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Hi. I am new and getting sleeved on in July 2015. MY Surgeon is Chris Wong in Bristol. I am a little scared about this as it is only recently I have ever though about having surgery after many years of failed dieting. Can I ask a silly question, post surgery will I ever be able to enjoy a kids meal and a drink, or will it be a choice between one or the other? I am scared that eating out will be a situation I will avoid in future. Obviously I know that my portion size will be tiny, but if I have to choose between have a couple of (non-alcoholic, non-fizzy drinks) and a small meal, I think I may struggle. Also, are there any sleever "in real life" meetings. I am from nr Bristol and would love to catch up with people that are in the same boat. If there is ANY information you think I should know, good and bad, please let me know.

I'm 4'11, 185 pounds BMI 37. I might not have a very high BMI but my co-morbidities tell the story of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease...I am sure I am forgetting something. I should have never waited so long to do this, honestly. If I was 300 pounds, I would be a dead woman, I am sure of it. I am a walking stroke. You are young, do this while you can. FED BCBS approved.

Hi all - I'm a 28 y/o F. I've been obese my whole life and over the past 5-7 years I've hovered around 200lbs. My BMI is just about 40 and I have no comorbidities. My GW is 130. I have my first appointment in the end of August - 6 weeks of waiting! And I made the appt in June! I've done a LOT of research and thinking and I think I want to pursue WLS. I think it's the only way I can really get the weight off. I checked my insurance and on paper I'd qualify. However, because my BMI is (only) 40, I'm otherwise perfectly healthy and believe it or not I DO exercise 3x/week and eat well, even cut out soda and alcohol over a year ago and haven't lost an ounce for it. I'm SO afraid they'll say I'm not a good candidate because "I'm not fat or sick enough" or "I don't have THAT much to lose". That they'll just tell me I need to be more diligent about exercise or whatever my PCP has already been telling me for years. I'm putting a lot of stake into this appointment and I just don't want to get my hopes up if I'm just going to be denied. I desperately need some help (which is hard for me to admit), and I'm so scared I won't get it. Anyone else have a similar experience? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I am 25 mo post op and never reached my goal weight though I did lose 120 after surgery. I have gained 14 lbs this past year. I too had some family things that enticed me back to sweets, carbs, and alcohol. I got back on this site a couple of weeks ago and see I am not the only one! Last week I read about the 5 day pouch test on this forum. I googled it and read about it. I started it last Thursday. I feel so much better! My cravings are gone and I've lost 5 lbs. This weight thing is truly a life long struggle. Good luck to you!

I first met Western Bariatrics in Reno, NV in April 2012; Dr. Watson and his staff were fantastic! I havew been rollercoaster dieting for years, trying all sorts of things but needed to move forward. I wanted to make a decision lap band vs. bypass; I chose lap band. So all the prep, insurance approval, etc. finally came. In July, I started swimming laps for two months, then took lessons and learned the right way to swim laps to benefit your cardio and physical body! So, I wanted to start a habit before surgery. After I returned from vacation in mid August, I started my four week pre op. I quit drinking alcohol cold turkey, which was very difficult as I was a social drinker, but heavy at times. I also started protein drinks, mostly Muscle Milk Light, chicken broth, string cheese, hard boiled egg, pudding and jello for four weeks; With that and swimming, when I weighed in the day of surgery, I was 36 pounds down. Dr. Watson was very pleased! My surgery was September 12th and as I write this, I am on day 10 post op. I have lost an additional 6 pounds. I have stuck to the post op diet rigid. My follow up is in a week or two as I live 4.5 hours away from my doc. I will plan on getting a fill, looking forward to solid foods soon :-) SO that is my story. I want to get healthy, stay healthy and be happy. :-)

