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I do not kow as I am not there yet, BUT they want your liver to be soft and pliable to move it out of the way, you must stop all alcohol as it produces the liver to become stiff,, this is a major life change, be weeks before you can drink again.

The sad part is that she really is very sad in her own skin. But this is borderline harrassment. If we we were talking about alcohol, cocaine, or even cigarettes, the world would stop spinning! I don't see any difference. I'm so glad I can sit here screaming at my computer! Thanks everyone for jumping in!

I agree with Wheetsin and Jachut - I eat lots of carbs and I think I can be considered reasonably successful. I do make sure I eat lots of Protein, and I avoid white flour, white bread, etc. I do eat quite a bit of high fibre, whole wheat products, which I find help to fill me up. oatmeal is a staple breakfast for me. I have posted this before, but for me, cutting out most carbs is a recipe for disaster long term. I went into this process wanting to eat as I plan to eat for the rest of my life (maybe I can eat a little more down the line :biggrin:), which includes eating all foods in moderation. I didn't go into this journey planning to endure my diet until I got to goal and then I would go back to "regular" eating. Regular eating got me to 350ish pounds for most of the 2000's. My problem with restricting carbs is that for me, I have done Atkins or atkins like several times (the first time when my mom put me on it when I was about 11 or 12) and I have lost weight very successfully (probably true for many obese people - which is probably why Dr's recommend it). However, once I started to reintroduce carbs into my diet, I was like an alcoholic or a drug addict and I couldn't seem to stop myself from eating and eating and eating. This of course led to me to gain back all my weight plus more. No thank you - not this time!!!!!!! As Wheetsin posted, I don't think people realize how many carbs are in our food and get confused by the messages they receive (should I eat Beans or not?). Fruit and lots of vegetables can also be quite high in carbs and I have a problem with eating plans that limit your fruit and vegetables. For me, I would recommend having a plan which includes all food groups, with a concentration on natural foods (i.e unprocessed). There is some really interesting reading and newer research on the glycemic index (GI) that you might want to google for more information. I really enjoyed the book, The G.I. Diet, by Rick Gallop. Rick makes his case that you should include low fat protein with every meal, but he also says that including low glycemic index foods "are slower to digest so you feel satiated longer", and they "keep insulin levels low which inhibits the formation of fat and assists in the conversion of fat back into energy". My WLC does not advocate low carbs, but does advocate choosing low GI foods whenever possible.

Wow - Jamie - 100 pounds! CONGRATS! I would think when a body has made that many changes it is much easier for it to accept alcohol. I was a diet rootbeeraholic, and haven't missed it. But have a hard time drinking 64 ounces of Water. But it's only been 3 weeks, I have time.

This is crazy because I'm not much of a drinker. A few times a year maybe. Maybe it's the football playoffs, but I can't wait to have a beer. How long are we supposed to wait? I don't see my doctor for a while and I'm too embarrassed to call and ask. Sent from my LG-H810 using the BariatricPal App

The unhealthy desire to eat more than you need for nutrition is a mental challenge that must be met either with or without a Lap-Band. The advice I offer to Lap-Band and non-lap-band clients is to first re-establish control over your food habits and then explore healthier thoughts about yourself. Stress seems to be one of the major causes of most overeating. Stress also comes in many forms; present day stress and stress associated with unresolved past experiences. The good news is just like with alcoholism or drug addiction, excessive food urges can also be tamed with a little time and shifting your approach to the problem. After working with many overweight clients over the years, the success stories are the ones that accept excessive eating as a mental and physical problem. They also embark on a different approach to solving their weight problem by realizing that excess weight is just a symptom. If you can view your weight as a symptom of other imbalances in your life and not the problem itself, you are well on your way to a lasting solution. More to come...

Does anyone think that drinking is hard on your stomach with the band? I've often wondered if the acid or alcohol would ever irritate the band and cause any problems. I drink some and it seems since losing weight that I drink more than I use to...only because I feel more alive and like going out and being more social now!!! But really has anyones dr said that drinking will cause harm to your band in anyway or just slow weight loss??? Any ideas??

I'm 10 months post-op, down 55kg and obviously eating much smaller portions. Alcohol does affect me much more quickly than before. I won't drive now after even just one drink because I really have no sense of BAC. Fortunately (for me) I don't drink a lot because it interferes with dancing!

