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Do you think your dumping kept you from gaining while eating the real sugar items? And now that you are eating sugar free you aren't dumping, so the extra cals are adding up quickly? Or maybe the sugar alcohols are still giving you an insulin spike and maybe you are up 4lbs from glycogen stores + water? I know we have to be very careful of them here. They spike Mr. F's BGs and they do slow down my WL and also make me bloat (gain a couple). So they are a rare treat for me. Sorry about the 6lbs!!! Toss em in Deep Space 9 (your freezer) and forget them. If you can't, then punkin chunkin time!

Same!! I've been to a fair amount of Peruvian restaurants and your uncle's food looks super fancy! Going back to a previous post of yours @MarvelGirl25. I eat out professionally a lot. And how little I could eat, and how much it was noticed and commented on was, for me, the hardest thing about WLS. But as time went on I could eat closer to normal portions, and the comments stopped. So it won't last forever, just know it's temporary. As far as alcohol. I had my first drink 3 weeks post op (work situation). But after that I mostly swore off alcohol during my WL phase. It just wasn't worth the liquid calories to me, they add up fast. But I also didn't deprive myself. I had a few drinks my birthday week, or when someone bought a really nice bottle of wine at dinner, and on vacation.

Hi JRT Mom, my first set of ulcers were related to H Pylori. This time around they tested for H Pylori but it was negative. I don’t use a lot of NSAIDS so I’m not really sure what the culprit is. I had my gallbladder removed shortly after I was told I had Ulcers in 2011 (sludge). The MRICP revealed no pancreatic or duct complications but it did reveal I have Hepatic Steatosis (non alcoholic fatty liver disease). In 43 and so finding this out was a shock & that is why I have really decided I need to do something about my weight. I’ve already been told my cholesterol was high and was diagnosed with Hashimotos Hypothyroid about 2 years ago. I will definitely make an appointment with my gastroenterologist to discuss bariatric surgery and to get his input.

I think it sounds like dumping (from the quick ingestion of all the sugar alcohols in the cookie and protein bar). Especially if you have any PCOS insulin issues. Sorry you had to deal with that hon!!! Yikes!! I will tell you that sometimes longer fasts make me poop my first meal. LOL. But then I started breaking my fast with some avocado and then bone broth.

First taste of alcohol was 1 month post-op, lol. Wasn't much though. Started drinking semi-regularly again once in maintenance (7 months po). Coffee, on the other hand. Was drinking decaf every day for first 1-2 months, then regular ever since. I can't live without coffee. Or salad.

Hi! I haven't posted in several years. I'm 5.5 years out from my sleeve surgery, and maintaining at about 10 lbs above my "perfect weight" goal. Still down 105, though, and trying to exercise the ten pounds back off. So I consider my journey thus far to be a major success. I eat everything I want EXCEPT sugar and white stuff. Period. That's my secret. No refined sugar, ice cream, fruit juices, alcohol, bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, and rarely fruit, corn and peas. Other than that, I eat whatever I want. So here's my best tip: If you decide that you will NEVER eat any of the foods listed above, then you never have to decide whether or not to eat something. If it's on that list, it's a NO. If it's not, it's a YES. Every food decision is pre-made. How simple is that? And once you leave those foods behind for a while, you don't miss them anymore. As long as you don't ever open that door, the boogeyman can't tempt you. Two other tips: Get your 64+ ounces of fluids in every single day, and ALWAYS HAVE A PLAN whenever you're away from home. I never go to a party, get-together, or even a long drive without bringing my Crystal Lite iced tea and a bag of almonds. Those two items can carry me through any situation. (And they have, many times!) So that's my system. It's worked for over 5 years with excellent results, so I don't see any reason to change it. Good luck to all in maintenance!!!

I am so sorry for the loss of your mother and the other things you are going through. I had my revision in Sept my weight at surgery time was 213. I also had severe GERD and a fistula,which is why my BMI didn't really matter. You and I are the same height so you may not have any issues getting a revision at your current weight. As far as the Alcoholism goes have you tried talking to your regular DR? Most bariatric surgeons also have you see someone, and they may be able to help. I also agree with the diversion therapy that AJ talks about. I wish you all the best!

Sorry to hear that you've been going through a lot. Likely the alcohol is causing the GERD and you'd have to detox completely before undergoing another surgery. Your BMI might be too low at this point to qualify for a revision. But you have the opportunity to work on both issues if you focus first on the drinking part, have you tried AA? I don't think you're going to get your weight under control until you get your drinking under control. My surgeon's office has behavioral counselors as part of the program, does yours? Perhaps you could talk to them.

I’m very serious about wanting to pursue weight loss surgery, and I’m about to schedule my consultation appointment. I feel very ready to do this. I’ve read in some places that people with mental health histories have sometimes been disqualified. I have bipolar disorder that is very well managed with medication. I had an alcohol problem in the past, but I’ve been sober for a long time and am committed to never touching alcohol again. Do people like me tend to get disqualified because of our histories? Or does it matter more that things are well managed now? I really want this procedure and will do anything I have to for making sure that I can get it to change my life for the better.

