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Drink alcohol but just 2 times at month? is bad?!! if feel FULL even when i had a Total unfill?!! that could be an SLIP?? i eat really good! i dont PB at all!! What can i do

I'm not saying I'm a drinker, since I'm underage, but this was really interesting. AWOL or Alcohol WithOut liquids. They came out with a machine where you inhale the alcohol, like oxygen, so you can get the buzz without the extra calories. It goes to the lungs instead of the stomach. I thought for WLS patients who enjoy the buzz but have trouble drinking, this is a like a 'loophole.' I have a couple links. Skip to 3:23 in the video if you don't want to watch the whole thing. I'm having trouble deciding my thoughts on this. It's the same thing as drinking but it reminds of me drugs too much, I think. What are your thoughts? http://www.ebasedprevention.org/oewn/awol http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sqGgMXIllA

I honestly started cutting things out when i started my pre op diet (7/8/19). Stopped drinking alcohol, stopped eating like sh**, drank a sh** ton of water. My surgery is 4 days away and im feeling extremely confident and excited. I knew what i signed up for. Good luck!

I looked for a "smacks sibling" emoticon but alas, there was none. I've made it clear to my family what foods I consider to be 'trigger' foods - ones that either tempt me...or for now, ones that are just hard to see someone else eating. I seriously have tried to assure my family they don't need to be sneaking their food into other rooms...LOL. We all have to have some version of a 'new normal' life together. If I AM the one having a bad day or whatever is going on in my head, then I will excuse myself prior to the meal and they are not to take it personally. THEY still need to eat. What I do draw the line on in my own house (kids are technically out of the house) is any foods that were not part of the keto way of life my husband & I were followed up until my pre-op. As he has stated he will continue on keto, that is fine. My family knows the things that do NOT tempt me like ice cream or pie. If any of the miscreants bring in cake or cookies, there will be a brawl but it's not because of this surgery, I'd have had an issue with it when I was doing keto. Most of the time even that stuff no longer bothers me but like someone new in recovery from let's say 'alcohol addiction', people who are near and dear should not be drinking around them, especially not when someone is new in recovery (the exception here is that my family needs to eat to live so I do not expect them to abstain, just to be thoughtful). I see the surgery and the first few months after that as being new to a different type of recovery. Recovering from food addiction but NEVER cured just like AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) and NA (Narcotics Anonymous) treat addiction. Everyone is hopefully on some path of recovery but you are never considered 'cured' which keeps you on guard against relapsing although it can happen and you just get back on the proverbial horse. LOL, maybe next time you are presented with a temptation, imagine drinking or eating it in front of your doctor...I was going to say 'in front of a mirror' which is something I've used before when I was...eating WAY too much and that mirror thing has stopped me quite a few times. Whichever would deter you the most...LOL

I just hit my 7th week post op and with the holidays coming up I was thinking about when I would be able to have a drink? I should just call my doc but does anyone know if there is any timeline restrictions for a drink? (I know it will hit me harder now than before)

Hey, Marine--nice to hear from you, and happy one-year anniversary (more or less). My surgeon and nutritionist both said alcohol is fine one year out. However, it always going to be calculation as to whether it's worth the (empty) calories vs. the the benefit. Becoming a teetotaler isn't realistic for everyone, but drinking of course needs to be done in moderation. This will be a lifelong balancing act that does't end just because we are in the maintenance phase. I hope you are doing well!

@DisneyAddict - I quit smoking on 1/7 with Chantix and had surgery on 1/26. So stopped taking the Chantix on the day of surgery and never started it back. Now with all of the ways I'm feeling deprived currently - no nicotine, no alcohol, no food, etc I'm finding myself having really strong urges to start smoking again. I know I shouldn't for many obvious reasons, and really enjoy saving the money and not smelling like an ashtray. I wish I could truly enjoy going to the gym, but I just don't - at least not yet. I just need to find something enjoyable to do with myself. I feel like I go home and can't do anything except walk for a little bit and watch TV. It's a daily struggle with all of that.

Personally, I don't believe in the NO-FOREVER list. I mean, unless one is an alcoholic, why the heck not? I'm not a drinker, but I like one occasionally. I certainly take the Eucharist every Sunday and have been since 2 days post-op. I think the no soda forever is BS as well. Yeah, like it's going to pop my sleeve. I can burp ya know. The upper esophageal sphincter works just fine thanks.