What follows is a narrative of my personal experience with the vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) and my subsequent weight loss. It is specifically written for both preoperative and recent postoperative patients. This is my way of thanking Bariatric Pal for the wealth of valuable information I gleaned before undergoing the surgery. I need to underscore that my story is not intended to provide weight loss advice or suggest that the way I did it is the only or even best way to lose and maintain weight loss. I have broken and continue to break most of the postoperative rules I was given by my surgeon and, yet, I’ve been able to maintain a weight loss of 88 pounds over four years (my weight fluctuates within a five-pound range). There are too many self-proclaimed experts on this forum: I am not seeking feedback or a critique about the particular path my journey has taken. There are a few things I would do differently in retrospect. Perhaps others will benefit from my story. Back Story Obesity runs in my family. My parents were chronically 30 to 60 pounds overweight throughout my entire life. My father died at 62 from arteriosclerosis (years of cholesterol plaques broke free and clogged his valves: he suffocated to death). My mother died at age 61 from a massive stroke. Three of my four grandparents died in their late 50’s and early 60’s. I am 63-years-old and thank God every morning for giving me another day. I was a skinny kid but my mother forced me to finish a large glass of eggnog every day even though I would spend over an hour trying to get it down. Her plan worked: At age twelve, I weighed around 30lbs more than I should have. The year was 1967 and Weight Watchers had just opened a branch in my hometown. My mother joined and I decided to follow her program (there were no teen programs at that time. Back in those days, one weekly serving of liver and three daily doses of that foul-tasting Malba powered fat-free milk were mandatory). I lost the excess weight in a relatively short period of time because I was consuming far fewer calories than a growing boy needed and I was active with sports throughout high school. I kept the weight off until after I was married. Throughout my young and middle adulthood, I would continuously lose 30 pounds over a period of a few months and then slowly but surely regain the weight over a two-year period. However, the total amount of each weight gain increased with age and losing the weight became increasingly difficult. At 57 years of age, at a height of just under 5’7”, I weighed in at 244lbs reaching a BMI of 38.8. Bariatric Consultations My initial plan was to obtain a gastric balloon (I wasn’t quite ready to accept that I needed a permanent solution). I consulted with three bariatric surgeons who each told me that a gastric balloon was not the answer as, first, I had too much weight to lose and, second, each physician anticipated that I would regain the weight as soon as the balloon was removed (in six months’ time). Two surgeons recommended the vertical sleeve; one was in favor of the gastric bypass. I eventually decided on the VSG as I didn’t want to have to worry about nutrient absorption (although, as it turned out, I still have to take daily supplements as I just can’t hold enough food in my stomach to receive the minimum daily requirements of vitamins and minerals). My decision to undergo the surgery was not based on vanity. I would have continued to let my pants out if that had been an option as I loved to eat. The surgery was a medical necessity: I had developed obesity-related diabetes (type II) and was taking 1500mg of Glucophage daily and it was only marginally successful. I was functionally crippled: I could not walk more than 100 yards without feeling as if the soles of my feet were on fire. I would need to stop and sit down to give my feet a chance to recover. I was miserable. I could do nothing but lie in bed, watch TV, and eat. In addition, as my weight increased, my blood pressure continued to spike. I was taking five different antihypertensive medications daily and my pressure was still in the high-normal range (155/90). My wife lost her partner in that I was physically unable to do the things with her that we used to do together. She often referred to herself (with me only) as a widow. I hit rock bottom emotionally during the summer of 2012 while visiting Disney World because I needed to rent a scooter (I could not keep up with the others and would hold them up while I rested for a few minutes). I was deeply humiliated although my companions were thrilled that we were able to skip the long lines and enter the rides through the handicap entrance. I scheduled the surgery well in advance for the winter break of 2012 as soon as we returned home (I’m an academician and a university student counselor). My eventual choice in a surgeon was based on a recommendation from my stepson, an emergency room physician, who heavily researched various doctors for me. This particular surgeon was the first to ever perform bariatric surgery in our state and, most impressively, has a “leak rate” of zero percent (even to this day after five years). The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly The operation went smoothly although I awakened to four incisions instead of the expected three because the surgeon could not see his way around my fatty liver without that additional entry