Search the Community

How many months did you wait drink alcohol ?

I gave up caffeine at the very beginning of my appts. 6 months ago. I was addicted and figured that if I gave it up right away, I would have an easier time later on. I drink crystal light now. Have had a few drinks of soda and found that I don't miss it. I also haven't had any alcohol in about 3 months. I was a pretty big drinker on weekends, so I thought it would be better if I cut that out as well.

Well, thanks for the mention. For me, life is a wonderful journey. I had (have) so many obstacles keeping me from enjoying my life to its fullest. I have one go around on this experience we call life. I'm tired of not being a participant to its fullest. I'm happy to say the quest never ends, but at the same time, it does not monopolize my life, either. My usage of alcohol as medication robbed so much of my life, and I want it back. I'm happy to say, I am getting it back ... one day at a time.

Great post, AR. Very detailed and helpful for presleevers to read. Glad you are home safe and sound and sippin'! One more thing... I am kind of surprised that you were allowed to have that last meal and alcohol the night before surgery with general anesthesia the next morning. Or did you not have general?

I probably waited a couple of months after surgery, but you say you have been cleared. I also have a glass or two, a couple of times a week. I work rotating shiftwork and quite often will have a nice 6am, "bedtime" drink. I never noticed any difference in how alcohol affected me pre or post banding, but as many people say, it does affect them differently. Go slow until you see how it affects you. Its still the same amount of alcohol as it was pre banding. As you can see from below, calories can add up...and no protein in wine, so have some cheese with it. Calories A typical 3.5-oz. glass of Cabernet Sauvignon wine contains a total of 88 calories, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Alcohol makes up 77 calories within the serving and 11 calories come from carbohydrates. No appreciable amounts of proteins or fats are within the wine. Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/312718-calories-in-cabernet-sauvignon-wine/#ixzz2Onla0wd9

Anyone try Supreme Protein Bars? I had them before GB and really prefer the taste of them, but I noticed that they have a high amount of sugar alcohol. I don't want to "dump", so checking to see if anyone has had a problem with them.

I waited to have a glass of wine until I was back on solids and cleared by my surgeon to eat whatever my band would tolerate. Alcohol is not encouraged by my surgeon because of the empty calories, but it is allowed in moderation. If you want to be safe, clear it with your doctor first. Two words of caution though. Because we eat less now, the alcohol has a more potent effect on some people that before banding, so sip slowly. Also, restaurants routinely pour glasses of wine that are 6-8 oz. each. One actual serving should be no more than 5 oz, and wine lover that I am, at home usually pour myself only 3 oz, and it's plenty! Enjoy your date night!

Tried out the Detour Lean Muscle Bar today. It is not bad in terms of taste, nutritional stats and satiety. The flavor I got is cookie dough caramel. This may be on the sweet side for some, but it does not seem to bother me. Calories: 190 Fat: 6g Carbs: 17 g (1 fiber, w sugar and 13 sugar alcohols) Sodium : 230 mg Protein: 16 g Vitamins: claim is 21 Vitamins and minerals. A little high on sodium, but still manageable. I still like the nu go slim bars better over all.

All of them...including Beer! Sunday we went out to dinner...had two Bloody Mary's while waiting in the bar for our table...... It's a lifestyle...all my skinny friends are not afraid to have alcohol from time to time....but if you are just starting out, you need to develop and get to that new lifestyle...does not happen overnight.

When is it okay to drink beer again? Please don't lecture me on not drinking and how bad it is and blah blah blah. I'm not an alcoholic but I do like my beer occasionally. Thanks.

Wine is pretty good after a few months. Not something to abuse, but good to relax with. Make sure you know the time table for when to introduce according to your doctor. Mine said post 3 months if I recall correctly. Laura probably remembers my live post from the Italian restaurant in Jan 2013 where I was throwing it all in the wind with a 35 glass of fine Chardonnay at a very fine Italian restaurant. I was tipsy and having a good time with my wife after my first 1/2 glass and had trouble walking after one glass. It was a very full wine, so I think that matters when you choose one. Need less to say, I started in on a second glass and only made it one or two sips before getting an upset stomach. Waste of a glass. I think I probably drank it too fast @ 10 minutes. The effects wore off after 20 minutes. I had wine a second time @olive garden See, I do not discriminate as long as they offer the good stuff. Lol. One glass this time. Same drunken walk experience. This was in February 2013. Post 7 months. The effects wore off after 10 minutes. For the final alcohol test..ERM... experience, I tried drinking a Dangerous Dave from Dave's BBQ ( national franchise). It was basically a Long Island with a few other spirits thrown in. I was able to drink 2 of these which was very surprising. Needless to say, I was woozie for a good 3 hours after that and it did not hit all at once. Came in waves. Probably won't do that again, but it was a tasty mix. This was in march 2013. Post 8 months. I think wine is good to have, but for me, I will stick with 1/2 glass or less if it is full so I can still speak intelligently with others at the table and not fall over on the way to the mens. Lol. If it is lightweight like Moscato, then maybe I could do two glasses. Anyone care to share experiences with Moscato? Last time I had Moscato was at 2 am in a little cafe in Roma tucked back in an alley way. Per surgery at that time.