I'm a drinker, and I waited ~ 3 months. When I say drinker, I mean a couple times a month, not alcoholic-type. I have drank whiskey, white russians (getting the protein in with the milk, you know), vodka... etc. Never been a beer drinker, and I wouldn't be surprised if I never drank another beer. Be aware, your tolerence is waaaaaay down. I used to be able to drink about as much as I wanted and still be completely functional. No more! a couple drinks and I'm feeling it.

I remember when I have done weight watchers in the past it was the same - everything except caffeine and alcohol.

It may be that they are concerned about transfer addiction. When you stop being able to turn to food you start looking for something else, and if you have drank in the past it could be alcohol, could also be shopping, hopefully it will be nothing! But they want you to understand addiction a little better in any case.

My dr never mentioned no coffee or alcohol.... i can live with out the alcohol... but COFFEE... The world couldn't handle me off of coffee.....

According to hopkinsmedicine.org 80-90% of gastric and duodenal ulcers are caused by H. Pylori bacteria. Other causes are NSAIDS, smoking, caffeine, alcohol, and physical stress. food doesn't seem to CAUSE ulcers but can aggravate existing ulcers. By definition an ulcer is a break in the tissue, a sore, or a lesion and can be located anywhere in or outside of the body. Ulcers get their names from their location... gastric ulcer, peptic ulcer, duodenal ulcer, skin ulcer, etc. The type of ulcer you are referring to is totally different from the type that was mentioned.

About 6 months post op, I had my first glass of wine....did not notice any difference. You'll read on here where many folks are more sensitive to the alcohol. Now, 4+ years post op, I'll have some a few times a week. Maybe thats one reason I been awarded the slowest loser's badge......

I don't drink alcohol, empty calories.

I'm just curious about everyone's drinking habits with the band, and if it affects anything? Xx

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!

someone put rubbing alcohol in your water bottle? that is attempted murder. call the police.

@@NewLife'sGr8. I was in shock that rubbing alcohol was put in your water bottle. Shocked. I'm sorry you're experiencing such hateful behavior and saddened that your company tolerates it.

Okay...so a lot of people have posted questions on here about the psych evaluation. I don't expect this to necessarily help anyone but I wanted to share my experience. It is somewhat different that any other post I have read. First of all I struggled with the decision to see a psychiatrist or a psychologist. I know a psychologist on a professional level so I knew I would feel comfortable with him. I also knew if I went to him I would have to complete testing whereas if I went to see a psychiatrist, it would only be an interview. In the end it was money that made the decision for me. I only had a copay with the psychiatrist whereas I would have to pay for the testing and interview with a psychologist, which was considerably more than my copay. How did I find the psychiatrist? An acquaintance had the surgery and said she could only find one who would do the evaluation. I would have to drive 90 min one way. Fine. I asked about her experience with the evaluation and the first thing she said was "I felt like she was trying to talk me out of it." The acquaintance was 5'5 inches, 300 lbs and had no co-morbid conditions. So, I was curious to see if I felt like she had tried to "talk me out of it." I am 150 lbs overweight. I have diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and a long history of high cholesterol and triglycerides (although I do not currently have this problem). The psychiatrist asked questions I expected to be asked: current medical conditions, medications, family history, occupation, marital status, past and current mental health issues, past trauma, past relationships and how long they were, etc. She asked me what procedure I was having (sleeve). She did not ask me anything at all about my weight history, if I had a support system or if there were any stressors in my life. So at the end of the interview this is what she had to say: 1. You need to know there is currently NOT a cure for obesity. If there were, everyone would be having the surgery. You should also know the statistics say there is a high rate people who regain their weight back. My response to her was i felt like without the surgery I had a 0% chance of losing this weight and keeping it off. With the surgery, at least I will have a chance! I added I think the benefits will outweigh the risks. 2. There is a phenomenon known as addiction transfer and you are at a very high risk for this. I immediately stopped her and told her I was aware of this concerned about this as well and talked to my therapist about it. With regard to the transfer of food to alcohol addiction, I don't drink at all now. So, in order for me to avoid this, I should not ever drink. Of course, at this point she had to tell me about her "friend" who never drank before surgery who ended up being an alcoholic. I'm not quite sure why she said I was at a "high risk" for this because the only addiction I've ever had is food. However, my father and sister both died from drug addiction so I am statistically more likely to have addiction problems. I understand this may occur so I will be more cognizant of it. 3. You need to be aware this is a "dangerous and risky procedure." Well so is life saving brain and heart surgery! She said this on two different occasions. First, she told me about another "friend" who had a leak at the staple line. Then, the kicker of it all is this psychiatrist was morbidly obese herself! Not just obese, morbidly obese. Round as she was tall. So then she says to me I would have the surgery myself if it wasn't so "dangerous and risky." So..did I feel like she was trying to talk me out of it? Hell yes! I find it ironic that a person who I know understands the struggles of being obese would have this perspective on WLS. Her responses were the kind of feedback you get from a normal, lay person. Another oddity...she also out of the blue said "you look good." What does that mean? My hair and clothes were clean or I didn't act like was experiencing psychosis? I didn't ask. She did clear me for surgery so I guess that is the most important thing but that experience left me scratching my head......

