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My surgeon told me that I could never have a drink again, period. I've read enough about banding to know that while this may be his opinion it is not the generally held opinion (even the Lap Band web site says that an occasional drink is no problem). I have pretty much accepted that beer is a thing of the past, which was a big hurdle for me because I'm a home brewer, but with the carbonation it wouldn't be good for the band. But wine or liquour in moderation I don't anticipate being a problem. However, I'm now 3 weeks out and haven't had anything and don't know when I will have a drink again. The big thing for me that I'm worried about is the calories in alcohol.

I had my gallbladder removed 11 years ago. I've had non-alcoholic fatty liver ever since I was pregnant with my son, he just turned 14. Now I need WLS to help me try to get my liver finally healthy before I develop really bad cirrhosis. I've greatly improved my diet and health over the years, and tried many things to try my best to improve my liver health, but even with so much effort my liver hasn't been improving and I have had a lot of trouble losing much weight, that is why I'm getting WLS as soon I am allowed. I should hopefully finally receive my surgery date sometime next month. My liver specialist recommended it to help me finally get the rest of my excess weight off and get my liver health back. At this point I am finally no longer afraid of WLS, now I am much more afraid of what can happen if I don't get it.

Don't become obsessed with the bathroom scale. Weigh in once a week at the same time, same day (i.e. Sunday, 9:00pm) Greek-style yogurt is your friend. Celery is not your friend. Small bites, chew really well. Join a support group. Moisturize your skin. Avoid alcohol. Take it slow and easy; be patient with yourself. :thumbup:

He's right! My nutritionist said the same thing today. Protein Protein Protein. We don't really eat veggies for weight loss. We eat then for the vitamins and fiber. She also said that most of the protein shakes are fortified with the same vitamins. I started the pre op diet Monday on my own to see if I could do it and I'm down 8lbs from my last weigh in last month. I know I probably gained some last week because I went on vacation for the week and all we did was eat and drink alcohol! Hubby's right!!

when is your surgery? Your nutritionist will tell you what your surgeons/programs requirements are. Just like you said, oddly enough, everyone is given different instructions depending on their doctor's requirements. For me, I am currently following a 2 week pre op diet. My surgery is 3/4. I am allowed 5 Protein shakes a day, one serving of veggie a day, one serving of fruit a day and one serving of starch a day. I can also have all the Clear liquids I want which include sugar free popsicles, SF Jello, broth, SF liquids etc (I can not have any caffeine, carbonation or alcohol). I thought it was going to be torture but it really hasn't been that bad. I'm sure the next time you meet with your nutritionist he/she will start providing you more and more info regarding this, if not just ask. Good luck on your staring weight loss, you can do this!

I just volunteer to be the designated driver! I find that alcohol affects me more quickly now than when I was 63kg heavier and it's just not worth the risk of overeating due to lowered inhibitions, or to my driver's license. I still have a great time and I remember it all the next day!