Just want to add my vote. I am 8 months out and 110 lbs down, I have The blood tests and blood pressure of an 18-year old, this week I have fainted and fallen twice when getting up quickly from laying down on the couch. I have bee pretty lax about caffeine and alcohol lately. I am going to watch that and follow this thread. This can be pretty serious. I fell hard the last time. If I had hit something on the way down it could have been real serious. Sent from my iPad using VST

I was seen today at the center. I am down 65 pounds since surgery and 80 since preop. I can't wait to someday hit "Onederland". I asked about sugar alcohols and milk intolerance. The dietician said to stick with protein bars with less than 10 grams sugar alcohol. She suggested low cal. Soy milk or try Lactaid. I picked up a book called Eat It Up they suggest would be a good read. The center is doing a book group. About being one year out and real life choices to maintain. I get to have some fasting labs done tomorrow. They asked my why did I choose to have bariatric surgery? I thought was odd at a 3 month post op visit. She stressed always eat protein first, veggies then fruit if still hungry. Stop when full. Push fluids. Water, water, water. Ugh....

I have had a few drinks of soda. It burned like heck!! My tastes have changed and I miss the convenience of soda but not the taste so much. I have also had alcohol.... Who can go to a PINK concert without alcohol (not me). There is no way you are going to cut out every bad food/beverage item but you do have to have it in moderation. Good luck with your journey.

Today is the first day of the rest of my life. I signed the financing papers today...agreeing to pay back $21,936.24 with interest included. My date is set for May 15th, 2013. My start with weight issues goes as far back as I can remember with my first memory when I was 5 and crying because I didn't want to wear a bikini to the beach. How do you have body image issues when you're 5? After speaking to my Mom about this memory she was upset...telling me that I was a healthy weight as a child. I have no memories of my family ever saying anything negative to me. In high school I was considered a giant...I'm 5'10" tall and graduated at 190 or so. I would give anything to be there now. I was healthy and active when I was younger. I started to put on weight when I became a server...all that delicious food! I managed to keep weight off because I was constantly on my feet. Then came my sedentary lifestyle. I literally sit at a desk all day yet continued eating all those rich foods and more of them! The heavier I became the more I ate...you know the drill. I've spent thousands of dollars on weight loss and never got anywhere. Last year, my Mom had a heart attack and had a stent placed. Only one...but it was scary. My Dad was diagnosed with diabetes about 20 years ago and just in February suffered a minor stroke. They detected three blocked arteries in his heart and he underwent a triple bypass...exactly one month ago today. He has overcome alcoholism, my Mom lost 60 lbs 10 years ago and kept it off...and they go through this. I had to start asking myself some serious questions. Is this the path I wanted to take? Did I want to continue playing Russian Roulette with this amazing body I have? Although my parents have made healthy changes...they still did damage...I only hope I'm not too late. Even if this is my fate, I will enjoy every last minute in this gift...my body. Life is too short and I'm sick of asking myself what if!!?? The time is now, and I'm thrilled to start this new chapter of my life. This tool...will be only that. There is nothing more precious than life, and my aim is to start living it. I start this journey with the trip of a lifetime to Hawaii. I return home to my first appointments with my medical team and a liquid diet and will have this surgery on May 15th of this year. What an amazing year this is going to be! These changes, right from morbidly obese damage(my current weight is 310 lbs), to my goal weight of 159lbs, I look forward now to every day that I wake up breathing. My new goal is to run in a marathon. I turn 40 this year, so hope to run in the Queen City Marathon on my 42nd birthday! Thanks for reading everyone...and for all the support I've already received here. It means a lot. Band together now has a whole new meaning for me! Many of you are truly inspirational...and I look forward to becoming a member of Onederland, having hundreds of NSV's and even getting on the scale! Thanks to all of you...for being you! Leanne

Lucky! I just had my 3 month check up and labs and I am low in Iron, D3, Calcium, Protein, B1 and B12! Taking supplements of all of them except the B1 and B12 and I am taking injections of those. Funny because the B1 is usually related to alcoholism but I don't even drink! These are all reasons why I've been feeling so crappy lately though...really fatigued!

