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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.

I can't find an answer on how long to wait after a Gastric Sleeve to have a drink. I've seen answers from one month to six months to never. I will speak to my nutritionist tomorrow, but I was looking for a quicker answer because of a work event this evening.

Any advice or thoughts on the use of sugar alcohol, especially those Protein bars that claims those net carbs vs sugar alcohol and Fiber subtractions from the the total carb count. I am looking for additional protein support to meet my 60 grams per day. Thanks!

Thanks guys! the only thing I'm not fully getting in is the exercise due to my setback and then i had a severe constpation issue, I started the C25K but I will have to restart that next week after my (TMI) butt soreness has gone away and i can walk better. I haven't been able to consume alot as i get full really fast, I'm now beginning to hit my water goals. i have been getting in the protein thanks to the shakes but my doc told me to increase my food intake which seems like a difficult task but I'm trying. It's just so depressing that i feel im doing everything in my power to do this right and i don't feel it's working. I've stepped back from te scale everyday and now I'm on it maybe every 2 days. I'll try to stay away from it. btw, the only thing I've ever drank was water, i don't drink alcohol nor sodas and here lately, I've been drinking diet snapple which is on my list from the doc.

Hi, although I have the band 28/08/13, I read that your not supposed to drink carbonated drinks and I asked about this ( also about 'do you have to relax your band before flying - you don't) and I was advised that originally it was a big No No as it is thought that the bubbles could end up stretching your stomach pouch or become uncomfortable if the air gets stuck but the jury is now stuck on the stretching bit but yes the air can become trapped ( which can hurt lol). I personally have never really been a fizzy drinker but have on a few occasions had b couple of mouth full off pop on a hot day and can honestly say I now don't bother to drink fizzy as it does get stuck lol so I suppose it's how you tolerate it. I don't drink alcohol anymore as it now gives me hart burn and I have now learnt it's much more fun when you don't have the hangover the morning after. The question about your friend doesn't seem to be able to hold his drink so well now will be down to several factors, he isn't eating as much - think about when you go out with out eating = a cheap date. Also, he would of been used to drinking a lot as his body with all the extra size would of been soaked up as well as a fatty and swollen liver that's used to the excesses in life would of been able to deal with braking the alcohol down better, now he has very little fat, his lives would of shrunk and not be able to process as quickly. Im sorry if I have rambled, but hope I might of been able to help. Good luck with your decision, I have lost 61/2 stone or 31 kilo in under a year and now only have 2 more stone to go and you can do it too

I am 3 weeks post surgery and know that diet coke/ wine/ beer is out of the question for me forever. Funny thing is, I haven't missed it at all. My taste buds have been altered and the only thing that tastes ok is Water and un-sweet tea. Even I am surprised that I don't miss it. Since you asked, and this is only my opinion, dont sell your self short. You can have a great time enjoying the new you without alcohol. I frequently enjoyed wine in the evenings and certainly at outings and social events before my surgery. What I have read in several reports, is the incidence of alcoholism rises significantly after bariatric surgery. Obviously, I have eating issues; I have just undergone VSG. If I cant eat, I don't want to replace one issue with another. May I remind you, that you are a lot of fun and have many friends who want to hang out with you! They will see you looking better every month and will encourage you to let the part of your past go that led to your weight issues. You can do this! Good luck to you. I know that's how it's supposed to be, but, again... I physically see my friend who has had the operation doing it, as well as reading a few other posts from other people saying they have an occasional beer or three as well. What dictates whether your able to handle it? Is it just pure luck? Or if you drank a lot in past, are you more likely to be able to handle it after sleeve? Again, I don't know, just asking.

