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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!

I believe this could be true. My half brother had gastric bypass several years ago and became an alcoholic. He's clean now, but he definitely had several years of struggle. Doesn't help too that our father is an alcoholic.

Has anyone read the lap Band Solution by paul O'brien? It actually encourages up to 7 drinks per week, stating; Our patients did intake alcohol despite our guidence and so we did a study to see if they loss less weight because they were "breaking the law". To our surprise, we found that , within a modest alcohol intake range, the more they had, the better the weight loss. Most were drinking wine with meals...Moderate alcohol intake has a number of established health benefits, such as a reduction in the risk of heart disease and strokes...Since our study, we have acknowledged a further benefit of a modest alcohol intake on health and have allowed up to seven standard drinks per week. .. Admittedly he only speaks of wine only, so I don't know about those chocolate martini's

This is the general guideline I was given by my NUT.</div> Phase I Clear Liquids (Weeks 1 and 2) Zero Carb Isopure Drink (Nature's Best) Per 1 bottle - Calories: 160kcal | Fat: 0.00g | Carbs: 0.00g | Protein: 40.00g Clear broth SF popsicles Water, decaf tea Phase II Full Liquids (Week 3 -- 500-600 calories) runny Protein Shakes Low-fat soups (strained / pureed) runny cream of wheat Non-fat milk Sugar free/fat free ice cream Phase III Puree (Week 4 and possibly 5 -- 600 - 700 calories) Baby food sugar free/fat free pudding pureed cooked meats with broth pureed cooked Beans low fat cottage cheese nonfat yogurt low fat mashed potatoes * pureed cooked veggies * unsweetened pureed fruit * * add Protein powder Phase IV Soft foods -- things that can be mashed with a fork (Week 5, possibly 6 -- (700-800 calories) scrambled eggs steamed or poached fish low fat cheese / string cheese skinless chopped or ground meat soft canned fruit well cooked veggies Phase V Regular Diet (Begin week 6, 7 or when ready -- 800-900 calories) 3 meals, 1-2 Snacks or 5 small meals the first few months each meal 4-6 oz (always start meal with eating protein) High Protein, Low Fat, Low Carb and avoiding simple carbs (concentrated sugar), alcohol Add one new food and record intolerance

<div> <div>This is the general guideline I was given by my NUT.</div> <div> </div> <div><strong>Phase I Clear Liquids</strong> (Weeks 1 and 2)</div> <div>IsoPure</div> <div>Broth</div> <div>SF popsicles</div> <div>water, decaf tea</div> <div> </div> <div><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-transform: none; text-indent: 0px; letter-spacing: normal; word-spacing: 0px; white-space: normal; border-collapse: separate; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><b><font color="#8600a4">Phase II Full Liquids</font></b><span> </span>(Week 3 -- 500-600 calories)</span></div> <div>runny Protein shakes<br /> Low-fat soups (strained / pureed)<br /> runny cream of wheat<br /> Non-fat milk<br /> Sugar free/fat free ice cream</div> <div> </div> <div><font color="#328712"><b>Phase III Puree</b></font><span> </span>(Week 4 and possibly 5 -- 600 - 700 calories)</div> <div>Baby food<br /> sugar free/fat free pudding<br /> pureed cooked meats with broth<br /> pureed cooked beans<br /> low fat cottage cheese<br /> nonfat yogurt<br /> low fat mashed potatoes *<br /> pureed cooked veggies *<br /> unsweetened pureed fruit *</div> <div>* add protein powder</div> <div> </div> <div><font color="#fa7a00"><b>Phase IV Soft foods </b></font>things that can be mashed with a fork<span> </span> (Week 5, possibly 6 -- (700-800 calories)</div> <div>scrambled eggs<br /> steamed or poached fish<br /> low fat cheese / string cheese<br /> skinless chopped or ground meat<br /> soft canned fruit<br /> well cooked veggies</div> <div> </div> <div><font color="#3665ee"><b>Phase V Regular Diet</b></font><span> </span>(Begin week 6, 7 or when ready -- 800-900 calories)</div> 3 meals, 1-2 Snacks or 5 small meals the first few months<br /> each meal 4-6 oz (always start meal with eating protein)<br /> High Protein, Low Fat, Low Carb and avoiding simple carbs (concentrated sugar), alcohol<br /> Add one new food and record intolerance</div> <p> </p>

Ok Im not liking these responses. I wish i read this before surgery. Im so bummed about this. Id like to be able to have an appropriate balanced meal and it doesnt look like it will ever happen. Will i ever even be able to have a salad. This is just depressing. I can see why so many wls become alcoholics.

