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Mistakes can happen. My doctor asked me to pledge to avoid all alcohol and marijuana for a year because he called them "dis-inhibitors." [Love that term]. Hard for me because I am an investor [small] in a few wineries and have been known to tip back a few. Good luck. And be careful. Don't want to hurt yourself just because of a little fun.

I am only two weeks out. I haven't had any major complications to date. Like you...no vomiting...no problem getting food in....after day 3 was over, because my throat was a bit swollen...nothing to do with my stomach. I only found this site a few days before my surgery. My health care plan allowed me to do only 3 months of classes before surgery (instead of 6 or more) so between my busy family life and the fast track to this procedure, I really did NOT feel completely prepared for this experience. When my practice gave me a binder of detailed pre-surgery and post-surgery instructions, I automatically assumed that everything I was being told was "standard practice" for the industry. This forum was a rude awakening in that sense. My pre-op, clear liquid diet was only 3 days (shorter than most). My post-op diet was full liquids and purees from the very first day...(no waiting a week or two). I was told no alcohol....FOR A YEAR IF EVER! Others have physicians telling them when they can drink again and what drinks are best. The list goes on and on. The one thing I DID know was that the surgery had risks....including death. (I have a friend who is a publisher and she published a book by a woman who lost her fiancee due to internal bleeding post WLS.) However, like MOST people who are members, I was morbidly obese and I had hit a wall. I figured my life wouldn't be a long and pleasant one on its prior trajectory and even with 4 young children, I was willing to gamble that the surgery would prolong my life if successful. Reading "i's" story was pretty alarming, but at the same time, I found her the most vocal with people with low BMIs and even then, if those people had co-morbidities, she would soften her tone. I am glad that you have been successful so far. My BMI was 42 at the start and now I am under 40, BUT I haven't had the post-surgery weight loss of most. I will be lucky if I have 10 lbs off by tomorrow when I see the doctor. I don't regret my decision to have the surgery, but I hope that if I don't have an immediate big weight loss, I hope that I can be a consistent loser.

I'm Dec. 19. I can sleep on my right side but not the left side where the port is. I still think my tummy is slightly bloated. No more pain though. It was hard not to eat/drink alcohol at a New Year's Eve party last night. But I survived. Surgery day I was 171. The pounds were coming off so fast and now for a few days the scale hasn't moved. I like it better when it was falling off:) I'd love to hear how the earlier December people are doing.

Oh my!! My hubby bought me done Moscato for tonight, I've been alcohol free since 2 weeks b4 surgery. I was soooo anticipating it, took a few sips, and I could feel it all the way down... Yes, warm tingle sensation. I think my Dr,'s prefers never, but if have to, 6 months out. I'm a Margarita girl, and it's been tough, but so far have held off. The Moscato, yummy! Sent from my iPhone using VST

Moscato ws my favorite evening drink when sitting in a cafe in Rome late at night. It is so fruity and delish. The alcohol content tends to be lower than other wines so it may be "safer" to have a glass when you are cleared for alcohol. Every doctor is different about when a patient can have alcohol. For example, my doctor said 3 months.

Well, today and tonight mark my official 'food funeral' celebration...and what better way to celebrate than on New Year's Eve! Tomorrow starts my 2 week liquid diet before surgery on January 15th. Tonight I will be saying farewell to soda, carbonated cider with alcohol, pizza, mounds of appetizers and junk food, and whatever else I can get my hands on. I'm making sure I'm going out with a bang!!!!!! Anyone else participating in the good old food funeral? I didn't think I would, and up until this point I've been okay, but now that tomorrow marks day 1...I feel so ready to eat, enjoy, and ring in the new year

A glass or two may be way too excessive on your new stomach. My Dr. recommended waiting until 3 months post-op (for me 1/11/13) to try alcohol- and at that, it was suggested to try Vodka rather than wine or beer due to the way the sugar is ingested in the stomach. Anyway, at a family celebration out-of-town on Saturday, I poured about a shot-glass worth of wine in a glass and took tiny, tiny sips. It was just enough to "loosen me up (so to speak)" and I didn't feel drunk or even buzzed, just more relaxed. I ate a little cheese and a slice of turkey and decided to try another "shot" of white wine. This time, after a sip or two I became very warm and flushed, (the way I used to feel pre-surgery after over-indulging in heavy foods and after about my 2nd coctail.) so I didn't drink the rest of it. I believe I will try some Vodka on my husband's birthday, Jan. 25th, but I again will take a tiny bit and take a tiny sip. It's not worth it getting sick, especially if you are at a social gathering. Try just a dash at a time and see how you feel. Good luck and Happy New Year!

So since today is New Year's Eve I was thinking about having a glass of wine or two. I am about 5 weeks post op from my sleeve surgery, do you think this would be ok?

