Search the Community

Thanks all! I'm about 10 months post op & 135-140 lbs. I've had no problem with 2 glasses of wine (other than the buzz), but I don't think I've had more than 1-2 hard alcohol drinks since surgery, so last Sat was a first. I think a large part of it was I went into the evening dehydrated. So the alcohol just made it worse. I'm much much better today. Stomach's still a bit angry, but very much on the mend. Be careful y'all -- we don't live in the same body we used to!!

It's definitely the sugar alcohol! I have to limit myself on protein bars now. I know some of the Quest Bars do not have it. GNC carries them and also you can find them online.

I love the Atkins bars but they make me super gassy. It's probably the sugar alcohol that's upsetting your stomach.

so - I had my labs done at 4 weeks post op - my pcp told me that my ALT and AST (liver) were high - I freaked a bit - only because pre-op, I did my fair share of drinking (just sayin' - I like wine :-))...anyway - sent the labs over to my bariatric docs...they said not to worry because it is common for rapid weight loss to put a strain on your liver - and it is a big reason they say not to drink alcohol during this post-op time - drinking is yet another strain on your liver - and with our weight loss - it's too much... thought I would share in case you see the same things with your labs..... on a side note, I have had a 1/2 glass of wine since surgery (over an hour period of time), and it was not a fun night in the bathroom let's just say... so I'm glad that happened to me so I'm not tempted right now to sneak a glass or so every once in a while... think I'll let my liver rest for now :-)

The beef broth and protein shakes are for the pre-op diet and the 1st week post op. Some people continue to drink the protein shakes to get in the recommended daily protein. I rarely drink the shakes after the 2nd week post-op. I moved onto creamy soups and and a lot of chicken run through my food processor until very very finely chopped. I believe anyone that has 85% of their stomach removed will lose weight. You can't help but lose, if you are limited to 4oz of food every few hours. Now the big question is, where is your hunger coming from? Only you can figure that part out. Is it from emotional eating, boredome, stress, or is it because you have hunger pangs caused by the hormone ghrelin? From my own experience, I knew that my hunger was real (even though I had eaten 2 hours earlier, I'd be hungry again). It wasn't until I talked to my surgeon that he told me that I had an excess of the hormone ghrelin (produced by the stomach). The bigger the stomach, the more of the hormone produced. The surgery stopped my hunger pangs. I have not had that nagging sense of hunger (other than my stomach growling) since surgery 7 weeks ago. And 4 or 5 oz of food keeps me satisfied, whereas before, I could eat 1 lb of steak and know I'd be raiding the fridge in 2 hours. And I don't have any cravings anymore for certain flavors. Whereas before, I'd think about something that would taste good and I couldn't get the thought out of my head until I ate it. Don't get me wrong, you can sabotage yourself after surgery. There are foods, called slider foods, that are calorie dense (ice cream, peanut butter) that pass through the stomach quickly, so it's possible to eat more. And it is possible to just graze all day on snacks that are high in calories. The sleeve gave me the control over my eating that I needed. I really think of it as an addiction that you can't quit and never touch again. Other addictions can be quit and never touched again. But what if a heroine addict, smoker or alcoholic knew they had to take some every day or their body would die? What if they had 75 TV channels that ran commericals for cigarrets every 10 minutes during their favorite programs? Or had reality programs (like the best places to pig out or the food challenges) devoted to the best places to get their fix and showed people taking drugs and loving it? Could they just reduce the amount they took? Ok, rant over. :-)

Mine got infected too. No big deal, my doctor made a small incision and drained the puss. Antibiotics for a week and cleaning the wound daily with peroxide and alcohol. It healed just fine. Good luck Brandy.

Well i am just doing a healthier diet. No soda or sugar drinks, no alcohol, five to nine servings of fruits and veggies. No simple carbs, high Protein, Breakfast everyday. Limit dairy. It's been pretty doable. I'm also going to the gym 2_3 times a week and wearing my bodymedia arm band

I developed a fondness for herbal teas postOp that lasted more than 6 months. It wasn't 'not being able' to drink coffee, I just didn't care for it at the time. Eventually I returned to coffee and have long been a "two morning mugs" consumer. Re: carbonation that was another complex question no one could really answer when I had my own surgery. It was a couple years before I ventured into trying sparkling Water. At that time I had read the effects of leaving it stand a while in a pottery cup, as there was some kind of inter action with the minerals in the glaze hastening the release of CO2 from the saturation point. It seemed to work fine for me. Over time I eventually got to where I can now drink a can of LaCroix as a refreshing treat, especially after home chores. Having been an avid beer drinker for over 30 years, when I abandoned that overnight, I rather missed the fizz. As a pleasant trade-off, I developed a smattering of appreciation for different kinds of sparkling water from around the world. In the realm of non-alcohol and non-soda survivors, I cheerfully advocate exploration of the various products IF your particular Band doc approves.

