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Canned no sugar fruit is added to my diet on puree stage (tomorrow-yaaa!) and I don't think bananas are recommended at all on losing phase (first year). My nut. explained they prefer their patients obtain a year after surgery from complex carbs-alcohol, pasta, wheat breads and certain high sugar fruits and veggies (sweet potato, carrots). I was blown away by the success of my surgeon's patients one year after surgery, when I went to WLS seminar in August- 95 lbs, 100, 125!!! They seem to know what they are talking about--and I'm all ears!!

I'm 5 days post op the surgeon said no alcohol for a year but also said no carbonated drinks ever again so I'm going to miss my beer that's for sure

oh also, my nurse said that they tell people you cant drink alcohol for 6-12 months after, but in reality by 3 months you can. You'll just get drunk quicker, sober quicker, but it stays in your bloodstream longer (so no driving or you'll get a dui), something to do with your liver processing the alcohol...

I have read a lot about quitting smoking for surgery, anybody else have give up beer? I have been a beer enthusiast for a very long time and am concerned about kicking the habit. Can you ever drink alcohol again ?

At least you have the dog to blame! A couple of things can be happening. One can be the consumption of sugar alcohols that are frequently used as a low calorie/carb sweetener in Protein shakes, bars and other calorie reduced products (look for ingredients ending in -ol, as in maltitol or xylitol). Since they are incompletely digested (the reason that they are lower calorie than regular sugar,) excessive use can cause problems with diarrhea or gas - some people experience these problems to varying degrees while others don't. Another possibility is simply that your digestive system getting used to its new diet after being cleaned out and much of its bacterial flora being wiped out by the antibiotics given after surgery. Probiotics can be useful in re-establishing the beneficial bacterial culture in your gut that promotes proper digestion. Even without surgery or antibiotics, some people can experience these problems with dietary changes that their systems aren't used to handling. Good luck, and hopefully your dog can escape any further blame!

I was sleeved on Oct 2, so I'm just over 3 weeks out now, almost 4. I have now been able to be on the puree stage for a week now, and able to move to the soft foods stage tomorrow. The good: Surgery went great, no complications. I've physically healed really well. Another good, I'm now almost down 40 lbs! (15 lbs of that was on the 2 week pre-op liquid diet, the rest is post op). I am starting to see a difference in the way my clothes fit, they're finally starting to get a little loose on me. The bad: I work hard at getting in my liquids everyday, but I still struggle with that. I do have a little more energy (which is good), but it's not as much as others seem to have experienced early on. I do know everyone is different though. The other "bad" part for me, I struggle with what to eat, I just want to be at the "normal" stage. I'm starting to notice the difference of the full feeling when I do eat, but I don't have the "not hungry" feeling like others talk about. In my mind, I'm still "normal" like I was pre-op, but I know that physically I am not. I struggle with having patience with myself on this journey and remembering this is only the very beginning. The ugly: I would say the emotional/mental side of this journey is ugly. I don't think I could've ever prepared myself for how I would feel post op. I struggle when the people around me can be "normal" and eat normal meals, etc. I would kill (not literally...lol) for some crunchy or soft shell tacos, or for a piece of pizza, or a burger. I know that eventually I should be able to have those things, it will just be smaller amounts. Last night we went out with some friends for dinner (first dinner our since surgery). Our friends all know about my surgery, and they picked a restaurant where I could at least have Soup. (I had french onion by the way, just ate the broth, and man was it good!). However, it was difficult sitting at the table, watching everyone being able to order a drink (alcohol), and eat appetizers like spinach dip and chips, and then having their meals of Pasta or burgers and even one really good looking salad. I know if I could've handled all that kind of stuff in a "normal" fashion before, I wouldn't have been in a position where I needed the surgery. I know this gets better (or so I'm told from those that are much further out then I am), and I will adjust and it takes time. But, that is my "ugly" frustrating part that I'm at right now. Just had to vent, thanks for "listening".

It will get better. I liked to keep ice on my belly. I would do it all day and night. I sucked down the liquid pain meds when I needed it. I just used a chaser like I was doing a shot of alcohol. Take it easy if your in that much pain! No need to rush yourself. Relax a little.