Well my LOVELY friend gave me a SF chocolate bunny for Easter. Man I love her. I was worried about the sugar alcohols but so far so good, just eating little bits here and there. Did I mention I love her? Lol

Cody, your post is like a new member of AA confessing to the support group that he/she's an alcoholic. You're preaching to the choir here. Nearly every one of us have some sort of eating disorder or food related conditon. All of us have tried various diets and failed numerous times. Many of us were nervous to have WLS. Many of us have co-morbidities and other ailments. If you feel like you've reached the end of your rope and no diet will ever work, if you feel like WLS could be the answer, then you're probably making the right decision. Just be prepared that you will have to make some life changing decisions by changing a lifetime of bad eating habits. The band is a tool and don't go into this thinking the band is going to monitor or regulate the amount of food you can eat. Only you can do that, but the band can make it so much easier and more comfortable. This site is dedicated to supporting patients of all sizes, ages, no matter how far along your journey you are. tmf

Make sure you eat breakfast in the morning which includes some sort of protein -- Greek yogurt, weight smart oatmeal, scrambled eggs... If you have a smart phone try using My Fittness Pal to track your progress. and keep you honest. Cut out all soda and alcohol ... its evil!

I found this information and I thought it was good to post for "New Post-OP Sleevers" and/or if some "Veteran Sleevers" out there would like to review or restart their Post-OP phase because maybe the hit a stall: Dietary Guidelines After Bariatric Surgery General Guidelines Eat balanced meals with smaill portions.Keep a daily record of your food portions and of your calorie and protein intake.Eat slowly and chew small bites of food thoroughly.Avoid rice, bread, raw vegetables and fresh fruits, as well as meats that are not easily chewed, such as pork and steak. Ground meats are usually better tolerated.Do not use straws, drink carbonated beverages or chew ice. They can introduce air into your pouch and cause discomfort.Avoid sugar, sugar-containing foods and beverages, concentrated sweets and fruit juices.For the first two months following surgery, your calorie intake should be between 300 and 600 calories a day, with a focus on thin and thicker liquids.Daily caloric intake should not exceed 1,000 calories. Fluids Drink extra water and low-calorie or calorie-free fluids between meals to avoid dehydration. All liquids should be caffeine-free. Sip about 1 cup of fluid between each small meal, six to eight times a day. We recommend drinking at least 2 liters (64 ounces or 8 cups) of fluids a day. You will gradually be able to meet this target. We strongly warn against drinking any alcoholic beverages. After surgery, alcohol is absorbed into your system much more quickly than before, making its sedative and mood-altering effects more difficult to predict and control. Protein Preserve muscle tissue by eating foods rich in protein. High-protein foods include eggs, meats, fish, seafood, tuna, poultry, soy milk, tofu, cottage cheese, yogurt and other milk products. Your goal should be a minimum of 65 to 75 grams of protein a day. Don't worry if you can't reach this goal in the first few months after surgery. Supplements You must take the following supplements on a daily basis to prevent nutrient deficiencies. Please remember that all pills must be crushed or cut into six to eight small pieces. You are not able to absorb whole pills as well as before surgery, and it can be difficult for the pills to pass through your new anatomy. Multivitamins Take a high-potency daily chewable multivitamin and mineral supplement that contains a minimum of 18 mg of iron, 400 mcg of folic acid, selenium, copper and zinc. Brands that contain this formula include Trader Joe’s and Centrum Adult chewable multivitamins. Take two tablets daily for at least three months after your surgery, and then one tablet daily for life. Calcium Supplement Take 1,200 to 2,000 mg of calcium daily to prevent calcium deficiency and bone disease. To enhance absorption, take the calcium in two to three divided doses throughout the day - for example, a 500 to 600 mg supplement taken three times a day. Calcium citrate is the preferred form of calcium. Vitamin D Supplement Take a total of 800 to 1,000 International Units (IUs) of vitamin D each day. This total amount should be taken in divided doses of 400 to 500 IUs twice a day. Vitamin D should be taken with your calcium supplement. If you prefer, you can take a combination calcium-vitamin D supplement to avoid taking multiple pills, so long as it contains the proper dosages. Vitamin B12 Supplement Take 500 mcg of vitamin B daily. It can be taken as a tablet, or in sublingual forms placed under the tongue. Other Supplements Some patients need additional folic acid or iron supplements, particularly women who are still menstruating. Your dietitian will discuss this with you. Diet Progression After Bariatric Surgery Immediately following surgery, you will begin with a clear liquid diet. You may gradually start adding thicker liquids to your diet after you are discharged from the hospital. Two weeks following surgery, you may progress to blended and puréed foods. You may use high-protein (more than 20 grams protein), low-calorie (less than 200 calories) liquid supplement drinks or powders to meet your protein requirements during this period. It is important to know that following surgery, your stomach size is very small - less than 1/4 cup, or about the size of an egg. The opening that allows food to pass out of your stomach is also very narrow. For this reason, it is important to take only two to three sips or bites at a time of any new food and then wait 10 minutes before taking more. This will help you learn your limits and tolerance. Liquids will empty faster from your stomach than soft solids. If you overeat or eat too quickly, you may experience