I didn't really jave a drink till i was 6 months out. I think for everyone alcohol works differently you have to see what works for you. I found vodka, with water and lots of fresh lime wedges suits me best. Theres no carbonated drink added so you dont suffer from gas though luckily at 1 yr out if i choose to i can pretty much consume anything in moderation

Pre and post op, I could eat anything on the list I was given. It listed sugar free Jell-O, with no restrictions on the flavor or color. All they cared about was that I ate foods low in carbs. I was eating sugar free cherry Jell-O and sugar free popsicles - red, orange, green, and purple. Be careful post-op though, my stomach didn't like either one of those after surgery - or sugar free Gatorade. My stomach does not like sugar alcohols or sucralose now. Crystal Light and splenda, I have no problems with.

Meh I have continued to drink coffee right through. And alcohol. What I stopped was soda, beer and all fizzy drinks, because we all know that can do damage to your band. You can FEEL it. I reckon that's a bigger issue than coffee (in my opinion). Diet drinks are even worse, read up on something called aspartame, it'll frighten you - better not not have any sugar than drink that stuff. If I had to give up everything I would have fallen off the wagon a long time ago. Every thing in moderation, I reckon.

Just needed to share my scary experience from this weekend.. I had a "girls night out" on Sat. Had 4 cocktails in a period of 4-5 hrs. Next day, I felt HORRIBLE. Bad hangover that wouldn't go away. Couldn't drink Water, couldn't eat. Ended up going to ER Sun night and got 2 liters of saline IV. They did a full metabolic panel and it turned out normal, but still scary. Feeling much better today (mon), but it's a huge lesson that my body cannot take that amount of alcohol. Up until this weekend, I'd only had up to 2 alcoholic beverages at a time. It was scary to feel that ill after "only" 4 drinks. (ok, still a lot... But in the old days I would have been fine) Anyone else experienced this?

I did not have a required pre-op diet, but I self imposed one. I cut out sugar, caffeine, high fat foods and alcohol. I put myself on a 1200 calorie restriction and practiced the eating habits I'd need after banding. I started logging my food intake on myfitnesspal.com, which I'm still using and love. This made my transition to post-op eating much easier and I lost 9 pounds before the sugery. I did not have any vomiting issues afterwards. I'm two weeks post-op today and just started on pureed food. I've lost a total of 19 pounds all together. I used Tylenol with Codiene for pain control afterwards. It's the only one I can tolerate. I was also sent home with anti-nausea meds, but never needed them. Hope this helps.

Happier update than my previous confession LOL: I confess that I FINALLY feel THIN and NORMAL SIZED I confess that I'm thrilled with my new body and new health I confess that I love my little teeny sleevie and I'm so grateful that my surgeon gave me a teeny sleevie! I confess that my husband and kids have been nice and understanding for the entire year since my surgery and I'm so grateful I confess that I'm going to go to the casino in a month and I might drink a little alcohol for the first time since being sleeved!

The link to my recent blog on Transfer Addictions

Alcohol for me goes down crazy good. I can have 2 bud light and be super buzzing. At almost 300 calories for those 2, it was dinner and my snacks that day but not problems with the bubbles. Vodka cranberries were my fav pre op and my go to post op. haven't had one in almost 2 months, went crazy when I did though and had a lot of cranberries with double shots of kettle one. I surprisingly wasn't as drunk as I thought I would be though. But I use to hold my liquor very well pre op so maybe that was it? Or maybe I was super drunk and just didnt notice lol.

Yes disclaimer to all the newbies! We do not endorse cheeseburger eating, alcohol, leaks And um.... Well nothing fun!! You got that!!

sugar free would be ideal but beware of sugar alcohol and that is what most sugar free candies are made from - that stuff gives me horrible tummy troubles. I would rather just have one or two regular.

I think its fine for people to give their opinions on alcohol, the subject at hand, no one was mean about it. I have been asked to not drink for a year, and I plan to stick with that, but if I WERE going to drink I would probably have vodka and cranberry, or a cape cod, which is just vodka, cran, and lime.

Wow, ok. Well she didn't ask IF you were drinking. She asked those who are drinking what they prefer to drink. If you don't agree then don't post. Preaching or off-subject opinions are not needed. Keep it to yourself and keep moving. I don't get why people feel the need to post at all if they have no valuable input to the topic. Anyway, I did my research when I was dieting pre-op and one of the lowest carb drinks is vodka soda. For me, the taste isn't that great so I will add a splash of cranberry juice or try to bring my own Crystal Lite packets for flavor. I've been sticking to that or wine. My NUT recommended it as generally the lowest carb/calorie drink. I used to be a big beer drinker but I cannot tolerate it anymore. Even almost 8 months out I cannot do the carbonation. I do get an occasional craving but I don't miss it that much though. My doctor's guidelines were no alcohol for six months. I did pretty well with it, just a few exceptions. I talked to my NUT about it because I was hosting my BFF's bachelorette party at four months out. She said the main reason they say that is not only because of the empty calories but because you tend to make poor eating decisions when you are drinking. That can be what you choose to eat or grazing or drinking when eating. So just be mindful and do your research!