That's a gray area had you not had surgery, right now or especially while still starting healing you need to stay well hydrated. for your stomach to mend best. Basically it comes down to that the cafeine makes you urinate. It's over rated to say it's a cause of dehydration when you read about it, they say it takes more than 4 cups a day or at least 6 -8 cups to be problimatic in causing dehydration, yet also when you consume a cup you let out many times more fluids than just that cup of coffee from it's cafeine content. Drink allot and you'll pee out quarts. When I was post surgery in hospital, I was roomed with a man who had a by pass years before and needed a hernia operation, he plainly said that once he started drinking coffee it did in fact cause him enough dehydration and it's discomfort to quit altogether after trying that. A small portion may not hurt, but the coffee has enough cafeine and is a diaretic and causes your body water flood out each cup and tea about 20% cafeine of coffee. If you do get dehydration problems some worst things you could do is drink coffee or alcohol because it will become worse.

I don't drink very much and really only tried alcohol after banding a month ago, twice since then. I had a vodka-cran and a shot of tequila each time. Yum.

I just saw my doc and Nut for my 3 month post op appt (actually 2 1/2 mo. out) Although I have been a really slow loser (-37.8 lbs from start) I have lost inches. They were happy w my progress, more than I was. Anyhow they assured me I was doing everything right and to keep at it. I now have to start with Calcium chewables to help w my teeth and bones to prevent losing teeth or getting bone fractures (scary thought)... The best part was getting told that I am now cleared to go ahead and consume alcohol! Yay! Perfect for this holiday weekend. Has anyone here had alcoholic beverages and felt sick? My NUT told me to b careful because my body would feel the alcohol super quick. keepin it real

Haha! That is what I totally say about alcohol - too much sugar and calories and I am planning my end of summer vacation. Works like a charm. I like the soup ideas so long as they're not chock full of extras or creamy. I hear you on enjoying life! That's important to me! Great ideas everyone - thanks!