I'm glad I don't drink alcohol

Its hard to believe my banding is only one week away now. I've been working on this ALL YEAR, literally. I decided in early December last year that I was going to pursue getting WLS and after 6 months nutrition visits, two denials, two appeals, and finally one APPROVAL, I am scheduled for Lapband surgery in exactly one week, 12/17!!! Ever since my approval, I have been feeling more optimistic about my whole life and have been making healthy changes to my lifestyle. My surgeon does not require a pre-op diet, though, so I haven't really buckled down or made any real rules for myself. The only exception being that I cut out alcohol last week. I love my wine and gin and it just doesn't seem healthy to keep that up going straight into surgery. And, this week, I want to really buckle down and be as healthy as I can without actually restricting calories or being hungry. So, I've decided on a few rules for this week. Here goes... Diet: drink at least 8 big glasses of water per day cut out rice, pasta, bread, and potatoes (focus on protein and non-starchy vegies instead) replace b-fast w/a protein shake minimize sweets (eat yogurt or jello if I want a dessert) continue w/no alcohol Exercise: 45 minutes/day either walking outside or on the treadmill (normally I prefer to do Jazzercise, but I'm not supposed to for at least one month after surgery so I gotta get used to walking instead) Other: use my CPAP machine every night (I haven't been and my surgeon wants me to) practice using the spirometer gadget they gave us in pre-op class I think if I do all this I will be in good shape for sugery in a week. Wish me luck! :sneaky:

Its hard to believe my banding is only one week away now. I've been working on this ALL YEAR, literally. I decided in early December last year that I was going to pursue getting WLS and after 6 months nutrition visits, two denials, two appeals, and finally one APPROVAL, I am scheduled for Lapband surgery in exactly one week, 12/17!!! Ever since my approval, I have been feeling more optimistic about my whole life and have been making healthy changes to my lifestyle. My surgeon does not require a pre-op diet, though, so I haven't really buckled down or made any real rules for myself. The only exception being that I cut out alcohol last week. I love my wine and gin and it just doesn't seem healthy to keep that up going straight into surgery. And, this week, I want to really buckle down and be as healthy as I can without actually restricting calories or being hungry. So, I've decided on a few rules for this week. Here goes... Diet: drink at least 8 big glasses of water per day cut out rice, pasta, bread, and potatoes (focus on protein and non-starchy vegies instead) replace b-fast w/a protein shake minimize sweets (eat yogurt or jello if I want a dessert) continue w/no alcohol Exercise: 45 minutes/day either walking outside or on the treadmill (normally I prefer to do Jazzercise, but I'm not supposed to for at least one month after surgery so I gotta get used to walking instead) Other: use my CPAP machine every night (I haven't been and my surgeon wants me to) practice using the spirometer gadget they gave us in pre-op class I think if I do all this I will be in good shape for sugery in a week. Wish me luck! :tongue2:

My surgery was yesterday, May 21st. It was a long day, but I think it went well. We were supposed to get there at 7 a.m. for a 10 a.m. surgery slot. DH was worried about being late, so we got there at 6:30 a.m. We checked in, and were taken to a small walled-in room where the nurse went over my vitals with me. I changed into the ultra-fashionable gown, opening to the back, as well as the socks with the tread design. Once I laid down on the gurney, they put the massaging things on my legs, and connected the air. A scopolamine patch was placed behind my ear for possible nausea. It's supposed to last three days. The IV of saline was started, and we waited. Julie, Dr. Clark's Physician's Asst, came in to check on not long before 9, and said that they were getting ready to do a bypass, and that I was next after that. She also gave me a goody bag. The goody bag had several items from On-Q, a pain moderating apparatus. I had it when I had my last intestinal surgery, and wondered if I would have it for this, since this was going to be laproscopic. She said no, it was just some goodies she wanted to give me. On-Q is an IV type set-up where thin lines are run on each side of an incision to deliver morphine right to the incision, instead of having the morphine affect the whole body. I really liked it how it worked, but I'm glad I didn't get it for this surgery, and I don't think I needed it at all. The items in the goody bag were a pedometer/FM radio combination and a set of pens, all embossed with "On-Q". The nurse gave me a shot of Heparin in the leg. That stuff burns going in! It's not unbearable, but it does sting. The IV was turned up pretty high to really pump in the saline, and I got up at about 9:30 to pee. The nurse said that they do this so that the patients will void their bladders, since they want empty bladders for surgery. After I got up, they turned the drip rate down. Dr. Wong, the anesthesiologist came in, introduced himself to me, and he told me what would happen once we got to the ER. I've been operated on before, so I wasn't worried about that part. I ended up getting wheeled into surgery at 10:52 a.m. Dr. Wong put a strap over my forehead that held monitors for my sleep rate, and my arm was stretched out to the side. An injection was made in the IV, and I could smell the taste (if that makes sense). He said that most people just comment that they can taste something in their mouths once they get that injection, but I could actually smell what it tasted like since the taste seemed to be right up at the top front of my mouth. The oxygen mask went on, I was instructed to take deep breaths, and the next thing I knew I was back in my little walled cubicle. I think I recall being in a recovery room, and getting my mouth swabbed, but I couldn't swear to anything that happened there. After I was more awake, but still groggy, I was taken down to radiology for the barium swallow so they could check the placement of the band. Once we got there, I sat up on the edge of the gurney, and sat there for a while because I was light-headed and felt nauseated. The nurse waved an alcohol swab under my nose to help with the nausea. I finally felt ready to go in for the swallow, and they handed me a large glass full of thin barium. I almost dropped the cup, but was able to warn them before hand, so they took it from me, and gave me another minute to stand there. I finally managed to get a few drinks down, and they decided that it would be better to by-pass the standing x-rays. They put the x-ray bed down, and I laid down on it. Then the meanie doctor made me roll over a couple times. I told him that I was going to moon him for revenge for making me roll, and he just laughed. The rolling was uncomfortable, but I managed. Everything looked good, and I even got to see the screen to see what the band looked like on an x-ray. I was then taken back to the cubicle, and could definitely feel every bump when we crossed the elevator threshold or any doorway thresholds. I didn't feel them on the way down. My throat was really dry, so I was able to have ice chips and a popsicle, and that really helped. I was also given a dose of the liquid lortab, and was really happy to have that popsicle as a chaser to get rid of the taste. I was given my choice of what I wanted to try to eat. Out of the cream-of-wheat, scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, cream of chicken Soup, mashed potatoes, and pudding, I chose the eggs and potatoes. No problem getting that down. I was finally let go at about 4:30. As I was getting into the wheelchair, I told DH that I thought he should drive home. The nurse looked startled for a minute, and then she realized I was joking! We're looking for a car for our daughter, and since we were in Indy where there are several car dealerships within a few miles of the hospital, we decided (I insisted) that we not waste the opportunity. DH stopped and got me a bottle of Fiji Water to sip on for the drive. He drove through several lots so we could see what was available. If we saw anything that looked like a possibility, he got the details from the salesman, but no test drives. We just wanted to see what kind of prices are being asked. Anyway, I slept most of the way home. We stopped to fill my prescriptions on the way home. I was given liquid lortab, Ursodiol (for to prevent gall stones), and Protonix (for acid reflux). The pharmacy had to make the liquid lortab, so that took a little while. Not that I really noticed, because I was asleep in the car. Once I got home, I took another dose of lortab, and then rested a while. I went to bed at 11, and had to make a wedge to recline on using my pillows, since lying flat was not comfortable. I woke up at about 9:30 this morning. I'm still sore, coughing hurts even with a pillow against my abdomen, and it's a bit painful to take deep breaths. It's definitely bearable though. I am planning on wearing my binder for at least one week, since it feels good to have that support. Good luck to everyone else!

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.

I live in Nome and have used Dr. Jones as my fill doc since I was banded 7/07. He's great, but insists that if you come from out of town that you stay for a few days just in case there are complications. I know he'll "tweak" the fill for free if it's within the week. He and I have had GREAT communication at our visits and he does what I want. I don't know how the other docs in Anc do it, but Dr. Jones uses a small needle...cleans the area with alcohol, shoots it in and it's done...other docs do a whole prep thing that seems a bit tedious (and I work in healthcare!). To note: I was going through Anc. a couple of weeks ago and was going to get a fill, but Dr. Jones was out of the office....bummer! So I called around (Dr. Searle, Dr. Todd, and the x-ray place that does the flouros) the docs were about $400 to set up and $200 for the fill, the x-ray place was going to be about $800....FYI. I was lucky enought to get a doc (Dr. Lawrence) out here in Nome to do my fills (he'll do them at the hospital or at my home). Our first fill together was a little crazy (finding the right spot), but things are good now and I have no trouble being the guinea pig for him...if it allows others to get fills out here without having to go to Anc. to do it.

