Search the Community

1/21 B: turkey sausage & hard boiled egg L: sm bowl of seafood pasta salad D: bday party: a little of everything...jerk chicken, meatballs, red beans n rice, seafood pasta salad, biscuit and plaintains water: not as much alcohol: too much:bored exercise: aqua aerobics & 30 min cardio 1/22 B: cheese n eggs, fried potatoes n onions & bacon:o L: n/a D: tsp of seafood pasta salad & two crackers water: lots exercise: none

Pre-op, I would have less than 12 drinks all year, so I am not a big drinker either. Post-op, I had a drink about 3 months out even though my surgeon also recommended that I wait a year. I asked for the bartender to make it with a little less alcohol than usual. It hit me a bit faster than it did pre-op. I didn't really think it was worth it, but it didn't hurt either.

This is one of those topics that get a lot of debate. Some say never, some say a few weeks or months, some are given straws in the hospital. I started using a straw about 3 weeks post op. I get more air without one than with, that's just me. Here's how I look at a lot of the different surgeon's instructions on everything from post op diet, some people are on soft foods from day one, some, it takes a month. Also, caffeine, alcohol, straws and grapes. Yes, some are told to avoid grapes. I don't even get that one at all. The list goes on. In my opinion, first our surgeons give advice and instructions based on medical fact, medical opinion, covering their asses and lastly serving the lowest common denominator. I think we need to take everything in and make the best decisions for us. Hope that helps.

Yeah. His account disappeared after that Alcohol thread debate. Pollito as well. Gone.

Know this: If you stop and listen to yourself... I mean really listen... you will always know how to act in a way that honors your Highest Good. You will always know the next right thing to do! (Isn’t that coooool? You already have all the answers inside you... It really is exciting if you think about it!) I believe we are all born these perfect little psychic bundles of love. As infants, if we’re happy we laugh, sad we cry, hungry we eat, full we stop eating. We are our Truth in every moment and have no fear about expressing who we are or how we feel. In fact, we don’t know how not to take care of ourselves. It doesn’t occur to us to not ask, or for that matter demand, that our needs be met. But soon after our birth, we begin receiving millions of messages that it is not okay or safe to express our Truth, to follow the natural flow of our Soul’s Wisdom, to ask for what we need. These messages come in the form of statements like— “Ooohh, stop crying!” “That didn’t hurt.” “Big boys don’t cry!” “Children should be seen but not heard.” “That was a stupid thing to say.” “I don’t care what you want to do; you need to do what I tell you to do.” “Never let other people know that our family is not perfect” “You can’t possibly be hungry now.” Or maybe the messages took on a physical form and you were beaten when you expressed a feeling or spoke out of line, or even for no apparent reason. Over time after being bombarded with messages like these, even though many of them may have been said with the best of intentions, you stop looking inward for guidance; you learn to silence your sacred voice of wisdom. Then one day someone comes along and asks you, “What color is the sky?” And you think, “Well, I think it’s blue, but I don’t know if what I think or feel about the sky is right because the other day I heard my parents arguing and I asked Mommy what was wrong and she told me that nothing was wrong, everything was just fine... but it didn’t feel fine to me, it felt like my parents were really angry, like something wasn’t right with them... but Mommy who is the expert about life said everything was “OK”... so something must be wrong with the way I think or perceive things... so maybe the sky is really purple or green... Ahhhh I don’t know what to say, I don’t know what to do... I think it is blue, but I am not sure if that really is the right answer, or if it is the answer they want... “I just wish I knew what they wanted me to say.” This thought process is the beginning of you disconnecting from your inner voice, your Divine Wisdom. This is where you get lost. When you are unable to say your Truth, or live from Source Energy, you will inevitably notice some emotional and/or physical discomfort which typically manifests as anxiety, depression, sadness, anger, nausea, exhaustion, sleeplessness, chronic headaches, joint pain, or intestinal distress. In order to calm down those feelings you may have learned to turn to things outside of yourself for comfort like food, drugs, alcohol, people pleasing, shopping, or compulsive work. Well, it’s time for you to come home to Yourself!! Before you can change a behavior you have to be aware that it exists. Below I have listed signs of "disconnection." Indications of Disconnection from Your Authentic Self * You worry about what other people think of you. * You over/under eat, smoke, drink a little too much, or depend on prescription medications more than you would like to get through a day. * You are always the peace maker. * You find it difficult to say “no” to people or set boundaries. * You are the “life of the party” to your family and friends, but secretly feel stressed and depressed. * You seemingly “have it all” but still feel an uncomfortable emptiness, like something is just missing from your life. * You feel disappointed with the way your life has turned out so far. * You are regretful about things that happened in your past. * You are afraid to make changes in your life. * You feel responsible for the happiness of others. * You spend most of your day tending to the needs of others. * Your days are so busy that you find yourself being really forgetful and making silly mistakes. * Your mood is dependent upon the mood or actions of others. * You worry a lot. * You gossip. * You have an underlying feeling of unworthiness. * You are in an abusive relationship (you may be the abuser or the abused). * Your self worth is determined by the “things you have”, the money you make, the number on the scale, the position you hold at your job, or the success of your children or spouse * You avoid disagreements at all costs... or * You argue all the time. * You are uncomfortable with silence. * You feel like you are always “putting out fires” or living in constant chaos. * You feel like you are “walking on eggshells” around significant people in your life. * You are afraid to speak up for yourself. * You often feel anxious, depressed, angry, or sad. * You have a low tolerance for or feel very judgmental of people who have opinions or values that differ from yours. * You feel like you always have to defend or explain yourself. * You have difficulty accepting compliments. * It is very difficult for you to look in a mirror, directly into your eyes, and say, “I love you! You are the most important person in the world to me and I am going to take good care of you!’” ____ _______________________________________________________ Notice if there is a time this week when you act from a place of disconnection, when you choose to not listen to your Intuition. Write about the situation, how it turned out, and how it felt to ignore your Inner Voice. Take some time to reflect on how you may have learned to disconnect from your Authentic Self. Also, notice a specific time this week when you did listen and respond in accordance with your Intuition, when you felt like you were being your True Self. Write about the situation, how it turned out, and how it felt to “Be Your Truth.” How was your experience different when you acted from a “place of disconnect” versus when you acted in accordance with your Inner Wisdom or Truth?

