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i know i can't drink coffee or alcohol for about a year but what about drinks with high sugar? if i go out in the summer can i have iced tea or lemonade or is there too much sugar ?? what about Vitamin Water zero ? or Sobe Life water zero ? any chocolate or sugar candy ? just curious. i don't even have a sweet tooth any tips are greatly appreciated thank you

Asking when it is safe to drink alcohol, eat a cheeseburger or anything does not mean one person is any less serious about this surgery than another. My best suggestion is always to follow what your surgeon advises you to do. Not what Jane, Jimmy, or Johnnie's surgeon advised them to do, because their surgeon doesn't know you! As long as you are following the guidelines set forth by your personal surgeon, you should do fine. These forums are here for everyone, pre-sleeves, post-sleeves, veterans, etc. People come here for advice, support, sympathy, to see if others have experienced the same things they are, to vent, to learn, etc. Everyone should feel free to post without the fear of being attacked, ridiculed, accused of being a troll or anything else. I am so disappointed in the turn our forums have taken lately, so much negativity, so much of "my way is the only way", seriously, it just needs to stop. If you want to offer advice, that is fine. Do so, but do it in a positive, meaningful and respectful manner or simply don't respond at all and move on to the next thread. If you don't like someone's response, thank them, disagree in a positive, meaningful and respectful manner, or simply ignore their post altogether. If you can't respond to something without calling people ignorant, stupid, being the grammar police or any other names or violations of our forum rules, then please do not respond at all. This has gone on long enough, members are leaving the forums because of this, people are afraid to post and it must stop NOW! Thank you. Susan, VST Forum Administrator Sent from my iPad using VST

I asked my surgeon if I could drink at a month out. He said it was fine, would just slow the weight loss. As far as negative effects, if you're not careful you will end up with a drinking problem because you're substituting your food addiction for alcohol. It doesn't effect you any stronger or faster than anyone else due to no intestinal redirection like the bypass. I have not noticed any difference... Just not able to drink as much or as fast as I used to... Good luck and be careful!!!!!

I wouldn't do it, nor do I have any desire to drink. I will later on in life maybe some wine at a wedding or special event. If I did, I'd want to wait 6+ months out naturally. There is such a high risk for alcoholism among RNY patients especially; it's astounding. Alcohol is absorbed entirely different now in our bodies.

Nurse Grace, you are a wise, wise woman. I'm very new to this site, and I found this thread so entirely offputting. Well, not so offputting that I didn't read the entire thing. I knew I wanted to post a response when I had read a few replies deep, and felt I should read everything that had been posted before I said anything so that I wasn't speaking out of turn. My response is this: It is attention-seeking behavior at its finest. I'm surprised that so many other posters called out people on attacking her (setting aside what must have been some entirely innapropriate responses from a now-banned former member), but no one responded to the fact that many people were attacked right back with blanket statements and it was suggested that they're "eating cheeseburgers," etc. The people who responded with vigor did so out of concern, and because of the attitude in which this thread was started, while many responses from the OP were inciting, petty, and reminded me very much of the bullying I endured growing up due to my weight. It was also pointed out many times by the OP how other people complain so much about this site. If that is the OP's belief, then why post here at all? It seems as though she was looking for a reason to post that, which again is just inciting. So, while I think a good administrator would be doing their job by officially closing this topic, I was highly motivated to post being that I am a pre-op, and I suddenly thought with horror of a possibly less-informed pre-op or fresh post-op coming across this thread and seeing it as evidence to the positive that they too could drink. The information is there on the possible damage alcohol can do early on, and it's all been listed already in full. Side with caution, future readers. Side with the part of yourself that felt surgery was a good option for you because you were concerned about your health and wanted to give yourself the best chance for a better life. Surgery is a drastic measure, and a tool with which you have been entrusted. Don't risk throwing your investment away on a momentary thrill or two minutes of feeling good. That's what many of us did for years before surgery, which is why we ended up needing it in the first place. There will be time for those enjoyments later, when you're feeling good for years at a time because you made so many right decisions for yourself in the journey. Save it as a celebration for reaching your goal a few months or years down the road, not as a way to tempt fate now. Save it for when you can raise that glass in a toast with your friends and say, "I did it!"