I am able to take NSAIDS and I have not had any problems with them it is a DR's preference on the use of them. Some say it is ok following surgery some say not to use them DRs will vary their treatments just like some say alcohol is ok some say never use it. you can read a wide range of differences on here from pre-op and post op diets to the do's and don'ts from many different Doctors. all treatments will vary from doctor to doctor

Tho is an amazing list! I'm going to borrow this! Thank you so much for sharing! I'm not sure why people feel its okay to drink soda and alcohol as they do- probably because people tell them it's okay.... I guess if you don't make the total lifestyle change - people just Veiw it as another diet that will eventually fail:(

I am right there with you!!! Alcohol and all. My surgery date is the 13th, so I start my pre op diet on Tuesday. I didn't realize it until just the other day, it was 2 or 3 days after I got my surgery date. I am hoping that I am able to get it under control and calm down. Good luck! I can't wait to see u on the losers bench

I'm right there with you....and I told myself I wouldn't do this! I'm not drinking alcohol though... I'm not really a drinker so its not something I will miss. But, I've been eating so much! I cannot wait til surgery!

As anyone found that in the time between finding out you are having the surgery and the start of your pre-op diet, at they suddenly start wasting just for the sake of it? It's almost like I subconsciously am eating everything possible because I know that in a couple of weeks I will be unable to. I've gained so much weight, so very quickly. I'm also drinking a lot of alcohol too . But I just can't stop!!!

I came across this article at our local support group this week. Found it to me a good list for personal evaluation and focus when I am off track. Wanted to share... http://www.nawls.com/ In a November 2005 poll conducted by NAWLS, the following were identified as the top 10 mistakes WLS patients make: 1st Mistake: Not Taking Vitamins, supplements, or Minerals Every WLS patient has specific nutritional needs depending on the type of surgery you have had. Not only is it a good idea to ask your surgeon for guidelines, but also consult with an experienced WLS nutritionist. Understand there is not a standard practice that all surgeons and nutritionists follow in guiding WLS patients. So, it is important to do your own research, get your lab tests done regularly, and learn how to read the results. Some conditions and symptoms that can occur when you are deficient in vitamins, supplements, or minerals include: Osteoporosis; pernicious anemia; muscle spasms; high blood pressure; burning tongue; fatigue; loss of appetite; weakness; constipation and diarrhea; numbness and tingling in the hands and feet; being tired, lethargic, or dizzy; forgetfulness, and lowered immune functioning. Keep in mind, too, that some conditions caused by not taking your vitamins, supplements, or minerals are irreversible. 2nd Mistake: Assuming You Have Been Cured of Your Obesity A “pink cloud” or honeymoon experience is common following WLS. When you are feeling better than you have in years, and the weight is coming off easily, it’s hard to imagine you will ever struggle again. But unfortunately, it is very common for WLS patients to not lose to their goal weight or to regain some of their weight back. A small weight regain may be normal, but huge gains usually can be avoided with support, education, effort, and careful attention to living a healthy WLS lifestyle. For most WLSers, if you don’t change what you’ve always done, you’re going to keep getting what you’ve always gotten — even after weight loss surgery. 3rd Mistake: Drinking with Meals Yes, it’s hard for some people to avoid drinking with meals, but the tool of not drinking with meals is a critical key to long-term success. If you drink while you eat, your food washes out of your stomach much more quickly, you can eat more, you get hungry sooner, and you are at more risk for snacking. Being too hungry is much more likely to lead to poor food choices and/or overeating. 4th Mistake: Not Eating Right Of course everyone should eat right, but in this society eating right is a challenge. You have to make it as easy on yourself as possible. Eat all your meals–don’t skip. Don’t keep unhealthy food in sight where it will call to you all the time. Try to feed yourself at regular intervals so that you aren’t as tempted to make a poor choice. And consider having a couple of absolutes: for example, avoid fried foods completely, avoid sugary foods, always use low-fat options, or only eat in a restaurant once a week. Choose your “absolutes” based on your trigger foods and your self knowledge about what foods and/or situations are problematic for you. 5th Mistake: Not Drinking Enough Water Most WLS patients are at risk for dehydration. Drinking a minimum of 64 oz. of water per day will help you avoid this risk. Adequate water intake will also help you flush out your system as you lose weight and avoid kidney stones. Drinking enough water helps with your weight loss, too. 6th Mistake: Grazing Many people who have had WLS regret that they ever started grazing, which is nibbling small amounts here and there over the course of the day. It’s one thing to eat the three to five small meals you and your doctor agree you need. It’s something else altogether when you start to graze, eating any number of unplanned Snacks. Grazing can easily make your weight creep up. Eating enough at meal time, and eating planned snacks when necessary, will help you resist grazing. Make a plan for what you will do when you crave food, but are not truly hungry. For example, take up a hobby to keep your hands busy or call on someone in your support group for encouragement. 7th Mistake: Not Exercising Regularly Exercise is one of the best weapons a WLS patient has to fight weight regain. Not only does exercise boost your spirits, it is a great way to keep your metabolism running strong. When you exercise, you build muscle. The more muscle you have, the more calories your body will burn, even at rest! 8th Mistake: Eating the Wrong Carbs (or Eating Too Much) Let’s face it, refined carbohydrates are addictive. If you eat refined carbohydrates they will make you crave more refined carbohydrates. There are plenty of complex carbohydrates to choose from, which have beneficial vitamins. For example, if you can handle pastas, try whole grain Kamut pasta–in moderation, of course. (Kamut Pasta doesn’t have the flavor some people find unpleasant in the whole wheat pastas.) Try using your complex carbohydrates as “condiments,” rather than as the center point of your meal. Try sprinkling a tablespoon of brown rice on your stir-fried meat and veggies. 9th Mistake: Going Back to Drinking Soda Drinking soda is controversial in WLS circles. Some people claim soda stretches your stomach or pouch. What we know it does is keep you from getting the hydration your body requires after WLS–because when you’re drinking soda, you’re not drinking water! In addition, diet soda has been connected to weight gain in the general population. The best thing you can do is find other, healthier drinks to fall in love with. They are out there. 10th Mistake: Drinking Alcohol If you drank alcohol before surgery, you are likely to want to resume drinking alcohol following surgery. Most surgeons recommend waiting one year after surgery. And it is in your best interest to understand the consequences of drinking alcohol before you do it. Alcohol is connected with weight regain, because alcohol has 7 calories per gram, while Protein and vegetables have 4 calories per gram. Also, some people develop an addiction to alcohol after WLS, so be very cautious. Depending on your type of WLS, you may get drunker, quicker after surgery, which can cause health problems and put you in dangerous situations. If you think you have a drinking problem, get help right away. Putting off stopping drinking doesn’t make it any easier, and could make you a lot sicker.

