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When did you try alcohol & what is this better choice to drink?! I want to try one tonight! -Had Gastric Bypass-

Hey everyone, I'm Angela. I'm a 31 year old nurse (You'd think I'd know better then to let this happen to me...). I've been overweight now for the last 12 years. Basically since I got married. The interesting part is that I lost the husband, but not the weight LOL. Too bad it didn't go WITH him. I'm 5'4'' and 250. My heaviest was 275, and about 4 months ago, I busted my ass at the gym, along with a diet (shake and whole foods plan) and got down to 221. I've since, gained it back. I had a consultation with Dr Paul Cirangle in San Francisco and it went well, I'm just not sold on the Band. It's invasive, it's surgery (although smaller then any other option out there), and it's "permanent". I feel like I should be able to succeed without the Band, however, obviously haven't up to this point. The one thing that Dr Cirangle said that resonanted most with me, was that the band helps you fill your stomach from the "top down" not the "bottom up". That made my analogical mind think "coffe pot percolating method", so its a "drip down" kinda picture. That made sense to me. I know I'm addicted to food, and unfortunately, unlike alcohol, drugs or even sex, you HAVE to have it to survive. So where that leaves me, I don't know. I'm an emotional eater and have portion control issues. Just thought I'd come here to see what I could find, and talk to some people who've been here too. Thanks, Angela

Are the cramps just at night? I found this information which might help: What causes leg cramps? Unknown cause (idiopathic leg cramps) In most cases the cause is not known. One theory is that cramps occur when a muscle that is already in a shortened position is stimulated to contract. As the muscle is already shortened, to contract further may cause the muscle to go into spasm. This commonly happens at night in bed as the natural position we lie in is with the knees slightly bent (flexed), and with feet pointing slightly downwards. In this position the calf muscle is relatively shortened and may be prone to cramps. This theory explains why stretching exercises may cure the problem. Secondary causes In some cases, the cramps may be a symptom of another problem. For example: Some drugs can cause cramps as a side-effect, or make cramps occur more often. These include: diuretics ('Water tablets'), nifedipine, cimetidine, salbutamol, statins, terbutaline, lithium, clofibrate, penicillamine, phenothiazines, and nicotinic acid. Over-exertion of muscles. Dehydration. Conditions that cause alterations in the balance of salts in the bloodstream (such as a high or low sodium or potassium level). Some people who have renal (kidney) dialysis get leg cramps. Pregnancy - usually in the later stages. An untreated under-active thyroid gland. Peripheral vascular disease (narrowing of the leg arteries which causes poor circulation). Excess alcohol. Some uncommon disorders of nerves. Rare causes include: cirrhosis of the liver; lead poisoning; sarcoidosis. With the above conditions the cramps would just be one of various other symptoms. Therefore, if you are otherwise well, and have no other unexplained symptoms, then the leg cramps are likely to be idiopathic (unknown cause) and not due to a secondary cause. Note: leg cramps are different to a condition called restless legs syndrome. In this condition the legs can be uncomfortable, you feel creeping sensations in the legs, and it is relieved by walking about. See separate leaflet called 'Restless Legs Syndrome' for details. What is the treatment for a leg cramp? Stretching and massaging the affected muscle can usually relieve an attack of cramp. Most cramps soon ease off. Painkillers are not usually helpful as they do not act quickly enough. However, a painkiller such as paracetamol may help to ease muscle discomfort and tenderness that sometimes persists for up to 24 hours after a cramp has gone. What are the options for preventing leg cramps? If cramps do not occur often, then no particular treatment is usually needed. However, if you have frequent cramps, you may wish to consider ways of preventing them.

I'm here! I'd like to see this thread become more active also! A little about me - surgery 2/1/13. No pre-op diet required. My Dr says he only requires them for people he feels will struggle with dietary compliance, seems like every Dr is different. I've lost 31 lbs so far and have been lucky to have very little hunger from day 1. I've also not has any alcohol since January - tough as the hubby and I own a liquor store/deli/catering operation and wine and food tasting are part of the job! I have 3 kids - a son who is married with a 2 yr old of his own, a daughter graduating college in May, and a 14 yr old daughter. My surgery coincided with my son and his family moving into their own apartment (they had lived with us for 2 yrs) and honestly, this has been the biggest help in my weight loss journey! Love them all but the stress of 7 ppl in the house was not good for me. Prior to surgery I was diagnosed with knee issues - arthritis and a meniscus tear. While waiting for knee surgery I developed a blood clot in the leg which scared me. While dealing with that, my decision to have the surgery was cemented - I just had to deal with the 3 denials from insurance! Finally got that resolved in early December. Other than the obvious appearance changes, I am very hopeful that the weight loss will help my knee arthritis/pain. I look forward to hearing other people's stories!

