of contrived), but I wanted to journal about how this one went food wise. My husband and I had lunch around 11:30 AM before going to see Up in the Air, which I loved. I wouldn't say the honeymoon is completely over in terms of my sleeve, but it's definitely changing. I ordered an 8 oz. steak and ate 4 ounces with slight discomfort (ate too fast at the end so didn't realize I didn't need the last couple of bites until it was too late). In the past, like last month, I could only ever get in about 2-2.5 ounces of steak at a meal. For dinner, we went to one of my favorite restaurants here in town. They only offered a Valentine's special 3 course selection menu. I got the spinach salad, shrimp and broccoli fettucini alfredo, and strawberry cheesecake. I also ordered my first alcoholic drink (orange crush-vanilla vodka, orange juice, and sprite). My drink came out and I took a couple of really tiny sips, but even by the end of the meal it didn't look like I'd had any because it was so full to begin with. I thought I did pretty well on the salad, but when she took it away it also looked untouched. This was the first time having pasta since surgery and I ate one noodle and three pieces of shrimp and was full (not uncomfortable-I wanted room for dessert). I love our waitress who knows how little I eat so came at the perfect time and took it back to be boxed, but the people next to us kept glancing over...oh well. Now cheesecake use to be MY THING before surgery (discovered I liked it for the first time in grad school and my weight pretty much stayed in the obese category after that). I hadn't had any since surgery and it was so good. I again was only able to eat 2 bites and the great thing is I was so satisfied. I decided not to have that boxed because I could see myself grazing on that all day long. I still weighed in at 147 this morning, so nothing horrible happened I suppose. I ate more than I typically do on any one day and can definitely see why the first 6 months are called the "honeymoon phase." My sleeve tool is still there for me to work, I just think I'll have to be a little more diligent about working it now that I seem to be able to eat more.

I am sooooo glad you posted this. I will bookmark the link and post it in every single "Can I cheat on my pre-op?" I was way too scared to cheat for that very reason. They told me if I don't lose and even GAIN weight before surgery, they will cancel, no ifs or buts. In general, I think it largely depends on how big you are - no offense. The bigger you are, the more important is the shrinking of the liver. There is so much mass in your abdomen at BMI of 53.9 vs. 43.9 vs. 35 etc., - think of the Biggest Loser whatever you want, but I think their X-Ray-like body fat scan image gives a good idea of what is going on inside. If you were "just" a 40, maybe they wouldn't have had to cancel it. Another thing I think they consider is the general discipline. After surgery, there is A LOT of discipline and self-control required for a few weeks. Discipline to drink your Water, drink your Protein - at least at my surgeon's office they said that they are simply worried that if you lack discipline before surgery, you will most probably lack discipline after surgery --- just after surgery, the lack of discipline can be FATAL and cause leaks. The other question would be, if there is no evidence that the liver shrinks - why do 98% of all surgeons make us go through the liquid or pre-op diet? Just to fcuk with our heads and torture us? I'd like to believe that's not the case from a medical professional. Maybe they all get together once a year, eat ribs and burgers and drink copious amounts of alcohol and chuckle about how they torture the fatties one last time before surgery, haha! You'll get there. I looks like your office is trying to work with you, and they sure as hell know they got you straightened out and you'll probably not do THAT again! Good luck and all the best - you'll get it next time and be 10x as good!