point. My mild to moderate pain was sufficiently managed with a pushed IV dose of morphine and tramadol followed by regular intervals of more tramadol. I was very comfortable during my two-night hospital stay. I was sent home with only liquid Panadol and it worked. What pain I had was negligible by the fourth day, when I was able to get out of bed without help. I attribute this outcome to my surgeon’s skill. What I did not anticipate, from having read these forums, was just how damn thirsty I would be before I was cleared for liquid intake. My mouth and throat were so dry that the Barium liquid they gave me to drink for the leak test was literally a welcomed respite from my thirst. I was one of the unfortunates to suffer chronic diarrhea for three-and-a-half-months. This condition is not uncommon after vertical sleeve gastrectomy. I went to work every morning wearing a diaper. I also did not anticipate how weak and dehydrated I would be. I was readmitted to the hospital after two days of dehydration and syncope, a condition that persisted for weeks. I lost my balance a couple of times while at work, which led to speculation among my colleagues that I had either contracted alcoholism or cancer (the latter guess was reinforced by my rapid weight loss). I chose not to broadcast my surgery to anyone other than a few close relatives. My healthcare issues are no one’s business but my own. I also don’t discuss my hypertension, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and reoccurring planters wart with relative strangers such as waitresses and coworkers. (There is a great deal of debate on this forum about the merits of telling the world about one’s bariatric surgery. I do not necessarily believe that one approach is better than another. I only know what was and is best for me). I lost weight too quickly because I didn’t prepare sufficiently for the postoperative 14-day liquid diet. I couldn’t stand the taste of the liquid protein drink I purchased and there is only so much clear broth one can tolerate without feeling as if you’re drowning. By the ninth day, I broke my first postoperative rule and had my wife make me a simple poached egg without seasoning. To this day, that single poached egg was the most delicious meal of my life. I was starving. I believe I lost 30 pounds within the first five to six weeks, followed less dramatically by another 40 over the course of the next six months. Unfortunately, a significant percentage of that weight loss was muscle. Consequently, by the time I reached my initial target goal, I was disheartened by the fact that I looked nothing like I did the last time I had weighed 170lbs. My pants size never changed as my weight decreased from 185lbs down to goal weight, owing to this apron of loose skin in my lower abdomen: I have had to wear 36-inch waist pants regardless of weight. That has been an enormous disappointment. The last time I weighed 170lbs (back in 1997), I wore a 33-inch waist. Over the course of the five years that followed, I gradually lost another 15lbs while not particularly trying to. I have a hunch that my surgeon removed more stomach than he let on, although a gastroenterologist told me that I had about 50 percent of a normal stomach after she performed an endoscopy to rule out stomach cancer. I developed a terrible case of acid reflex and must take antacids every day. During the summer of 2012, my wife and I went on a five-week culinary retreat, including a 10-day cruise. I returned home to discover that my weight had climbed to 180lbs from the 168lbs I had started my vacation with. It was a harsh wake-up call that I could not eat with total impunity. The fear of regaining my weight gripped the pit of my stomach like a heavy duty Craftsman’s vise. I made a decision and commitment to myself that exact moment to never allow myself to gain this kind of weight again. I made a concerted effort to reduce my daily intake of food until my weight fell back down to goal weight. My weight has remained fairly constant from the beginning of 2013 to present day, fluctuating from 155 to 160 pounds. When my weight hits 160, I make a decision to become acutely mindful of what I eat until I see 150-something on the scale. As for the apron, I will go in for liposuction this summer. I gave serious thought to an abdominoplasty but the surgeon talked me out of it, claiming that I would require a four to five week recovery period. In addition, he felt that the loose skin would eventually retract after the underlying fat was removed. In fact, my apron has slightly decreased in size over the past year, an effect of regular activity I think. The Aftermath I am convinced that my metabolism has increased as a result of having been able to maintain my lower body weight over several years. It seems to me that I can eat more now than I could one year after the surgery without gaining weight (my wife, on the other hand, thinks that this isn’t necessarily true, i.e., that I am not really eating more than I had). I am amazed by all the energy I have today: my wonderful and beautiful wife is no longer a widow of obesity and diabetes. Today, I seize every opportunity I can to accompany her to the malls and stores. Today I can walk for hours without pain or fatigue: my diabetes went into permanent remission after a weight loss of 30 to 35 pounds. My BMI varies from 24.6 (normal) to 25.4 (slightly overweight) depending on where I am