No but they usually do liver enzyme tests which would be out of wack if youre an alcoholic. I would be completely upfront about any issues with alcohol with my surgeon. If you have surgery (especially a bypass) and are frequently drinking alcohol you have pretty a high chance of ruining your life . Perforated mariginal ulcers are no joke and could result in a plethora of complications and future painful surgeries.

I got banded 5 days ago, and physically I feel pretty good. A little pain near the port, a little lingering gas, but surprisingly okay. My Protein shakes are keeping me from getting weak and hungry, and I am staying hydrated. Here is my problem. I cannot stop thinking about eating and the food I cannot have! I am craving sitting down to dinner, and having a "real food" meal. I feel like an alcoholic must feel when they are put into rehab and go into withdrawal (although this is more emotional than physical). I miss turning to food for comfort after a hard day. I miss 'treating' myself to a brownie or muffin as a 'reward' for a job well done. I didn't realize how hard it would be to give up the emotional aspect of eating. How have some of you past emotional eaters dealt with this? Does it just go away on its own, or are there some tricks, and/or healthy replacements for the "high" that food provided?

Yes they have Margarita n mojito mix taste great!!! Makes it a lot easier to get the liquids in. Make as directed just put it in the blender with lots of ice n that's it. To the mojito I add half a lemon n crushed mint leaves so it taste just like a mojito without the alcohol. [ATTACH]2797[/ATTACH]

Weight Loss Surgery: The Easy Way Out? Are you frustrated with diet and exercise? Feel like it’s too much effort for little to no payoff? Is weight loss surgery something to consider? Probably not. Why? The qualifying criteria for surgery is strict; the lifestyle changes required are extreme, and after surgical healing is complete… a healthy, low calorie diet must be followed. And exercise? That doesn’t go away either. In fact, the recommendation is about an hour every day. Weight loss or bariatric surgery has become more common in the U.S. as surgical techniques and outcomes have improved and most insurance companies are covering it.As a bariatric dietitian, I see patients before, after and many years out from surgery. Sadly, there’s a common misconception that patients who choose to have surgery are taking the easy way out. Short story: going under the knife is copping out. I find this comment uninformed and hurtful. I have never seen a patient who hasn’t carefully considered the risks of surgery or what they will have to incorporate and eliminate from their lives afterward. Proactively choosing a surgical tool, when all other measures have failed, is a courageous example of taking personal responsibility for one’s health…not a stroll down Easy Street. Bariatric surgery is not for those with 10, 25 or even 50 lbs. to lose. Surgeons will only operate on patients with a body mass index or BMI that is 40 or greater. If a patient has a chronic disease as well as obesity, the qualifying BMI drops to 35 since the health urgency is even greater. When an individual meets the BMI minimum and has had no luck with a long series of diet and exercise plans-- weight loss surgery could be the tool helping them regain their health. Ironically, there’s a lot to gain from bariatric surgery but it comes with a high price. I always ask my patients considering surgery if they are prepared to do the following….permanently. · Never drink with meals again · Give up smoking, carbonated drinks and severely restrict if not outright eliminate, alcohol · Exercise an hour per day 6+ days per week · Take a minimum of 5 vitamin/mineral supplements throughout the day · Chew food at least twenty times per bite And there’s little margin for error. If patients push the limits of their new stomachs, they pay for it with intense physical pain including nausea and vomiting. The journey after weight loss surgery is exciting, scary, motivating and hard. As more weight is lost, confidence grows but new challenges appear. Relationships can be tested; self-esteem may soar or sink. It’s no surprise that support during this journey is essential. Research repeatedly shows patients receiving professional, non-judgmental support after surgery lose the most weight and keep it off. Since surgery is only step 1 in the weight management marathon, it’s clear to me, patients choosing this option aren’t slackers at all—more like superheroes.

yes, yes it can! I feel a bit like an alcoholic in a steel cage placed in a bar!!! When that feeling happens, I drink water - take some deep breaths, and move on..... I know it gets better with time.

Your story is so inspiring. I started finding comfort in food at a very young age. I am an adult child of an alcoholic and have had many difficult days learning that eating for comfort has taken a such a toll on my quality of life. The band is the best thing I have ever did for myself. Thanks for posting!!