I think it's way too soon and I am not even sure if we are allowed to have alcohol since it can dehydrate you. Plus those drinks have way too many calories. Just think if a drink is worth after all you have done to get your surgery. At least in my own opinion, I wouldn't like to go back to an OR. I already let my doctor cut me once and I want it to work.

Well, it's the end of another year and to be honest, I still have to remind myself to write 2012 on my checks (when I actually have to use one). Therefore, writing 2013 is going to be a huge pain in the rear for me. Now, I am not one to make resolutions. To be honest, i don't think I've ever kept one I've made so I finally realized that there was no reason to make any. If someone wants to change, they will...it won't just magically happen becasue it's January 1st. Trust me, I wish that was a case. If it was, we wouldn't all be constantly working to get/remain healthy and thin. Also, there would be a lot of surgeons out there who wouldn't be as wealthy as they are right now...thanks to us. You are welcome surgeons...from all of us. Sorry, i digress. Now, I thought I wold take the time to look back on my year and share my wisdom with you all....or at least what I think is wisdom. It could be a big ole pile of steaming crap, but I'm going to share it anyway. Lucky for you all, if it is crap, you don't have to smell it since you're reading it. So, here is what I've learned...or at least began to learn in 2012. 1. It's true, you do feel much better when you stop smoking. But, it's also true that even after a year, there are times you still want one....even if it's only for a second or two 2. Weight loss surgery is NOT an easy fix. It's hard work and I battle every day with changing my negative food thoughts and behaviors. But, it does get easier. 3. Getting frustrated becasue you can't eat what others are having is normal. Crying and yelling at your husband for eating pizza in front of you is PMS. 4. Fiber is CRITICAL after WLS 5. Stalls are normal...even if they last for a while 6. Getting down for being in a stall is just as normal....but remember number 5! 7. My weight loss is not like anyone else's. There are people who have lost more or not as much in the same amount of time. 8. Going from a tight size 26-28 to a good fitting 16 feels better than any food can taste 9. Taste buds change....which can be good and bad. 10. Pulling out my clothes from the dryer and having to double check to make sure they are mine due to how small they look is the coolest thing about doing laundry 11. Sex is better....and it was really good before hand 12. Raging hormones can make you a b***h to live with so make sure you live with someone who truly loves you.....I'm lucky because I would have divorced me if I were my husband 13. Make up sex while having raging hormones is even better than better 14. My boobs hang low....(cue my "hang low song"....for all those who have read my prior blogs) 15. I miss my boobs...and my butt. 16. Surgery can give me my boobs back and I'll still be thin....sounds better than having perky, big boobs right now. 17. Onions don't sit well with me anymore 18. I fart....a lot since surgery. 19. I really hope that stops soon....but not as much as my husband does 20. I have a rabbit living in my colon....and we've learned to live together 21. Pain after surgery isn't as bad as I thought it would be...and they didn't give me the right meds to deal with the pain 22. Walking is the best thing to do to get gas out 23. I am not perfect and sometimes I eat things that I shouldn't...but I don't eat much 24. Alcohol has a WHOLE different affect on me now.....that can be good or bad...good for me, bad for hubby who doesn't like me tipsy. LOL and last but not least 25. Laughing through all the ups and downs is the only thing that can keep you sane So, with all these little tid bits learned, I plan to go into the new year with an open mind and a willingness to continue to make positive changes, the knowledge to know I'm not perfect, and strength to say no to the bad food (most of the time). I hope you all are able to do the same. Happy New Year everyone.....here's to a safe, happy, and healthy year ahead. Now for some funny stuff.....LOL Have to remember to eat so that I don't look like this in the New Year!!! Have to remember not to eat too much so this doesn't happen....again....LOL Most importantly, I have to remember to be happy with who I am...on the inside and out.

I enjoy wine...a lot. Drinking to get drunk is not the point. I just think enjoying a glass of good wine (preferably with friends) is about one of the best things in life. That hasn't changed with the band. I prefer dry red wine which usually has less calories than whites (which are often sweeter). I drink slower and order a glass of water along with my wine these days, but "feel it" faster so I haven't had more than 2 glasses. Since restaurants/bars serve different amounts, I usually ask the bartender or server to let me know how many ounces are in each glass (usually 3-5 oz but sometimes 6; they have equipment to measure properly for you, so they may as well use it). It's not too hard to find a glass of wine at or around 90-100 calories a glass and not too hard to find those calories in a day. Alcohol converts to sugar (carbs) in the body, and will still be used by your body as fuel, unfortunately it's more likely to make you want to eat than make you feel full. But if you're deciding between a glass of wine and a 100 calorie pack, they're both throw away calories as far as I'm concerned. Just about what gives you most pleasure.