Just a quick comment. Anyone who suffers from an addiction and goes through a twelve step program with AA, NA, OA etc is given tough love. They are also given experience, strength and hope from other 'vet' recovering addicts. They are told to 'stick with the winners'. As a recovering alkie, smoker and glutton (hence being the recipient of WLS) I can only speak from my experience personally from AA and my alcoholism. The tough love and vets from the Fellowship of AA served me well. I would probably be dead by now if I hadn't taken the cotton wool out of my ears and listened, and shoved it in my gob so that I couldn't spout excuses and crap!!! I got very ruffled feathers when I was a newby as I thought that I knew better on many occasions. I was given some tough 'suggestions' as to what I should be doing to get sober. I equate this site as the WLS version of AA. I love the fact that there is so much humour (we laugh at ourselves, not at our disease of overeating) and I also stick with the winners here. You know who you are. For heaven's sake, stick around and carry on giving me the support that I have had (in shed loads) over the months since my surgery. If anyone offends me I just form an opinion and share it through private messages. That's when you discover like minded folks. I'm sure that there are people who are upset by what I post but they have the facility to have a private moan to their like minded chums. So, the long and the short of this rambling post is that if you don't like my forthright comments, go away and have a moan or just ignore me. I'm not going anywhere by the way and I remain, a miserable, b!tchy old git.

Written communication can be easily misinterpreted since there are no vocal inflections or facial expressions. Other times a person's response is as subtle as a sledgehammer so there is no misinterpretation. Some people are practicing in behaviors which could be counter productive to a successful weight loss, weight maintenance or could have an impact on their health. Coddling is not always the best answer but having compassion is important. We all have read about behaviors here (ex. eating foods that are absolutely wrong for that early of a post WLS stage or drinking larger quantities of alcohol extremely early on) that could have dangerous consequences to their health. In those cases sometimes "tough love" gets the point home. If they knowingly are going against what their surgeon or every respectable published article says not to do, perhaps "tough love" is not the answer and some of "Darwin's theory" should be allowed to prevail. A few of those people complain the loudest to replies that don't condone their behaviors. For the ones that are misinformed or were not provided detailed plans (although they can search on the internet for reputable sources of information by healthcare professionals or ask their surgeon's nurses) they are usually more accepting of the feedback. In some cases the person replying is just an a$$hole and all they want to do is be cruel. I guess the block feature can come in handy when dealing with them.

The carbonation will stretch out your sleeve. Your friend is not doing the right thing. If he keeps it up he will fail and gain weight back. Alcohol is an issue because of the sugar. My niece had the lapband and lost 150 lbs. The problem that I see is the band can be loosened or tightened therefore consuming more food. I am worried about her because she is gaining some back. I've also read that the alcohol will hit you system faster and I have read to use caution when driving. I also read somewhere that you can have alcohol after 2 months up to a year. Question I have for my doctor. All I drink are margaritas and a beer occasionally. With the condition I am in now I will not miss the alcohol. I bet you will find you don't need it because you are going to be involved with so many new things. If these guys are friends they will support you. Going with this surgery is major, which is more important, getting healthy or having a beer with the boys. Good luck to you. Please post how you surgery goes next week !!