My ballpark date is the first week of September. Diabetes does suck. I'll never forget the ay my doctor looked when I went into his office for my follow up from getting my results from my blood work the first time. I really thought I was going to tell me I had cancer. I really never struggled too much with my weight. I weighed 94lbs until my mid 20's. Then I was 120 until I got pregnant with my son. After I had him I weighed 170lbs. I worked out and lost it. Only weighed a 130lbs when I gave birth and lost last as well, and my third one got huge and lost that. I was hanging around at 108 lbs for years. I walk in my doctor looks at me and then at the results rubs his hands over his face, shaking his head with the perplexed look on his face. He tells me my cholesterol was 398 and my fasting blood sugar was 400 something. I had a hysterectomy in 2010 gained some weight after that surgery. I had to move myself and my kids from on military base from the East coast to the midwest. My husband was deployed. Me, 3 kids (15yrs, 12yrs, and 8yrs old at the time) 3 cats, and a dog in a minivan. Needless to say, I was at the hotel bar drinking a few adult beverages after 10+ hours driving. Alcohol has way too many calories. I gained weight from that and then the big one was I broke my ankle in April of 2018. I could not walk and they could not find the break. I went all summer and a 10 day trip to Disney World on a broken ankle. When I go back my primary care Dr. told me to stay off it. I did. I had to go on extra meds to control my blood sugars. I was gaining weight rapidly. In September I told him that I could not walk from the front of a store to the back to get a gallon of milk without being in agony. So we got an MRI and bingo. They could not get me into surgery till Jan 30! Then I had reinjured my ankle in May this year, Hairline fracture in my tailia. So, I get to start physical therapy again next week. WOOT. I did lose 45lbs with just my diet but I have not lost anymore in months. I know I can not lose this weight by myself this time around. I am using this chance to take back control of my health. Bread, my own homemade chocolate chip cookies, and ice cream are my weaknesses. I have read that cravings and your taste buds change after surgery. I hope my brain will forget as well.

Drunk on a sip or two? Not unless you were seriously susceptible to the effects of alcohol pre-band.

Echoing what everyone else said, drinking in moderation is okay. Be sure to track your calories to make sure you don't overdo it. Alcohol can be high calorie with no protein payoff, and consequently I avoid it. My doctor also said both alcohol and caffeine are appetite stimulants as well.

Mine are not healing as well as I would like. The one where thy took my stomach out is fine.all healed up. the one above it ( under my left girl) is a mess. It keeps oozing blood and pus. It was/is a tiny little thing, but, it just won't heal. I am one month out. I am keeping it clean with alcohol. and covered lightly. (gauze) I think I caused this to happen. I wear an underwire bra. I think it irratated that site and ground some dirt in or something. All my other wounds are healing nicely enough. One of them opened up when I took the stiches out. Pcp here said it will heal from the inside out. Will just take longer. I am with Cajun on the scars VS fat. gimme the scars, there is always a one piece suit for the pool. Plus you can say you had some moles removed. That is what it looks like. There is always tatoos for coverage. LOL Wait for at least a year or two before resorting to that. Tiffy could get a pink (breast cancer) ribbon to cover hers. HA

All of this will cause/contribute to weight gain/prevent losses. In addition to the hormones. If you are drinking any calories (alcohol), that will also put the weight on like nobody's beeswax. I could be guaranteed to gain 5 lbs overnight any time I took my old pain meds that I no longer take.