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He's right! My nutritionist said the same thing today. Protein Protein Protein. We don't really eat veggies for weight loss. We eat then for the vitamins and fiber. She also said that most of the protein shakes are fortified with the same vitamins. I started the pre op diet Monday on my own to see if I could do it and I'm down 8lbs from my last weigh in last month. I know I probably gained some last week because I went on vacation for the week and all we did was eat and drink alcohol! Hubby's right!!

I'm a bourbon/scotch/fine wine snob who drank too much of it. I stopped two weeks before surgery and told all my buddies, I'm just doing Water until Jan 31. Be interesting to see what my tolerance will be. I do have one extended family member who gained everything she had lost after the surgery because she started drinking empty calories (and then would graze). If you are worried about suddenly quitting before surgery, this was a helpful article for me: http://hamsnetwork.wordpress.com/2010/10/09/more-on-tapering-off-alcohol/ Relearning everything is part of the challenge Kirk

Giving up beer was my only fear with the surgery. The surgeon told me it's not the beer it's the carbonation. I have switched over to a margarita or liquor and sugar free mixer. It hasn't been bad at all. I only drink alcohol once every week or two. I've had no problems and I feel the effects quicker, so Its cheaper. The one difference is that no eating while drinking or you get too full to do either.

You know, it is funny, if you mention alcohol, you hear about empty calories, blah, blah. I know they are emply, but I love an IPA, such as Sierra Nevada Torpedo. I am getting sleeved on Sept. 24, so I am worried I will miss it too much. You still have to live your life.

I had my gallbladder removed 11 years ago. I've had non-alcoholic fatty liver ever since I was pregnant with my son, he just turned 14. Now I need WLS to help me try to get my liver finally healthy before I develop really bad cirrhosis. I've greatly improved my diet and health over the years, and tried many things to try my best to improve my liver health, but even with so much effort my liver hasn't been improving and I have had a lot of trouble losing much weight, that is why I'm getting WLS as soon I am allowed. I should hopefully finally receive my surgery date sometime next month. My liver specialist recommended it to help me finally get the rest of my excess weight off and get my liver health back. At this point I am finally no longer afraid of WLS, now I am much more afraid of what can happen if I don't get it.

i had a relatively good weekend. just hung out at home and did some housework and laundry and played with the kids. i went out for the first time in ages saturday night with my husbands brother and wife. their cousins came and some friends of ours. my husband works out of town so i was a loner. i am not a drinker by any means. a few times a year at the most. saturday night was one of those. omg, i have not been that intoxicated for a very long time! i had so much fun! we just played darts and hung out. closed down the bar and went for Breakfast. i spent most of that time in the bathroom, sick. and then asleep at the table! didnt even have to worry about eating. so i didnt track my calories saturday. i am gonna check the calorie content of vodka and cranberry juice on dailyplate. i did do my stregth training though! as far as calories yesterday, this is just a guess, but i am betting no more then 500. i was so tight i could barely get Water and coffee down! i wonder if that is because of the alcohol? this was my first time drinking more then just one since being banded. i didnt workout either. i spent most the day just being lazy, recovering. did manage to do a few loads of laundry, think that counts for much? lol. .

Thanks for this timely thread Deb! I really need to vent this. My mother-in-law is my saboteur. Yes, I KNOW I am ultimately responsible for me and what goes into my mouth, but putting a drink in front of an alcoholic is just cruel. Likewise, putting a dozen donuts in front of a foodaholic is just as cruel. And mother-in-law is not happy unless a dozen fresh donuts are on the kitchen counter at all times. Fortunately, she lives out-of-state. Unfortunately she comes for extended visits, 4 to 6 weeks. When she is here, she just takes over my kitchen and cooks for us while we're at work. She over cooks and fries everything in lard, the thought just makes me shudder. She doesn't like salads or fresh veges or fruit. She is a junk foodaholic. The most unfair thing? She is tiny! Petite! Her nickname is Peewee! In the past, when she's visited, I've usually been on a diet (story of my life) and I have always been derailed each and every time. Again, yes, I KNOW it is ultimately MY responsibility. Oh and believe me, I make it VERY CLEAR, that I am on a diet and I can't have those things around me. It just doesn't seem to matter to her. I pick her up at the airport tomorrow. I've been doing so well and I am determined not to be derailed this time. I love her, but she IS my food nemesis. Wish me luck.