Im a realist and don't belief in telling people alot of fluff so I will give it to you straight. 1) Scared about missing food - You are what you eat - period. I will not lie to you - The sleeve gives you the tool lose the weight - but its up to you to not eat crap and gain all the weight back. On ocassion I will eat things like pizza and other junk, but its only on occasion. Its a slippery slope though, especially with the carbs. If you eat crappy quality carbs you wake up the carb cravings and can get yourself in trouble. Do I miss junk food - not as much as I thought I would - and if I absolutely HAVE to have something I eat it - just not a whole box. 2) drinking beers - Im not a drinker but I can tell you this - Beer is carbs and makes you fat. You also will get drunk quicker with less beer. If getting plastered with your friends is a must for you I do not reccomend you endulge in that behavior too often. I know alot of bariatric patients who gain LOTS back due to alcohol. Its empty useless fat promoting calories. The sleeve will not stop you from drinking 8 beers - remember liquid slides right on through. 3) Can you lose the weight on your own - I'll say this much. The odds are against you. For me it was IMPOSSIBLE. I was a quantity eater and I like to be full. Now that I have a tiny stomach I can be full with so much less food and now that my hunger hormones are reduced I get much less hungry. But if I eat crappy carbs my hunger does return with a vengence so refined carbs are the enemy. Without the surgery I would still be an obese 377 pound 36 year old with who know what kind of health issues. 4) its irreversible - so what. Do you want your big bowling ball size stomach back that takes forever to get full and releases all kinds of hunger hormones. I don't miss mine. I still have a fully functioning stomach - just smaller. Your not getting a gastric bypass. Your body will work just the way it always has worked - just better. 5)Your going to die - I can say this - If you do nothing you will die. Also death from the sleeve is really really really low. Bariatric surgery has really come a long way and is very safe now. Worry about how unhealthy you will be without taking control of your obesity. That is the real fear. Your absolutely normal to be fearful of the unknown. I can tell you that I have zero regrets! I have had no complications and have never even thrown up once. I just had a tummy tuck and feel for the first time in my life - happy in my own body. No more looking in the mirror and wanting to PUKE. ALL my health issues went away - no more cpap - no more high blood pressure - etc etc. Its a miracle surgery. Good luck with your journey - Shayne

I am 5' 11", 42, weighed 321 when I was approved for surgery (October), and weigh 270 now. I had surgery on 1/14. I won't blow smoke up your a$$ and say it's been easy. I knew this would be hard and it's harder than I thought it would be. I miss food all of the time. I'm finally on soft foods and can blend up basically anything I want (within reason). I've spent this weekend with my family of wine drinkers content to drink my Protein drinks. Honestly, your body changes and you don't want the large portions because it physically hurts you to eat too much. You don't want the alcohol because you can only drink 2oz every 15 minutes anyway and it's empty calories! Once you see those pounds start to come off the scale THAT will be your new addiction. I was so nervous before hand too, which is normal!!. I cried when I said goodbye to my family. Just know you're in good hands. Have faith. The first couple of days are rough, but it gets better every day. Talk to a psych professional if you're having serious doubts. I've been seeing a psychologist since October and it has helped me immensely. If you're a food addict and you're prone to gain it back then this tool will be beneficial. And remember, it's surgery for your stomach, not for your brain. Good luck!!

I am wondering what drinks do you guys drink after surgery? I had a baybreeze and had the worst gas pains!!

its real hard to nibble, you can tast a little bite, you are supposedly not allowed carbonated drinks,alcohol,and rice bread or pasta for a year.you do not drink with your meal girl that was the hardest for me ,you drink15 min before ,and not till 30-45min after .woooo at first youll be gatorade ,water ,jello,sf puddings and soup broth,and then protien drinks .if i can paint you alittle picture im 2 months out and still can only eat 4 -5 bites .i went to mexican rest.last night chips go down easy,dip, i got nachos only 4 bites.you have to figure eat off their plates or bring home .i also had a little margarita didnt hurt.i myself have a hard time with chicken going down.buy you a tiny measuring cup,thats what your gonna drink out of ,a small strainer to strain soup cause i hate broth it sucked,and some small glad or whatever those little small cups are to put what you cant eat,youll have all kinds in fridge.get a gummmy vitamin ,im taking flinstone completes

I had a cousin who had by pass over 25 years ago and the doctor slipped and she had the worse smelling gas in the world. She died from cancer, not the by pass. She also gained back all her weight. Her daughter did by pass about 6-9 years ago and she is getting fat again and told me her surgery failed. She is a RN and she knows it's her, deep down, that failed. She snacks, has wine everyday and alcohol when she dines out. Her fault. You have use the Band as a tool and help it help you. Good luck with your new life.