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You've got this CocoNina, half the battle is being aware you've an issue. I hate suggesting this but it's worked for me, and as one person said, fighting head hunger is like alcoholism. Try OA, it's for people who struggle with food addiction, compulsive overeating, or triggers that cause one to eat. The reasons we struggle are as various as the people who struggle. If you don't like groups, try seeking counseling or therapy. Or, write in a journal (not type) what your triggers are and why you think you have them, how you feel, so you slow your mind down and recognize with clarity what you're feeling and why, and how it connects to food. The surgery is such a fantastic tool, but many of us have work to do on our heads, too. Also, try doing things with friends that don't revolve around food too, if you already don't. Create activities that will take your mind off eating, and replace the old urge to eat with a better habit. Takes time and work but one can get passed head hunger. I think protein helps aid in reduced head hunger, too as it reduces physical hunger.

I meant 8 weeks altogether. 2-weeks pre-op liquid diet, 4-weeks liquid only post-op, 1 week on week 5 post op puree, & now soft foods week 6 post op tomorrow for 1 week. After writing this post, I realize I'm so stressed out with work & school. I wonder if it's an emotional issue not related to the sleeve. Before the sleeve food was my comfort for stress. I like your analogy about almost being like a recovering alcoholic, it could be that too. Since the hunger hormone (gherlin) is removed, I thought this would stop. Height: 5'0" Weight for WLS consultation: 216 lbs. Surgery date: 2/13/17 Goal: -71 lbs for healthy BMI (about 145 lbs). Current weight: 185.2 My profile picture is not me. It's my "FITspiration" body.

Find out when your doc clears you to drink. Alcohol is empty calories so just keep that in the back of your mind. Also crossover addiction is a concern. But one night after doc clears you probably won't be too risky. Beer may make you feel bloated, but it wouldn't stretch your stomach. If any excess gas is stuck you will burp it out just like pre-op. With the fundus removed, the stretchy part is gone. Alcohol on a fresh cut probably doesn't feel too good. So at least six weeks. But again ask your surgeon.

I have a concert at the end of July and my surgery is end of June how long before you can have a glass of wine ? Not sure if I will ever want to have another drink after the surgery bit I'm just curious

My doc told me that I would have to be careful with drinking alcohol because I would get drunk much faster now due to the VSG but that was it.

Walter. You've been so honest with us. Thank you for sharing your struggle and triumph. YOU have great power inside you to figure this stuff out and not be a victim to your addictive nature/genetics or whatever it is that predisposed you towards these substances! Please, please, please work on getting to the point where you are just sick of continuing sliding down the slippery slope and regaining all your hard lost weight? PLEASE? I know this is the last area that you get to control. And there must be some part of you that is wanting the high that comes from medicating with food (dopamine/seratonin rush). Why not talk to your surgeon or PCP about prescribing I think it's something like Contrave? Or naltrexone? They give it for food addictions but also to help curb alcohol and drug cravings. Then start working your OA program, just as you work your AA program. Don't let having 3 kids give you the excuse to cave to the craving. You don't want to be obese. I think you don't. Right? It's hard, but you can do it. Someone mentioned a book that is really helpful and free on Amazon for Kindle called Never Binge Again. A dude wrote it and you might relate to it. It really is a helpful book. I have used it for years to help with my BE behaviors. You got this bro. Just take that 2nd step now that you've taken the 1st step!!!

According to this: https://myhealth.alberta.ca/bariatric-surgery/after-your-surgery/smoking-vaping-and-drinking-alcohol-after-bariatric-surgery it says : Can I smoke or vape after bariatric surgery? It’s best not to smoke or vape any substance after surgery. This includes tobacco, tobacco-like products, and cannabis. These products can cause problems with your heart and lungs. Smoking after bariatric surgery can also cause stomach ulcers.

I also haven't tried to talk anyone into having surgery. However, I have one friend that is scheduled in February and has scheduled her surgery since I had mine. Of course she was leaning toward it anyway so she would have eventually done it on her own. I have another friend that is happy for my progress but would never have the procedure done. I think it's a personal choice. If someone is inspired by my success that's great but if asked if they should have it done, I always tell them it is there choice and that they have to be prepared to sacrifice a lot. It needs to be a serious commitment. I tell them they must be prepared to give up smoking, alcohol, cokes, and cheesecake for at least a year and possibly for a lifetime.

