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My surgeon says no alcohol for 1 year. Also, there is the fact that one of the long term side effects of RNY is alcohol addiction.

I just went on vacation with people who we normally drink with. I drank the skinny margarita the first day and did fine. However, I felt so bad for all the wasted calories I refrained from alcohol the rest of the trip. Instead I had margarita flavored crystal light. That worked for me. If you have trouble stopping you should tell the people you are with that you shouldn't be drinking after surgery and they will help you stay on track. That's if they know and assuming they are supportive. You can still have a good time without alcohol. Try to get into that mind set. Keep in mind you did this for your future self, don't sabotage the future for drinking.

Melancholy today... I wish I could shake it. I've had a great last two days. Which included foods that I have avoided like the plague since surgery. Bread, a couple bites of sweets and alcohol.. It's because of birthday celebrations and a wild party I went to yesterday. I just weighed and now the scale tells me I'm down again.. From 171 (stuck at over two months) to 169 a few days ago to just now 166? I'm confused, happy, and sad. I have been so strict with this sleeved life (diet) since the beginning. My mind is STILL that of a food addict but I fight it everyday! Sometimes every moment of every day. Is this a fluke? Is it an answer? Have I been to strict? I don't know.. And I guess that's what makes me melancholy we've all done this and some of us have been doing this for years before the sleeve. But being sleeved was supposed to be different, work still, but different. I don't know if this rambling make any sense. But I have a lot on my mind.

If you don't want to drink, just put it in that category with other stuff you don't do even if someone wants you too. I went to lots of parties in the first six months post-op when I didn't drink and even now I only drink once or twice a week max so on vacation I don't drink every day and if I go to a lot of parties in one week, I don't drink at all of them. Have a backup plan for getting away if everyone else gets so tipsy that you can't stand another minute with them sober. I say I am tired or need a little rest when I need to get away from my fellow vacationers. Even if they give me a ration, I go hide in my room -reading a book or quietly looking at my ipad. If they are partying in my room, I hide by the pool or someone else's room. Find some non-alcoholic drinks you like that feel festive. I like sparkling Water with a splash of cranberry and a squeeze of lime. If you can't do bubbly drinks, it's good with still water too. That's how I drank it for the first months after surgery. I also like fruit juices cut with still or sparkling water. Then I ask for a garnish to perk it up. In the evening I have a decaf Soy Latte after dinner. Have fun and enjoy your vacation! Lynda

Well done to you for noticing this in yourself. It is something I sometimes worry about. I know I can choose to not drink, I have not had alcohol over extended periods of time and been perfectly okay. What worries me is that I don't want to not drink. I like to drink. It is scary enough that I think at times it is enough to keep me sober. Which I know makes little sense! The trick for me is, I think, telling others. Being really honest about wanting to not drink and seeking support in that. Which may mean that others don't drink so it is a big ask. But these are your friends and family, they want what is best for you so I hope they can support you to not drink through this period.

I'm seven months out. The only goal that I had from this surgery was to reduce the amount of medications that I was taking. I didn't give a rip and still don't, about the scale. I've have met the goal that I have set in that respect, and I am now working on getting my weight to a point that I have not been before. I am not the fastest loser, but I really don't care that much as a slow loser tends to be a permanent one. I still have about 35+ lbs to go and probably will make that goal within the year I set out to do. I have really worked on changing my lifestyle. I eat healthy and I eat properly. I cut out the things that got me to the fat ass stage. (Soda, alcohol, carbs etc.). I don't eat white foods (flour, rice, pasta, etc.). I workout daily and I run almost every day. I don't miss eating anything. I still go out, I still have fun, probably more fun than before as I can be more active. I am thinking about a career change (I am a chef) and getting out of the food business. The surgery has given me the opportunity to really understand my relationship with food and eating. I really have a better idea of what my triggers are and how they can impact my eating and in turn, my life. For me, the decision to have the surgery has been one that I feel was proper. I have worked hard, and probably could have loss the weight on my on without the surgery, but in general I am glad that I did it. I think for the long term, it is a better approach.