Hey!! Just thought I would let u know what I was informed doing my 12 week classes..... They say that it thins the lining of the stomach and causes ulcers and with such a tiny stomach it isn't good just as we aren't supposed to take any NSAIDS. They also say it thins ur blood making higher risk of bleeding and leaks and the inability for ur stomach to heal properly.... It goes to ur blood stream much quicker and is rough on ur kidneys trying to process all the medications that have already been in ur system on top of the alcohol.... I hope that helps a little.... Good night all

Red wine works for me, some of the whites are too crisp and irritate my stomach, and margaritas are a little rough for my band as well. So take it very slow to see how you do. Oh, beware that the alcohol hits you faster because there's not much in your stomach and you're not eating while drinking!!

I thinks its horrible someone that has gone thru this would give another such a hard time. Come on...we are all in this "together" and each person is different. I havent personally drank any alcohol....never did much anyway....but I have wanted to try a glass of wine with dinner. Im just too scared to do it. So I have repeatedly volunteered to be the DD if others drink. Im sure Ive had other stuff I shouldnt. And really get tired of others monitoring what I eat. I used to be a daily Starbucks Venti Vanilla Latte & Coke girl. And was really cranky when I didnt get my daily morning coffee. I stayed away for the first 2 months. I go get my coffee every now & then...but I get the small one & havent finished one yet. If you totally take away something someone has enjoyed their entire life..they are just going to want it more. Im taking it slow. Trying to get my exercising & vitamins going again (they were making me sick) & Im all about eating my protein & drinking as much as possible. I dont drink alot anyway. But I still work at what I need to do because I have a goal. I and others can see what I have lost so far & Im wearing my old, smaller clothes & that makes me feel good & gives me motivation. Keep up the good work everyone!! We are totally rocking this!!

You just pay for items that you use out of the fridge, 2 bottles of Water a day are free and sodas are $2. So not terrible...the alcohol is pricey, but we don't drink . When I get released from the hospital we are going to go to Walmart to get stuff so it will be cheaper. I plan on picking up a few extra gatorades and my mom will get Snacks and drinks. We could have walked there today...but we were EXHAUSTED and practically collapsed in the hotel beds for 3 hour naps.

Sounds like this is a joke or OP has issues with alcohol.

I've been having light headedness when I stand up too quickly. It only happens 2-3 times a day. It's rare enough that I forget about it until it hits me....lasts for maybe 3-4 seconds, light headed and dizzy. I went to the doctor last week and he took all my blood work, urine sample and they checked my blood pressure standing, sitting, lying down and swinging from a vine. It was always perfect. My heart rate however scared the doc so bad he personally called a cardiologist right then and convinced him to see me immediately. It was a consistent 42 BPM. They did 2 EKGs and didn't find anything. I go for an echocardiogram Friday and I get my blood work results Wednesday so I'll see what the deal is. I'm 8 months out and never drink alcohol and I feel great the rest of the time. The cardiologist says my heart is not having to work very hard to pump blood to my suddenly smaller body and that it should gradually pick up in time to normal levels. Nobody can say if my heart rate is even remotely related to the light headedness.

Thank you Cheri, your posts were very helpful and insightful! Update: No alcohol for over a month now. I am not anemic as far as a CBC can determine, and I am not B-12 deficient. I just got insurance, and will insist on getting tested for other nutrients as well as for hyperglycemia when I get a physical. I am better, but the vertigo-like symptoms come in waves, as does some brain fogginess as well as panic. Some have suggested dehydration, but I get quite a bit of Water. Thank you all for your input, it seems like I am not alone! I hope that I get answers and will update so anyone else going through these frightening symptoms can have some guidance.