Looks like I may be the only participant left in this challenge. But this week was huge for me. My best friend killed himself last Sunday. Despite the grief and anger and guilt and despair and helplessness, I managed to make it through the whole week without turning to alcohol. Five hour memorial get together yesterday and I drank 5 bottles of Water instead of getting drunk like most everyone else. And considering I drank every single day for almost 2 years after my brothers death, this was no small feat for me. Despite being nearly suffocated with emotions, we have to go back to work tomorrow (his widow is my other best friend and work partner). That might be even harder than this last week has been and I will be taking advantage of the meds my PCP prescribed. He also has a 10 year old son that is our #1 priority on helping get through this tragedy with the least amount of emotional scarring as possible. He was the kindest, gentle hearted, most generous and hard working man I ever knew. The pain he hid so well and my inability to help him will haunt me forever.

After you've lost all your excess weight and are in the maintenance phase of WLS life -- either newly or several years down the road -- what's the best eating path for you to follow? There are at least three major schools of thought about how to eat during WLS maintenance, with hybrids of these approaches. Each approach has enthusiastic boosters and rabid opponents among WLS patients. Each approach is espoused by some WLS surgeons, nutritionists, psychologists, bloggers, coaches, and those who sell WLS products. (1) Abstinence Approach: WLS patients should abstain forever from specific foods, especially those that contain sugar, processed carbs or alcohol. Proponents of the abstinence approach to maintenance offer advice to WLS patients like this: "Bread is empty calories and a waste of valuable pouch space." At http://www.bariatriceating.com/2016/02/can-versus-difference/ "Say no to alcohol." At http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/364081-bariatric-realities-%E2%80%93-medical-professionals%E2%80%99-guidelines-about-alcohol-use-wls/?hl=%20stapleton (2) No Dieting Approach: Some WLS patients report that they have maintained their weight losses by eating in moderation all foods that appeal to them. "I didn't have WLS to be on a diet the rest of my life" is a refrain often heard from this group. The major tool in this approach to WLS maintenance is portion control. (3) Mindful Moderation Approach: This approach has a foot in both the abstinence and non-dieting camps. Those who follow this approach select their foods based primarily on nutritional content, but indulge occasionally in the kinds of "treats" eschewed by abstainers. They endeavor to observe their feelings and behaviors around food choices and use this information to inform future choices. Recognizing that all WLS patients are not alike -- we vary considerably with regard to our surgery types, complications, physical and mental health challenges, emotional resources, basal metabolic rates, degree of family support, access to therapy/counseling, macronutrient tracking (with an app or mentally), physical exercise (intensity and frequency), etc. -- which maintenance approach works best for you? EDIT: Or if you know of other approaches to successful maintenance you think work well, please describe them here.

Go to AL anon it is a place for loved ones or family members of alcoholics or addicts. Just attend for a little while and I think it will help you and him immensely.

So I'm not overreacting that this is crazy? I mean, it's a queen size bed!!! How can he fall on me and almost crack my skull like that!! So not all alcoholics can barely walk when they drink? I've never been around one before.

Thanks. Just passed the 2 year mark myself, huge changes and still have very similar eating habits to 1 year post (4 oz of protein for a meal). Biggest challenge for me and the only way I've been able to gain wait is alcohol so have to be careful of that. No issues with overeating, if I even approach it I'm in great pain and it serves as a potent reminder so I'm very very careful still. Awesome to hear how well you're doing further out and hope I'm doing just as well. I'm still at goal, super active and loving being thin!

In my opinion (totally my opinion) I think that the affect is felt more because of the deficit of food calories we consume. I don't think that the effect is felt because of metabolizing or anything else but the lack of food. Before my surgery if I barely ate (and anyone can contest to this) my buzz was MUCH faster than if I ate before going out. I will say that my alcohol consumption has cut down ALOT...and it does only take a small amount of alcohol to get me tipsy. I have to watch it, I will be stumbling drunk by the second drink (I drink liquor not beer).