Who says you have to eat/drink when out socializing? Chances are, no one's paying attention to the food/alcohol you're consuming - it's more about the atmosphere, friends, conversation, jokes, etc. Sip away on water and just enjoy the camaraderie! I'll admit, I was anxious heading to a party last night at a wine bar...but my ice water was just fine and I enjoyed catching up with people I hadn't seen in awhile! My boyfriend later asked me what food they served and, honestly, I had to answer "I dunno...I think I saw some cheese?" I'm still on the "full liquid" stage so I steered clear of the hors d'oeuvre table completely!

Hi, fellas. I'm new around here but am about to hard all my paperwork sent off to Cigna to get approved and looking at early August for my procedure. I have to admit that I've been trolling for a little while getting info and realized I should just join the dang site already! Probably the biggest thing I'm worried about is what I'm going to do to socialize after the sleeve. It seems like now all my socializing with friends and coworkers is either over a meal or over drinks. I've read that going out to eat is almost more a nuisance than anything else and we are supposed to try to avoid alcohol for 12 months. What do you fellas do? I feel like girls have it easier because they tend to do more stuff together.

A lot of places offer skinny non alcoholic versions maybe try that at social gatherings so at least you dont feel left out

Yep. This happens a lot, but you have to take to heart the fact that the power is in your hands. Just because people are drinking socially doesn't mean you need to, so do not try to justify the situation to yourself like that. If you have a problem with alcohol you've got no business drinking.

I am noticing the start of a cross over addiction. When I drink I don't stop. I can... I just don't. Or maybe I can't. Anyway it is enough to raise a flag for me so I am actively not drinking. But I have two family trips coming up. One with my husbands family and one with my mom. Both will include lots of social drinking. I am worried about not being able to just social drink and not being able to choose not to. I want to commit to myself to stay in control.

Hi ladies, I read several pages to try and catch up. Carole, your constant reflux concerns me, something is causing it and it is not good for you or your band. Many people who have Gastric Reflux (GERD) and an adjustable gastric band often will see a reduction in their reflux symptoms. In some people, however, they may begin to notice gastric reflux after their adjustable gastric band is placed. This could be a sign that it needs an adjustment, but if it's persistent, here are ten tips on how to deal with gastric reflux: Do not lie flat or bend over soon after eating. Do not eat late at night or just before bedtime. Rinse your pouch with a glass of water an hour before bedtime. Avoid foods or drinks are more likely to cause reflux: (rich, spicy, fatty and fried foods; chocolate; caffeine; alcohol; some fruits and vegetables, such as oranges, lemons, tomatoes, peppers; peppermint; or carbonated drinks. If you smoke, quit smoking. Reduce stress. It increases reflux symptoms. Exercise to promote digestion. Raise the head of your bed. Avoid aspirin, aleve and ibuprofen at bedtime. Tylenol is Okay. Take an antacid (Pepcid Complete, Prevacid, Prilosec, Nexium, etc.) before retiring, or see your healthcare provider about other over-the-counter heartburn medications. Mini, I think a mothers stress is never over, you are eating, Carole has reflux. I am having pains so bad some nights i almost can't stand it. I hope your daughter finds her inner strength and leaves her husband. Sadly all you can do is be there to pick up the pieces, listen and love her. Try to find a constructive outlet for your frustration. Remember eating and hurting you does not help her, I know how food comforts us, I have many days lately where junk goes down much easier than protein or healthy foods but I am trying not to go back down that road. Know we all love you and are here for you. Dee, it saddens me to read about your lab, I lost my baby several years ago. I held my Alex as he took his last breath, it hurt so bad but he was always there for me and i was determined to be there for him as he left this world. My fur Babies mean as much to me as my real children, they bring me such a sense of peace. Big hug to you my friend. Teri, Carole, Janet, Dawn and Cawanna, I am here and I am so sorry I have been absent. It has been a very hard couple of weeks. I do good most days but Mom is fighting me with ever fiber of her being. I hate to even write this but she has been so mean and said so many hurtful things over the past few weeks it has really taken it's tool on my emotions. Daily she tells me how horrible I am and how much she hates me, I know, I really do know that this is not my mother but it still hurts so much. Every time I know it is time for me to go over to her house, my stomach hurts so bad, it doubles me over in pain. I went back on my antacid medications and have tried to cut back on acid causing foods. I got on the scales tonight and oh wow, down two pounds, not sure how. I have been trying to focus on eating but some days are better than others. My daughter and grand children are here visiting and this helps some, but reality sets in and than there is Mom. I know this all will pass but I am finding it increasingly difficult to cope with my resentment and feelings Mom dredges up. She is manipulative and knows how to push my buttons. I think this is what I hate most because I know she has dementia but sometimes she is not confused and just down right damn mean and spiteful. I pray every night and hope God will hear my prayers and help me find some peace and make sense of all of this Chaos. Carole and Teri, I will be there on the 26th come hell or high water, I need to do something for myself and I am looking forward to this so much. thank you all for allowing me still to participate, I will get back to myself one day, I have faith and having you all as friends means a lot to me. Hugs all around!