I have to say this has been an interesting thread to read with the back and forth banter over who or what is better for America. As a healthcare provider, a Registered Nurse, I can tell you that I know of not 1 doctor or nurse I've ever worked with want the government to take over our healthcare system. I worked in critical care for my entire nursing career, and half of the nurses I worked with in the 90's were Canadian, because they couldn't get a job in Canada after they graduated from nursing school. Not only did they have to come to the US to work, they shared their knowledge of the Canadian healthcare system with all of us. I can tell you, if the government takes over our healthcare, services WILL be rationed. It happens in Canada everyday. People die waiting to have heart bypass surgery. They don't just go to the ER and end up having emergency surgery like we have here. They only do heart bypass surgery at a few selected hospitals there, and many times the hospital that provides the service will be a 2 to 3 drive from where they live. They also have age limits on procedures. For example, a 70 year old person is considered to old to have bypass surgery, so they just have to live the way they are until they die. They don't take into consideration how the persons' general health is either. There are a lot of people who are 70 that look and feel like they are 50. It's not just heart bypass surgery, it's any kind of surgery. If you need to have your gallbladder out, you may have to wait a year to have it done, and hope you don't die from what we call a "hot gallbladder" before the surgery date finally comes. A hot gallbladder is extremely painful, plus has an infection that will spread throughout your entire body. So, no, I don't want the government taking over our healthcare. Procedures we perform here on a daily basis during emergency situations a lot of the time are not done to the patients who need it there. It was mentioned that Medicaid and Medicare were very expensive to run, which they are. However, a lot of the problem is abuse of the system and fraud. I am disabled now, and when I lost my job due to an infection I caught in my lungs from a patient I was caring for, I had nothing coming in at all. I had a house, car, utilities, groceries, and all other necessities I had no money to pay them with. I had to be off work a year and a half before I was even eligible for disability, much less any other kind of help. Savings doesn't last long when you have to pay for everything with it, I can assure you. However, I was told at the social services office that they had people in their 40's that had been in their system their entire lives. I wasn't eligible for Medicaid, because I didn't have any small children. I wasn't eligible for Medicare, because I wasn't considered disabled until the year and a half was up. So, don't even try to tell me that Medicare and Medicaid work right. They sure do let a lot of hard working people who have either fallen on hard times, or gotten sick fall through the cracks, like me. Here is a subject we all know about, and that's the food we eat. Mr Obama has decided we shouldn't be able to eat fast food, or drink cokes, so he's going to tax them heavily. I'm surprised he let the taxes go up on cigarettes, since he's a chain smoker himself. I guess when you're the president, it doesn't matter how much things cost. I don't think we should all have to pay these outrageous taxes on food and soft drinks just because Obama has decided we don't need them. Who is he to tell anyone what they should or shouldn't eat or drink. Alcohol is already heavily taxed, but Cokes? This is going tooooooooooooo far people! Also, if you think back to when all of these financial companies and other businesses started to fail, it was Freddie Mac and Fannie May that started the whole thing. Those were government run programs that the democrats were in charge of. But, the responsible people, such as Barney Frank, don't take any responsibility for what happened. They told everyone that those 2 entities were stable right before they failed. What a joke! As far as the government taking over the car industry, that's a scary thought to. The reason the American auto industry got into the financial ruins they are in now was caused by the unions. It's rediculious for a person working in a auto plant to make $40 per hour. Nurses sure don't make that much money. I would think a nurse would be worth more money per hour than someone who helps build a car. Give me a break! I used to work for a company that had the same union the auto workers have, and they didn't do anything to protect our jobs when the home office decided to take our government contracts because they couldn't get their own. I am a conserative and proud of it. Do I accept my momthly Social Security check? You bet I do. I paid into it my entire life from the age of 16 until I became disabled. I don't feel at all guilty about the money I recieve every month, after all, I earned it. I will get down off of my soap box now, I just had to put my 2 cents in. I guess I'm just tired of hearing about how great Obama is when he is going against everything this country has ever stood for. He's definitely not the kind of change I was looking for. His race has absolutely nothing to do with it at all. Before long, he's gonna have us as socialistic as the European countries. What a sad day that will be for America. Joan

Alcohol really isn't a problem for the band. I've tried beer, but the carbonation doesn't sit well for me. I've had no problem with wine or mixed drinks. You just need to be aware that alcohol, in all it's forms, is just empty calories. If you drink regularly, it will slow down your weight loss.... but we all need to have some fun, too! Cindy

Gonna be honest when I had my band it didn't change my tolerance at all - though obviously a good idea to eat before going out. The band doesn't affect your ability to absorb alcohol. I've recently had a band to bypass revision and I understand that this will change my tolerance. As for drinks, vodka is one of the lowest calorie drinks - maybe mix with a diet soda to reduce the irritant affect on your stomach though? Depends how you do with carbonation mind.... Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I have the occasional margarita and have no problems. But I have to agree, it does hit me a whole lot faster than it did before. There isnt near as much fat to absorb the alcohol anymore.