How long post sleeve did u have a little wine?

I am right there with you. If you had a problem with drugs, alcohol, dietibites I wonder if those same people would say "just take this one pill or sip of wine or taste of cake"? I think NOT. The problem as I see it is that most people to not see obesity as a disease. The only way that I have found to help is to respond by saying "Sure, in a little while." Most offen what happens is they forget to ask again. This works better at parties then when you are one or one. I have found that if you just say "no" then what happens is a power strugle. I once had a family member that said to me on my birthday that if I did not have a piece of my birthday cake they would be really mad at me and would not talk to me any more. Go figure?

B12 info In patients with liver disease, cholesterol and/or phospholipids become deposited on the membranes of circulating red blood cells, leading to larger than normal cells.[1] Causes of non-megaloblastic macrocytosis •There may also be folate deficiency due to a poor diet •Liver disease. •Serum folate levels are readily available but most laboratories offer red cell folate that is more specific. It should be remembered that serum B12 is not always an accurate reflection of deficiency at a cellular level. It is perhaps for this reason that some patients become symptomatic if the frequency of their injections is reduced, despite having normal serum B12 levels. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1570488/ http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/410469_4 A low serum folate level may indicate only a decrease in folate intake over the preceding few days. [26] A better indicator of tissue folate status is RBC folate concentration, [27] which remains relatively unchanged while a red cell is in the circulation and thus provides an assessment of folate turnover during the 2 or 3 months preceding measurement. Also, low RBC folate levels correlate better with the degree of megaloblastic changes in the bone marrow than do low serum folate levels. When there is coexistent iron deficiency, liver disease, serum and RBC folate levels may be normal -- and serum B 12 levels may be normal or even elevated -- but tissue vitamin deficiency can be present. This is only demonstrable via subtle hypersegmentation and/or deoxyuridine suppression test and is subsequently confirmed by response to vitamin therapy. Decreased serum total folate-binding capacity is another test that may indicate hidden folate deficiency. An elevated MCV is also associated with alcoholism[3] (as are an elevated GGT and a ratio of AST:ALT of 2:1). Vitamin B12 and/or folic acid deficiency has also been associated with macrocytic anemia (high MCV numbers).