OMG How did I miss this thread till now? You can't ever drink from a straw again You can't have port again (I love Port and it's the first alcoholic drink I had post-op.) Everyone who follows a 800 calorie or less diet during the first 6 months trashes their metabolism for the rest of their life. You can't eat <fill in the blank>. You can't drink <fill in the blank>. You won't lose unless you exercise. Lynda

Mark: don't give up on yourself. You have just started. I wonder what it would have been like 45 years ago when I was 21 if this had been available. It won't be easy, but with help from some professional in the mental health field who understands eating disorders you will pull through. I can tell from your story that you would probably, probably, I say, be a good candidate for Overeaters Anonymous. It is a 12 step program based on AA for those of us who use food in the why the Alcoholic uses alcohol. You might try a few of those meetings and I bet you will find some support to get you through this initial stage. When it comes to certain foods I loved, I say, I can't have them "one day at a time." Maybe I can have them in moderation at some time in the future but for today I need something healthier. I would definitely stay from cooking videos and cooking shows for a time. Out of sight out of mind. You will make this by letting the band work for you and you work for the band.

My nut said you cannot drink again after the sleeve. She said we will not be able to tolerate even one beer without getting extremely drunk. Anyone post sleeve had anything to drink?

thank you all so very much and yes God is blessing me much every day, as you all know I'm deeply religious, southern Baptist girl here and I take my faith to heart. It breaks my heart every time I see my ex because like I said above, college grad, successful business man and now this to the man he is now. To hear his family talk, which I'm still in contact with, he goes out drinking all the time and comes in to work smelling like alcohol, just awful. I guess you are right Maddysgram he has to hit rock bottom to see his way up. I thought that would have been 3 yrs ago when he got a DUI but no, didn't phase him. Like I said, I struggle each and every day with sweets, it's my devil, but choose to suck on a piece of sugar free hard candy or occasionally have skinny cow candy or ice cream treats. God has given me this second chance and I intend on living it to its fullest.

I started drinking at 6 weeks out. Try a small sip first to see how it feels. Don't go crazy or anything the first time as tolerance changes post op. and, keep in mind that alcohol is liquid calories and adjust your day accordingly.

My surgery is scheduled for June 26th 2013 at 10:15am. I have contemplated lap band for over 2 years and just within the past year decided to do it. Sometimes I still think to myself "do I really need this? am I being crazy? I'm not THAT fat", but then I look in the mirror, look at the numbers on the scale or see someone in public looking at me funny and I realize that I am THAT fat and I need help. I had my first appointment with the surgeon on April 18th, 2013. Since then I have been eating like my life depends on it! Trying to get in everything I won't be eating after surgery. I know, I know, I'll be able to eat all the same things, just smaller portions (eventually), but I'm a food addict. Like an alcoholic can't have just one drink, I can't have just one bite. So for the last 2 months I've been eating like a glutton. I'm happy to say though, that over the last week I've come to terms with the fact that I won't be able to eat certain foods anymore. I've stopped the binge eating and am getting excited for my surgery. I've cut back my calories, started changing my eating habits by taking in more protein and not drinking when eating. I said goodbye to binge eating, my social and emotional crutch, the most damaging relationship I've ever been in, and we broke up. Like many break ups I know it will be hard, and there will be slip ups, but I'm ready to start a new life with a new love, me.

