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Showing results for 'alcohol'.
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Doctors' philosophy on this vary from a few weeks to never again depending upon their experiences. The basic issues are: Healing - alcohol is somewhat corrosive to the stomach lining so one needs to give things a chance to heal first, Typically we see a few weeks to a few months sited for this. Alcohol tolerance - rapid stomach emptying means it tends to hit faster, and with less (i.e., a "cheap drunk") so care must be taken there, Transfer addiction - we can no longer satisfy whatever addictive tendencies we have with food, so it is easy to transfer that addiction to something else, like alcohol, drugs, shopping, gambling, etc. What was a casual habit of a glass of wine with dinner occasionally can easily turn into full blown alcoholism. Liver health - starting as morbidly obese, or worse, our livers are not usually in very good shape to begin with (hence the "liver shrinking" pre-op diets that are often prescribed) and the liver is further stressed from its role in metabolizing all that fat that we are rapidly losing. It doesn't need any more stress from ingesting a known liver toxin like alcohol (not a judgemental thing, just our physiology at work). My surgeon is also a biliopancreatic (livers and pancreas) transplant surgeon, so he is in the no alcohol as long as we are losing weight camp (and ideally forever) and indeed we sign a contract to that effect - he doesn't want any of his bariatric patients coming back onto his transplant table! Those are the issues in play, and some aspects bother different surgeons to different degrees, so they have different policies. Check with what your surgeon's policy is, and decide for yourself - we are all adults here.
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I was given the following reasons to refrain from alcohol: (1) empty calories (2) can contribute to worsening GERD (3) metabolization of the alcohol may have undesired effects with your new digestive system (4) risk of transfer addiction. I was not told never to have it again, but to use caution before proceeding. I rarely had alcohol during weight loss phase, I would guess probably less than 10 times the entire time, and these times wouldn't even be an entire regular "serving". It was always dry red wine or gin/vodka with soda (less calories and less carbs). I once had a couple sips of a flavoured soju like 2 months post op and ended up on the bathroom floor for over an hour. Not pretty. I can get tipsy/drunk reeeaaalllly quickly (and on much, much, much less than pre-op). But I also sober up astonishingly quickly as well. 1 drink and I'm def affected. 2 drinks and I'm drunk. But about an hour later I'm totally back to normal again. I'm almost 2 years post op now and I drink fairly regularly (particularly since COVID started!), though I still stick to red wines and spirits with no sugary mixers for the most part (with the exception of Kahlua, an important ingredient in espresso martinis) P.S. I am NOT advocating drinking to all, especially if your team advises against it. Everyone is different and should aim to know their limitations and stay within them. Some may have more trouble with this, which is probably why lots say to just stay away. It can become a slippery slope.... Edited to add: I just realized the title of this thread was for bypass. Oopsies, I'm a sleeve, and I think it may be a bit different, between the two: alcohol will bypass a portion (or all?) of the small intestine in by-passers and go directly to the the large intestine, which results in different alcohol metabolization rates...
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In the first 3 months, I wasn't given a specific calorie count, just portion size guidelines and macro distribution. It was supposed to be 50% low carb veggies, 25% protein, 25% starches with meals being 1/2 to 1 cup depending on how far along I was. With that said, I chose to do my own thing (and told my team so...and they had no real objections): I prioritized protein and went ultra-low carb. Weeks 1-2 (400 cals a WEEK...this was not on purpose, it just happened this way). Weeks 2-4 (300-400 / day) Months 2-4 (500-600 / day) Months 5-7 (600-800 / day) ...and tried to stay below 25g NET carbs day (I didn't count fibre nor sugar alcohols in my official carb count)
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alcohol has a lot of calories, plus cross addiction is unfortunately not uncommona among WLS patients - some people who've never had addiction issues pre-surgery can develop alcohol issues or alcoholism. early after surgery I'm guessing it could be damaging if you're not fully healed. After that, that's probably not a huge risk -- but I'm guessing they think alcohol addiction may be more likely to happen within the first few months or something - or it may be the calorie issue - I'm not sure. I do have a glass of wine or two maybe two or three times a year, but I didn't have any alcohol at all until I was about three years out. Be forewarned that it hits you FAST.
