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I drink very rarely, always have. I have not changed my habits with alcohol because of the band. Every few months I have cocktails with girlfriends or the occasional glass of wine with hubby. No difference for me. Congrats on the new job. Have your drink to celebrate!! Enjoy your life.

Been a while since I visited here...have my reasons, mainly I find it tiresome after a while, mainly dealing with the self proclaimed experts.... However.... Thought I would give a report, especially for the newbies. I go to the gym 5 days a week at 5:30 in the morning. I run for 30 minutes (3 miles), do 45 minutes of weights, then finish the workout with 20-30 minutes of cardio on the elliptical. It took me one year to reach my goal, total weight loss of 90 lbs. That was 7 months ago, and I am still loosing although very slowly now. Your body will stop loosing when it feels it is ready to. I do not count calories, measure or weigh portions. I eat when I am hungry, which is not often. I do not deny myself the little pleasures in life like desserts, ice cream, alcohol, including beer, etc, etc. I do get my daily requirements of protein, water, vitamins, amino acids, anti oxidants, etc, etc, with little or no problem every day. There are days when I just don't feel like eating at all, so i don't force it. I am not a believer in the "Starvation Mode" I have/had enough fat and glycogen stored away to use as energy, and that is what I did. All this from a man who is 60 years old, have had one heart attack that I know of, had cardiac surgery due to coronary artery disease, had diabetes that is now completely gone, had loss of circulation in lower limbs with loss of sensation (feeling) which is now a thing of the past, cholesterol, triglycerides, everything is now well within normal range. Had my stress test a few weeks back and the cardiologist could not believe he was looking at the same person. My blood work (lab results) are straight down the middle normal in every category. The band controls my eating and hunger entirely. It is NOT a tool, something that I can control. It is something that is there, constant, doing what it was designed to do. People are afraid to go to picnics, parties, etc for fear of what I'm not sure. I cannot overeat no matter how hard I try. Does not matter what food you put in front of me, the band will allow just so much then that's it. I went on a cruise a few weeks ago and I did everything I can to eat/enjoy as much as I can...Impossible! I lost weight! I do not get stuck, slimed, etc anymore. It has been a long time since that has happened. There was a phase, when transitioning into the "Green Zone" that I got stuck sometimes 2-3 times a day. But once I learned my lessons, learned how to eat like a "Skinny" person, I broke through to the other side and life has been normal ever since. The "New Normal" as my surgeon calls it. My only advice to newbies is to work the band for all it's worth. Don't settle for second best, something just to get by. Demand everything you have always expected. I make no excuses for my success and my new life...why should I care what others think? It's me they're going to put in the ground someday...then where will the critics be....I have achieved everything I ever hoped and dreamed this surgery can do for me. I was once a fat person, so i know what denial and excuses are all about.... So you may see why I don't visit here all that much any more....

I have seen many different recommendations from surgeons on here, so above all, check with your surgeon. I have seen some posts that say none for 6 months and some say none for a year. I waited almost a year, except for communion My tolerance was very low for awhile, but I have never been a big drinker. Stay away from carbonation and drink a glass of water with every alcoholic drink you have. My favorite is a bloody mary. Good luck to you on your journey!

As I am in maintenance mode, I enjoy alcohol. Just beware as you haven't consumed in a while, your tolerance may be lower. We still absorb the same, so the surgery hasn't changed anything. Keep calories in mind when consuming. Otherwise, enjoy!! :-)

The issues raised by my surgeon (and nutritionist) is that consuming alcohol is empty calories. Our caloric intake is so limited, after surgery, that wasting (or worse, adding) calories in the form of alcohol will hinder your weight loss process. Best of luck to you with your surgery!

I drink wine regularly, no differences . I'm sure you will be fine just go slow because you won't have much food in your stomach to absorb any alcohol. I usually have a glass or two at the most and I'm at home so I haven't had to drive..! Cheers !!

I was wondering if anyone have tried alcohol? I am almost 7 months out from surgery and have not had one drop of alcohol. I am wanting to have a drink Tuesday night since it is my last day at my current job of 15 years. I am moving on to bigger and better things. I am scared that I might get sick or how it will affect me. I know for sure I wont be having carbonnation OK can't spell. Haha. I tried a sparkling water once and it made me instantly sick. So maybe a margratria. What have other people tried?