You have already done the hardest step which is to make the decision to end the madness. Really, that is key. Once you set your mind to make a change, the rest will follow. You just need to put in the hard work of following the post op eating plan, drink lots of water, exercising, cutting out the crap like high sugar, fat and salt. Cut out alcohol for 6 months. You can have it again after that, but get through most of your weight loss first. Alcohol is going to sabotage you because it will take your body out of being a lean, mean calorie burning machine. After 6 months, drink in moderation, like a couple a month to be social and to relax with the guys. I do this today. However, do not let alcohol become anything more in your life then that because you do not want a cross addiction nor do you want to get soft from it. I know you can do this because of the strong desire I read in the words of your post. Do not worry about exercising that much in the first 5 months. Getting your diet right, forming a good moderate exercise plan (read: not hard core) and forming a good set of habits are going to be your key to success. I always failed in the past to achieve my weight loss goals pre sleeve because I always tried to be a fiend in the cardio and develop a fad based diet at the same time. What ended up happening is I would get burned out from the exercise and then my eating habits were so unrealistic it would all go to hell around 6 months. This time it was different. After being sleeved, I got the lifestyle habits in place during the first 6 months, lost the weight I needed to lose a d then, and only then, stepped up the exercise and workouts to nail my fitness goals. Today, I can manage the eating and the exercise only because daily habits are in place. And they are ingrained, man. It is not work. I love to do it. I have to say my one habit i struggle with is eating slow. i can do the small portions and eating small bits, but i still woof my food. try to do perfect at this and you will have it all. All the success. You can have this vision of success! Just keep in mind my points about building up the good habits first before going balls to the wall with both a killer eating plan and workout strategy.

I have tolerated everything accept really cheesy dishes at 7 weeks out. I am on soft foods now. I don't do Pasta or bread...but I had my first glass of wine at a dinner and could only drink a few sips cause I needed to eat my Protein. Had some bourbon last night....mistake cause I woke up feeling awful and dehydrated. So no more alcohol for me til I am a few more months out. Sent from my iPad: Sleeved 4/24/2013 by Dr. Farrell @ UNC Hospital---Started: 239lbs--Goal: 150lbs--Current: 203.5 lbs

The good news for you,Donna is that you recognized you had a problem and doing everything you can to defeat it. Some ppl never admit they have a problem and need help. My sister had a gastric bypass years ago b/c of her food addiction. She lost a lot of weight, but didn't fix the head problem that caused her to use food for comfort. Since she couldn't use food for comfort, she turn to alcohol and has become a case of beer per night person and gained all her weight back.She traded one addiction for another. She wants a band over bypass, but the Dr won't do it, b/c it won't fix her head. It is very sad and until they admit they have a problem, all we can do is pray for them and not in able them. Like your ex, my sister looks terrible. She sent a family picture at my mothers 85 birthday, my mother looked in better health than my sister. Sometimes ppl have to hit rock bottom, before they can see their way up. That's where I was, literally did not want to live another day in the pain I was in. The Lord heard my prayers and made away for me to get the help I needed and I now have my life back. If I need comforting, I now turn to something that can't hurt me. Like I shared with you before, getting in touch with the beauty around me,in my own backyard, or just giving a stranger a few minutes of my day. May all those that have an addiction find peace within themselves, so they may live the life that they were meant to live.

I DVR'd the show Intervention the other night and just finished watching it. It was about a young girl addicted to heroin. Now some of you may know, I'm divorced 2 yrs this month, I literally watched my ex become an alcoholic the last 3 yrs of our marriage and I thought "how dare you do this to us". I didn't want the divorce, he did, in the end because I wouldn't go out partying with him, said we never did anything together and we had grown apart, well he had met someone too. Anyway, getting back to the Intervention, I never understood how anyone could be addicted to drugs or alcohol and do that to themselves and to their family members but tonight I looked at my mom and said "you know I no different, I'm addicted to food, always have been". Thus the reason for my surgery a year ago this week. I make better food choices now, yes its hard and a daily struggle with me with head hunger and sweets and sometimes I give in but I'm no different so I have no right to criticize anyone's addiction not even my ex's. Which by the way I saw my ex today, he always forgets to mail my alimony ck so I had to meet up with him, he looked awful. For someone that used to hold a corporate job and have a company car and make six figures now looks like he does is sad and breaks my heart, I feel sympathy for him. All I can do is pray not only for him but for myself with my head hunger in which I struggle with each and every day.

Oh not a mocktini. It has alcohol. I have about 1 drink a month. This is soooooooo good. Yummy!