Welcome to the forums, Sara! Its great that you are researching the surgery and post-op aspects. Its true - you'll have to re-learn eating habits. But it is not as hard as it sounds. I was just like you. I will drink right before, during and after the meals. Usually coke, pepsi or plain Water. But you'll learn that if you want to get in any food at all into your stomach, you need to stay away from water during the meals. I was not very strict about the 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after meals rule. I got away with it some days, and some days regretted it too. So it all depends on your body. The good thing is, you'll be on Clear liquids, full liquids and mushy food phase for couple of weeks and that will help ease out the eating habits. When you start solids be careful with chewing and eating slowly. You'll do fine - dont worry!! Some learn the 'full' feeling early on - others learn it after some struggle. But once you have your own 'tell' for the fullness, you'll control your stomach and not the other way round!! I don't consume alcohol, so cant help you there. But I've heard from people that once you are further post op you can have some wine without problems. Again, welcome! and I hope you get approved this time! See you soon in the losers bench!

Hi, I'm Sara. I've completed all my classes (6 months) and was rejected. I just completed another three months and I'm waiting to hear if my insurance will go through this time. I'm only 36 but my health is suddenly deteriorating. I always enjoyed good health despite my weight but now I am struggling with diabetes, high cholesterol, and my arthritis doc says I'd be a candidate for a knee replacement if I were older. This has to stop! I hit an all time high weight of 298 and I'm afraid I'm just going to keep going up and up. I am so tired of food and eating. I'm sick of it being such a hassle. I want to eat to live, not live to eat. I'm also very nervous about the surgery. I like to drink with my meals. I'm a huge drinker ... I mean that in a non alcohol way ... And I'm nervous about choking on food if I can't drink while I eat. And I just found out I won't be able to drink beer. I'm not a big beer drinker, but I like to have a brew when I'm at a soccer game. I'm afraid I'll miss that beer. I went 30 years without drinking beer so I don't know why I'm worried about it now LOL I could use any and all advice and guidance. Thanks!

No solution for alcohol;(( I'm sad too...but maybe in much smaller portions. If u can't control it don't even try it. Pizza- my fav also...recipe Tortilla wrap-low carb or no fat Pizza sauce Low fat cheese mozzarella Turkey pepperoni Ground turkey sausage Sautéed veggies(soft) Pop Tortilla in a skillet to brown then add pizza sauce cheese, veggies and toppings pop in oven for 6 mins and bam! Low fat pizza...make sure u go by serving size to check calories and fat and protein. Enjoy!

Thanks for the replies! I like the alcohol wipe suggestion, I forgot I used to use that all the time to get permanent marker off of my hands! I won't have an issue getting it into my incisions by accident because my sani strips are still on. It's been 9 days sinch surgery...I wonder if that's an issue that they haven't fallen off yet. They told me not to pull them off, so I've just been ignoring it but not that I think about it...the book said they would stay on for about 7 days. Hmmm...

I was really surprised when I read the Quest label that my favorites have 17 grams of fiber!! That is a HUGE plus for me. Also, the new flavors don't have those sugar alcohols that are in the first-round flavors--the new flavors are the strawberry Cheesecake, Cinnamon Bun, Coconut Cashew (my new obsession), and--oh, phooey, I can't remember. But they're also sweetened with Stevia. And like others have noted, they are a little more expensive, but since Sleevie can tolerate them and I actually look forward to eating them, I consider them a bargain. One bar equals two mini-meals for me because they fill me up so well.

Awww thanks god I hate beer. I do like alcoholic fruity drinks occasionally. Looks like next year once I get the body I want I can have alcohol once in a while.

Aren't Quest bars really expensive? The Power Crunch bars are only a little over $1. I think $1.14 at Walmart. What a good deal. I love them because they are sweetened with Stevia which is so much more natural than any of the other artificial sweeteners. Sugar alcohol and me do not get al ong at all either. I also love that they only have 10 carbs.

alcohol swabs (like those sold at walmart for $2 in the pharmacy/diabetes section) will take take off permanent marker, just don't do it on open wounds. If you accidentally do, you will see/feel why...