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Relax... I think they mostly want to make sure that you don't drink alcohol and stuff like that . I already had mine..they want to see if you are depressed..and if you are that would add to your case for approval. Losing weight helps with depression. We sll have a problem with eating habits...thats why we need the surgery...Hope this cheers you up !

I realized today that I can drink more! I am a HUGE drinker (non-alcoholic!) and I mourned not being able to drink more than food. Today I realized I was doing 'gulp-gulp' instead of just gulp!! I'm so excited. It only took me 5 weeks!! Yahoo!!!!!!! :-)

12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous & Biblical References 1. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol ... that our lives had become unmanageable. "I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out." (Romans 7:18) 2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. "... my grace is sufficient for you, for my POWER is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9) ..for it God Who works in you to will and act according to His good purpose.. (Phil. 2:13) 3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of GOD as we understood Him. "... If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." (Luke 9:23**) 4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. "Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord." (Lamentations 3:40) 5. Admitted to GOD, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed." (James 5:16) 6. Were entirely ready to have GOD remove all these defects of character. "If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land." (Isaiah 1:19) 7. Humbly asked Him to remove all our shortcomings. "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up." (James 4:10) 8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all. "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift." (Matthew 5:23, 24**) 9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. Give and it shall be given you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (Luke 6:38**) 10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong, promptly admitted it. "For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith GOD has given you." (Romans 12:3) 11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with GOD as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will, and the power to carry that out. "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." (Psalm 19:14) "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly..." (Col. 3:16) 12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and practice these principles in all our affairs. "Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:1-2) **The words of Christ

I was so tired till closer to 5 months out. I was very sensitive to greasy foods, acidic foods, and spicy foods till 6-8 months out. Things are still a bit different but in a good way, At almost 18 months out, I feel I can eat a healthy meal including veggies, whole grains, and Protein. I can enjoy junk food or alcoholic drinks when I want and, in fact, I have to monitor their intake to keep my weight stabile. I finally have more energy than I did pre-op. It's amazing how losing more than 100 lbs. can free your movements! Keep an eye on things. If you are feeling worse instead of better, time to call the Dr.! Best wishes on your journey to the goalies bench! Lynda

I am working on my Master's of Science degree and hope to gather several responses. Would you like to be a part of research by sharing your experience after gastric bypass surgery? The survey is completely anonymous and asks questions about your body image perceptions and alcohol usage one year after having bariatric surgery. Just click on this link or copy into your browzer to complete the survey. http://nnu.us.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_aXzZzHDDZiajdC4 Thank you in advance for contributing to this all important research. Feel free to pass this survey opportunity along to anyone who has had the surgery. Warm Regards, Northwest Nazarene University

Would you like to be a part of research by sharing your experience after gastric bypass surgery? The survey is completely anonymous and asks questions about your body image perceptions and alcohol usage one year after having bariatric surgery. Just click on this link or copy into your browzer to complete the survey. http://nnu.us.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_aXzZzHDDZiajdC4 Thank you in advance for contributing to this all important research. Feel free to pass this survey opportunity along to anyone who has had the surgery. Warm Regards, Gina Baiamonte Northwest Nazarene University

I drink 4 oz red wine every night before bed. Got my cholesterol down to 133 (from high 200's) so something is helping. I personally HATE the taste of alcohol and drink this concord grape stuff that is like Welches Grape juice with a shot of Everclear in it It's sickly sweet but I down it in a few slugs. I've been told that this stuff doesn't have all the goodies a more regular dry red wine does but I can't stomach the other stuff.

What you are describing about your feelings is normal and the result of the numerous emotional and physical adjustments that your body has to make post op. People generally don't embrace the concept of change readily, but if you want to be successful with weight loss, you really do need to modify your relationship with food and make a commitment to a healthier lifestyle. There are just too many weight related medical issues which over time present and then begin to slowly erode your health. Your mood will improve over time as you make these adjustments. Realize that some people actually will experience a kind of "mourning" process similar to grieving as they revise their relationship with food. I looked at having my band placed as an opportunity to regain some of my health; what you have to give up for successful weight loss is returned to you many times over with the health benefits you receive. Wine, and all alcohol beverages are empty calories, so you need to be careful and limit your consumption. I was advised to wait an entire year post op to have any alcoholic beverages...I did wait for 6 months, but have only had Jello shots once. My next glass of wine will be for my birthday next year...beyond the 1 year waiting time. Best wishes...