Alcohol likely won't affect you differently postop, except inasmuch as you won't be eating as much with the alcohol--and food can delay absorption. I know my tolerance is nil--but that's because I very, very rarely drink at this point. That's not really band-related--it's just what happens when you do it less

By the way Laura, I LMAO reading about you getting a buzz on Nyquil. That stuff is 80% alcohol. Next time just make yourself a "hot toddy"! Cheaper and probably better tasting!

I also used to partake of the daily white russians during cocktail hour. It would normally take about 3-4 to get me buzzed. My Dr. says i can have one on my birthday in Oct. And he assures me it will affect me sooner. I think perhaps it's due to decreased body mass? A bigger person will tolerate alcohol more then a thinner person. And after you've been off the stuff a few months I'm sure you decrease your tolerance. I still plan to have the occasional cocktail but have to remember that our bodies DO NOT use the calories in alcohol for energy. It gets stored as fat and can be utilized later if needed with the breakdown of fat into energy. That's why alcohol makes us fat. In men especially it gets stored around the abdomen, hence the "beer gut". When I started drinking at age 40 is when my abdomen started getting so big.

That literature is for gastric bypass patients, who, unlike band patients, do have different absorbative properties. Our stomachs aren't any smaller and alcohol should not metabolize any different. Brad

Welcome. I am new too. I haven't set my surgery date yet but will have the sleeve with Dr Aceves. I am happy for you that your wait is less than a week away! I totally relate to being overweight and obese forever - started for me at age 5 or 6 and then obese since high school --for past ten years or so I have been around 300lbs on a short 5'3" body. I think that food addiction is harder than nicotene or alcohol because we can't just quit eating food altogether. Please post about your surgery experience and about whether you get any vacationing in at the same time.:tongue_smilie:

1. How long should I expect to be off from work after surgery? I know that it is up to the doctor, but I just want an estimated idea. I work a very low physical job. So, there will be barely, if any, physical duties. Plan on a couple of weeks. Might be more, might be less, but about 2 weeks is a good starting point to plan for. 2. Will I have to avoid carbonated drinks for the rest of my life? I'm not a huge soda drinker, but I do drink it from time-to-time. I know that I'll have to avoid anything carbonated 6 months post-OP. But does that mean for the rest of my life, as well? It's ok if I have to. I'm just curious. Some surgeons do recommend avoiding carbonated drinks for the rest of your life. Some don't. It may also depend on what your new, tiny stomach can tolerate. I can't have anything carbonated without discomfort, so I avoid it. IMO it's important that you be willing to stick to whatever your surgeon/dietitian recommends. Being committed to being compliant is a big part of the battle to be successful post-op. 3. Are Protein drinks, like Muscle Milk, the type of Protein Drinks that I'll be able to drink, or will they have to be made? You should be able to drink either pre-made or ones you make yourself, as long as they meet your dietitian's nutritional rules. For example, I could not drink regular Muscle Milk because it is too high calorie and high carb for my plan -- but I could drink Muscle Milk Light, if I wanted to (I don't, to me it tastes like industrial waste water). 4. Will I have to stop drinking alcohol completely? I rarely drink, but when I get around my childhood friends, they love to drink, and sometimes I'll drink a little. Again, this is up to your individual surgeon/dietitian. I think it is rare that any of them require you give alcohol up for life though. 5. Has anyone with PCOS had any improvement with their symptoms? If so, please explain. N/A 6. What would you say is an emotional eater? 1. Find a cognitive behavioral therapist who specializes in bariatric surgery patients (your surgeon should be able to refer you to someone good; and 2. Start developing activities and hobbies you like to do in place of eating. 7. Will I still be able to take Adderall after the surgery? Adderall helps my OCD. My OCD causes me to lose concentration on important things, so Adderall helps keep me focused. Probably, but discuss with your surgeon and possibly a pharmacist. You may need to adjust dosages, but most people continue taking their meds without any problems. 8. Is there any long-term pain after the surgery? No. 9. Will I be able to have kids? I'm only 24 years old (25 in about 2 weeks) and I have no kids. I want kids in my future. You will be more likely to get pregnant and to have healthy babies and children when you are no longer morbidly obese. It takes far fewer calories than most people think to nourish a healthy fetus, or a growing baby if you are breastfeeding. So if you plan your food intake carefully you don't have to worry that you will have an underweight baby or anything like that. There is probably not much you could do more beneficial to your future of having children than get yourself to a healthy weight. 10. Will I really have to drink 6-8 cups of Water a day? I barely drink 3 cups a day because a lot of water makes me feel sick. No. You will have to drink 8 cups of some sort of liquid in your liquid phase after surgery, but you gradually shift that over so you are getting more fluids from food. You will have to drink more than 3 cups a day though. I hardly ever drink water and I am perfectly healthy! 11. Is it true that laying down after eating should be avoided? If you have acid reflux, yes. Gastric sleeve can cause or exacerbate acid reflux so this is a rule that a lot of people find it helpful to follow.