Hi everyone, been super-busy like everyone else, but checking in. Still holding at 172 which I guess is OK. Have a doc appt in a couple weeks. Nicole, hope you are feeling great again... Pneumonia is serious stuff. I like your idea of New Year's liquids. I've done that a couple days this week myself to make up for the horrid aftermath of the office Christmas party. I did so many things wrong that day. First off I was tired and decided to have a caffeinated peppermint mocha on my way there. It did pep me up since I haven't had caffeine in a year! Then I ate spicy food and drank margaritas. I was in a world of hurt the next day with my stomach. I will not be drinking alcohol for New Year's, thank you, it is not worth it! So onward and downward, wishing all of you a very joyous and prosperous New Year! Bandiversaries are coming up!

That is an interesting parallel. Most of us are food addicts. I guess if you were an alcoholic and went to your AA meeting and asked if it would be ok to have a few beers on Valentine's day or shared that you threw back a fifth of vodka, you would get some different responses. Hugs from some maybe? I don't know. Others who were disappointed in you? Some who were angry? Some who said they understood but tomorrow is a new day? Of course not really quite the same thing since we can't stop eating food. I just thought it was an interesting way to consider another angle.

Floridays,,, thanks for your response as Ive said to you before I often loo for your advice and input as one of an 'expert' becuase you are so far along in your journey. I am not much of a drinker, actually the last time I "drank to much" was over 2 years ago. Yes I do party, but it mainly consists of dancing, and talking with my friends.. no other activites much beyond that. Interesting to me that you dont like alcohol much anymore, I could absolutely live without it now, but I do enjoy it once in a while. I wonder if I will have the same feelings as you. Only time will tell!! Thanks for your advice!!

I've seen people asking if they can drink alcohol 1 week post op. That has nothing to do with a doctors strict post op regime.

I haven't had any alcohol since being banded only because I never was a drinker but tonigjt I will to Celebrate the new year, staying in the city at a classy hotel with friends and am going to enjoy a glass or too. My surgeon and nutritionist have said its fine to have wine if I want too. Moderation is the key.

Not to be a black cloud but it concerns me when I see post like... It will be impossible for me to avoid alcohol... I am young and want to party once a week with my friends.... No one says you cannot drink with the band. But nothing is impossible to avoid and say no to. So if you do and want to continue to lose weight please be mindful of the calories.....and the food choices you make after a few drinks... Before i was banded I drank socially 3/4 times a week entertaining for work and on social occasions.. Those occasions didn't change after I was banded, I just made a choice to drink Water instead. I had my first taste of alcohol after losing the first 100 lbs. I really didn't enjoy it. I just lost the taste for it and couldn't see the point of the empty calories. I will have wine now and again and on vacation I will have some fruity frozen drinks but that's pretty much it.... My weight loss has become to important to jeopardize .

God, some people here are so judgmental. Weed has actually been decriminalized in many states. and just bc something is illegal doesn't make it morally wrong. you need to look at the historic reasons weed was banned while alcohol was not.

I had a rough night last night. Family holiday dinner and SWEETS galore. I mean, it was ridiculous! My drug of choice is cookies and there were literally six different kinds and it took every iota of willpower and determination not to indulge. I hope that at some point in the future I can be an eat-one-cookie-and-be-fine kind of girl, but I'm not that girl today. It would've been like an alcoholic saying, "I'll just have one drink." I was feeling sorry for myself last night, but I'm proud of myself today.

I think what I see in most these threads is that most people will count their drink calories into their total for the days, enjoy if your doctor says ok just remember alcohol is empty calories and they can make some over eat because lowers you inhibitions . It is true many enjoy a drink or glass of wine and have no problems.

I am 18 and here in New Zealand that's the legal drinking age. Since alcohol is heavily in our Barbecue/backyard/laid back life style I know it's going to be IMPOSSIBLE to cut Alcohol out completely. I plan on counting every alcoholic calorie and allowing for it once a week or so (and of course nothing carbonated.) I know it's not ideal but its what works for me!

Many people enjoy a drink after being banded. I've had one or two recently, however when I do, I am sure to count them in my daily calories. Alcoholic drinks are nothing but empty calories so just be careful not to over do it.

Just enjoyed a glass of wine (not yet banded) and thought... Can u still do that after the band? Also I have occasionally gone out with my friends to the bars and probably drank more then I should... Can I do that after the band?

Please don't take offense at the addiction comments. My grandfather was a severe alcoholic who was in and out of rehab at least eight times and got DWIs, was blacking out and had liver and brain damage. I am just so angry that I wasted 10 months when they could have told me this at the beginning! If it's only a waiting period, I have proof that I went to the seminar in February, that I've been to two support group meetings since then. I'm just so devastated and I'm trying so hard not to be a negative b&tch in my real life. This feels like a safe place to vent.