Your tolerance for alcohol really changes. I used to dring Tangueray 10. It's a really good gin. Since surgery I haven't had any. I have switched to red wine. I googled red wine and it says that most red wines don't have much sugar in it due to the processing of it. Two glasses is my limit.

Some people have an actual addiction to food, like alcohol or heroin. The problem is you still need food. There are nutritionists as well as therapists that specialize in eating disorders. I hope they are near you. Please don't sabotage yourself. You are worth this life change!

Just now 3 months out from my bypass, I had to wait a year after getting my band out to get the bypass.. I learned a lot in that year (wait time was a combination of healing and insurance requirements). The big difference is you won't feel "stuck"... just full with a small amount. I did have a drain and after they removed it they didn't tell me it "MAY" leak for several days, some do, some don't. Have some pads available just in case. The other thing they warn you about is sugar. Now I have not tested the sugar/dumping syndrome thing because I don't want to dump. However, watch those sugar alcohols you know in the different shakes and protein bars out there I have found I am very sensitive to even Spleda and all the like. Other than that I wish I would have done this first... I don't know why I was so scared!

Many of our patients enter the program with diabetes and pre-diabetes. The benefit of finding the “net” carbohydrate of a food serving is cutting back on the total amount of carbohydrates you consume, which can lead to better blood sugar control and some weight loss. “Net” carbs have also been listed on food labels as “impact carbs” or “effective carbs.” The food label can be a source of confusion, because there can be several types of carbohydrates listed under the total carbohydrates. Fiber and half the sugar alcohols can be subtracted from the total fiber to calculate “net” carbs. Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that our bodies don’t absorb and doesn’t raise blood sugars. Fiber is in plant foods (grains, beans, fruits and vegetables,) helps with digestion and leads to feeling fuller longer. Sugar alcohols are still part of the carbohydrate world, but don’t raise blood sugars as much as other carbohydrates like sugars and starches. Sugar alcohols are used to help a food product taste sweet with less ability to raise blood sugars. Sugar alcohols can be found in the ingredient list and may include sorbitol, xylitol, mannitol, isomalt, erythritol, glycerol (can also be listed as glycerine,) hydrogenated starch, maltitol, lactitol or other ingredients that end in –ol. Be aware that sugar alcohols still have calories. Consuming too many sugar alcohols at a time can also lead to bloating and diarrhea. Click here for an explanation about how to calculate the net carbs from a high fiber food item. Click here for an explanation about how to calculate the net carbs for foods containing sugar alcohols. Keep in mind that the FDA has not approved a definition of net carbs. Your dietitian will work with you to find a carbohydrate goal to help you keep your blood sugars in better control and to start losing weight.

Remember that alcohol is going to be very different from before surgery. 1 beer will hit you like if you took several shots. This is a good video to watch

Why not just have soda or virgin drinks? You don't have to stay home and be left out. As long as you're there with your friends, does it matter what you're drinking? If they're you're friends, they'll understand why you aren't drinking alcohol and they'll just be glad you're there with them.

Agree with this. It's all about how you feel and if you think you can handle it. At the end of the day it's best to stick to your dieticians word. I'm not trying to give you a reason to do anything but I have noticed the wls guidelines in the US are very anti drink vs. Europe. I personally think you're too early on and your stomach is probably still healing. I will tell you I went against my dieticians word and had a drink before the 6 month mark she gave me because I go to a lot of events and parties. I had a long talk with myself and my mom (who is a physician) and came to the conclusion to just try one drink. I made sure it had no sugar or carbonation in it so I did a vodka water with lemon juice. Personally it didn't hit me any different than pre op. I had the drink 2 months and some weeks post op. I will say you can feel the alcohol a lot more (not in the getting drunk sense) but you can feel it go down your esophagus and into your stomach and intestines and it hurts and burns and even makes you cramp a little. Not very pleasant. Anyway, it's up to you. 3 weeks is pretty early on. I will say at 3 weeks I was so focused on feeling better and hydrated I did not want a drink. It might make you feel awful because you're recovering. In my opinion, just have a mock tail. If not, try to decide if it's really worth it, if you can handle maybe getting sick at a big event or bad dehydration without being able to chug water or eat greasy foods the next day. Sent from my SM-G975U using BariatricPal mobile app