I am also a Alcoholic and have not found there to be any ties between the two WLS and Alcohol abuse. This is a nasty hard addiction no doubt and staying sober is very hard. I am by no way clean and sober but i have cut it way back by focusing on my health, my dog, and activities like fishing and females. I found AA to be a freakish cult but it does work for some, My suggestion is to use a aversion approach, it is a common way to divert you away from the use of the bottle. Simply put when you reach for the bottle Drink a glass of orange juice, when you crave the vodka go for a walk, you are diverting yourself away from the addiction by other things. It does work for me, For example wanted to drink last night, so instead i took the dog for a long walk, rented a movie and played clash of clans! But i have been warned by my doctor it will tear the hell out of you little stomach quickly - so the fear of being dead has me alot more sober

The alcohol is likely causing the GERD. Can you try a12 step program like AA? See a counsellor that can help you with your issues and alternative ways to deal with them. You have been through a lot, you need to look after your health.

I was doing great with the sleeve. Then my husband started beating me, my autistic son became a "teenager".... insert dramatic scary music here.... and my mom died on Dec 21. Oh, and I have an amazing 4 yr old girl. I have been hitting the bottle. A lot. In the last 6mo I have regained 15lbs. I'm currently waiting for insurance to approve a revision surgery for my sleeve. I went from 287 lbs to 215 and now 228. My restriction is still pretty good, but I am so stressed out that I have to believe my excess calorie intake is my alcohol intake. I'm not sure what I am even asking, but does anyone know a good way to battle alcoholism and a good type of doctor that is knowledgeable about bariatric issues as well as alcohol issues? Not specifically looking for a particular doctor, but any ideas would be great. Sent from my moto e5 supra using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm 17 months postop, have lost 95# but still want to lose 13# more to get to my goal. I eat 800-1,000kcal/day (my doc said to stay within this range forever)...try to get 65-75g protein, low carb, low fat, no carbonated drinks, no alcohol and 3-4 bottles of water/day. I can eat about 1 c. of food/meal...if I eat too much, too quickly or drink while eating, my stomach will SCREAM at me and say STOP THAT! I exercise 2 hrs (cardio and weight training) every other day which helps with calories.

Great news! I knew you would pass it. I quit for 5 years once. I had to also stop drinking coffee and alcohol because they were triggers. After five years I went out and had a few social drinks. That was it. I started smoking again. It is a life long battle to kick that addiction.

New year New you...listen to your own positive words....your the white sheep, your thinner than other family members, you offered for her to come visit even with her life long attitude,you removed yourself States away to get out of the toxic relationship with her...Be proud of the you and all that you have built in spite of your up bringing. It's easy for everyone to say just cut her out of your life,but clearly that's not your feelings or you wouldn't have invited her. So moving forward realize all her faults and continue to do what makes you feel good. Communication if your blocked just send her a card if you feel like you need to reach out. Like on Christmas or Mothers Day. In Psych even the most abused/neglected child still has feelings for the abuser that an outside person can never under stand. Be proud of the person you have become as an adult. Even having this surgery to continue being the best you. Kudos to you that you have chosen to break this alcoholic, neglectful, destructive family pattern. New year New you

Hi everyone, I’ve been lurking for a while, this is my first post. I’m from Ireland but will be traveling to Brussels for a revision from Band to mini gastric bypass on 14th Jan. I’m a few days into my pre-op diet which is just a low fat / no alcohol diet for 2 weeks. Good luck to everyone changing their life in January x

Due to a weird set of circumstances I have moved back to my home city (Brisbane, Australia) and am about to start a new job on Monday. As a result my Sleeve surgery is currently on hold until such time as I build up some personal leave from this new company to be able to take 2 weeks off to recover from the surgery. I also have a big final professional exam coming up in the middle of the year so really need to focus on that as well... so no WLS for me until July earliest. In the mean time I am going to go on the Diet Doctor program, I did the 2 week challenge a year or so ago and did lose about 5 kg in the 2 weeks.. that's about 11 pounds, Hubster also likes the food and lifestyle and it works for him as well (he also needs to lose about 30kg/66 pounds) For both of us the biggest issue we have is alcohol (Aussies drink like fish haha) so that needs to be curtailed and we both do really well on Keto or very low carb finding hunger is really not an issue after the first few days and keeping to it is pretty simple as you make 2 x every dinner the other half of which becomes lunch the next day, I also really like this kind of food myself. The program is here if anyone is interested... https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/get-started As I am interstate on induction and training next week we are actually going to start it on the 12 (program starts on a Sunday). Has anyone else been on this program and had success with it? Anyone want to join in starting 12th Jan?