I came across this article a few months ago and it helps a lot to keep things in perspective for long term success. Top 10 Most Common Mistakes WLS Patients Make I will also post it here just to make it easier... ----------------------------------------------------------- While weight loss surgery (WLS) is considered the most successful treatment for morbid obesity, it is just the first step toward a fresh start. Weight regain is a common phenomenon, as is illness when weight loss surgery patients do not follow recommended guidelines. Breaking old patterns, establishing an effective post-WLS lifestyle, and addressing the emotional issues that often complicate obesity takes more than commitment; it takes support, information, and resources. The National Association for Weight Loss Surgery (NAWLS) helps WLS patients shape new lives. We teach people what they need to know and help them makes the changes they need to make to achieve long-term WLS success -- physically, mentally, and spiritually. In a November 2005 poll conducted by NAWLS, the following were identified as the top 10 mistakes WLS patients make: 1st Mistake: Not Taking Vitamins, supplements, or Minerals Every WLS patient has specific nutritional needs depending on the type of surgery you have had. Not only is it a good idea to ask your surgeon for guidelines, but also consult with an experienced WLS nutritionist. Understand there is not a standard practice that all surgeons and nutritionists follow in guiding WLS patients. So, it is important to do your own research, get your lab tests done regularly, and learn how to read the results. Some conditions and symptoms that can occur when you are deficient in vitamins, supplements, or minerals include: Osteoporosis; pernicious anemia; muscle spasms; high blood pressure; burning tongue; fatigue; loss of appetite; weakness; constipation and diarrhea; numbness and tingling in the hands and feet; being tired, lethargic, or dizzy; forgetfulness, and lowered immune functioning. Keep in mind, too, that some conditions caused by not taking your vitamins, supplements, or minerals are irreversible. For example, a Vitamin B-1 deficiency can result in permanent neurological deficits, including the loss of the ability to walk. 2nd Mistake: Assuming You Have Been Cured of Your Obesity A "pink cloud" or honeymoon experience is common following WLS. When you are feeling better than you have in years, and the weight is coming off easily, it's hard to imagine you will ever struggle again. But unfortunately, it is very common for WLS patients to not lose to their goal weight or to regain some of their weight back. A small weight regain may be normal, but huge gains usually can be avoided with support, education, effort, and careful attention to living a healthy WLS lifestyle. For most WLSers, if you don't change what you've always done, you're going to keep getting what you've always gotten -- even after weight loss surgery. 3rd Mistake: Drinking with Meals Yes, it's hard for some people to avoid drinking with meals, but the tool of not drinking with meals is a critical key to long-term success. If you drink while you eat, your food washes out of your stomach much more quickly, you can eat more, you get hungry sooner, and you are at more risk for snacking. Being too hungry is much more likely to lead to poor food choices and/or overeating. 4th Mistake: Not Eating Right Of course everyone should eat right, but in this society eating right is a challenge. You have to make it as easy on yourself as possible. Eat all your meals--don't skip. Don't keep unhealthy food in sight where it will call to you all the time. Try to feed yourself at regular intervals so that you aren't as tempted to make a poor choice. And consider having a couple of absolutes: for example, avoid fried foods completely, avoid sugary foods, always use low-fat options, or only eat in a restaurant once a week. Choose your "absolutes" based on your trigger foods and your self knowledge about what foods and/or situations are problematic for you. 5th Mistake: Not Drinking Enough Water Most WLS patients are at risk for dehydration. Drinking a minimum of 64 oz. of water per day will help you avoid this risk. Adequate water intake will also help you flush out your system as you lose weight and avoid kidney stones. Drinking enough water helps with your weight loss, too. 6th Mistake: Grazing Many people who have had WLS regret that they ever started grazing, which is nibbling small amounts here and there over the course of the day. It's one thing to eat the three to five small meals you and your doctor agree you need. It's something else altogether when you start to graze, eating any number of unplanned Snacks. Grazing can easily make your weight creep up. Eating enough at meal time, and eating planned snacks when necessary, will help you resist grazing. Make a plan for what you will do when you crave food, but are not truly hungry. For example, take up a hobby to keep your hands busy or call on someone in your support group for encouragement. 7th Mistake: Not Exercising Regularly Exercise is one of the best weapons a WLS patient has to fight weight regain. Not only does exercise boost your spirits, it is a great way to keep your metabolism running strong. When you exercise, you build muscle. The more muscle you have, the more calories your body will burn, even at rest! 8th Mistake: Eating the Wrong Carbs (or Eating Too Much) Let's face it, refined carbohydrates are addictive. If you eat refined carbohydrates they will make you crave more refined carbohydrates. There are plenty of complex carbohydrates to choose from, which have beneficial vitamins. For example, if you can handle pastas, try whole grain Kamut pasta--in moderation, of course. (Kamut Pasta doesn't have the flavor some people find unpleasant in the whole wheat pastas.) Try using your complex carbohydrates as "condiments," rather than as the center point of your meal. Try sprinkling a tablespoon of brown rice on your stir-fried meat and veggies. 9th Mistake: Going Back to Drinking Soda Drinking soda is controversial in WLS circles. Some people claim soda stretches your stomach or pouch. What we know it does is keep you from getting the hydration your body requires after WLS--because when you're drinking soda, you're not drinking water! In addition, diet soda has been connected to weight gain in the general population. The best thing you can do is find other, healthier drinks to fall in love with. They are out there. 10th Mistake: Drinking Alcohol If you drank alcohol before surgery, you are likely to want to resume drinking alcohol following surgery. Most surgeons recommend waiting one year after surgery. And it is in your best interest to understand the consequences of drinking alcohol before you do it. Alcohol is connected with weight regain, because alcohol has 7 calories per gram, while Protein and vegetables have 4 calories per gram. Also, some people develop an addiction to alcohol after WLS, so be very cautious. Depending on your type of WLS, you may get drunker, quicker after surgery, which can cause health problems and put you in dangerous situations. If you think you have a drinking problem, get help right away. Putting off stopping drinking doesn't make it any easier, and could make you a lot sicker.

I have been able to handle alcohol....but it does hit me a lot quicker then before. I also find myself wanting to drink more now. Be really careful, im not saying that you will turn into an alcoholic or anything...but we are at a higher risk of developing other dependancies after this surgery. I know that I crave it more then I ever did before. plus it will slow down the weight loss due to the extra calories that goe down all to easy. good luck! and have fun! just be carefull

Wow, I was cleared for alcohol two weeks post op. But I gotta tell ya that first sip of alcohol it felt like my entire sleeve was on fire. That's when I knew that perhaps I needed a little more time before going there again.