Hello everyone. I'm 6 weeks post-op and have a horrible cold. I'm wondering if there's any over-the-counter medications anyone knows of that are safe to take? My doc is out of town & I've been sick for 3 days already.. I'm worried about the alcohol & sugar in a lot of the OTC meds.. Thanks!

I should also ad, I stopped drinking alcohol, and I still get these symptoms.

Hi all! Long story as short as I can make it: I got sleeved 16 months ago, my good friend got sleeved a year ago. After a camping trip in August, (both of us over 6 months out), that included heavy drinking, we both noticed that days later we incurred a feeling of vertigo that would come in waves. The feeling is almost like you are on a boat- not full on room spinning, but oddly off balance in a similar manner to when you are flying or on a boat. We now both notice that 1-2 days after drinking alcohol, this happens again! Still! I have ruled out B-12 deficiencies, Iron deficiencies, inner ear issues, and all my physical results test GREAT. It's mysterious, but we both are affected by it similarly. I now sometimes get it if I am stressed, and odd things trigger the feeling like sitting at my computer, or eating. Anyone else experience this? **I am NOT talking about the first couple months where you may have low blood sugar from a calorie deficiency** From Wikipedia: " Stress-induced depression The hormone might help defend against symptoms of stress-induced depression and anxiety.[38] To test whether ghrelin could regulate depressive symptoms brought on by chronic stress, the researchers subjected mice to daily bouts of social stress, using a standard laboratory technique that induces stress by exposing normal mice to very aggressive “bully” mice. Such animals have been shown to be good models for studying depression in humans. The researchers stressed both wild-type mice and altered mice that were unable to respond to ghrelin. They found that, after experiencing stress, both types of mice had significantly elevated levels of ghrelin that persisted at least four weeks after their last defeat encounter. The altered mice, however, displayed significantly greater social avoidance than their wild-type counterparts, indicating an exacerbation of depression-like symptoms. They also ate less than the wild-type mice.[39] " <- I am wondering if perhaps this indicates that ghrelin may play a role in managing anxiety, and this weird equilibrium sensation is a component of this. I am wondering if others have experienced this too. [edit]

I'm doing the same!! I gained a few pounds over the holidays since my weight they have on record. Lol. I've stopped drinking sodas, beer (alcohol period) Lol, anything carbonated since January 1. Been dieting n exercising as well. Lost 8.2 pounds so far. Have 4 more pounds to go then anything after that is a win for me. Then I'll be doing my one week of preop diet the week before surgery. Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using VST

Ahhhh those silly concerns about alcohol, darn what were we thinking. LOL

So for all of you with this "Alcohol causes leaks and liver damage, and ulcers, Just got back from the dr.s for my 2 week check up . I asked him about every single concern and risks that people were saying. He said it is no different than how alcohol affects a regular liver. And started laughing when i was concerned that it would cause a leak!!! I dont know where these people get this info from. I have googled this topic, researched and came up with exactly what my doc told me. High calorie intake, and more affects of the alcohol due to ur low tolerance. My doc is one of the top leading surgeons in the Orange County area and i take his advice over anyones in this forum. Sorry to burst your bubbles. he gave clearance of 3 weeks !! So all that crap talk about leaks and things is NONSENSE from alcohol!!!!!!!! THANK YOU DOC!!!!!

I confess: 1. That I hardly excercise 2. I do not schedule my food correctly so I'm usually hungry because I'm not eating often 3. I count calories but don't always mind what I eat (although I make sure it had protein) 4. I drink 2 cups of coffee a day n two alcoholic beverages a week 5. I never thought this would be so hard, 5 months out and I still haven't taught myself all the rules.... I feel like a failure and its depressing however I've lost over 70 lbs and its still working but I know in my heart, I can do much better if I got more serious... And yes I agree with others who feel some fellow sleevers can be very judgmental and forget they were fat once too with poor habits...