Iseen the other day on cnn where people were having the surgery then becoming alcoholics instead of eating!sounds crazy to me but i dont see how if so mucb would make u wanna vomit

The transfer addiction that aviiva refers to is a real concern for many, and can turn a pre-op casual or occasional drinking relationship into full blown alcoholism, as it can turn a previous food addiction to another addictive behavior (shopping, gambling, etc.) - we have one gal in our support group who reported going to casinos where she never had any interest in them before, so it was something that she had to handle. So, finding another source of comfort should be high on your list of things to do (adopt a puppy or kitten!) The other concern with alcohol, which is a variable between different doctors, is the effect on our bodies post-op. Most docs have some restriction for a few weeks or months post-op for the benefit of allowing the stomach to heal; my doc is one who restricts its consumption during the entire weight loss period (and that's part of our psych eval - can you do without for the year or more that it takes to lose the weight?) His concern is liver health, since being obese or worse, our livers are rarely in good shape to begin with, and the liver has a major role in metabolising all the fat that we are losing during the loss phase, and it doesn't need to be taxed further by metabolising alcohol at the same time. My doc does liver transplants along with his bariatric practice, and doesn't want to see any of his bariatric patients coming back as transplant patients!

These taste so GOOD. Easy to eat (not gummy). I found these at SAMS Club, 20 grams of PROTEIN, 230-240 calories, 0 grams SUGAR (11-14g sugar alcohol), gluten free. I have 4 boys 4-17yrs, I am always on the run. I noticed on my food tracking I was way down on calories and proteins. These are easy to go and I could only eat half at a time. 15 for $18.

Ya ive been focused now on the surgery and accomplishing losing this weight i have put on from doing all that.its why im overweight in the first place.im not an alcoholic if i made it seem that way to anyone lol

Since you are saying you turned to alcohol and food that may be a problem usually addicts trade one addiction for another you may try a 12 step program our seek therapy so toy do not get caught up in that. Please work on changing your mindset and not be concerned on when toy can drink our you will be struggling with a bigger problem then weight Sent from my SPH-D700 using VST

Well i know having alcohol is bad after surgery but for the past 5 yrs i have turned to drinking and food for my comfort (this is why i am overweight).my husband passed away 5 yrs ago so this has been my comfort.what am i going to do without this after when i get stressed out?does anyone on here occasionally have a drink or how does it work?ive been told you can only drink a very small amount cause it gets you very drunk. My cousin had the bypass 5 yrs ago and i seen her downing margaritas lile nothing..any info on this would help

I was emphatically told that I was to avoid all alcoholic beverages for an entire year post op...

What you have written in this post about the individual looking at ways to "bend" the system (in this case, the recommended diet) can also be said about other addictions as well. I spent years working as an addictions counselor for a county drug court program, and it was amazing to witness the lengths some people will go to try to manipulate the "system" (in this case the treatment center and the court) to bend the rules to accommodate them. I could also predict, virtually from week 1 who would successfully complete the treatment program. I once had a client come to my office late on a Friday afternoon to request a treatment compliance letter for court on the following Monday morning. If he did not have the letter, he was going to go to jail. I asked my client how long had he been aware that he would need this letter, and he said for several weeks. My reply was that I could have the letter for him on Monday afternoon...and that his lack of planning did not constitute my emergency. It was a common treatment issue for a "population" dealing with addictions...manipulate the system instead of changing choices and behaviors. Many of us had/have an addiction to food...emotional eating to cope with problems, stress, or boredom. And I agree, I have been amazed by the threads I have read that discuss which alcoholic drinks you can have shortly after surgery...how many calories, and so on. Also posts discussing ways to continue to have the carbs many have gained weight on, instead of recognizing that their relationship and understanding about food and the emotions which are associated with it need to change, if they want to have a successful and lasting weight loss journey. Alright, I do see a valid reason for sugar free throat drops for sore throats or coughing...but sugar free chocolate candies? I had to give up chocolate if I wanted to even hope to loose weight...and agree that if I continued to believe that it was alright to have chocolate as before, I would only be setting myself up to fail with weight loss. An occasional piece of chocolate is believed to be healthy...but if you have an "addictive" personality, one piece is too many and a hundred is not enough. There will be a number of others here on the forum who will disagree with my beliefs about the process of change as necessary for success, and manipulative behaviors as a predictor of failure, but success or failure is directly related to changing our choices and our behavior. What we were doing before with failed diets did not work...and to expect a different outcome if our approach to solving the problem does not change is not realistic. This quote "Insanity is repeating the same mistakes and expecting different results" appears in the Basic Text of Narcotics Anonymous. I'm not implying that we are drug addicts, only that some of the same behaviors packed on the pounds...and change in beliefs and behaviors is the only way to success with loosing weight. IMHO...your mileage may vary. Best wishes to all of us for success...