Hello, I'm just curious to know if anyone ever experienced that their stomach stretched. If so how far out are you and how much weight have you gained? Only asking because someone told me my surgery was a waste because with time you gain the weight back. I know of two people who had the sleeve done lost I've one hundred pounds and is now gaining weight, granted he's drinking alcohol and soda and eating the wrong things. Just curious.

Too funny! I'll definitely get some alcohol pads. We are being sleeved the same day, Dazy!

What will happen if u take a shot of vodka 2 months after surgery??

I am really interested in having LapBand surgery, i am quite a bit overweight and heart attacks are quite common in my family, i've lost a father and grandfather of both sides to heart attacks, i've also had a history of high cholesterol but the high cholesterol is mostly gone now. My BMI is 35, i am 20 and i am having this surgery because i want to slim down the chances of any heart disease and also to live a healthier life. I am 1m 70, weigh around 100kg and my goal is to be 75kg. I have 2 concerns i need someone to answer fully so i can make my final decision. 1) Alcohol People i have asked say that its hard to drink after having LapBand surgery, they say you can't drink to get drunk, etc. I do tend to drink mostly on weekends but i don't overall drink large ammounts. 2) Marijuana I am a regular smoker, i use it to relax and sleep, i use it creatively and it's worked for me, it's not the reason im overweight and i dont intend to quit. I have completely quit smoking tobacco, it's helped with my anxiety/depression, made me quit smoking and it's made me hugely cut down on my alcohol. I also use it for work, university and socializing. Whenever i ask around about these issues, everyone seems to not answer me directly, i want to know if i can drink and smoke. I know i will have to cut down on alcohol, which i see as a benefit, but will smoking marijuana cause anything? Before you comment on weed, know that it's not the hunger factor from weed that has made me fat, i'd gone through depression and anxiety for years and became really fat, my BMI was 39, after smoking i dropped down to about 35 and im too busy to work out as frequently and my work/university cause me to stay idle for hours. The idea of having LapBand is to control the amount of food i consume so i can reach my goal weight, basically just having it cosmetically. I am also worried about extra skin, not from the belly but from my upper area, my boobs and thighs mainly. I am not interested in having any tucks or any removal surgery afterwards but the thing is, im 20, will it leave much extra skin? This is mostly a lifestyle change, i want to be thinner and be able to run and work for longer periods without getting tired because of being fat.

I'm going to have to agree with Jean on this one. It sounds to me like you may have more than one addiction and yes they are addictions.....don't kid yourself. YOU aren't in control. I would highly suggest seeking assistance with the other substances. In turn when you do have lapband you'll be much more successful. Discuss all of this and be honest with your Dr, Psych, and above all else...yourself. I have experience with both and while yes, there may be a very select few who have managed, they are the exception to the rule. Think about your family memebers whom you have lost. Marijuana is a carcinogen and make no mistake is not good for you. Alcohol is really no different than a candy bar....you can have it, but you really shouldn't. I wish you good luck and hope you do what is right for you. In the end it is up to you. X