Today, during one of my pre-op psych evaluations, I heard a woman say “I just feel like once I start losing weight and start feeling so much better about my self- I will stop doing all the destructive things that got me here. Don’t you think?” My response was “no I don’t agree.” I went on to explain that hers was a common assumption, a dangerous “magic-bullet” fantasy about what weight loss surgery can do. Here’s why: The part of our brain that is responsible for the thought : “wow I look so much better, I better not mess this up,” or “I feel better than I have ever felt in my life, I am a changed person,” is not the same part of the brain that wakes us up in the middle of the night and says: “go on, finish that 1/2 pint of Chunky Monkey in the freezer, there’s only a little bit left anyway, and I have been so good here lately.” We are dealing with two very different brains; the frontal cortex and the reptilian mid brain. The frontal cortex is the most newly developed (relative to other parts of the brain) part of the brain. It is the component that separates us from animals. It gives us the ability to think about consequences, plan, and execute. It is the “higher” part of ourselves, that often says “why do I keep on doing the same things I keep saying I won’t do anymore?” Or “I feel so out of control. This _______ (eating, smoking, drinking, gambling, pick your poison) is a temporary solution that produces long term pain. I have to find a different way.” Our reptilian midbrain is the Commodore 64 to our MAC; it is the palm pilot to our iPhone; the horse and buggy to our Prius; the Tommy Lee to our Oprah. Our midbrain is antique equipment, long ago evolved to keep us alive and hence the reason it is still with us today- it keeps us alive. Our midbrain contains the parts of the brain that make us recoil at the site of a snake or a spider in our peripheral vision. It is hardwired to not have to go through superfluous channels of the brain that might otherwise say “hmmm what is that crawling over there? How do I feel about that? Oh its just a spider, my aunt had a collection of spiders, maybe I should collect things, etc etc.” We just jump, and process later. That very system has helped humans survive for thousands of years. There is an adaptive quality to a brain that proverbially acts and asks forgiveness later. That very old structure once kept us out of harm’s way when a pack of tigers were first seen galloping across a horizon, or when a rivaling tribe could be heard in the far off distance, threatening to pillage our territory. Our midbrain is associated with learning and reward. Learning what makes us feel bad, what eats us (in the past that would be in a literal sense- like tigers, but presently it might be a mercurial supervisor or unending debt), and even more relevant to this article- what makes us feel good. When our brains come across something that makes us feel good (ex: sex, drugs, food), we are then flooded with an influx of the powerful neurotransmitter- dopamine. Just like not everyone that is exposed to drugs will develop an addiction, not everyone that eats a Nutella crepe will develop a food addiction. Much of the research on obesity currently, postulates that food addiction, no dissimilar than alcohol or drug addiction- is a reward system dysfunction or dysregulation, born out of genetic predisposition. It’s almost as if some brains think “if one slice of pizza feels good, how would four slices of pizza taste?” To break these two very different parts up in a different, more basic way; our frontal cortex is the voluntary, while our midbrain is the involuntary. This very dangerous fantasy, many people carry into weight loss surgery is a myth that I try to dispel quickly. This type of “magic bullet’ thinking is the very thing that gets so many gastric bypass and sleeve patients into trouble years down the road. No one wants to look at triggers. No one wants to sit with a therapist and devise a strategic coping plan. We want a pill, a surgery, a 16 minute solution to a 40 year old problem. This is not to say that weight loss surgery is not a solution, just that its only part of the solution. Despite our best intentions, we are still in some ways animalistic, hedonically-driven to feed our most basic impulses. This is part and parcel of why recidivism is the rule not the exception when it comes to recovery from most addiction. So what does this mean? Are all weight loss surgery patients destined for disappointment and disenchantment when the WLS honeymoon ends? No. But the answer to long term change lies more in two-pronged approach to long term weight loss success; surgery + behavioral change. Simply thinking ourself slim is a fantasy. Think about your specific triggers for eating. For some it is that golden hour when all the kids are in bed and Narcos is queued up on your Netflix. For others it is that 2-3pm mid day slump. For some - it is when they are alone, the only time they can eat with abandon free from others’ judgement or their own embarrassment. Whatever your triggers- the key is to identify what need is being met in that moment and to find a non-food alternative to meet each particular need ( many people have multiple triggers for over eating). If it is because its “your time,” after the kids are in bed- maybe you invest in a foot massager, or cultivate a self care space with textures, aromatherapy, candles, and books. If your trigger is that mid day slump, maybe you develop a yoga routine easily done in the office to help re-energize you. If it is the secretive quality to the trigger of being alone and eating, maybe it is finding another thing that is just your own that no one knows (going to a movie in the middle of the day, getting an overly priced facial on your lunch hour, playing hooky with your kid one day, etc). The rule of the brain is : what fires together, wires together. So over time- if you have paired 8pm, Narcos, and nachos- you have created a neurological super highway. The moment 8pm rolls around, you are likely already getting the chips ready and didn’t even realize the thought pathway that just occurred. The idea is to repair our triggers with alternative behaviors and over time “clip those wires” or create “toll roads” to our superhighways (aka neurosynaptic pruning), so that we no longer experience such strong urges and can call upon the higher structures of our frontal cortex to guide the way again. When we are in the midst of addiction, it is important to understand that our frontal cortex is not at the wheel. It has been duck taped and tied to a chair in the basement by our hedonic midbrain who is used to getting what it wants when it wants it. The closer we come to accepting this principle, the closer we come to being more mindful of our midbrain’s powerful rationalizations and sick contracts and see them for just that. We are better able to dis-identify from the thought, knowing it is not coming from our best self, but from our most carnal self. Think of that distant cousin that only shows up when they need something, the Uncle Eddy that tells you he’ll move the RV when he leaves next month, indifferent to how it makes you feel. Except in addiction- that distant cousin has taken over, pretending its you until you can no longer tell the difference. References http://brainspotting-switzerland.ch/4_artikel/Corrigan & Grand 2013 Med Hyp paper (proofs).pdf Blum K, Chen AL, Giordano J, Borsten J, Chen TJ, et al. The addictive brain: all roads lead to dopamine. J Psychoactive Drugs. 2012;44:134–143. [PubMed] Avena NM, Gold JA, Kroll C, Gold MS. Further developments in the neurobiology of food and addiction: update on the state of the science. Nutrition. 2012;28:341–343. [PMC free article] [PubMed] Gearhardt AN, Yokum S, Orr PT, Stice E, Corbin WR, et al. Neural correlates of food addiction. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2011;68:808–816. [PMC free article] [PubMed] Saper CB, Chou TC, Elmquist JK. The need to feed: homeostatic and hedonic control of eating. Neuron. 2002;36:199–211. [PubMed] Stice E, Yokum S, Zald D, Dagher A. Dopamine-based reward circuitry responsivity, genetics, and overeating. Curr Top Behav Neurosci. 2011;6:81–93. [PubMed] Blum K, Sheridan PJ, Wood RC, Braverman ER, Chen TJ, et al. The D2 dopamine receptor gene as a determinant of reward deficiency syndrome. J R Soc Med. 1996;89:396–400. [PMC free article] [PubMed] Comings DE, Flanagan SD, Dietz G, Muhleman D, Knell E, et al. The dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) as a major gene in obesity and height. Biochem Med Metab Biol. 1993;50:176–185. [PubMed] Noble EP, Noble RE, Ritchie T, Syndulko K, Bohlman MC, et al. D2 dopamine receptor gene and obesity. Int J Eat Disord. 1994;15:205–217. [PubMed] Blumenthal DM, Gold MS. Neurobiology of food addiction. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2010;13:359–365. [PubMed] Volkow ND, Wang GJ, Fowler JS, Telang F. Overlapping neuronal circuits in addiction and obesity: evidence of systems pathology. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. 2008;363:3191–3200. [PMC free article] [PubMed] Volkow ND, Wang GJ, Baler RD. Reward, dopamine and the control of food intake: implications for obesity. Trends Cogn Sci. 2011;15:37–46. [PMC free article] [PubMed]