An I drink alcohol 11 days post op. I wanted to have a glass of wine and I read all of my books and handouts and I don't even see anything about alcohol!

Ppl treat alcoholics and drug users better than the obese. We all have the same triggers we just use different mediums to get our own utopia. I have grown a very thick skin and an excellent use of sarcasm. So bring on the nay-sayers, I will be a triple threat when I'm thin. Smart, beautiful and thin.

Sorry, I never saw this question... Beer is a typically a no no for a couple of reasons: First, the same general rules of soda apply here. No carbonated beverages. Second, beer is simply empty calories, has no nutritional value, and contains about 150 calories and 10g of carbs per 12oz bottle. Third, alcohol effects us differently post op and one beer could be enough to make you tipsy.

I agree that we should listen to the doctors we chose and follow the plan given to the letter. However, lap band isn't a brain transplant, and there are many of us that will not just wake up one day and say "oh, I get it." It's a lifestyle that each individual has to adapt to. I have paid a ton of money to dieting consultants, pills, special shakes and food. That didn't change the way my brain worked either. Lap band is a tool....just like many other "tools" it's still can be a struggle for those who have the food addiction. That's when counseling may need to looked into. Just like alcoholics or drug addicts....a food addict cannot do it on thier own either. I am greatful to find a site that has so much diversity, and hope to find the support I need to continue this process. Hi my name is Keke, and I am a food addict.

I would suggest staying away from Sugar free! Although youth think its " sugar fee " itore than likely is loaded with sugar alcohol. Sugar free candy makes me dump believe it or not so I make sure I stay away from that stuff. Try not to start on the chocolate or chips again! I now on a carb free, sugar free diet to break my sugar addiction. My goal is 20 lbs by the end of the summer. I keep telling myself that every 5 lbs is a bag of sugar (lol how ironic)

Weekends are the hardest for me. We don't go anywhere except the pool right now and that means snacks. I am sucking down water like a fish, I am trying to pack fresh fruit for snacks...but it's 101-105 out there and even my cooler isn't keepin' it cold. Then when we are home, we are so drained from the heat, nobody wants to cook so we usually end up with pizza. I say to myself, well I will just have one peice or I will make a quick iceburg salad. NEVER WORKS!! What's wrong with my brain. My answer: NOTHING!! It's an addiction. An alcoholic can't have just one drink, a drug addict can't take just one pill. I can't be around sweets and junkfood, pizza or a bowl of pasta without wanting to jump right in with a shovel. I am learning to chew my food more, savor the flavors and eat small meals throughout the day. I am doing it....most days. It's a process. I start my 2 week pre-op diet on July 2nd. Ewwww, that's cutting into 4th of July. My friend that knows I am doing this asked if I will cheat on that day. Hmmmm, will I? I want to say "no". I don't want to be negative about it. It's 4th of July, it's fun in the sun and fireworks...and BBQ's. I am mentally preparing myself now, I can have a turkey burger (i like those), load it with lettuce, tomatoes, mustard and pickles. Instead of potato salad I will make some coleslaw. I will make some crystal light mojito flavor, I will be the only one without a hangover...not a bad thing. So, here's to the weekend, the good food, the fun in the sun and the knowledge to know when enough is just enough.