I just found out from my surgeon why I was suppossed to wait til 3 months post-op... If there is a raw edge from the staple line, putting the alcohol on it can ulcerate it. Yikes, I'm resigned to wait for 4 more weeks now.

Alcohol is empty calories, but I do imbibe weekly. Red wine doesn't taste that great to me any more though :-(. Merlot Used to be my favorite. Now Pinot grigio goes down well. I just include it in my daily calorie carb count to make sure I don't go overboard. Also wine and different alcohols can be dehydrators so drink lots of water. I drink one extra glass of water per glass of wine. A few weeks ago, I had a margarita made with almond tequila. Oh my gosh it was good, but then I looked up the calories and about had a heart attack -- something like 600 calories! Not doing that again for a very long time if ever.

Sarita - safe travels tommorow and you will be in my thoughts. Crystals blog summarizes the experience pretty well. Everything seemed exactly the same to mine. Even the "taxi" driver. I had forgotten about the white nylons.....those were not my favorite. However, I did not get any icecream in the hospital...I got Jello instead. I was the least bit interested in eating anything at the hospital so I guess it really doesn't matter. I am five weeks out now and have lost 18 pounds (starting weight was 211). I don't have any food restrictions but focus on eating Protein. Today I had greek yogurt for Breakfast, salad with 3oz chicken for lunch, and 2 turkey meatballs with marinara for dinner. I also spent 30 minutes on the elipitical tonight. I say this all to just let you know that in just a few weeks you are both going to feel soooo amazing!!! For 5 weeks I haven't had a drop of alcohol, eat well, drink all my Water, no caffeine, excercise, take viatamins, quit taking my sleeping pills and anti-depressants. I don't that I have every done all these things at once in my life. It is an empowering feeling. And I am totally starting to see the changes in my body. I took my measurements last week and had lost 5 inches in my hips and stomach. Think this is all just a month away for you!!! Congrats to both of you on your new beginnings (or as Dr. Casteneda refers "your evolution").

AND the fact with othEr addictions you can live the rest of your life avoiding and not being tempted ( alcohol, smoking, drugs) survive and be just fine!! NOT the case with food-- you have to eat-- encounter the exposure If you will, to survive--- its a daily Mental screw job!!

I was cleared for alcohol at my 6 month appt. Acidic foods were still bothering me so I opted for sweeter drinks instead of my former fav - a margarita. I started with port, which you probably won't like if you don't care for wine. Next I tried Cointreau and cranberry juice. Then on to Mai Tais. Also had Kahlua straight and Baileys straight. Also, I really noticed my drinks at first, I think because it had been so long since I had one. But I'm back to my former habits. Feeling good after 2-3. But I still rarely drink a Margarita. If I want sour, I have a vodka cranberry these days. Lynda

Have you drank at all? If not I would suggest drinking something before the big day because your body is going to respond to alcohol a lot differently than before! I personally don't drink that much but if I do decide to drink it is usually vodka and Water mixed with either a splash of pineapple juice or lime. Lots of people don't drink because of the empty calories but i think having a drink every once and a while is perfectly fine, just be careful with sugary drinks such as daiquiris or margaritas... You will feel terrible afterwards. Also, I have experienced that it is nearly impossible for me to drink after I have eaten, I have to wait at least an hour afterwards to drink anything with alcohol in it! Best of luck to you on your big day!! Hope everything is exactly how you have pictured it!