I have just lost my first 50lbs and I am starting to get a lot more confident in myself. I have started using the dating apps and now that the possibility of dating is more real I am starting to get really freaked out. Has anyone starting dating soon after surgery? These are the things I am nervous about: - they will think my minimal eating is weird (I am not 100% open about having the surgery and don’t want to have to explain my situation to every tinder date.) - most people want to meet up for a drink but I’m still not drinking alcohol - even though I am much more confident I still have a ton of insecurities about my body so I’m not sure I will be ready for an intimate relationship if the time comes and I don’t want to waste anyone’s time. Anyways any thoughts and advice are appreciated. I’m just excited to start dating but also scared.

Well ok then! Gastric sleeve 11/03/2014...and I'm not an alcoholic (I don't know it just goes together : ) welcome!

Confession. My team said could drink alcohol after a year. Me being me, i had a couple sips of red wine around 3-4 weeks post op. Was really weird, i swear i could FEEL the wine travelling through my intestines. Then I had a couple sips or a sake-soju concoction around 2 months post. The aftermath still ranks to this day as one of my top 5 dumping episodes. *shudder* I had maybe 5 or so PARTIAL drinks of red wine or gin/vodka tonics throughout my entire weight loss phase. Long story short, I was "affected" really fast. I also sobered up unbelievably quickly. Now in maintenance (im over 4.5 years post op), im NOT proud to admit that i am probably (on paper), a full on alcoholic. i probably drink about 1-2 servings of alcohol a day (espresso martinis or red wine, mostly). I used to drink pre-wls, but nowhere as regularly as i do now. On the flip side, i would reach "embarrassing drunk" pre-wls, but have yet to get there post-wls. Yes, I realize i am justifying, but there u go. As i write this, im wary of newbies reading this, as i really dont want to seem to be endorsing my lifestyle. So sorry everyone! I guess what im ineffectively trying to say is (again) everyone is different, and it is my fervent hope that everyone knows their own personal limits and strives to stay within them. P.S. dont drink too much if u can help it! honestly its not worth the extra stress. I have way too many conversations with myself about this that its ruining my VIBE. P.S.S. i will now remunerate for the next couple hours if this post was a good idea or not. P.S.S. Happy Father's day today to all awesome dads our there!! ❤️

I'm so glad you're okay! It sounds like a fun event! And yes, alcohol is OK, in moderation and at an appropriate stage. Nothing is a no no after surgery. Life is to be enjoyed and that includes a treat occasionally.

I was worried about the same thing. I almost didn't Want to have the surgery becuse of the lifestyle change. I live in New Orleans. Food and alcohol are everything! We talked it out and by the time it came to schedule surgery, he was ready for the lifestyle change. I hope we both become active together. I also hope that eventually, we will be able to eat chargrilled oysters and bread pudding- even if it's just a small taste!

Maybe you're not ready. Alcohol was never an issue for me except for tailgating at DMB shows every summer and let me say, after spending a weekend tailgating with 300+ DMB fans, I did great. Had one sip of a drink and decided it wasn't worth it. Your feelings mat change post op. Much like most of us no longer want fast food or junk or even soda. (I was a HUGE diet coke junkie). If you're that concerned about your ability to stay sober at a party to reach your weight loss goals than maybe you should postpone until after graduation