I am a recoverying alcoholic. I go to AA. I thought I would NEVER be able to stop drinking and druging until I finally made it to AA. It really saved my life. I am almost 6yrs clean and sober! I am using my AA program and our 12 steps to help me with this process as well. If I don't do the things I need to do, talk to other alcoholics, pray, follow the 12 steps (the program), I will get drunk again! Same for this If I don't stay in touch with my fellow sleevers (to help me be accountable) pray, and follow the program, I WILL gain weight again. OA Overeaters Annonymous has a great program! Even if you don't think you over eat nessisarily... they deal with all of the phychological issues that we face, I think I am going to start going to a few myself! They have meetings all over the country, I'm sure there's one near you. Just a suggestion. It really does help people!!! I have several friends who go!

I love to cook and am CONSTANTLY surfing recipes. Before I got my band adjustment I went on a 3 week vegan diet. I did lose 20 pounds, but after 2 weeks, it got really boring. LOL. My friend is on an 80% 20% paleo. He doesn't need to lose, he is just a workout exercise nut. The 20% being that he likes to go out on weekends and gets carbs from alcohol :/. LOL. I like the paleo idea, and now that I am back to a decent fill level, am going to be focusing on protein recipes, so will pick up everyday paleo. I also have the challenge of I cook for my elderly father and trying to keep weight on him, and keep it off of me. sheesh.

I was diagnosed with pancreatitis about 6 weeks after my surgery...the really scary part was that the bariatric surgeon attributed my pain to a simple pulled muscle. When I was discharged from the hospital, I was advised to follow up with my PCP (board certified in internal medicine). A good thing that I did...because he took one look at the lab results run during the time I was in the hospital and noticed my lipase level was significantly elevated...which indicates inflammation in the pancreas. As per my PCP, there are generally only 3 reasons for this enzyme to become elevated - 2% is medication induced (quite rare), ~48% is from excessive drinking of alcohol, and the other ~48% is from gall bladder issues...not only related to gallstones. There is a significant relationship between rapid and significant weight loss and gallbladder disease. In my case, my gallbladder essentially has ceased to function entirely..as diagnosed by my HIDA scan. My PCP does not attribute this entirely to my weight loss, but was exacerbated by my weight loss to the degree where I can now feel the nausea and pain. He felt eventually that the symptoms would have appeared, the weight loss just sped up the process. I have a surgical consult scheduled for next week to determine when or if I need to have my gallbladder removed...this drill is getting old. If I need to have this surgery it will be my 3rd abdominal surgery in less than a year. But, I still have no regrets about having my band surgery. Best wishes to you...feel better!

newgrandmother.... I coach people here in Tampa Bay and when you do the right things you can stay full and lose it safely. SugarFree is not the way to go. Sugar free just puts other crap in the food to make it taste good. - After reading the above there are lots of tips and tricks that you will use post surgery so might as well start them now. MYFITNESSPAL.com - absolutely the most important tool for staying accountable to yourself. choosetochange.org is my website and blog. Follow the blog I have lots of recipes that will work to help you eat cleaner. When I put people on a detox it is a way to clean their system and remove the cravings that we all have. Figure out your vice and start there first. COLD TURKEY... Get through the first week and you will be golden. DETOX - Eliminate Gluten, Dairy, Soy, Sugar, Alcohol and all Vinegar and Oil based products. (Exceptions are Cold Pressed Olive oil, Coconut Oil and Sunflower Oil) Find a Pea Protein (It is natural as long as it is certified Organic; message me for suggestions) Change your milk to unsweetened almond milk (perfect for gluten free oatmeal, baking and protein shakes) All of the categories above are natural allergens and your digestive system stores the excess until you clean yourself out. The average American holds 20-40lbs in their digestive track of undigested bi-products. Get yourself a colon cleans product for week 2. Make sure you are drinking 4-6 20oz bottles of water a day.... Vitamin Water Zero is the only flavored water that doesn't contain artificial sweetners. It is detox approved. This DETOX takes some getting used to, but you will lose 10 lbs in your first week if you don't cheat on yourself. I would be happy to help you out and coach you through the month and beyond if you want. I have a facebook, skype and blog dedicated to helping non-ops and ops lose weight and eat cleaner!