I say you are still in ketosis..... not always a bad thing. When we are in the big weightloss phase this happens. It will also change your BO and yes other people can smell it. I had to switch to a stronger deoderant while in this phase. It sounds like your dental hygiene is great, but stay away from using rinses that are high in alcohol more than once a day. They can dry up your saliva and make things worse. Also make sure you stay hydrated. Don't worry, the bad breath will not last forever.

I am so thankful for the clinic psychologist at the place I had my surgery. His lesson that he hammers every time he gets the chance is that WLS has 3 major traps: Trap #1: you will initially lose weight NO MATTER WHAT. You can have the worst habits and diet ever and still lose weight. This is a bad trap as there isn’t negative feedback for unhealthy behaviors. Trap #2: because of the reduced size of your new digestive tract, you can eat small portions of metabolically disruptive foods (carb-laden and devoid of protein) and be “okay” because it’s only a few bites. Nope,nope,nope! Even in teensy amounts, foods that promote insulin resistance are only going to put you right back into a bad metabolic state over time. Best to avoid them (or save them only for very special occasions) altogether. Trap #3: You don’t stop becoming a “fat” person just because you lost a bunch of weight. It’s kind of like being a smoker or an alcoholic. Just because you’re not actively smoking or drinking, it doesn’t mean you can magically pick up smoking or drinking again and not expect difficult consequences. Fat brains stay fat brains for life and we need to be ever-diligent to not fall into any of the “fat” behaviors that got us needing WLS in the first place. I actually wrote all of these traps down after my sessions with him and I keep them taped to a cork board in my bedroom. I see them every day and try my best each day to keep those lessons close to heart.

