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Honestly I think alcohol was the downfall of my maintenance phase. My body metabolize it faster and a drink or two when you get it. This led to me wanting to drink more and over the years I definitely added weight to my body because my eating habits haven’t changed much

I'm 26 and had my VSG Nov 30 th. Before my preop diet I was 352.2, day of surgery 334, today 327.8! I am 6'2". I have given up alcohol at this point. For me it's not worth the calories and sugar but know others post-sleeve or post-bypass who do drink. You'll have to weigh the pros and cons for yourself and decide.

Hi all, I'm new to the group and also scheduled for 5/16. I'm in NYC and my surgeon is Dr. Roslin. He does not require much of a pre-op diet - only liquids the day before (as well as no alcohol or NSAIDS for 2 weeks prior). My insurance plan did not require a diet prior to surgery either. I am working with a naturopath separately, however, and she advised me to quit gluten, dairy, and soy. I'm slowly weaning myself off coffee and that's been hard! I'm definitely scared - I've never had any kind of major surgery. But I'm as ready to get this done as I'll ever be!

I certainly wont be drinking alcohol. Last time i had a drink i realized my chompers get excited and i chomp fast and forget how fast and how much i am eating. Sent from my iPhone using RNYTalk

So I’ve been looking into self funding bariatric surgery so I’m healthier and can go ahead with fertility treatment. I previously had a band when I was 19 in Belgium which failed massively. I paid to have it removed in the UK 2 year later at the spire.I was looking into the Spire Washington. it was really painful when I had the band fitted, I’m really nervous for how painful it’ll be going through surgery. I’m also vegetarian, has anybody went through with surgery who is vegetarian? Where do you get your protein ect from? Food has been my coping mechanism through life to deal with my trauma, and I know my relationship with food with completely change forever which is fine, but what I am nervous for is still being able to eat out occasionally. What is the average portion size for example a year after surgery? What kind of alcohol do people drink and how many drinks are they able to have? i also guzzle water and this is my BIGGEST concern of not being able to guzzle it and quench my thirst properly.

It’s been 18 months since my surgery, and I am a work in progress. I recently posted about the decision to have the sleeve. See, “Down Over 140…The Decision: Fears and Tears” Now I want to write a bit about the emotional changes that I personally had to go through. Maybe some of this will ring true for you, too. As I contemplated this entry, I struggled with what to tell you, a complete stranger, about my process. Finally, I decided to be honest, so that you could know in your heart that if it’s possible for me to change, it is also possible for you. I still think about food all day, every day. I so wish I didn’t, but I have come to know that I am a food addict, and I have to treat it like an addiction. I grew up the oldest of 6 in a poor family. When I was 12, my dad left and my childhood instantly ended. Alcoholism, mental illness, chaos. That was to become my family life. At 18, my stepdad committed suicide. When I was 20 I was raped. When I was 21, I joined the Army. When I was 22, my brother committed suicide. When I was 28, my two-month old baby girl died. I struggled with anxiety attacks. I developed a life-altering auto-immune disease. There were good things, too. Love. My other beautiful daughter. My sister—who was my best friend, my soul mate, my rock--we went through everything together. Getting my college degree over a period of 20 years! Getting promoted. Writing. Photography. My home. Friends. But always, there was food…my constant companion. It never failed to nicely anesthetize me. One night, just before my surgery, I was watching a weight loss show where they were talking about how you MUST deal with the issues from your past if you are going to succeed. I don’t know why this struck such a chord this time, but I really began to think about the girl I used to be and all the fear I still carried inside me. It hit me like a tidal wave! I cried for the girl whose childhood abruptly ended at the age of 12. I cried for all that had been done to me. I cried because I had been so powerless. But then I realized with real clarity that I am no longer that powerless child! I had succeeded at everything I had truly worked for! I had a great job, and would never be dependent on anyone financially again! I had even learned to be assertive. That night, I spoke to that little girl inside me. I made a promise to her. I told her that she would never be a victim again. That she was no longer powerless. That I was going to take care of her forever. But could I do it without food? One of the best things I did for myself was to line up an appointment with a therapist for one month after my surgery. Although that person did not work out and I ultimately found a therapist who specializes in addiction, it was such a comfort to me to have a support system in place. I haven’t gone to her more than a few times, but she is an anchor for me, and I know she’s there. As I said in my previous post, my beloved sister died in my arms on December 28th. I had postponed having my knee replaced to take care of her, and I foolishly thought I’d be doing well enough by the end of February to get through it ok. Well, I wasn’t. March was one of the bleakest months of my entire life between the physical pain, drugs, bad weather, isolation, and grief. So how did I get through it? How else? I ate. Ice cream. Candy. Cookies. Let me tell you right now, you can put down a lot of calories every day in 100-calorie increments. That is why you need to know beyond a doubt that what they say is true: They operate on your stomach, not your brain. So I spent March crying and eating. And then one day, as I was sobbing to my husband about my out-of-control eating, I wailed, “The worst part is, I’m letting myself down!” “I’m letting myself down.” I could not back away from this statement. I called my therapist to discuss the grief/eating cycle. She let me off the hook, saying, “Sometimes you just have to be in survival mode.” I got off the phone and thought about that a lot and realized even though I had been given permission to eat badly, eating badly no longer felt like my authentic self. For the first time, I knew that I had truly changed. The old me believed that self care meant whatever felt good. The new me knows that self care can never equate to self destruction. The next day, all the junk food left the house. I’m still sad. But I am empowered. I am not a victim, even of myself. If you've hung in there through this long post I hope you'll leave me feedback and share your own story. In posting this, I sort of feel like I'm running down the street naked! Soon, I plan to post on some of the logistical things I've found to work for me since my surgery. More practical! Less emotional!!