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Hi I am 5 months into my journey after a bypass. I'm having a few issues but doing ok. I was wondering why alcohol isn't allowed for 12 months? Does it damage your new pouch or is it normal health advice? Can anyone shed any light on this please? Thanks 👍
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What a lot of proponents of high protein diets like keto & carnivore omit is that excess protein that your body does not need will be stored as fat. While these diets may work in the short term, they are not sustainable in the long term & may cause health issues. This weight loss period is perfect for working out what your body truly needs to be healthy & function well, what foods your body can tolerate & what works for your lifestyle in the long term. My two week pre surgery diet was keto but once I started eating solid foods I modified that diet with my dietician‘s support. Dropped the high fat, added fruit other than just berries, broadened my vegetable options (but still avoid root vegetables), etc. to the more balanced diet it is now. I’ve tried to cut out a lot of the foods that AZhiker mentioned but have discovered reducing or limiting the intake of sugar, carbs, processed foods, alcohol, etc. works better for my lifestyle. I eat small serves of whole or multi grains but no bread, rice or pasta. I limit my sugar to naturally occurring sugars only, like in fruit, whenever possible & avoid artificial sweeteners whenever possible. (They are the worst as they only feed your sugar cravings.) I go for weeks without alcohol & if I do have a glass, I often don’t finish it. Good luck. You’ll find the balance that works for you.
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Gonna stick my neck out here, but you are not a carnivore. A lion is a carnivore, with sharp teeth for tearing meat and a short digestive tract. You have grinding teeth and a long digestive tract. If you restrict your carbs even further, you are only going to crave them more. Building your diet around vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes is SOOOOOO much healthier. It gives you the fiber you need, as well as the phytonutrients and vitamins that plant sources are so rich with. When you are getting proper nutrition, cravings stop. Of course , sugar is highly addictive and you absolutely must stop it for at least 3 days to get it out of your system and stop the cravings. The best thing I ever did preop was to get rid of the addictive substances - sugar, processed foods, artificial colors and flavors, soda, alcohol, and caffeine. I did not have to deal with any of these after surgery, because they were already gone. recovery is hard enough without dealing with cravings and addictions. This is the time to start building healthy habits that you will carry with you for the rest of your life.
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well it all depends on the person. there are a lot of people that transfer addiction from food to alcohol, shopping, sex, PS..... I can only talk about the band and sleeve. I have a drink a few nights a week when my husband is home.... when he is not, I don't. For me it's definitely not Crack.... for some, maybe
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Well, since surgery is on Wednesday, I figured it was a good time to review my post-op diet binder since I'll be doing my grocery shopping this weekend. This is the first time since I really looked thru it since meeting with the dietician (I only met with her once and that was just last week - my surgery was scheduled an hour after I met with her). What stood out to me is that much of the instruction is in CAPS, BOLD, UNDERLINED, and seems to be yelling at me/the patient. I totally understand that a point is trying to be made, but I would have appreciated someone maybe explaining to me why these things were so important, rather than just "yelling" at me about them on paper. My situation is a bit different as I don't have a food addiction, I'm not an overeater, I'm not an unhealthy eater, etc. Long story short, I gained an insane amount of weight during pregnancy due to an undiagnosed chronic illness and have been physically unable to exercise (to a beneficial degree) for many years. It was eventually decided that I should have surgery to get the weight off and once the weight is off, I should have more energy and can hopefully get back to a more active lifestyle. So, my question is, with regards to all the "sugar-free, fat-free, no carbonated drinks, no alcohol, no bread, no pasta, no rice, no butter, etc." is that because they are poor food choices or because they can actually cause damage to your new stomach? I know sugar can cause dumping syndrome in folks that get bypass, but I'm having the sleeve and was told that's not an issue. Thankfully I don't have much of a sweet tooth, so it's not really an issue, but to NEVER be able to have any sugar ever again? Ugh.... I'm also a little confused about why they're so hellbent on patients only drinking certain protein drinks (they only allow two premade shakes - all others are milk mixed with powder). When I went thru the program at another hospital (but decided to change surgeons before the actual surgery) they were much more flexible on protein drinks, the pre-op diet was totally different, the post-op diet was a bit different, stages/timing of "new foods" post-op is different... I'm just trying to figure out why there are so many differences between programs, and why this new hospital seems so unbelievably strict (again, with the "yelling" and inflexibility in their program). Any insight would be great. I'm so looking forward to getting this over with. The anxiety leading up to this I think is worse than the surgery itself! LOL!
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Anyone for August 2020
allison12541 replied to MotivatedMomma's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
This is not a cure all surgery; it’s a tool to help with weight loss. Also you can have alcohol just not at first. My doctor told me when I eventually am able to drink I will not need to drink as much. So saving money. Yea the no straw thing, that’s a hard one I get it, but hey save the turtles. My advice, if you can’t jump in 💯 then I would hold off, because clearly if you were ready it would be a no brainer. Sorry to be blunt, but I would want the same thing told to me, if I was in your shoes. -
How many carbs in post-op diet?