I agree with the previous poster to have some mental health help will be very beneficial after surgery to keep what you're talking about in check. My surgeon and nutritionist talk extensively about patients that replace food addictions/food control issues with other addictions/issues after surgery (drinking too much, being too restrictive with food, over exercising; etc.) so I've been very aware of it. Not saying that will happen with you, of course, but some extra support might help you feel better. My mother is an alcoholic and I've been worried about becoming one my whole life, so I understand where you're coming from. Also - in my opinion, you'd want to make sure that you aren't disappointed with the results you're getting from all the HARD work you're doing and the changes you'll be making come surgery time. You're doing awesome, and you should feel proud of that already! It would be terrible to lose a ton of weight and be so much healthier, but then not feel like you've accomplished much because you were too hard on yourself. Best of luck in your journey!!

My surgeon explained that any alcohol will pass through your pouch so quickly , like dumping due to the high sugar content! And thus causing you to become very drunk due to the rapid absorption.. It is a huge no no for his patients! Your only such a short time out... Major healing still occurring.. Can't imagine vomiting would be wise

It is clear to me from your post that we have very different opinions on what being supportive to your partner means and that is ok. Everyone is entitled to run their marriage the way they want. The OP asked for advice on getting support from her spouse, and I thought telling someone you would drink in the home of an alcoholic behind their back, was not a good example of how to do this. I probably shouldn't have responded, but sometimes you just can't help it. I'm sorry my post bothered you.

Your month pre op?idk maybe you ment post op but thats crazy!!!!! I was told around 7 to 8 months or later! I didnt have issues but i did feel my stomach kind of burn or sting but other then that i was good. I felt like i handled my alcohol like i would have pre op but not drinking and going out every weekend has saved me a fortune so it was only once and god knows when ill drink again but not anytime soon!

Regarding exercise, it doesn't need to be a long, grueling workout. Just go for daily walks, and start small and gradually lengthen them. Regarding the alcohol, I'd suggest seeking out a support group or counselor.

Wedding season is tough. But the thing is, even if you don't tell them you had a sleeve, you can just say you are cutting back on alcohol or watching carbs, or whatever. Heck you could even say you were trying to loose a couple of lbs to fit into the dress. Really you do not owe your friends an explanation about what you do and don't drink or eat either.

I don't really consider it cheating if I have a really small scoop of carb smart ice cream and then stop at that. You will need to decide if you can handle just something small like that. It really depends if you have an eating disorder (binge, addiction) or not. I got sugar free popsicles and eat them daily. I also got some sugar free candies and limit myself to 2 a day because the sugar alcohol can cause stomach discomfort. I had to completely cut off any kind of regular candy - chocolate was my nemesis. I won't eat that again. Mich W Hw 223, SW 217 CW 198 GW 135

Brent, no need to feel bad about not exercising. I got to goal weight without any real exercise except regular walking and have maintained it for about nine months. However, I was--and continue to be--very disciplined when it comes to food. I still don't eat sugar or drink alcohol at all, and I keep carbs and fats to a minimum. I'm just not a gym person. We all have to find what works for us and our individual lifestyles. There is no one-size-fits-all long-term solution.