It’s also to start to break some of your food cravings & get through the withdrawal side effects of stopping caffeine, sugar, alcohol, cigarettes, etc. as required by your surgeon. You don’t want to be experiencing those side effects while you’re you’re managing post surgery effects. Good luck.

I didn't drink alcohol at all for 8+ months post surgery. I'm now 12 months out. I do drink wine and spirits now but it hits me very fast and hard. I'd be staggering at two drinks. Also, alcohol wastes calories. I'd rather save them for real food. Another reason to avoid alcohol is "addictive transference" Alcoholism developing after bariatric surgery is a real thing. I'm going to do the "Dry January Challenge". It's New Years Eve tonight, so I'll have my last drink for at least a month.

I have a 12 to 16 ounce cup of coffee every morning. My doc says it's alright. I was on decaf initially right after being banded as instructed, but now I drink a cup a day and I'm fine. Please, if I can't smoke, drink too much alcohol, have no soda, and eat I'd be one mean b*tch without my coffee LOL!!! That is what works for me, but I am not trying to speak for all the bandsters here :-) (Again, you see from the responses, it does vary from doctor to doctor--what does yours say about it?)

I was cleared for everything (except fried foods and alcohol) at 6 weeks out. Week 1--clear liquids Week 2--full liquids Week 3--soft foods (didn't have to be pureed) Week 4--started introducing more foods; was allowed to have caffeine Week 5--same as week 4 Week 6--allowed to start introducing raw veggies, salad, nuts, seeds

Yup, that is pretty disgusting. Dirty old men and alcohol are a pretty grissly combonation.

I am also 6 weeks out, and have tried a few sips of wine here and there with no bad effects even tried a beer but only got through about a quarter of it, before it got warm and I lost interest. I have had no side effects. Since we still have our duodenum we wouldn't have the same reaction to alcohol that some one with a RNY woul dhave. I agree though don't over do it. I am interested to hear about trying Jack on ice. I was a big whickey person before surgery. I haven't had it in months do to pre op and none since surgery but I am interested in how it affected someone post op.

My story is that I was always a toned, fit person. I worked out and lifted weights as well as ran. I was in the military and met my husband in the military so we are/were pretty used to it. Then I got out, we moved (away from my social scene and all my friends), I became depressed and started drowning myself in alcohol and party drugs. I rapidly packed on the pounds and wallowed in self-pity. I then started working on my 'shit'----seeing a counselor---changing social groups to avoid the nightlife and all it's vices---doing some SERIOUS soul searching---and taking appropriate pharmaceuticals for my depression. My life changed. It got better. I got better. But, I was still overweight-----the fat resisted change. Over the next 8 years I became pregnant 6 times giving birth to 4 live (wonderful and beautiful, I must say) babies. Each pregnancy left me with at least an extra 10 -15 pounds. I didn't let the weight "get me down" so to say, because I knew it was for a good cause and my prizes were so rewarding. I respected and loved my body---still do----but knew my vehicle needed a good overhaul---a lift in front, a lift in back, and a new paint job. I have a totally different relationship with my body now than I did when I was younger and skinnier. I like myself better now than I did then. I like my life better now than I did then. I am so much healthier NOW than I was THEN. All that said, I knew I wanted my outside to reflect how I now feel on the inside. I researched the lap-band (and the balloon, and other options) and decided that this one was for me. I was low on the BMI scale and was under the impression that no doctor here in the USA would work on me (I've since become educated by fellow lap-bander's here on this site that there are MD's stateside that work on lower BMI folks) so I went to Mexico. I don't regret my decision one bit! My weight loss has been painfully slow but it is coming off. My group of friends are so complimentary and supportive and I LOVE getting back into my favorite styles. My husband jokes and says that I am now a 'reformed' Rock Star! I adore leather pants, boots, tight tops----everything flashy and funky! The other night I went out to see one of my favorite local bands (talk about a diva rock star----Pinky and the Snakeshakers) and wore tight jeans, a bra cami, and one of my delicious Japanese kimonos---oh yeah, and lime green Fluevog sandals. I felt great! I like my outside reflecting whats on the inside. Granted, I'm not finished yet (don't know if I ever will be).