Hey! Looking for a Sleeve Sister or even brother to talk back and forth with! Here's a short story about me- I was banded in 2005 when I was 15 in Tijuana by Dr. Ortiz. Over 13 years, I lost about 70 lbs but by 2018 I had gained it all back. I found Dr. Udelhofen in Cincinnati, Ohio (working under Trace Curry) and he determined my band was slipped. I had no idea, but I believe it. So he removed my band in July of 2018 and initially I wanted to get the sleeve done the same day but decided against it. I didn't want to quit smoking and quit drinking. March/April 2019 I decided I wanted to go forth with it. I stopped smoking and decided to put my alcohol consumption on hold and here I am - 2 days post-sleeve! So far- I'm really not in pain. I feel nauseous more than I feel pain. Last night was terrible - I was in the shower taking off my dressings and got 2 of the 5 off when I felt really sick and dizzy. Thankfully, I'm staying with my parents currently since I'm single and I was able to get my Mom to help me out. But today I feel great. The only time I get any pain is when I'm sitting up out of the chair or getting out of bed. Speaking of bed, anyone else not able to sleep through the night? I typically am a side sleeper but I can only sleep on my back right now. So I'm up practically all night until I go to the chair to sleep. How long will this last for?! Anyone get hunger pains? I typically take a muscle spasm pill when my hunger pains start. Drinking 2 oz of powerade zero / water / protein water every 30 mins. Oh, since I'm new - How do I get one of those little goal tracker things you guys have at the bottom of your posts?~?~?

What are you doing in the gym for 2.5 hours? Maybe that's too long and it causes hunger or the feeling that you can eat those things? I gave up alcohol about a month before surgery. I had a protien shake for breakfast pre op (and now still post op). I would have a snack in the morning a few hours after breakfast and a snack in the afternoon a few hours after lunch. I also used, still do, My Fitness pal, that may stop you from eating poorly. Seeing the calories and fat in these things.

I view this a bit more philosophically. I had the lapband so that I could get healthy, first, and lose weight, second. Both important. What I'm not willing to do is to let my band become a prison in the sense that it rigidly prevents me from indulging in what makes life a joy to live. I believe in "everything in moderation". Today, I follow a healthy diet, I go to the gym 4 times per week, and I greatly restrict the amount of alcohol I take in (carbonated or otherwise). That said, if I want a beer or 2 at a ball game, or a bite of dessert from time to time, I go for it. As long as it is the exception, and not the rule. I have always been known in my circle of friends as the guy who appreciates good beers. I like being that person, and I like the flavor of a well crafted beer. I'm not willing to let the band change that. For those people who think this will doom me to failure, I can only say that I am pleased with my current weight loss results. My health has never been better (sugar and blood pressure). All this, and I have managed to keep a small amount of beer in my diet. BTW, I asked my WLS doctor about the carbonation and his opinion was that carbonation would not stretch the stoma. He pointed to a lot of other foods that cause a lot of gas as a by-product that we are still allowed and encouraged to eat.

No worries, it's our little secret. I think they say no alcohol "ever" because it can lead to snacking and of course, it's Kaiser - the whole Thrive thing you know - healthy living.

@@laguerr13 many people cannot tolerate SF stuff. It's known to cause diarrhea - particularly sugar alcohols. It's not at all uncommon.

I wouldn't have done anything different. What I did worked just right for me.....avoided those no-no foods, exceeded Protein and Fluid goals, learned to eat just until satisfied, not full, established new eating habits and a regular Vitamin schedule. I never did measure or track my food (besides protein and water) because I knew I would never keep it up. No sense trying to implement a plan I would not stick to. Instead, I just taught myself to eyeball my portions and learned the limits of what would let me lose vs maintain vs gain. That turned into a new lifestyle I can easily maintain. Likewise, I knew I would not keep up with an excercise program so I never bothered with that either. Basically, I would start doing now whatever you think you will be able to do forever and be very mindful of what foods you need to consume to lose weight vs foods that could cause weight stalls/gains in the future. Also make sure you have a plan in place for dealing with stressful events in your life. Those seem to be the trigger point for when many people start to regain weight. For me, seeing a therapist and getting on antidepressants was what I needed to help me cope since I refused to use food and alcohol as a crutch like I'd always done in the past.

Hydrogen Peroxide is better than alcohol. But you should contact your doctor. I used my cellphone camera and took a picture and sent it to my doctors office. This saved me an hour one way trip. My redness went away after awhile.

Hello Everyone! I am really enjoying this website. Lots of useful information. I was banded April 26th. I have been feeling great and following the diet to a T! I just have one question. I have a super busy summer coming up. Lots of wedding and graduation parties. Although I am not really a big drinkier I do like to have a couple when and where appropriate. I know alcohol is just empty calories. Just wondering what other peoples reactions are about it. Does it effect you diffently ect......

I stopped drinking before getting banded so I don't know if it effects you differently. Just the fact that you are eating less food may cause the alcohol to have a greater impact. I would be cautious for sure. And you are right, it's empty calories. Try to factor a drink or 2 into your calories for the day. Of course, this is not something you should do on a regular basis. Have fun!

I drink vodka/cran as well and did notice that the alcohol has more of an effect on me. So, I don't drink as much and try to eat 30 minutes before I drink. Julia