nausea or pain. You should avoid rich, creamy liquids such as gravies, sauces and ice creams. Diet for the First Two Weeks Post-Surgery You will begin adding thicker liquids that are high in protein and low in fat and sugar. (For examples, see the list below.) You may use high-protein, low-calorie liquid supplement drinks or powders to meet your protein requirements during this period. The goal is to consume small portions that will empty easily from your pouch. Begin with 1 tablespoon portion sizes and increase to 2 tablespoons as tolerated. Begin drinking 1/4 cup of liquid at a time and increase to a 1/2 cup as tolerated. Your daily caloric intake should not exceed 400 calories. It is also very important to stay well hydrated. Drink 1 to 1.5 liters of water or other non-caloric liquids per day. Recommended thicker liquids: Nonfat or 1% milk, if you can tolerate milk Lactose-free or soy-based low-calorie drinks Sugar-free pudding Sugar-free, nonfat yogurt Low-fat cottage cheese Blended broth-based soup or other low-fat soups Refined hot cereals that are low in fiber, such as cream of rice or cream of wheat. Make them with extra liquid to create a soup-like consistency. Do not eat oatmeal. Optional high-protein, low-calorie liquid supplement drinks (drinks containing less than 200 calories and more than 20 grams of protein in an 8- to 11-ounce serving). To increase your protein intake, add 2 tablespoons non-fat dry milk powder, egg substitute or powered egg, or other protein powder to each 1/2 cup of nonfat or low-fat milk. You can also add these to soups, hot cereal and other thick liquids. Remember to drink 1 cup of water or other non-caloric fluids between meals. Take a multivitamin supplement every day. Diet for Weeks Two to Four Post-Surgery Begin adding very small portions of puréed and soft foods as tolerated. Take very small bites and chew everything very well. Do not take more than two bites every 20 minutes when adding a new food. Recommended puréed and soft foods: Applesauce Yogurt Cottage cheese Well-cooked, puréed vegetables Hot cereals Mashed potatoes Noodles Scrambled egg whites or egg substitute Canned fruits Canned tuna fish Lean fish Tofu Lean ground meats or poultry Avoid all bread and meats that are not easily chewed. Recommended Meal Plan For Weeks Two to Eight Until Two Months Post-Surgery At this time, your caloric intake will probably be no more than 500 calories a day, divided into six to eight small meals. Recommended portion sizes are 1/4 cup for solids and 1/2 cup for liquids. Sample Menu This sample menu includes different foods that are safe for you to eat. You may adjust the menu to fit your tastes and tolerance. Breakfast 1/4 cup hot cereal made with non-fat milk Mid-Morning 1/2 cup nonfat milk* Late Morning Two scrambled egg whites Lunch 1/2 cup low-fat chicken noodle soup Mid-Afternoon 1/4 cup low-fat cottage cheese Late Afternoon 1/4 cup sugar-free, nonfat yogurt Dinner 2 ounces lean ground meat 1/4 cup puréed or well-cooked vegetables Bedtime Snack 1/4 cup non-fat milk * Add 1 tablespoon non-fat dry milk powder to each 1/4 cup nonfat milk for additional protein. Remember to drink 1 cup of water or other non-caloric fluids between meals. It is important to take a multivitamin and mineral supplement every day, plus additional iron if required, and calcium and vitamin D supplements two to three times per day. Recommended Meal Plan for Two to Six Months Post-Surgery Consume 900 to 1,000 calories and at least 65 to 75 grams of protein a day. For balanced nutrient intake, your daily servings should include: 3 servings milk and dairy products (nonfat and low-fat) 3 servings meat or meat alternative (lean and low-fat) 3 servings starch (limit bread and rice) 1 serving fruit (avoid dried fruits and fruits with skin) 2 servings vegetable (well-cooked only) Recommended portion sizes are 1/4 cup for solids and 1/2 cup for liquids. Discontinue taking high-protein liquid supplement drinks or powders if possible. We recommend meeting your protein needs with food. Sample Menu This sample menu includes different foods that are safe for you to eat. You may adjust the menu to fit your tastes and tolerance. Breakfast 1 egg or 1/4 cup egg substitute 1/2 cup hot cereal Mid-Morning 1/2 cup nonfat milk Late Morning 1/2 cup chopped melon Lunch 1/2 cup low-fat chicken noodle soup Two Saltine crackers Mid-Afternoon 1/4 cup low-fat cottage cheese 1/4 cup canned fruit packed in water or juice Late Afternoon 1/2 cup sugar-free, nonfat yogurt Dinner 2 ounces lean meat or fish 1/4 cup mashed potatoes 1/4 cup pureed or well-cooked vegetables Bedtime Snack 1/2 cup nonfat milk The sample menu offers eight small meals per day. You may wish to eat more or less often, but be sure to eat at least six times each day. Remember to drink 1 cup of water or other non-caloric fluid between meals. It is important to take a multivitamin and mineral supplement daily, plus additional iron if required. In addition, you must take calcium and vitamin D supplements two to three times per day. Recommended Meal Plan for Six Months Post-Surgery and Beyond Continue consuming 900 to 1,000 calories per day Decrease to three meals and only one to two snacks per day Discontinue taking high-protein liquid supplement drinks Increase the variety of low-fat, low-sugar and low-calorie foods, as tolerated Avoid raw vegetables, fresh fruits with skins, dried fruits, breads, popcorn, nuts and red meats only if poorly tolerated Long-term Dietary Guidelines Over time, you will be able to increase the variety and consistency of foods in your diet. Some foods may continue to be poorly tolerated, including red meats, chicken, breads, and high-fiber fruits and vegetables. Focus on low-fat, low-sugar and low-calorie foods and continue to count your calories every day. Try to meet your serving goals for all food groups based on the 900 to 1,000 calories diet plan described above. To stay well hydrated, drink at least 2 liters of water or non-caloric fluids daily, unless this is contraindicated due to a medical condition.