I didn't drink during the two week pre-op diet. But I did have one last trip with friends to World of Beers. I love Belgium Trappist ales, so it was my last time to enjoy bottles of Chimay and Rochefort for a long time. I definitely don't plan on giving up drinking forever. That's just crazy talk. Even my doctor told me that eventually I'll be able to drink again, just that I'll be an cheap date since the alcohol will enter my system so much quicker. I'll also only be able to have maybe one drink and have to drink it very slowly. I'm also a fine wine connoisseur and have a decent amount at home. I am not giving up on those bottles since far too much money is invested. Most of the bottles won't reach their peak for a few years, so I've got time on my side.

They say that the alcohol is empty calories, it can stall weight loss and promote weight gain. I am not a drinker anyway, so I will not miss that one bit, lol.

You're not supposed to drink with the band (it's liquid calories, and ALOT of them.) There are 97 calories in a 1.5 oz shot of tequila source: calorieking.com. However...you should be allowed to treat yourself while in Mexico, just don't over do it. Know your limit. As soon as you start to feel the effects of the alcohol stop drinking. You don't want to get sick and throw up, potentially damaging your band. This is just my humble opinion.

New me 2008, I am so glad you posted this question and I thank everyone for their responses. I come from a family that travels and parties and has fun, and somehow alcohol is usually involved. I need to know that I can still enjoy myself with my band. My surgery date is 3/14/07 and I want to know that I can have a few drinks every now and then without vommiting, or having some sort of adverse effect. I would love for you to keep me posted on your experience on your trip and how you made out. My family is planning a trip to Cabo as well and I want to make sure I can enjoy a few drinks with them during our trip.

I went to Mexico last month, and had GREAT time. I was never told you can't drink Alcohol with the band, My surgeon said use moderation - keep in mind the liquid calories. Superbowl Sunday was my first "bad band" margarita drinker day....No sickness to the stomach, just the head. I know I can't hold my liquor like in the past - just be mindful that it may not take many too get tipsy. HAVE FUN!!

I was sleeved January 30th. No alcohol for me yet. Doc said I could have it 4 months out. I believe VSG patients are supposed to feel the effects because the stomach is so small that the alcohol does not stay in the stomach as long as when it was full sized so it kind of flushes through the stomach and gets absorbed right away.

I had bad diarrhea days 3 and 4 after surgery. I also blamed the protein shakes but my surgeon said sometimes it's happens when things are waking up and starting to work again. But, too much sugar free stuff can do it to you for sure. I can't stand artificial sweeteners so I have always avoided them but they contain something called sugar alcohol which upsets tummies sometimes. You newbies should all take it easy. I did nothing but short walks in the house for the first two weeks. You are recovering from major surgery and getting almost no calories in. Give yourselves time to heal. As far as water goes I never met those goals. I still don't truth be told. As others have said when you are early out the protein shakes count as fluid. Just do the best you can sipping water between shakes. If you are peeing a lot, and it's light in color, you're fine. Sent from my Nexus 6P using BariatricPal mobile app