Okay...here goes. Friday: The "sweet" french bread, should be sugar free, and 100% whole wheat is always better. Salami is loaded with fat. Try a leaner meat. If it's to dry, add a little moisture without adding fat. A nice mustard maybe? The cheese (gouda) is okay. The potato augratin with cream... Cream is very high in fat. Can you substitute 2% milk? the salad is very good. Saturday: Again, watch the sugar in the brioche. Maybe limit the bread to once a day. The moule marnier is an excellent Protein. So is the fois gras, just a little high in fat, but you didn't eat a lot, so that's good. Limit wine to one glass per day? Alcohol is a lot of empty calories. the ice cream desert... Sounds wonderful. Nuts have some good protein, but they are high in fat. So is the ice cream unless you were able to get fat free ice cream. The meringue isn't to bad. It's mostly egg whites and air with a touch of sugar. I would add some more vegetables. Sunday: Again... no vegetables. The mussels are an excellent source of protein. Limit the bread. Croissants are made with butter. High in fat. Monday: Other than the chocolate bar, this looked like a good day, although it appears you may not have eaten enough. One meal a day will leave you hungry. The curry sounds wonderful. I love curry, and it helps moisten any meat. It's easy to stew things in curry without adding calories. the prawns are an excellent source of protein. If you like it, by all means continue. Yesterday: This was a lot of carbs. I too love crisps and find them very difficult to avoid. I didn't see any lean meat or vegetables. The cheese and tomatoes in the lasagna is good, but you had noodles twice. To many carbs. Today: sounds delicious.This was your best day. Yogurt with a little fruit was good. Root vegetable soup. Very good. (just remember, root vegetables are higher in carbs than other vegetables) chicken breast with cabbage. Very good. Just watch the wine. I don't know where you are from, so finding vegetables may be a problem, but some of your dishes sound wonderful.

I don't think it's too much...it's just very heavy in calories. And, I agree with Candle...a lot of sugars, carbs, fat. (Although I don't know what half the stuff you put on there is!) We were not allowed to drink alcohol of any kind for the first year of banding as well. Where's your fresh veggies, lean meats, complex carbs like brown rice?? You asked for our opinion so mine is that you are just eating way too rich of foods and foods that are very calorie-dense.

You might want to pour it over ice and let it sit awhile. With champagne, it's not the alcohol so much as the bubbles. I discovered the unpleasantness of carbonation after a swallow of Mikes Hard Lemonade this summer. ????. @@Aribay1 I had wine about 4 months out, started having hard liquor cocktails around 6-7 months. Alcohol doesn't affect me any differently, but I discovered I get gastritis if I drink alcohol more than 2 days in a row (like when I was on vacation). Had to take Prilosec for 10 days till my tummy felt better. Now I only have a drink 2-3 times a month

hi All It is good to see some new names joining in here, i was banded in Christchurch on 29th June, life is great 6 months down the track, although i have had more surgery to take my only ovary i had left due to a large cyst, so it has been slow going for me but in my band I have 7ml and I finally have restriction and the weight is dropping off, less of the alcohol and christmas food and I will be ok, Bring on 2008 my year to be healthy, i hope all you guys have a great christmas Ange

i was banded 4 days ago and i am turning 21 in about a month...(yup im a youngin)...my bar days haven't started and i really want to enjoy a drink. so alcohol can be tolerated but with smaller amounts? im no alcoholic but i like my Manhattans on the rocks

alcohol doesnt bother me really like girlie drinks but when i drink a few beers it kills my stomach i hate it because beer is my favorite drink ever but it only takes me a few drinks to feel tipsy now :smile: i'm a cheap drunk haha kidding!!

When you say you are having a hard time with it....does that mean your system is not tolerating the alcohol? Would you mind explaining. I like to have a drink once in awhile and would love to continue after surgery. But, if I end up not being able to tolerate it, I will give it up:mad2:

Of course, when I do drink alcohol, my drinks have *no* carbonation:)

I stomach alcohol just fine but I avoid soda with it. The soda just gives me the instant full feeling. I am a cheaper date though as well now.

I am 9 days pre op and have a horrible Cold. Body aches coughing etc etc Is there anything I can do? I was told no Tylenol, Ibuprofen etc. any home Remedies that don't involve alcohol or sugar/ syrup Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App