Drinking isn't the only reason to GAIN weight and not drinking the only reason to lose it. There are tens of thousands of people who are overweight and don't drink. Apparently alcohol isn't the only reason the coworker is obese. Plus MANY people hit plateaus. Perhaps after 40 pounds he hit one. Just because we are getting the band doesn't mean we are diet experts (although I've done so many different diets I often feel like an expert LOL) If he's interested in the band, he needs a check up and then to go to a seminar or two, discuss his concerns with a surgeon.

I live on ibuprofen for arthritis. I elected to take it over the Celebrex because of the controversary. The same could be said for Celebrex I guess as it has almost the same components and is NSAID. I guess I'll be switching to Tylenol for arthritis instead,although it doesn't help nearly as much. There is always the chance that losing weight is going to help the arthritis...so maybe I'll end up not taking anything and that would be wonderful. Thanks for the input. I wondered what caused band erosion also. I wondered if it was eating spicy foods or something like that. I had absolutely no idea. Is there any way to keep a port from getting infected? I mean do you clean it with alcohol, or do you stay on antibiotics awhile or what? I would think erosion could happen if the dr. places the band in the wrong place, and I've heard of this happening from several people. OK I'm scared.

I am four months out and I have a glass of red wine almost every night. My tolerance has not changed, nor have I suffered any ill effects from the alcohol. I do make sure to include the glass in my daily calorie tally. I have a few other friends who have had VSG, and they too enjoy a regular glass of wine.

I know that I eat as a coping mechanism. I think many WLS patients do that and it's why so many turn to alcohol after they get surgery in order to find another way to cope. I've said this many times in these forums that I think WLS patients should get therapy afterwards to help deal with the changes in our coping mechanisms. When I went to therapy he broke it down very simply for me, I eat to cope. I need to cope because of stress. I have a choice, reduce the stress in my life or find a different way to cope. By thinking of it like that it's easier to address the stress and why we are eating to deal with it. I wish you the best of luck and I hope you find a healthy way to cope or a way to help reduce the stress in your life.

Chewing gum makes you produce more spit, which makes you swallow more, plus sugar free gums have manitol / sorbitol in it which is a sugar alcohol and that alone can cause alot of gas. I was wondering about chewing gum while banded.. guess I don't have to ask LOL. Nes, I'm glad you passed the gum, I can't imagine what that would have felt like if you didn't ICK !!!! Thanks for posting about your experience.

Mine were loosening up but not enough to fall off by my 2 week follow up with the doctor. When he saw them, he said I was healing fine so just pull them off next time I got ready to hop in the shower. So that's what I did. I was nervous, but once I took them off and got the crusty blood off, I looked so much better and felt much cleaner. I'm still having trouble getting the sticky residue off though.... alcohol didn't work, so I just gently rub it when I'm in the shower and it's slowly coming off... but too slow for me. LOL

Are you taking your Calcium and Iron within 2 hours of each other? As they do not play well together and you really need to have your calcium and then 2 hours later your iron. Also, you should be taking your Calcium in 500 mg doses through out the day as your body only absorbs approx 500mg at a time. Parathyroid has a major role in calcium, phosphate, calcitonin and Vitamin D levels. Did the lab give you the normal range for the parathyroid? Low prealbumin levels can be an indicator that the person is malnourished. Ferritin is the Water soluble and temporary storage form. This is the newly absorbed iron from your diet and not from the longer term storage (our body recylces iron with very little lost daily) form hemosiderin (water insoluble storage). So a decreased absortion of iron is seen in total or partial gastrectomy patients and it can lead to a iron deficiency anemia if you are constantly depleted in your newly formed iron. You will see an effect on iron stores going to zero and serum iron and transferrin saturation decreased with a increased total iron binding capacity. That all being said iron is mainly absorbed by the mucosal cells in the duodenum and depends on the serum iron (low serum iron increased absorption from intestine if available), amount in your diet and the pH in your gut (acid pH will enhance absortion). Vitamin C will enhance absorption phytates (in whole grains) and oxalates (in spinach) will chelate (alter) iron and decrease its absorption. Alcohol will enhance absortion by stimulating HCl secretion by gastric (stomach) cells. Have a talk with you doctor on what you can do to increase your iron stores and ask about the parathyroid as he/she will be able to look at the full picture and assess your needs.