I am new to the journey. I have had meetings with nutrionist, physical therapy, nurse pract. and LCSW. My labs are all done, ekg and chest xray normal. I have a vit D that is too low for them and my iron is low too. I have started on a D3 high dose and just learned that my Iron is low so I stopped and got some chewable vits with iron in them. Tell me more about the Pre surgery diets? what is involved? what should I expect? How long of time is involved. I have given up carbonated bev, alcohol and most caffeine, I am 6 weeks out on those. thanks. jane

My understanding is that 2-3 days a week of strength training is a healthy place to start in your lifting. Some of he seasoned lifters are training 5-6 days a week. That is not for me yet. Do you have any experience with lifting? If not, you may want to start out light, such as 20 lb dumbbells, and go from there. A trainer will also help you get off the ground running towards your strength training goals, so to speak. Try 4 sets of 12-10-8-8+ per rotation, increasing the weights by +5 lbs in each set. Your rotations can consist of any number of lifts, but it is good to break them up into 3 days of push exercises, pull exercises and leg exercises. Give your self at least a day of rest in between lifts and do not repeat a rotation of like exercises ( eg push ) more then once per week. Remember, muscles are made in the kitchen. You will build the best results in the least amount of time if you focus on eating a well balanced set of macronutrients and limit foods that will not help you towards your goal such as bread, dairy, alcohol, sugars, high fats and high sodium. Eat a lot of lean Protein. The recommendation is to eat .92 g of lean protein per ideal body weight. For example, my ideal body weight is 180 so my lean protein is 170 per day. I try and hit this daily, but sometimes do not make it. Plan on drinking a lot of Protein shakes because you will not be able to eat enough in order to maximize your results. For example, I drink 3 protein shakes a day in the morning, after a workout and right before bed, shooting for close to 40 g per shake as a guy. Women have smaller frames so should shoot for the optimal amount of 30g protein a day. I know- it is not fair. Women also have a lower BMI ideal weight so do not need nearly as much protein as a guy. However, the .92 scalar still applies to both sexes. The other 50 g or so I source from lean Proteins like chicken. Always balance out your protein in a meal with good fat and carbs in order for the protein to be broken down into amino acids optimally for your growing muscles. I probably eat about 1800 calories per day ( often times less because, damn, it is hard work to eat that much) and stay close to 185 lb at 16 % body fat. You might pay attention to other amino acid supplements before and after working out to maximize muscle response during and after lifting, respectively. For example, I always take an amino acid supplement called catalyst before both strength training and cross fit sessions. The result of taking this supplement is very noticeable in the power I have during a session. I sometimes take creatine after working out to force more Water into the muscles during the repair cycle. Not every time because creatine can raise your blood pressure if you have an issue with that. I do not as my blood pressure is usually 190 / 70 and my resting pulse is 44. It is also very important to eat or drink a recovery protein food after working out. This is the optimal time to be consuming protein as your muscles are open for nutrients ready to be fed. Try to eat or drink within 20 minutes. It is also important that your Protein Shake be high quality whey with a good amount of BCAA in it. Again, the BCAA chains are amino acids in their basic for and optimal for being consumed by your muscles during repair. I haven't deviated much from this weight of 185 in a couple months, but have changed my body composition substantially without that much work. I really can appreciate that my body fat % dropped from 19 % to 16 % and is still dropping as the weeks go by. My goal is to hit 10 % by October. I exercise no more then 1 hour a day (on cross fit days) and most strength training days are no more then 30 minutes. See the rotations below. It is not that much work and I feel comfortable with expending this amount of time each week. In fact I look forward to the relatively short, but intense sessions daily. I take at least 1 day off a week to just relax or do some walking, hiking, etc. Drink plenty of water to flush out the toxins created from lifting and eating protein. By a lot, I mean 1-1.5 gallon a day. Depending on how far out you are, you may not be able to do this. Try your best. Finally, aim for 7-8 quality hours of sleep a night. Your body, and specifically, your muscles, repair the most while you are sleeping, so do not skimp on sleep. Again, I am sometimes lax in this area for many reasons but I do try. If you have trouble sleeping a natural sleep aid with melatonin in it will help. I will post some more information about an example workout in a few minutes.