I confess: 1. That I hardly excercise 2. I do not schedule my food correctly so I'm usually hungry because I'm not eating often 3. I count calories but don't always mind what I eat (although I make sure it had protein) 4. I drink 2 cups of coffee a day n two alcoholic beverages a week 5. I never thought this would be so hard, 5 months out and I still haven't taught myself all the rules.... I feel like a failure and its depressing however I've lost over 70 lbs and its still working but I know in my heart, I can do much better if I got more serious... And yes I agree with others who feel some fellow sleevers can be very judgmental and forget they were fat once too with poor habits...

It takes 6 - 8 weeks for your stomach to fully heal. Some will say hey, it's okay go for it, I did. Some people drink Soda and alcohol immediately too, but do you really want to take a chance? What you do with your body is your own thing, but I do want you to be fully informed. You think you won't be able to finish a small, but popcorn is a slider food. If you wanted to, I truly believe you could finish the entire Large bag at 5 weeks. Eating popcorn, does this mean you are going to buy a drink with it too? That will make the popcorn slide down so much easier. Popcorn melts in your mouth basically, the oils will lubricate it and you will basically have a clod of kernel and seeds in your tummy, but it won't make you full until you are way past a small bag and I truly believe you will easily be able to finish off the large popcorn. AMC's 16-cup large popcorn is 1,030 calories and 57 grams of saturated fat and 98 grams of carbohydates!! This is not taking into account any extra sodium or extra butter. Popcorn doesn't take up much room in your stomach, you will feel no restrictions from eating it and you will be extremely surprised, you will suffer later for it most likely, but not while you are eating it. If I were you, I would wait a few months out until you try the popcorn. At 6 weeks out, I was just allowed to get off full liquids, the restriction is never there for things like chips, popcorn etc. that's why you are suppose to be getting in your Proteins which will make you feel the restriction and the carbohydrates from a small bag of popcorn isn't going to make you feel the restriction. In the end it's up to you to give yourself the time to heal. This isn't a diet, it's a way of life. When you are completely healed inside and you truly have the self-control you need to handle a slider food like popcorn, go for it.

Just kinda wondering , maybe someone can answer this . Alcohol is a blood thinner , they gave blood thinning medication throughout my stay in the hospital , so I wouldn't get blood clotts. And besides this whole surgery is a risk to begin with !

I saw someone say they drink wine...how long has it been since your VSL? I am under the impression that I can't drink alcoholic beverages for two years. I haven't touched booze since my surgery, and actually I planned on never bringing it back in to my diet because....I love booze. Lol!

So, having a shake or two a day at this stage, and have bought tubs of Isopure chocolate (yum), GNC vanilla (yum) and Isopure unflavored (yuck). Trying to mix flavors up a bit and thought I'd share two things that are pretty delish. 1.) 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint oil in either the chocolate or vanilla. Yeah, it's alcohol, but a miniscule amount in a 12-oz drink. Even a few drops is noticeable flavor! 2.) For a mealtime shake, adding a 1/4 cup of pumpkin, some nutmeg and cinnamon to the vanilla powder with 12 oz of Water or milk. Really good and filling too.

Since 3 week stall broke about 5 days ago, I'm down 8. I'm happy again. But hunger is always there between meals now. It's hard but I need to keep pushing water in and avoid temptation to snack. I eat three meals and two protein shakes. Meals are high protein low carb. My carbs are under 20g now. Under 50g / day when I was stalled so I think I need really low carbs. Regarding alcohol, my docs/nut says to avoid it the first year. Im assuming there are a couple of reasons for that: 1) alcohol is liquid carbs/calories and 2) people tend to replace one addiction with another (i.e. food with alcohol). I've seen some YouTube sleeve blog videos where they stated that they definitely have slowing started drinking a lot more alcohol post sleeve. That being said I don't have an addictive personality and if I want to have a glass of wine or a marguerita on a special occasion, I will.