I was allergic to the pain med. Loritab because of the alcohol in it. I didn't take anything after the first dose at home and had a reaction. The pain when I would get up off the couch was pretty bad on my right side on and around my larger incision. I also had a lump under it. I slept in a recliner for the first week because the pain was to bad to lay down. Walking hurt, standing was super painful and showering I shook the pain was so bad! No pain meds at all! I'm sure if would have taken the Norco they sent me on day 3 I might off been in less pain. So take your pain meds. At day 15 woke up and no pain! I had do get out and do all my Christmas shopping so I had no time for pain... I was so tired but I did it. I definitely got my walking in!! I'm 7 weeks Wednesday and I'm down 36 pounds and I feel great! Everyone has been saying how great I look, it feels wonderful!! So pain is common, my Dr said that's where he takes a really big stitch. He said on the outside its an inch long but on the inside its a lot bigger, through mussels ect. But call your bariatric team they will advise you what to do.

well im in the process of the surgery ive done every test and everything, and i recently saw the pshciatrist and she cleard me but she asked me if im in a outpatient program and i said yes, i am in an drug and alcohol program because i am addicted to marijuana but i have come a long way, anyway she told me she need a letter of compliance from my therapist and psciatrist that i see at my program, she faxed a letter to my therapist and my therapist said that she was gonna give her a call and see exactly what she needs, now i relapsed this past december on marijuana, since then i have attented my meetings and ive been sober, i spoke to one of dr geuss assistant and she said that they need that letter to make sure ive been compliant with my program , but im worried that if my therapist tells them i relapsed that i won;t be able to get the surgery what do u think thanks for ur reply

Heading out towards Mountain Springs Bar (for non-alcoholic breafast drinks, really!)

I'm so glad to hear from you all! It was a little scary not having anyone my age to talk to about this, because honestly, I don't think it's the same experience as someone a little older. I don't have a husband or kids, so I think it will be nice not to have to worry about anyone other than my self. As for the alcohol, I rarely go out now, but I do every couple of months. I honestly don't think I will have trouble giving up alcohol. I joined a sorority in college and got all of my drinking out then Thank you all so much for the replies. I'm sure I will have a bunch of questions

Just a question to those drinking so soon after surgery - Are any of you worried about dehydration? I'm not that much of a drinker so I can't relate to the feeling of having to have a drink but it seems pretty risky since alcohol makes you urinate more than if you just drank water or another liquid. I'm not trying to be judgmental. Just curious is all.

Men are always talking about how there are so many crazy women out there. I've been single a year and it seems like the world is FULL of crazy men!!! Not women!! Or is it just people in general? Geeze I thought I had problems. I go out with a guy twice and he's ready to marry me. I date an alcoholic and fall in love with him. I hear endless stories about crazy exes. What are people willing to settle for these days? Is it my age? (35) Is it that I'm online dating?? I have guys yelling at because I don't text them fast enough. I have guys who are completely emotionally stunted. What the hell????