How are things going with the sleeve? Things are great now. Some days I don't even think about my smaller portions. I just made sloppy joes two nights ago, portioned out my 2.5 oz and topped with a serving of mexican blend cheese. The day before that? I made crockpot honey garlic chicken. I ate one thigh. It really isn't anything special. I just make my boyfriend's plate right along side mine, but I get the cuter plate, lol. It is just a way of life now making sure I get enough Protein and keep my carbs down. I use myfitnesspal religiously to make sure I am getting the nutrients I need. How long ago were u sleeved? I was sleeved 7 months ago. Has the adjustment gone well? Yeah, I was doing low carb six months prior to being sleeved. Soon as you get past the Fluid and mushy stages, I really think life perks up. Before that though, you gotta remember you are healing and relearning to eat with a totally new stomach. And sometimes there are hiccups, I didn't get any protein in my first two weeks. I had a really hard time with anything not a vitaminwater, but it gets better. Don't rush the stages, sometimes you have to linger a little. How has adjusting to so little food been? It was a mind trip at first. I really liked my big portions. Before VSG, I could eat an entire hot-and-ready pizza by myself in about 15 minutes. Now? I eat about 3/4 of a slice. I just tear off the crust. You get used to it. You sigh, you cry, you have a little fit where your SO laughs at you, and you move on. This is life. Side note, I really hate leftovers now though. I didn't before surgery, but post-op I really can't stand dried out chicken or even one of my favorite foods ever, pulled pork. I loathe eating reheated stuff. My boyfriend laughs and says, I got picky post-op. It is okay though. I just make a smaller meal that night and remake it in a couple of days so the meal is hot and fresh. Have you engaged socially yet? Haha, yes, and that is where I go a little carb happy. I may not be able to eat like I used to, but I sure can still get down my fluids. I am really only limited by how much I feel like. I can drink 2 large unsweet iced teas from McDonald's in about an hour if I tried, and 3 or 4 of my low carb daiquiris like it is nobody's business. I have no problems getting down fluids. I like to keep a decaffeinated beverage in my hand now because I almost passed out on campus once when I forgot a Water bottle all day. I definitely learned that lesson well. When I go out with my friends, I order things without bread, and I just don't eat Pasta. At Chipotle? I get my burrito bowl without rice and Beans, lots of veggies, double meat, and pile on that cheese and sour cream please! I eat about a third of the meat, cover it and bring it home. Okay, I will always eat Chipotle leftovers. I lied, lol. If I go to Buffalo Wild Wings or an Ale House? I get wings. If I go to my favorite Mediterranean place? I get the fried jibneh or kabobs. Indian? Paneer or Tandoori chicken. Vietnamese? Pho with extra beef. If I go for BBQ, I always get my ribs and just refrain from smothering everything in the sauce. I get the things I want, try to stay on plan, and just try to keep my protein up and be happy. I can eat whatever I want, but I feel better when I am not eating bready things. They just don't sit well for me. I get really uncomfortable. At parties, I take a beer and chat. Carbonation doesn't bother me too much anymore. Have you had a glass of vino yet? Err... lol, I guess I got ahead of this one. I will have to say yes. I have had wine, beer, vodka, tequila, bourbon, rum... Can I use my college student excuse? I admit I like going to parties and the club. What can I say? Just talk to your surgeon about when it is right for you, and definitely wait until your stomach is healed. Did your body respond differently than previously? At first, yes. I definitely could get tipsy off of a few sips of Riesling. Now? Tequila shot, you say? Don't mind if I do. Alcohol hit me hard and fast at first and it tapered off just as quickly. Eventually, you will definitely be able to hit the tapas and restaurants with your hubby again, but it might take two or three months. Again, talk to your surgeon about his or her recommendations. Don't worry, life goes back to normal. Just follow your plan though for the most part and the weight will come off. How will I stay engaged at social or family events that ,as always, revolve around cooking, eating and appreciating copious amounts of food? Well, for me, I just do what I normally do, chat up a storm. I carry my unsweet iced tea (blashphemy in the south, I know), grab a deviled egg, and play with my cousins. Same old, same old. I am just not carrying a huge plate anymore. When I have friends over for a meal, everyone knows I eat low carb, so I just grab a little meat and a couple of veggies and do the same song and dance. I eat slower. I enjoy my company more. If I go out, I like not having to worry about eating an appetizer, entree, and dessert all by myself. I enjoy a little of everything in moderation and take the rest home along with my shrinking waist line. Hope I answered all your questions and didn't come off as an alcoholic, lol. I really don't drink that often. VSG is just life now, and I really am happy with my decision. If you have any more questions, please feel free to ask.

I was told no alcoholic beverages for at least a year by my doc. They emphasize the fact that your liver is like the housekeeper and needs to filter so much junk out of your blood as you lose, that asking it to metabolize alcohol on top of that could cause serious damage. I've also heard through some other groups that I belong to that people have gotten seriously ill and died just from a couple of drinks after WLS because of the way their new system works. Totally not worth the risk to me. I love a glass of wine (or a mojito, or margarita...) as much as the next person, but I'm not going to chance it for at least a year.

The only harm alcohol causes us is empty calorie weight gain. Most likely people get drunk more quickly due to the fact you have abstained from alcohol for a good bit of time. Your tolerance is different. I used to enjoy a couple glasses of wine every night, but 2 now is way different. I don't do it simple because I'm still trying to make goal and wine is way off my course. It's a mind set