in my five-pound weight range. My blood pressure is currently maintained in the low-normal range (i.e., 120/70) on just one-fourth the medication I used to take when I was fat. I am on the scale every single morning. I do not like surprises. I want to know immediately when my weight starts to creep upward so I can nip it in the bud. I know myself: I would not be able to rationalize that personal failure away. I am a big fan of the reality TV show “My 600lb Life” on TLC. According to bariatric surgeon Dr. Nowzaradan, less than five percent of his patients enjoy long-term success. Based on the scientific literature I have read, patients with a starting BMI of less than 40 have the highest long-term success rates. Those who were morbidly and super obese (BMIs of 40 to over 50) at the start of surgery have a tough nut to crack. In most cases, they will need to consult with a psychotherapist who specializes in the treatment of obesity to change their emotional relationship with food. Aside from eating solid food after just nine days, I started drinking carbonated beverages at six months after the surgery, e.g., diet cokes and vodka tonics. I am not aware of any change in my stomach’s capacity and I’ve been drinking carbonated beverages every day for almost five years. (Please note: In no way am I encouraging anyone to do the same. Follow your surgeon’s guidelines. I do not want to read any criticisms or dire admonishments from this forum’s formidable food police about how I am inadvertently sabotaging other people's weight loss program). I am simply sharing what has worked for me for the last five years. Many forum members claim that their taste for certain foods changed after the surgery (and, quite fortuitously and even miraculously, it’s always foods high in carbs and fat that members seem to lose their taste for). I cannot claim such good fortune. All foods taste the same to me as my surgeon refused to remove even one of my 10,000+ taste buds: What has changed, however, is my appetite for certain foods. Prior to the surgery, I used to put away four to five 16oz Angus ribeye steaks every week. Today, I don’t find red meat as appetizing as I used to because of its density. I prefer fish because I can digest it easily and without suffering from an agonizing attack of acid reflux. Chicken is also good. Sometimes I do feel frustrated that I can’t eat more than three to four ounces (including fluids) at a time. The good news is that my surgery paid for itself in about 18 months owing to dramatically reduced grocery bills (my insurance did not cover the surgery). I was thrilled when—by fasting all morning long from food and liquids—I was able to finish an entire half of a Second Avenue Deli pastrami sandwich while visiting New York City (and a few sips of their beef barley mushroom soup as well). I have not restricted or eliminated any foods from my life. As a behavioral therapist with over 37 years of clinical experience, I don’t believe in abstinence from food or alcohol as a lifelong strategy. Abstinence is not an effective alternative for moderation. My diet is predominantly the same now as it had been before the surgery. I still eat candy, cake, and pizza, for example… just a lot less than I used to. The only genuine difference in my diet, as stated before, is a decrease in the amount of red meat I consume because it’s harder for me to keep down than fish and chicken. My stomach is very sensitive to overeating: the difference between digesting my food in peace and having to run to the bathroom to cough up a silky combination of excess mucous and gastric acid is literally one bite or a single sip of beverage. Would I have the surgery again given what I know now? Absolutely and in a New York minute. The only regret I have is that I didn’t commit to the surgery sooner. What I learned from my experience I urge anyone planning on having a sleeve gastrectomy to invest the time and money to experiment with different brands and flavors of protein drinks before the surgery. You need to have a reliable source of protein and sufficient calories or you will lose muscle along with fat as I did. The only regret I have is that I lost the weight too quickly, leaving me with an annoying apron and lots of loose skin on my arms, stomach, and hips. There is an implied assumption on this forum that all bariatric surgeons and results are the same, i.e., if one patient supposedly sprung a leak by eating solid food on day 13 (instead of day 15) or allegedly gained back half the weight by allowing him or herself to eat M&M’s again, then everyone should expect the same results. This is simply not true. No two surgeons are the same and no two patients of the same surgeon will have identical results. One size does not fit all when it comes to bariatric surgery. I suggest to friends contemplating the surgery that they find the best surgeon they can regardless of cost even if it means traveling. You don’t shop for bargain basement prices when you’re about to have more than half your stomach removed. The risk is too great. My stepson, the emergency room physician, after looking into the first surgeon I had selected advised, “I wouldn’t let him operate on our dog.” The “less than one percent leak rate” is not an immutable or predetermined statistic: There are bariatric surgeons who boast a zero percent leak rate. Find one of those. I hope my story has been informative and helpful.