1. How long did you go before having your first drink? I had a couple of sips 2 months post-op for a toast. But my first real drinking (wine) happened at 6 months post-op. Went to New Orleans and drank 6 ounces of wine for 3 days. Since then I've drunk 4-6 ounces of wine 4-5 evenings a week. Sometimes instead of wine I'll have a 1.5 ounce shot of single malt scotch. 2. Have you had any MEDICAL complications with your surgery that were attributed to drinking alcohol? Nope. 3. Have you gained back significant weight from drinking alcohol? Nope. 4. Have you developed an alcohol addiction post VSG after having been able to control your drinking before? Nope. My bariatric P.A. calls me a social drinker (women have no more than 7 drinks a week). See http://alcoholrehab.com/alcoholism/social-drinking-defined/ 5. Have your drinking habits changed post-opt? Nope - I drink now just as I did before WLS.

You won't know till you try. I drink vodka cocktails and rum cocktails, but whiskey is my drink of choice. Alcohol does not affect me any different than before surgery....I can still outdrink a football team. But I rarely drink anymore because all those calories are just not worth the teeny buzz I get. So many people talk about how alcohol affects them so strong postop and I was really looking forward to being a lightweight. Bummer for me. I would, however, recommend testing the waters in the safety of your own home. If your sleeve does reject the alcohol or you do get sloppy drunk, you may not want to be in a public venue when it happens!

QUESTIONS: 1. How long did you go before having your first drink? - I am only 3 weeks out - plan to wait 6 months so I can avoid those carbs during this maximum weight loss time. 2. Have you had any MEDICAL complications with your surgery that were attributed to drinking alcohol? no 3. Have you gained back significant weight from drinking alcohol? no - abstaining for now. 4. Have you developed an alcohol addiction post VSG after having been able to control your drinking before? I have asked hubby to watch me for this issue, as I know he will give me good feedback. I was an occasional drinker, wine and whiskey are my favs. and I collect wines from the Old Mission Peninsula. I sure hope I tolerate it well once I am back on the sauce. I typically had 3 glasses a month, so not every weekend, more than once a month.

I waited about 10 weeks and only could manage about 1/2 glass which made my sleeve unhappy (not quite nauseous but similar). Of course I got no buzz. My doc said to have NO alcohol for one year, and I am going to TRY to pretty much stick to it. Again I will likely have my requisite half glass with Turkey. I would really stay away from beer bc I would not want the carbonation to stretch my sleeve. I used to drink about two drinks per evening on weekdays and much more on weekends.

Before I even signed up for an orientation, I checked out forums like this to make sure VSG was right for me. I have always been an Atkins oriented eater, so the whole protein first thing wasn't a problem. I am a social drinker (weekends only -- no high calorie drinks) and observed that most VSG veterans who were drinkers before the surgery seem to do so without problems after. I also listened closely to my surgeon during orientation who clearly stated that one of the big differences between the VSG and RNY was that that the recommended no one ever drink alcohol after RNY; okay in moderation with VSG. I also found that most threads on the topic of alcohol are full of people who didn't drink castigating people who did, which tended to distort the true information exchange, so before I get tp the questions, I humbly request that people who never drank, or gave it up since their surgery feel free to troll, but please don't comment -- I'm only interested in first hand factual responses! QUESTIONS: 1. How long did you go before having your first drink? 2. Have you had any MEDICAL complications with your surgery that were attributed to drinking alcohol? 3. Have you gained back significant weight from drinking alcohol? 4. Have you developed an alcohol addiction post VSG after having been able to control your drinking before? As I said, I have read all the guidelines and see questions 2, 3, and 4 listed as "risks of drinking alcohol". At the same time, I see lots of comments from people who have returned to drinking post-opt with no complications, weight gain, or sudden addiction. By the way, I have also read all the "doctor's orders" and have found total inconsistency (ranging from never drink again to a month or two). My own program doesn't even have a consistent answer, which is why I'm asking for real stories... Thanks!

That’s three stressful things you’re dealing with in your life: new job, new way of eating and giving up alcohol. Yikes. Parties are hard with everyone eating & drinking around you ... esp here on Aust Day. 🤣 If you manage this, life post weight loss surgery will be a breeze. Have fun!

Yup, that is pretty disgusting. Dirty old men and alcohol are a pretty grissly combonation.

Lauren, You sound like my SIL. She used to drink occasionally, but then developed an allergy to all alcohol. Same symptoms you are describing.