i agree. definitely avoid things that trigger u to smoke i could not drink alcohol at all when i first stopped because i felt like smoking and drinking went hand and hand,

I confess: - I drink alcohol almost every weekend when I go out, even though my Dr. told me to wait a year. I did however, completely give up beer. - I started with the caffiene again. Yet this time I am going with tea and one splenda rather than a venti nonfat latte. - I had dumping syndrome twice and it was my own damn fault. - I sometimes eat badly, i.e I will sneak a halloween candy or eat one slice of pizza - My workouts are inconsistent. One week I will go 3-5 times and the next week 0-1 - I just started dating and I can't decide whether I want to disclose about my surgery up front or leave it a mystery

It doesn't happen often, but (I am going to get hammered for saying this) if I'm still tight the next day I'll have a glass of wine. Alcohol relaxes the band. Then I can usually eat something soft.

I do whatever my surgeon/nutritionist told me to do. Yes...I stop drinking 30 minutes before I eat, and I wait 30 minutes after I eat to drink again. My surgeon said no alcohol (of any kind), after surgery, so I don't drink anything alcoholic. I was told to significantly limit (or eliminate if possible) simple starches from my diet...so I don't eat pastas, breads, rice, or potatoes (and I don't plan to start eating them again...ever). I was told no carbonated beverages...of any kind..after surgery, and no drinking from a straw....so I don't drink anything carbonated (and won't ever again), and I'll never use a straw again. I was told to eliminate added sugars from my diet, as much as humanly possible....so I don't eat anything sweetened with sugars (including ice creams, syrups, puddings, Desserts, etc). Granted, my surgeon's approach is very conservative (compared to many on this site), but I figure...he has way more experience with this than me....and I'm paying him a LOT of money for his experience....he probably has reasons for all the behavior changes he recommends...right?? So....do whatever your program tells you do to. Take every suggestion seriously. Read as much as you can on the topic of food addiction (I highly recommend "The End of Overeating"), and learn as much as you can about the psychological implications associated with dramatically changing your relationship with food. You are wise to begin making those changes now....it will make your post-op process much easier, if you eliminate "bad" foods from your diet now. Also, get in the habit of using small utensils (bowls, plates, spoons, forks) when you eat, and to taking at least 30 minutes to eat a meal...taking very small bites, and chewing til the bite is liquid in your mouth before you swallow it. Another tip...start tracking everything you consume...now...so that tracking is second-nature to you, by the time you're ready to start tracking after your surgery. (And if you hadn't considered food tracking, it really is a critical tool for managing your weight loss process!)