I wasn't given an "don't ever eat this" list, only a list of foods to avoid or limit, which includes alcohol. My surgeon's view is that as an adult, I have to decide to make better choices to assist this new tool. With that said, I do avoid high sugar and high carb foods, carbonated beverages (even sparkling water), and alcohol.

Only if the behaviors persists. Behaviors (or maybe "habits" would be more correct) only have an impact when done on a regular basis (well, unless you do something really dangerous). You could compare it with consuming alcohol maybe. If you drink a larger amount of alcohol daily, not good. If you drink a glass of wine now and then, it's most likely not causing a problem. Yes. If. I mean there are patients participating in a 6 months long multimodal concept (PTs and NUTs and counsellors and whatnot) and they don't lose weight or only a few lbs. How can that be if these programs are supposed to be the cream of the crop? I'm no longer sure it really works this way. Sometimes I think some people have what it takes to succeed, fancy programs and behavior modifications or not, and others don't. But maybe that is too much fatalistic thinking though.

I do not plan to drink a lot, the empty calories, jeopardize my weight loss, wait until I am on solid food, etc but I will drink some down the road, I know that. Realistically how much can you drink? I had a system with my band when going out. I would make sure I ate before leaving the house and ate some while drinking. Food slides through the band with liquids so it was convenient. I also alternated with Water between each drink and could handle about 3 drinks in one evening without being empty handed most of the night. Guys really push you to keep drinking so this worked, I was still walking at the end of the night and I did not feel alienated from my friends because of my surgery. Any tips?

I was told to wait 2 months after surgery to have a drink. I usually choose white wine and I feel the affects of the wine more easily. I save alcohol for social events and don't drink at home. Too many calories!

How did you handle the wine? I am 9 weeks out and haven't had any alcohol yet. I was originally going to wait six months, but I think that is excessive. I was thinking abou having a glass of wine on Xmas or New Years.

I'm glad I don't drink alcohol

Hey there! I'm new to this forum, so I hope to get a warm welcome I plan on having my surgery in November of this year and I'm super excited! Now, I've looked up some of this information on this already, however could not find very much. So I'm hoping with some luck I will get a few answers here. I am a recreational smoker of marijuana. However, I am proud to say that I am now 85 days sober due to the fact that I'm going for a promotion at my job that requires a hair follicle test. Before this however, I smoked a bowl at least once a day for 2-3 years. And before I get everyone talking about transfer addiction, understand that I was able to cut cold turkey without any desire or withdrawal from the lack of smoking. And on top of that, when I'm high, I don't find myself succumbing to food cravings or having a hindered ability to function normally. Eventually, you build a tolerance for marijuana, unlike alcohol or other harmful substances. It eases stress and makes me feel better, and honestly having a "marijuana addiction" is the least of my worries (in fact, I would MUCH rather have an addiction to marijuana than an addiction to food). Anyway, I have read that actually smoking marijuana is unadvisable with the sleeve because of possible ulcers. I have also read that if you do smoke marijuana, it is advisable to wait at least 3 months, which would not be a problem. However, for those who smoke regularly, I was wondering if vaporizing/eating the marijuana lessens the chance of stomach ulcers? Would I still have to wait the 3 months after if this is that case? Any input helps, but I don't need any moral preachers who are uneducated and inexperienced on marijuana and its "addictiveness". Thanks!

Well, I still have cravings. My stomach was operated on, not my brain. I agree with Cathy, the band is not meant to be a permanent punishment. Portion control is the key. If you enjoy spaghetti, you can continue to enjoy it, eaten slowly and in moderation. A small hamburger? If it is not a problem getting through your band, is something that you could have occasionally. However, if you are like an alcoholic with food, like "one is not enough" then probably staying away from the "one" is best. For me, I don't have a problem with eating one of my daughter's french fries and being satisfied.

No shame Heather!! Everybody has some addiction or quirk - some demon to deal with - ours just happens to be food/weight! You don't have to do it on your own!! It takes a village to raise a child - meaning we all need help & support. This is harder than being an alcoholic or drug addict, if you ask me. try giving a crack head 3 rocks or an alcoholic 3 drinks - 1 for breakfast, lunch & dinner & see if they can stop! They don't have to drink or do drugs to survive but we still gotta eat! We can't just forego it like they can!!!! You are well on your way, girlfriend!!