Jodie, I have to jump in this thread and second BJean's impression that you may be struggling with a disorder called Borderline Personality Disorder, or at least have some of the symptoms. This disorder is something that can be overcome or at least managed with therapy and sometimes medications. Sometimes people with BPD also have concurrent depression, which can make it much more difficult to deal with. Some of the traits include: 1. Frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment. 2. Unstable and intense relationships 3. Potentially dangerous behavior eg. spending, sex, using drugs/alcohol 4. cutting 5. Emotional highs and lows that may occur all in one day 6. Off the wall displays of anger (out of nowhere) ......and others. Many people with BPD are highly intelligent, witty and charming folks. That's why we want to help you here. You sound like a delightful person. Get some professional help...at any cost. You spent $15,000 dollars on the band. Don't let it all go down the drain but stopping your life changing experience now. Good luck girl!

I am using EAS Myoplex protein shake, with water, several ice cubes and sometimes additional flavoring. I.e. if I use chaocalate I might add banana, almond, etc. With vanilla the sky is the limit. The ice cubes in the blender make seem like a real milk shake. What it is:Myoplex Carb Control Powder delivers the advanced blend of protein, vitamins and minerals—with 3 grams of net carbohydrates. Net carbohydrates are calculated as total carbohydrates minus dietary fiber and minus sugar alcohols. See Nutrition Facts panel for carbohydrate information. Myoplex Carb Control is high in protein and does not sacrifice great taste for great nutrition. 25g of quality protein 25 vitamins and minerals 3g of impact carbs (varies by flavor) Serving Size: 1 packet Best of luck to all on Pre-op diet! We are now on the real journey!

I ditto that. Especially about the long day. Got an email from my advisor, wanting me to come see him and give him an update on my thesis work. The problem is that I haven't actually worked on it since April. Yep, you heard right, APRIL. I'm pretty screwed. And I prefer Sex on the Beach or pina coladas to margaritas. Too sour, for me. And too much of an alcohol taste, for that matter.

Well, cigarettes have chemicals in them that cause a bona fide physical addiction, whilst food causes a psychological addiction at best. So quitting them both is possible, but definitely psychologically very difficult. I quit smoking prior to surgery, though it's not required where I am -- I just wanted to do so. I have been lucky to have found quitting to be relatively easy, I know others go through a hell of a time with it. Have you tried the e-cigarette? I have a friend here who absolutely swears by it (and you can 'smoke' it indoors as well, so no freezing required LOL). That said, in my opinion it's not at all irresponsible to ask people to quit smoking before having surgery, to break the physical and psychological addiction all at one go. And also to help with a safer surgery and easier recovery, as cigarette smoking hinders both (and increases the risk for clots significantly). Yes, it's very difficult for sure -- and not everyone does it, which I understand. However, saying that people need to be gently enabled in one addiction so that they can 'cure' their other one strikes me as fairly absurd. "Transfer addictions" are a big danger indeed -- but one doesn't go ahead and provide or mollycoddle a transfer addiction for people to slide into. I think the real issue isn't giving up multiple problematic/compulsive behaviours, I think the issue is addressing the addictive personality or underlying need that is being met by addictive behaviours so that the person finds *healthy* coping mechanisms rather than easy transfers. That ALL said, I am not one to tell people to quit smoking, never have been. I know full well that people only quit when they are *ready* to do so. But I'm not a surgeon -- and when they ask people to quit smoking, I think they are perfectly justified in doing so in order to try for the least risk and best outcome from surgery. I would never consider it irresponsible of *anyone* to encourage people to quit smoking when it's appropriate to do so -- though it's absolutely useless to bug smokers about quitting, which is why I don't do so. Annoying and a waste of time, yes. Irresponsible, no, not at all. When people are in rehab for drug or alcohol addiction, smoking is the last thing I'd bother about -- so in that sense I agree with you. But there is no rehab for food -- and there are good reasons for that. It's really apples and oranges IMO.

Am I the ONLY one who wasn’t given a diet plan?? I was given a rough caloric intake count and that’s IT. I’m still stuck at 145- but yes I eat mostly anything I want in tiny amounts- except alcohol of course. I always thought people gained weight from alcohol or maybe over stuffing them self? After gastric bypass- so far, there’s no way of eating enough to gain more than 1 lb of water weight... I know this can change in 5 years?? Also- to break plateau I was thinking of All liquid protein and some chicken and lettuce? I cannot go without all sugars and carbs... it makes me crazy ... however I do eat sugar from berries. Now sure what else to try. I can’t digest most animal meats still- so anything Keto just won’t work... too much cheese won’t work either. Too bad people have to be so mean to each other and take things with such a heavy heart... 🤷🏻‍♀️😐💜💜💜