Thanks BOS123, I just so on the fence about the money. I would love to just go to Mexico and save 10k that I don't have. I am sure I would cry non-stop too. I know I would not be able to get my mother to come with me. EVERYONE thinks about how unsafe it is, but boy would I love to SAVE that money! 18,500 is a fortune to me. but I keep telling myself that it is my health. I had that set back a couple weeks ago... Today I go to the Risk Managment class for alcohol... and then I was able to get an appointment with the Psychologist on Thursday and I PRAY she clears me... ! !

I love my wine and had a very small glass about 3 months post op. I love to have a glass of wine with dinner and do most nights. I have also had a couple of screwdrivers when out, the alcohol effects me no different from pre op to post op, the only thing that is different is the slight buzz does not last as long. Pre surgery I drank 6-7 diet pepsi's a day, after surgery I stopped cold turkey. About 3-4 wks post op I was putting those flavor packets of lipton diet teas and have been using them ever since. I don't think they have much caffene in them at all. i do have a few sips of diet soda every once in a while but it all tastes like chemicals to me.

@Ro2x - I had the same concerns about chantix but in the end the only side effect I had we're really weird dreams. I eventually connected that the dreams were only when I drank alcohol.

I was told coffee will irritate the stomach pouch but even worse is it's a dieuretic. You need to stay hydrated and caffiene interferes with that. I gave up caffiene several weeks ago, and it wasn't too bad aside from having headaches for a week. I was pleasantly surprised and very happy that I am sleeping way better now. Alcohol is also a dieuretic. It's very bad for your healing stomach. Wine is acidic and will irritate it. With your changed digestive system you will become intoxicated sooner, on less, and it stays in your system longer. I get very tipsy easily anyway and in my own experience, I eat more and have less self-control when I drink wine. Those two things could be very painful and maybe even dangerous after surgery. I believe it's best to follow your doctors instructions for success and to avoid problems.

I have a few alcohol drinks since surgery, and have no problems, mostly juice and some rum or vodlka...... Will also drink on my European adventure coming soon, just not in excess, my nut sd caffeine is fine, but not in excess.....as in anything else...