This is so true! The band stops us from over-eating. But over-eating used to be my self-medication for feeling: Sad Angry Bored Lonely Trapped Insecure, etc. Basically anything I didn't want to feel. A surprising number of otherwise "normal" middle class moms and average people do become alcoholic after restrictive weight loss surgery like the band or the bypass. If we are prevented from using one medication (food) to quiet those dark, scary feelings, it might be an easy shift to quiet them with a different medication (alcohol.) What helped me was to start to speak up more. Not that I was silent before but now, if I'm angry I'm much more likely to speak directly to the person who caused that feeling and be more open with them instead of stuffing the feelings. "Honey, when you slammed my car door as you got out because you didn't like what I said, I felt physically startled and then kind of angry. I'd really prefer you tell me with your words when you're mad instead of with loud behaviors." (To my teen daughter yesterday afternoon.) I get to express my feelings, I figure, as long as I'm not being mean about it. Now that I've been doing this for a while, my daughter sometimes does it to me too, which is a much better thing for me to have modeled for her than for her to learn to over-eat over feelings which is the example I was raised with. And if I'm feeling bored or lonely, I can get up and try to improve my situation. Call someone, read a book, go for a walk with the dog, etc. Speaking honestly (but with love and the intention not of hurting the other person but of teaching them about my reaction, so we ultimately have a closer relationship) and doing actions (besides over-eating) when I'm faced with life's ...challenges, has let me lose a lot of weight, given me energy I didn't used to have and helped me enjoy better relationships with friends and family. Good luck with your own journey. :-)

wow. thank you all so very much! from the bottom of my heavy heart, i can't thank you all enough for taking the time out to help me. i agree, being at my current weight is really dangerous for my health. And i know it's really risky to be this big. probably more of a risk than the surgery, you're correct. what about eating and drinking? does everyone wait 30 minutes before or after a meal to drink something? how small are the portions? can you eat 1/2 a burger etc? how about coffee, soda, beer, or regular alcohol ? can you have any. i know i shouldn't want any of these things, i'm just curious. I am trying to eliminate them all from my diet as we speak, including, chinese food, pizza, all soda (including diet) and chips and ice cream! any additional tips is appreciated. thanks again and God Bless you all !!!

I've already stated I like the Quest bars -- they're the only ones I use. They use whey protein I believe, and a prebiotic fiber that I researched at some point, but no longer recall all the details. I only like the "original" line, which uses sucralose as a sweetener; they also have a newer line that uses erythritol I think?, which is a sugar alcohol and these generally don't agree with my system (though the one they use is meant to be the least irritating) and I find them unpleasantly sweet in a sickening way. I don't know the calories per protein grams, though I think they have about 20g of protein per bar and roughly 200 calories per bar (I'm not that fussed cos I don't count calories or protein grams, just try to eat a generally healthy and balanced diet).

I second the alcohol suggestion. It worked instantly for me.

Like Iggy my Dr. allowed me to have some wine somewhere around 8 weeks, it was the holidays and he told me have some if I wished, if went down fine but hit me a lot quicker then before surgery. Now though alcohol don't really effect me like that, its almost like pre-op, I just get sober quicker! I've had a few sips of beer here and there but not a full one, I was thinking of waiting till my 1 year surgiversay, boy how I have missed beer!

Maura I was sleeved 8-14 and my doctors aid no alcohol or carbonation for 6 months. My bday was 9-14 and I went to the bar and had unsweetened ice tea. I completely get wanting to celebrate but making the decision to have surgery means life style changes. Fight your temptations.

Have you ever considered beer might nowt appeal to you in the same way as pre-sleeve. I'm just saying this because that happened to me. Several things I enjoyed pre sleeve like alcohol, sugar, salty foods, highly processed foods and other foods no longer appeal to me. It is like the surgery flipped a switch inside me and j have no reason to flip it back, especially since a healthy lifestyle has improved my life in so many ways.

I had surgery on 9/24. My NUT told me no alcohol for another month and definetly no carbonated beverages until after the first of the year. Both because of one the alcohol affects the healing process and second the carbonation blows up your stomach and puts too much pressure on your new pouch.