I got down to 175 briefly and wanted to lose another 10-20 (still not sure what will be ideal weight for me). Instead I promptly gained 12 or so pounds, which meant I needed to lose 25. That felt like "same old, same old" and I definitely wanted to nip that in the bud. I love my collar bones and hips -- and my size ten jeans, etc.! Friends (non-WLS) and spouse went on Whole30 program which is basically Protein and veggies, a little whole fruit, some nuts, etc. but easy on all that -- basically meat, fish, chicken and veg. It's how I need to be eating anyway and I have been able to get back on track for myself that way. Feels good. With a band it's really important to chew, chew, chew and to avoid slider foods. Of course it's easy to come to rely on those yummy things like yogurts, fancy cheeses, etc. Oh, and alcohol apparently does me no favors as far as the scale is concerned. Avoiding the constant wine & cheese party mode is very helpful. I am back in the jeans I had before and hopefully on my way to the next pair that are waiting.

Oh yes, Me and sugar alcohols are not friends. *smile*

I am just over a month post op - but my diet is not really restricted at all. The only things that are tough are thick, doughy white bread. Also, if she drinks alcohol - I'll let you know that after one drink I am drunk - so make sure you are there to drive her. I wouldn't worry about the vacation or cooking - just try to make healthy meals and support her new eating habits. We bandsters can eat about anything in moderation. The best thing you can do for her is to be supportive, and try not to tempt her with delicious, high fat foods.

Ashley S, is it that like firmer Drug or Alcohol Addicts, we will always be Recovering Obese people? No matter what the outside people may see, we will always still know, there but for the Grace of God, go I! And there's my free analysis for Monday Morning.😛❤😛

I try and eat about 1200 calories a day on cross fit day and 900 a day on running day. For example, I ate 7 x: 1. Protein shake with chia seeds (100 cal), 2 energy squares (120 cal). 2. 3 oz Protein (120 cal) 3. 3 oz protein, 2 oz veggie (150) 4. 2 energy squares (120 cal) 5. 1 AMRAP bar (300 cal) 6. 5 oz protein, 2 oz veggie (200) 7. 10 oz protein shake (100) Total: 1210 I have gone the last 2 months with my weight staying pretty constant @ 190 since adding daily creatine and 10 lb of lean muscle after reaching gol in February 2013. As for stalls, one day up 2 lb, another day down 2 lb. However, yesterday was a big drop of 5 lb overnight after my weight went up 5 lb from a Cinco de Mayo drink session (2 margaritas) and 2 glasses of a full Chardonnay the day before that. I ran long on may 5th and for an hour on may 6th. Women have to deal with TOM, but men have to deal with Water retention due also. as for alcohol, i am going to cut down the intake because it does mess with your weight and water retention. It also does not help when needing to run or do a WOD. Now it is about 2x a month except for the last weekend. I drink about 1.5 gallon a day. However, I want to cut down my water drinking after dinner so I am not up 3-4 x a night in the bathroom.the chia seeds help tremendously with retaining water in the GI tract for when it is needed during working out. The Aztecs really knew what they were doing when eating a handful chia seeds before running 100 miles in the Andes.just remember to drink enough of water before and father to support the internal water retention of his sees. I always drink at least 40 oz first thing in the morning an hour before the seeds and then drink water all day long.

I know alcohol is a subject all on it's own and some people don't drink with the band. My dr never said not to drink. I like to binge drink occasionally and responsibly (I'm 23). I will only have a drink while I'm out for dinner or something but last night I saw friends I haven't seen in awhile and we partied. I drank a significant amount of alcohol and was okay but this morning I ended up puking all morning. I rarely vomit from alcohol. Anyway, I'm just wondering if anyone has been able to drink, be drunk, and not vomit with the band

Go, have a good time, as Sai says, sip on some water or unsweet tea. Doubtful anyone will press food or drink on you, but here are some sample scripts in case they do: Them: care for a cocktail? You: No thanks! Them: Here, have a slice of birthday cake! You: I wish I could, but my doctor ordered me not to eat food like that until I lose some weight. Them: why aren't you eating? You: I've been having some tummy issues recently, trust me, you do not want to see the results at this party if I eat some rich party food. Them: Why aren't you drinking? You: My doctor told me no alcohol because I need to lose weight. I swear I am not pregnant! etc. etc. Pick the type of excuse that works best for you, though I doubt you will have to use it.