I had some questions too. I had plication surgery on May 21 and so far, I have lost weight. It seems to be very slow and I get very down from that. They have me on less then 60 carbs, over 60 protein and about 25-30 fat every day. Are there others on the same diet? It gets so hard at times!! I hate sugar free so basically I just stay away from sweets, which are far my favorite. I really want an iced chai from Starbucks but I can't see wasting my carbs on it. I keep everything entered on myfitnesspal.com and follow it faithfully. I was told I had to wait 6 months before I had any type of soda or alcohol which I have not missed. I stick to the diet and have only gone above my carbs once or twice by one or two. I find it difficult not wanting to eat, I do get full but not as much as before and I run out of things to eat because I am so picky. I think about food and sometimes I want to just eat a whole wrap instead of 1/2 of one. I still have issues not drinking 30 min after I eat or 15 min before. I do try to stay active but have not started a gym routine yet...small walks etc. I get so confused on what to eat at times, I feel it is taking so long, I have gotten rid of some clothing but not as much as I would expect....I sometimes feel it didn't work and I get mad at myself. Does everyone follow the same rules? Still hungry? Think about food? Losing weight slowly? What do you guys eat? I would love to just hear day to day tips and ideas.

I just tried a beer at 3 months out. It was a non-event. I had to drink it slow and I ddn't finish it, but I was able to sit back a happy hour and feel like a normal human being. I am staying in my calorie guiltiness. I think there is a little too much drama around this. I can ruin my diet with excessive alcohol, or with Cookies. I don't plan to do either. So far beer does not appear to be an evil, sleeve-exploding devil-beverage. Sent from my iPad using VST

I had the same pressure, I just felt like I needed to burp but I couldn't, it lasted for a couple of weeks then it eased up, take you some gas x it may help, and I did have some alcohol bout a month later, I was told not to but only because of the calories, at the time I wasn't taking any pain meds.

i was told 30 days. it is not recommended to combine alcohol with pain meds. i have mixed pain meds with alcohol nothing happened. but its bad on the liver

You'll be fine with a glass or two of wine.. My Dr said six weeks no alcohol while my tummy heals..

I was told no alcohol for 6 months. I am 6 days post op and that feeling you have might be the need to burp.....I have been burping like mad (my family won't take me out and my 10yr old nephew would be proud). I usually let off big ones when I go from sitting to standing or right after eating/drinking.

The binder that the surgeon gave me it said to avoid alcohol during the first 3 months after surgery but I'm gonna try my best not to drink alcohol the first year because I don't want it to slow my weight loss.

I would recommend sitting up to eat and drink. You are probably still swollen and having your band upright as things are passing through may help. You also may be experiencing some of te gas pressure from the gas they put in your abdomen. Try putting a heating pad on your back. My doctor said that I could have alcohol two days after I stopped the pain meds. His only concern is the empty calories and that you will be more intoxicated with less because you arent eating much so be careful

I first met Western Bariatrics in Reno, NV in April 2012; Dr. Watson and his staff were fantastic! I havew been rollercoaster dieting for years, trying all sorts of things but needed to move forward. I wanted to make a decision lap band vs. bypass; I chose lap band. So all the prep, insurance approval, etc. finally came. In July, I started swimming laps for two months, then took lessons and learned the right way to swim laps to benefit your cardio and physical body! So, I wanted to start a habit before surgery. After I returned from vacation in mid August, I started my four week pre op. I quit drinking alcohol cold turkey, which was very difficult as I was a social drinker, but heavy at times. I also started protein drinks, mostly Muscle Milk Light, chicken broth, string cheese, hard boiled egg, pudding and jello for four weeks; With that and swimming, when I weighed in the day of surgery, I was 36 pounds down. Dr. Watson was very pleased! My surgery was September 12th and as I write this, I am on day 10 post op. I have lost an additional 6 pounds. I have stuck to the post op diet rigid. My follow up is in a week or two as I live 4.5 hours away from my doc. I will plan on getting a fill, looking forward to solid foods soon :-) SO that is my story. I want to get healthy, stay healthy and be happy. :-)

I pretty much broke the "no alcohol rule" after about 3 months but I didn't overdo it. To tell you the truth, it doesn't taste as good as it used to so I've pretty much become a social drinker (by choice) rather than a recreational drinker.

I just asked the same question to my surgeon this past Thursday at my 1 month post op. He said wait for 6 months for alcohol and not alot. I rarely drink so it's not a big deal, but it's good to know!! Each surgeon might give different answers though so it's best to check with your's. :-)