Lanie992 replied to BigSue's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Also, do you guys count your carbs by the full amount on the ingredients list, or do you deduct the fiber & sugar alcohol content, like people do who do Keto (counting macros)... When I say I eat less than 20 carbs - I am calculating it with the fiber & sugar alcohol subtracted. -
Gastric Bypass Peeps: Would you do it again?
Tracyringo replied to Barbwired's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
You dont want to mess with the sleeve if you already have had reflux issues. I converted to bypass 2 1/2 months ago and although I wasnt very happy the first 6 weeks I have come around and its not so bad. I do dump on cereal or heavy carbs so I just dont eat that stuff especially in the mornings !!! I can drink alcohol and I dont dump on that. It really varies person to person. I know a woman who has never dumped with the bypass and she said she wish she did !! It is a good deterrent for sure. -
Hello- I'm new to posting, but have been lurking around for a couple of months. I made the decision this year to start my weight loss surgery journey. I'm still in pre-op testing and appointments, so no surgery dates, but I've decided to go with RNY vs the Sleeve since I have reflux on a weekly basis, and also for the success rate that RNY had. This year thanks to the pre-op process I've been diagnosed with Sleep Apnea, pre diabetes, and Non-Alcoholic Fatty liver, which has really opened my eyes to the damage I'm doing to my body. My levels are not high by any means and I have heard multiple times from my nutritionist that my blood tests shows I'm actually quite healthy, but my family history has diabetes on both sides (multi generational), so I know what lays ahead if I do not do something now. I've been overweight since the age of 9, so it's a scary, but exciting prospect to finally be 'normal' when I enter a room. ANYWAYS -- I want to know -- What conditions did RNY/Bypass cause you to 'Lose' other than just the weight?
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6 yrs post op - weight gain - seeking support
Sandra Nuelken replied to Domika03's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
If you don't bring it into your house you can't eat it. I have Outshine pop cycles, grapes, peaches, and almonds for snacks. I also use a calorie counter on my fitbit and stay true to my count. I have one "free" day and I have an alcoholic drink that day. -
Wine only for me. But let me warn you, you will get buzzed so quickly and my experience is I tend to “black out” if more than one glass. Being home alone for these months has prompted me to drink more out of boredom and I can see it potentially being an issue. My friend had VSG two years ago and is currently in rehab, alcohol is a slippery slope after WLS.
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Have I ruined my pre-op diet irrevocably?
AZhiker replied to MoominMan's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
First of all, get back on track. I found it very helpful to remind myself that the food I couldn't have were not out of my life forever - just for a time. Tell yourself, "I can't have this now, but I will have it down the road at the right time." That being said, this is a great time to start retraining your taste buds and your mental attitude toward food. This surgery is supposed to help you get healthier - not just thinner. You have to learn to reframe your thinking - that fast food is NOT your friend, but veggies, fruit, and lean protein ARE your friends - FOR LIFE! This is a lifestyle change, not just a weight loss plan. I am eating healthier now that I ever have in my life, and enjoying every minute of my new food choices and lifestyle! That does NOT include sugar, soda, alcohol, simple carbs, and processed food. And I don't miss those things one bit now, as the good food is so filling and makes me feel so good. There will come the day that you can have a moderate amount of fast food - once in a while, and once you are in maintenance. But by the time that rolls around, you may not even miss it if you have learned to enjoy the better stuff. I remember my first pizza and it was NOT like I remembered - what a disappointment! Same with french fries - just a salty, oily mess that made me sick. Remember that the food industry manipulates our primal taste desires for sweet, salt, and fat. The more they can add these to foods, the more addicted they can make us to a particular product. They even add sugar and salt to foods that don't even need it, but it can trigger the addictive receptors in our brains. If you take a look at your trigger foods, I will bet they all have the deadly trifecta in some combination or another. -
At the beginning of the Pandemic I had a regularly scheduled appointment with my PCP done via conference call. She asked me at that time if I was stressed and I said I was fine. Since the appointment I have had issues with sleep and admittedly done more wine drinking than normal. Both stress related. I’ve kept my weight down but I am pretty sure that I would have reached my stretch goal by now had I not overindulged in drinking. I’ve reeled the drinking in... Just for reference I hadn’t drank since prior to pre op diet. My surgeon really stressed the dangers of transfer addiction in bariatric patients. I’ve never been an alcoholic but I did drink socially before then. Covid19 has made people experience an awful lot and made people do things they might not normally do. I believe the repercussions of the pandemic will be felt for years after the virus is defeated.