I really want a glass of wine. Not the whole bottle, just one glass. My husband and I typically go out to eat and/or meet with friends 2 or 3 times a week. I am tired of sitting there with a glass of Water. I could nurse a glass of Chardonnay or Merlot for at least an hour! I can understand the no beer thing, and also understand alcohol having empty calories. From the healing band standpoint wouldnt the wine just go straight through to my stomach? The only information I can find in my info packet is: "You must also avoid alcoholic drinks, not only are they very caloric but they irritate your stomach. In time you might be able to drink a glass of wine, but it should be done sparingly and with moderation" How much time is 'in time' lol?

Hunger, now, is a totally different animal. I don't crave food like I used to. I snack because I have to get calories in, not because I am hungry. But, what I do feel is body hunger. Meaning that my body feels a lack of nutrition, and so I eat. I relate it to a fire. I can feel there is less heat being produced, so I throw another log on. I am very active now, and my story is going to be different, for sure. When I say active, I mean I run 5 miles at a pretty good clip. Do an hour of aerobics at the gym and lift weights for and hour about 3x a week. So, I have to eat pretty much throughout the day in order to get enough calories to sustain that, but the feeling is still there and was before I was this active. As I told my wife when I was 1 month out, if I didn't have to eat, I wouldn't. That is how much I cared about food. Now, going on 7 months out, I enjoy eating, and can eat pretty much anything, but everything is different, which, for me, is what I needed. This morning, I took the kids out to Breakfast. They let me order off the senior menu which consisted of 1 egg over easy, 1 piece of toast (buttered, Whole wheat) hash browns and sausage link. I at 3/4 of the egg, two small bites each of hash browns, sausage and toast. I WAS STUFFED! I am the cook in the family and made a huge traditional Turkey dinner for Thanksgiving. The family asked how I could do it, being around and making all this food while I couldn't eat that much. I told them that I really didn't care. It's not like being a bartender who is alcoholic. I can still eat. I can be around food. It doesn't bother me at all. The sleeve just keeps me from scarfing down huge amounts of food. So, yes, it is totally normal to not care about food. This is not true for all sleevers, so I consider it a blessing. I have heard of the recent surgery folk eating popcorn (I started back after 2 months) and even read a post from a lady the other day who was asking why it hurts when she eats solid food ... she was one week out ... :banghead: What do you tell these people? 300 calories/day in the first two weeks ... sounds a little low, but not too bad. I was getting about 400-500. Two Protein shakes (2 x 160) and some other broth. How much protein are you getting in right now. Early, early on, you have to get your liquids in. If you don't, you're looking at an ER trip to get hooked up to an IV. Just keep following your program closely. If it sounds crazy, it is.

Ok, I came home with a drain for week. I just showered with the bandage. After, I would put a clean bandage on after showering. I would clean around the area with alcohol, put on a clean gauze square. After my drain was removed, I did the same except my Dr. said I could begin using some Neosporan when it began to scab over. After a good scab formed, I switched to aloe...and I put this on all my incisions. They're healing great! Good luck.