After rny your system can not break down the alcohol as it used to. You are drunker faster and it lasts longer taking as little as one drink.

Thanks Sandi for the words of encouragement. I am right there with Poodles. Trying very, very hard to adhere to the pre-op diet and have made a few slips. I am scheduled to be banded on the 31st, 6 days away and I to am worried about postponement. My starting weight is 235 and I hope my liver will not be bothersome. I will be totally DEVASTATED if after all this time, dr. appoints., money, stress, and worry if I will not be banded. I also do not find comfort in those who say "you can do it for your life" or "make the sacrifice for the two weeks". To me, to be on a total liquid diet over the Holidays is like putting an alcoholic in a liquor store and asking him not to touch. If my will power to turn away food was strong, I wouldn't be 85 pounds overweight in the first place. I think to be on the pre-op diet over the holidays is the worse possible, imaginable time and I don't wish it on anyone. Believe me, I tried everything short of begging to change my surgery date to no avail.

I am not much of a drinker, before surgery I would have a cocktail once every couple of months so this has not been a big deal for me. I was told by my surgical team and actually had to sign a contract that I would not use alcohol for minimum of 1 year post surgery. I was wondering if that was the norm for most surgeons? I have seen quite a few folks mention they have had alcohol even weeks out of surgery and I have wondered about this topic. I am a rule follower by nature so I will refrain for any least the year, but I am curious.

i never realized how conservative/strict my team's guidelines were until reading others posts. I guess it's just a product of it being a major military base...Anywhooo...my team does not allow for any alcohol ever. It was made clear by the nutritionist, surgeon, psychologist, endocrinologist, and various nurses in my program. They all cited research studies that showed a link between alcoholism and Wls. Being a librarian...I tend to take research pretty seriously even though there are always outliers.

Ok, so the main reason alcohol isn't generally allowed is because of addiction. Like it or not, all of us has a food addiction. When we get rid of one addiction, there is a danger of developing another addiction, in this case alcohol. The second reason is alcohol is empty calories...there really is no nutritional value in alcohol. There are health benefits that I won't deny...alcohol in moderation increases good cholesterol. It also allows certain people on our lives to continue to exist. Keeps us employed in awful jobs. But of course, I kid (sort of...The cholesterol part is true). Just be smart, be aware of the calories in what you are drinking! But I am steadfast in my refusal to believe that alcohol calories are somehow super calories...that they defy math and cause weight gain. Time to learn moderation, kids. Have a glass of wine, balance, and enjoy the one life you have.

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.

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

Yesterday at my pre on class they recommend Costco pure Protein bars. I haven't tried them though. Atkins have too much sugar alcohol for me.

Hi all! So I just came back from vacation where I ate solids, drank alcohol and had edibles! Good times! But don't worry, I am back to my dull healthy life I did read some post about drinking after the sleeve and was super cautious about it. However, for me, I was able to handle my alcohol just fine. For reference, Im a whiskey girl and I drank it straight to avoid soda and sugar. I also had some vodka spiked mimosa's. Now, I'm not much of a smoker and prefer alcohol to marijuana but every once in a while I'll have an edible. This time, I had half a gummy worm and experienced a full high! After laughing uncontrollably for 2 hours I knocked out for 4 hours! Then I woke up an ate a full meal! No restrictions! The following day I had a small bite of the remaining half of the gummy and felt the SAME high as the night before. I ate 6 chicken wings and a chicken tender! Thats a whole lot of food for me right now. Personally, edibles are not my favorite distraction but this was definitely a different experience post surgery. I am SOO happy I didn't eat the whole gummy. BE WARNED!

Yeah, that's what I couldn't remember: the weird way Alcohol works in the body post-surgery. They say that you'll get drunk far faster than you ever have in your life, but at the same time you'll sober up very fast as well. The potential for trouble from this is great as anyone can see; basically if you had any propensity towards over-doing it with booze before, you can get in serious trouble