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Gastric Bypass Peeps: Would you do it again?
barbara13339@gmail.com replied to Barbwired's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
I just wandered on to this site. I had my bypass 19 years ago. It is probably a bit different now. Iknow people who had a lap band and have gained back their weight. The bypass is harder to defeat but you can do it. I would dump if I ate chocolate or candy and with alcohol. I just kept eating chocolate and now I thrive om it. At first, I could not hold any liquor then it was clear and no it is anything at all. I don't dump anymore. But I don't enjoy ice cream and I used to live on it. But I eat cake and other sweets. I am a big baker. I was about 250 when I started out. Lost 80 and gained back 10. Not great given what I endured but I had a stricture and the fix for that enabled me to eat a lot more. Now I eat like I always did. So at 180 I was much better. No more reflux, which I had bad and I could walk without losing my breath. In time I managed to get to about 150 and stayed there. Even got to 145. Then something happened in my life to motivate me. Six months on WW with working out every day and I was religious about it. I got sown to 112 and stabilized at 114 - 115. It was not easy, but when you really want to do something, you will. That was over 3 years ago. I crept uo to 119 or so and got back to 116. I say am trying to get back to 114 but I have only done this half heartedly. If I really wanted it, I would. But I eat a lot of pizza and pasta and candy and nuts and I drink and have wine on occasion. The bypass is the best thing I have ever done for my health. I should have done it earlier. It totally changed my life. Losing the extra weight was all me. I had to work for it. Now I wear a size 6 or even 4. Lots of loose skin, because of my age, but I look great and I am very happy. I hope this is useful to you.. I am 70 years old. -
Sugar-free Stevia Russell Stover Candy
catwoman7 replied to over65's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
a lot of people can't tolerate sugar alcohols BEFORE surgery, either. If you ever have few minutes, get on amazon and read the reviews for sugar free Haribo Gummy Bears... I've never had issues with sugar alcohols, but I know a lot of people DO -
Sugar-free Stevia Russell Stover Candy
over65 replied to over65's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
A lot of people cannot tolerate sugar alcohol after surgery. Causes diarrhea, abdominal pain. Stats: 5'1", age 67, female. Highest weight: 245. BMI 41. Surgery Date: May 28, 2020. Weight at surgery: 211. VSG. -
Sugar-free Stevia Russell Stover Candy
VSGOhio replied to over65's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I haven't had surgery yet, just getting used to all this. Thanks for the information! I was on Keto prior to starting this journey so the sugar alcohol was ok for me. -
I hear ya. My alcohol consumption had increased dramatically since March, which also happened to coincide with my early-covid weight gain.
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There is also the correlation between alcohol consumption and weight gain. I have read quite a bit about the increase in consumption and alcoholism concerns due to covid19.
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No bread, pasta, rice, alcohol, caffeine, root vegetables or carbonated drinks. Reduce fats, carbs & sugar as much as possible. I slowly tried different foods over time to work out what my tummy could tolerate. The only vege I could eat for months was microwaved cabbage & cauliflower but didn’t have issues with any meats. Best advice is follow your surgeon’s plan & slowly introduce new foods when your ready. I can eat most things now. I follow what I call an avoid, reduce or limit eating plan. I still avoid bread, pasta & rice. I reduced my alcohol to maybe once a month & limit the sugar I ingest (only naturally occurring sugars like in fruit where possible & no sweets, cakes, etc.). The only carbonation I have is the odd tonic or soda water & only caffeine comes from green tea (which I’ve drunk for years). Limit carbs to small serves of multi or whole grains. I keep my protein up & eat vegetables, salads & a piece of fruit each day. Good luck with your surgery. I love my sleeve.
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Sugar-free Stevia Russell Stover Candy
over65 replied to over65's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
HUGE disappointment. First ingredient is Maltitol. Last ingredient is Stevia. So mostly sugar alcohol with one drop of Stevia. Didn't buy. Always read label. So they put Stevia in big letters on package but barely any. Mostly sugar alcohol. Instead I bought 85% Cacao Dark chocolate Bar. 3 squares is one serving. 170 calories, 5g Dietary Fiber, 4g added sugar, 3g Protein and 15g fat. So one square just 1/3 of that. So about 53 calories, 1.3g sugar. I can live with that.