I am not a beer drinker, but I drink soda. The carbonation is not going to stretch out your sleeve. There is zero scientific evidence to show that soda stretches anything. I drink mixed drinks mostly (not in pregnancy), but when I go out it's either wine or rum/cokes. I waited until I was at goal to indulge in alcohol mainly for 2 reasons; 1) Empty Calories that weren't worth drinking 2) In the rapid weight loss phase, our livers are working overtime, I didn't think it was worth it to throw alcohol in my body for my liver to process on top of everything else.

I have been okay so far but was told no soda or alcohol-- you do know there is a high incidence of alcoholism amongst WLS patients right.. so avoid it if possible! AFTER 2 MONTHS I CAN FINALLY EAT SALAD!!YAY

I noticed that after I was banded I drink less. I would rather use the calories for some good food then to waste it on a beer or mixed drink. I have been the designated driver quite often lately for that very reason. I do still have cheat days and drink at my favorite bar or party, but under normal circumstances you just have to think of how many calories that drink is and what you could have had instead to eat. I am still obsessed with food so I guess that covers up any other obsession I will ever have. Food will always be more important to me than anything else, that is why I will never be an alcoholic or druggy. Those things get in the way of my food consumption. Ok, so maybe this post took a bad turn but I was just trying to be honest with myself. The idea of the post should have been to save your calories for your healthy food and not the alcohol so just try to keep that in mind. Ugh, Kim

Trish, if you have alcoholism in your family and you aren't drinking yourself senseless right now, you are almost certainly going to be OK. For one thing, you aren't acting like an alcoholic now. Forget about the food stuff -- I'm talking just alcohol (and other mind-altering substances). Second, you're aware that you might be at risk, so you're monitoring yourself. Third, a lot of us have what might be called compulsive eating disorders, but there's one difference between that and alcoholism: you can cut down on food, but you can't do without it altogether. Fourth, the band will help with the food demons once you get the right fill. In my limited experience, recovering alcoholics are more likely to turn to food than recovering overeaters to alcohol; my heavy recovering friends and relatives will back me up on this. OK, I'm jumping off the soapbox now. Good luck, Trish. I think you'll be fine.

4 shots of alcohol every night is not a good idea! That certainly won’t help your weight loss.

I am now on the countdown- 7 weeks until surgery. I am so anxious and just want to start getting everything prepared and ready. What are some things I should be getting ready now? I have been asking the coordinator (whom I think is great) if I can get a pre and post op diet information and she keeps putting me off saying she will get it to me later. Should I be worried about this? I have a low BMI so I think I only have to pre-op diet for 3 days, but I am cutting out all alcohol, sweets and grains starting Nov. 1 (Surgery date Dec. 17 with Dr. Ponce De Leon). I cannot lose more than 6 pounds or I will be below my BMI for the surgery. Any help would be great. I think I would just feel more at ease if I could start planning now.

great job - you look fabulous! Question - I think on your last pic you mention 'no makeup and hung over' - can you tell me more about alcohol after banding? (Please everyone no lectures about wrongs of alcohol, calories, lowering inhibitions - exchanging one addiction for another etc.) - truth is alcohol is the only liquid with calories that I ever drink - and I know if I'm being realistic I will eventually want my weekend drink(s) here and there after banding. You mention sorority and drinking - are about my age and build (pre-op) - so we have some things in common and I just wanted to know how alcohol and the band have mixed for you. Thanks!

Hi everyone, Just sharing my experience so far of my 2 week pre op liver shrink diet. A week before I cut back in carbs and sugar, but still ate as much of anything else I wanted. On Sunday I started my diet (2days early) and I have to say I feel great so far almost 4 days in. I am allowed 600 calories, but can’t seem to get more then 430 calories in. I drink a protein shake in the Am, one for lunch with a sugar free apple sauce, dinner is 2oz of high protein meat and 1 cup of vegetables. I am allowed as much sugar free jello, popsicles and broth that I want, but I can’t seem to fit anymore after the water and Gatorade zero throughout the day. I walk about 4mi a day. I am noticing a slight drop in my energy today, but nothing bad yet. I still cook for my family whatever they want and then eat my food with them. They hide snacks when they eat lol, but seeing the food doesn’t bother me shockingly. This whole process is very unlike me bc I love food and love to eat so I’m so nervous this honeymoon stage is going to end and hell take over! We will be out of town for a few days at a demolition derby this which means lots of grilling food and alcohol! I have my stuff all packed to eat and plan to walk a ton especially as a distraction from the food. If I can make it through this demo derby party I can do anything lol! Just wanted to share for others to have another perspective on the diet and that it MIGHT not be as horrific as it seems. We shall see...... good luck to you all!