How do you know whether weight loss surgery is for you? Will it be the weight control solution you have been searching for for years? Or will it be a decision you regret? Nobody can answer that for you, but here are some considerations as you think about whether weight loss surgery is for you. The Qualifying Criteria You are not a candidate for bariatric surgery unless you meet certain criteria set by your surgeon or, if applicable, your healthcare coverage plan. The standard criteria are: Body Mass Index (BMI) over 40 or BMI 35 with an obesity-related comorbidity, such as type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, or sleep apnea. Confirmation that your obesity is not caused by an underlying condition that would make weight loss surgery ineffective. A psychological exam to show that you are capable of sticking to the post-op diet and lifestyle changes that are necessary. Previous documented attempts at losing weight with diet and exercise. Ineffectiveness of Previous Efforts Weight loss surgery is a last resort, not a first try at losing weight. It is for patients who have been obese for years and who have tried to lose weight using lifestyle changes, such as a modified diet plan and a formal exercise program. Many weight loss surgery patients try “every diet under the sun” before deciding that it is time for WLS. They may have had trouble losing any weight at all, or may have lost weight initially but been unable to keep it off. Readiness to Change Weight loss surgery is just the beginning. The way you eat after weight loss surgery determines how well you will be able to control your weight for the rest of your life. You need to be ready to change if you want to be successful with weight loss surgery. No longer will you be able to down a pizza or hit the drive-through on a whim. Are you ready to possibly: Give up coffee and regular and diet soda? Cut sugary treats and fried foods, especially with gastric bypass? Pass on the alcoholic offerings at home, parties, and restaurants? Count protein, slash carbs, and measure portions? Addressing Other Issues Weight gain does not always take place in a vacuum, and weight loss does not solve other problems you might have in your life. First, identify why you became overweight in the first place, and what is keeping you from losing the weight. Is weight loss surgery the answer, or do you need to first deal with an abusive relationship or lack of self-confidence, for example? Emotional eating is a common reason for weight gain. If you tend to eat your feelings away, you are best off figuring out other ways to handle your feelings before you get surgery. Can you use walking as a form of therapy? Maybe you can join an in-person or online support group to turn to when you feel sad, lonely, or angry. If your emotional eating is related to a specific problem, such as stress at work, your best bet may be to handle the problem before getting WLS. That could mean finding a healthy coping mechanism, or it could mean getting counseling to help you work through the source of stress. It could even mean finding a new job, as scary as that sounds. Consider Replacement Addictions Replacement addictions are common after weight loss surgery. They happen when you give up food – which can be an addiction – for a different addiction. Instead of turning to food for comfort, entertainment, or companionship, some weight loss surgery patients turn to “replacement addictions” or “cross addictions” They may take up smoking, or start to abuse alcohol. Replacement addictions can also be healthier than eating; some weight loss surgery patients become gym rats or take up gardening, sewing, or other hobbies. As you consider weight-loss surgery, think about the possibility of food addiction being replaced by replacement addictions. What role does food play in your life now? What do you see replacing that emotional or physical role after surgery? The decision to get weight loss surgery requires a lot of soul searching for most candidates. These points can help you work through some of the doubts you may have as you try to decide what is best for yourself.

My surgeon said never to eat more than 1,000 calories per day. He also suggested that no meal should ever exceed 300 calories and that no snack should ever exceed 100 calories. His instruction was to eat only if hungry and to transition to a maximum of three meals a day, preferably two, and a maximum of 3 snacks per day. No alcohol. No caffeine. My surgeon has never been obese and follows this diet himself. He had no body fat. He practices what he says. I am trying to follow his advice for long-term success. He told me that RNY is the best procedure for maintaining long-term weight loss. I trust his advice, particularly because he follows it himself. I am 2.5 weeks post op and battle low energy. I am forcing myself to walk long distances. I love having the restriction in my stomach. I am very grateful for this surgery.

Probably gonna make some enemies here but why would you go through a surgery like gastric bypass and eat carbs and drink alcohol and try to go back to the way things used to be. It is driving me crazy. I'm successful because I follow the plan. You will not hear me whine about stalls in weight loss... It's part of the plan. But really ladies and gents the surgery is a tool to be used and not abused. We have all been overweight for awhile and know what makes us fat. Why do we insist on trying to go back to old ways!