I’m really thinking about doing the lap band again. I had signed up a few years ago, then became pregnant so that stopped my Quest. My Husband’s open enrollment is coming up and I’m pretty sure I will have him add me again. My insurance doesn’t cover ANY bariatric surgery, weight loss programs, etc. Not that I feel ‘entitled’ to everything, but it does amaze me that my insurance SPECIFICALLY says they don’t cover bariatric surgeries, weight loss programs, etc. but that they DO cover dependency programs (drugs, alcohol, etc). Ummmmm, food IS my DEPENDENCY!!!! It has caused me to have high blood pressure, borderline diabetes and who knows how many other health issues!!! I guess people that don’t have an eating problem have a hard time seeing that I can’t just STOP eating, that I can’t just STOP making stupid food choices (fried foods, heavy carbs, sweets, etc) but I truly can’t! I mean, do those ‘people’ that think it’s easy to just drop 100 pounds by stepping away from fattening foods think I LIKE shopping in plus-sized stores? Do they think I LIKE only being able to find 60-year old woman shirts instead of cute, trendy shirts? Ummm no. If I could lose the weight I would. I’ve tried. I just don’t have the willpower. I don’t think that the lapband will solve my problems over night. I have heard countless times that it is 10% band and 90% person. Well I have 90% in me…it’s that 10% that I’m missing. Most of the time I WANT to eat better. Most of the time I WANT to make better choices, it’s just that every once in awhile I screw up SO badly (Chinese buffets, candy, over eating, etc) that totally messes up and cancels everything GOOD that I’ve chosen to do. I’ve never seen a person (me) take SO long to lose 10 pounds, but go off the deep end for a few days and gain it ALL back, plus 5. I truly feel like a drug addict at times with my out of control eating. I know what I should eat….I can be headed to the store to buy something ‘normal’ and then I pass Arby’s and can’t resist pulling in to their drive thru. As I’m pulling in I will tell myself I will only get something small, a simple cold cut sandwich. As I pull up to the menu I see all of the delicious food, so instead of a cold cut sandwich with no mayo, I decide to get a grilled chicken sandwich, but at the last minute I change it to a crispy chicken sandwich with cheese AND ranch dressing, but I will not order crisscut fries…until the sweet lady in the squack-box asks if I would like to make it a meal…and since I’m thirsty anyway I say “yes please”…because I mean, if I’m already getting the sandwich and drink the Crisscut’s are practically FREE anyway..but I WON’T eat them all…and then when she asks what kind of drink? I say Pepsi, because everyone (according to the news) knows that diet soda ‘causes’ Diabetes anyway, so I might as well drink the GOOD STUFF if I’m going to drink soda!!! I pull out of the drive thru and before I’m even on the road I’m chowing down on my fries. I drive to the closest park (so no one can watch Miss-fatty gorge herself) and eat every, last bite of everything in the bag. Being SURE to check for any lost fries that may be hiding underneath the napkins in the bottom of the bag. When I’m done I’m remorseful. I ask myself WHY I ate all of that and WHY I needed to even stop in the first place. I vow to NEVER do it again and to make better choices from this point forward….but somehow I can never keep my word to myself. …Now tell me how I’m NOT the SAME as a Meth addict? Or an alcoholic??? I don’t LIKE my kids laughing at my fat butt when I bend over in front of them. I don’t like NEVER being checked out when I go to a bar with my Husband. I don’t enjoy always being told how ‘nice’ I am and that I have such ‘pretty' eyes. I want to hear I’m BEAUTIFUL. I want to put on a pair of pants and not have to jump up and down to cram all of myself down inside of them. I want to slide those same pants on and not say a silent prayer that they will still button and zip. I want keep my legs crossed more than a few minutes without the circulation being cut off and causing leg pain. I want to walk in to a store and not be breathless. I want to chase after my kids at the park instead of sitting on a bench waving at them when they ask me to play. I want to be healthy. Is that really too much to ask??? End of my rant….just had to get it off of my chest. If you’ve made it this far, thanks!

Week four and I can't believe how quick it came. I don't weigh myself more than once a week and not when I have a doc's appointment, which I do this week. So, we'll see how that is, but I think things are moving along as expected. I can't eat much besides cheese and turkey deli meat with no discomfort. Other things lead to awkward feelings in the stomach esophagus region. I get my walks in everyday to every other day. With the recent heat, it tends to be a nightly event or super early in the morning. Socially, I'm struggling. Everything involves alcohol and food...I usually just sip Water but that is getting old! I'm looking forward to eating regular foods (small portions of course) b/c I've started to avoid events and that's not my personality!

PS. For those nauseous - some times a small sniff of rubbing alcohol gets rid of it for me. In the hospital, when I was having trouble, they gave me a few alcohol swab packets and it helped almost every time. Can't hurt to try. That's the worst feeling ever! I hope you guys get over it soon!

Hey thanks for the info.im not a alcoholic bt do see myself having a drink here on there on special occasions.ill just keep it truthful to you n myself..yeah thts the info i had also.family members havent horrible stuff from youtube trying to scare me out of it.

Soooo speaking of alcohol, I have a few concerns. I was told that I could have a 1/2 shot on my birthday (my 21st bday is aug 6) and that I would get super drunk from it. I tried drinking prior to that (a few days ago) to make sure my body could handle it and that I wouldn't barf on all of my friends. How many shots of 70 proof rum did it take for me to actually get drunk? 5 shots. I took 1 at a time to see what would happen and spread that out 20 mins apart. Every shot (until the 5th) got me kinda sorta tipsy for 5 minutes then I was stone cold sober again. Why didn't I get drunk off a 1/2 a shot like I was told? My alcohol tolerance has not changed AT ALL post op. Rather concerned. - Kaylee Ann ~ Surgiversary: 6/11/12