First, I must say this: I love my family with all my heart, but a select few are driving me completely insane! It hit me yesterday, that FEELING is not allowed in my family. Voicing your feelings is not tolerated. And I can't live my life like this anymore. I refuse to raise my children that way. Depression is anger turned inward. And if you don't discuss your feelings you stuff them, with food, alcohol, etc. I CANNOT DO THAT ANY LONGER! I DON'T WANT TO DO THAT ANY LONGER! I just end up hurting myself. I chose to have this surgery and change my life for ME! If you love me, then be happy for me and support me. Don't blackmail me emotionally. Don't lay someone else's shit sandwich in my lap. If someone else is depressed or unhappy, that person should DO something about it. It's NOT my fault if someone is upset and too depressed to go to work. Tell THEM to put THIER big girl panties on!! Cuz honey, I've had my big girl panties on for A LONG time. I am dealing with my issues. I am trying to become a better person. I am not crying to my Mommy and blaming others for my unhappiness. I OWN my issues. They are on ME! And don't emotionally blackmail my children when they express their feelings and those feelings upset you. YOU are the adult. Shame on you! SHAME ON YOU! It is only natural for a child to protect his parent. God knows I've tried to protect mine. Even when they probably didn't deserve it. But to not only negate their feelings, and then threaten them emotionally! SHAME ON YOU!!!!!!!!!!! That hurts me more than any of the bullshit that has been thrown at me the last year. All of it put together, doesn't hurt as much as when my son told me how he was treated last night. By his own grandparent. I still can't believe it. If you only knew how much you hurt him. And me. I know you want to live your life with your head in the sand and pretend everything is a-okay. Fine. You do that. But don't expect me to. And don't expect me to raise my children that way! I don't want them to wake up twenty years from now, full of self-loathing, and stuffing every feeling because they can't express them. Been there, done that, and it SUCKS! I just realized it's okay to take care of me. People actually DO THAT. Take care of themselves. And it's NOT selfish!! WHO KNEW!? All my life I have been terrified of being a selfish person. So I give till I have nothing left to give. And I wonder why I am empty? Cuz I gave it all away! Someday I hope it is okay to have my wishes respected. I really do. I think that would feel good. I remember when I told you I was going to have this surgery. I SPECIFICALLY asked you NOT to tell my sister. I hadn't decided if I wanted to tell her or not. Even then I had an inkling that she would not be supportive and that my decision would be a problem for her. But you told her. Thanks so much. I also tried to explain to you over Christmas that I needed to keep the negative people at arms length. To take care of me. I was feeling extremely vulnerable. Then you turn around and tell me I need to go talk to her. Practically blame her depression on ME! Thanks for throwing that steaming sack of shit in my lap. Totally appreciate that. And last night, when you thanked me for doing what you asked.... do you know how that made me feel? Like all was right with the world, because Jennifer was happy, and that was all that mattered. You didn't even notice that I was crying. That my eyes were swollen from crying all afternoon. That shows me exactly where I stand. Thank you for that too. You probably didn't notice that I was drinking for the first time in three months either. Or that I was five seconds away from bumming a cigarette off the grumpy guy. After 16 months of being smoke-free, I was completely ready to throw all that hard work out the window. Hello self-sabotage!!! My old friend! But I didn't. I guess I had my big girl panties on after all. Huh, Mom?

transfer addiction.....we have addictive personalities.....some transfer to shopping,sex,alcohol....even exercise....it's to know this we can all aware

My first thought is that it sounds like your just eating to eat. Nothing can help with that except discipline and determination. It's a mind twist, and I recommend having a menu set, and designated time to eat. Start tracking your food intake and stick with the plan. I know it's easier said than done, but if you want it bad enough, you'll make it happen. Protein bars are typically full of carbs and sugar alcohol which can cause more cravings for carby stuff. If you're hungry within 30-45 minutes of eating, are you still on a PPI? If not, acid overproduction could be the culprit. While acid overproduction is sometimes resolved by 6 months post-op, you might be one of us that need to be on a PPI. But, if it's head hunger, or just mindless eating, then you'll have to battle the mental aspect of eating. You've done amazingly well thus far, don't toss out the last 6 months now by being careless and going off plan. I live by the mantra of "just because I can, doesn't mean I should". I can eat every hour on the hour if I wanted to, but I make the conscious effort to eat scheduled meals, measured portions, and still eat protein first 85% of the time. I agree with the above poster regarding the 5 day pouch test. I know several people that have used it to get back on track. Or, you can back to strict low carb, high protein, and have some accountability on what's going in your mouth.

I have drank a couple of sodas here and there with zero issues except a little belch after I drink. My surgeon said that sodas are just wasted calories, and just take up space. He is not a firm believer that the stomach will stretch out just from having a soda every now and then. As for alcohol, I was cleared to drink alcohol at the 4 month post-op mark. Some surgeons say 6 months, some say wait until you are at goal. From what I hear, alcohol does not taste the same after this procedure, and I haven't even attempted to drink anything. Some people say they get drunk on a small amount then sober up quickly. Apparently, there isn't a "happy medium" with our new tiny tummies.