One has to be prepared, willing, and ready, not just for weight loss, but for a total lifestyle change. The weight WILL come off. HOW much comes off does depend a bit on genetics and compliance, as first degree relatives who have had successful weight loss procedures are a strong indicator of success in the patient. However, the long term compliance is up to the patient. If someone starts slipping back into old habits (gradually, and hardly noticeable at first), they will regain. I am baffled by folks who say they regained 50 or 100 pounds and seem to think it all just popped back on over night. That doesn't happen. It happens pound by pound. If someone is weighing daily or weekly, regain cannot be a surprise. WLS is only a tool - the hard work of lifestyle change is up to the patient. That means acquiring new taste buds for healthy foods, giving up the junk food that caused the problem in the first place, learning portion control, being consistent with tracking, getting on board with exercise, and rewiring the brain to see activities other than food to be gratifying and sustaining. One study showed that a determined mindset from the get-go: "I AM NEVER GOING BACK!" to be predictive of success. These individuals are willing to do whatever it takes to lose and maintain. When I see posts from newbies wondering when they can start drinking alcohol, asking about cheat foods, talking about the simple carbs they are eating, and stating they are months out from surgery and still haven't started exercising, I can't help but wonder if they will be the regainers. One must be determined to do everything possible to be successful - not continue to peek around the edges to see where they can still get away with unhealthy foods or habits. Bottom line - you WILL lose weight with surgery. What you do with that gift is up to you.

Quit social drinking, I had to quit for a year to quit smoking many years ago. Alcohol makes anything seem possible including snacking. Just quit and go back to tracking food, 60 g protein, and lots of water. I put fresh lemon in mine. You know what you're doing wrong, you need to return to what you know is right.

I never drink but I was told by my Dr and nurses as well as a few women who worked at the hospital that nothing puts the weight on faster than alcohol. They were all like DO NOT DRINK. I think go back to your basic plan your dr gave you that worked so well, cut out all alcohol and severely limit carbs... IMHO

I've taken a Christmas break from logging. Been doing it on and off, but applying the same rules to my M-F and eating basically the same stuff this week. But having bigger weekend blowouts with food and some alcohol. Those shenanigans will get shut down as of January 2. Last celebration is January 1. And that's when we will also launch Bariatric Accountability Club online in Facebook and our small developing website. So Jan. 2 will be down to basics of the Forever Diet! I'm happy to say that I'm still sitting at 129.4-129.8 as of Sunday! Hope I will stick the landing on Monday cuz I will have to make it official on the ticker. Here's yesterdays food but no daily totals: B1: Protein Latte x 3 (3oz PP) B2: none L: blackened turkey wedge salad with avocado (ate 1/2 of salad and 1/4 of the turkey) + approx 1/4oz brisket + 1/2oz smoked sausage + 2tbsp Better Way Jalapeno Cilantro Ranch Dressing AS: 2 glasses cabernet + 1oz pork skins + 1/2 oz aged gouda + 1/2 oz aged cheddar + 2oz baked brie + 1oz GS apple + 1/2 oz rosemary pecans Din: blackened turkey wedge salad with avocado (ate 1/2 of salad and 1/4 of the turkey) + 1/2 oz prime rib, lean only + 1/2 oz blackened mustard crusted atlantic salmon

People Suck... I didn't tell many people that I had WLS (just Mr, the Kid, Mom, Sister & BFF). Those NOT in know were told that I ate much less, chose healthier foods, cut out carbs and exercised every day to lose the weight. I've been in maintenance for a while now, so being the main topic of conversation at family parties has lessened. My weight loss is no longer interesting, thank goodness. These past couple days, showing up at the various Xmas parties this season hunched over from my TT, I decided to let those who asked that I had plastic surgery to remove excess skin from massive weight loss. I was surprised to get the comments and questions most on here get from others when they share they had WLS! I got: "Why didn't you just do it the real way?" "Cutting your body parts off is a little drastic, isn't it? Why didn't you just go to the gym and turn it into muscle?" "I think if you just dieted more, your skin would have shrunk just like your body did"'. "Plastic Surgery is cheating". "Wow, that's pretty vain of you". After attempting to explain to the first two or three busy-bodies that skin cannot turn to muscle nor shrink with massages or lotions (!), I gave up. I always knew people are sometimes stupid, but man, extended family seems to always raise that bar of stupidity to new levels. Should have stayed home and kept my mouth shut. Le sigh. To add insult to injury, I didn't even get to dull the drone of their yapping with alcohol. I am on a regular date schedule with my new friend, BENEDRYL to keep the itching at bay, and have yet to finish my round of antibiotics, so I figured I should refrain. Which was too bad, as I'm sure a couple glasses of wine would have made these people much more funny and much less annoying. Le double sigh. Poop Watch 2019 continues... Today marks Day 12. I am carrying TWELVE days of poop in me, people. Mr. (he's a keeper) assisted me with suppository insertion this morning. After no less than 2 minutes, I felt the sweet, sweet urge to push. So I skipped (skipped!) to the toilet and out came........a partially melted suppository. That's it. Are you effing kidding me. Now, the instructions on the box said not to use more than once in a 24 hour period. It also said that it should have worked within 15 mins to an hour. So I'm going to try it again at 6pm tonite, which is 12 hours after this morning's attempt as I figure I basically pooped the suppository out before it even melted and do its thing. In the meantime I ate 2 prunes. Good News is that it didn't make me sick, Bad News is that I am not a fan of the taste. I am also drinking water like a crazy person. Miraculously, despite my backed-upped-ness, I don't have any pain nor cramps. Just a feeling of absolute bloat. Ugh. In other news... Haven't weighed myself since the day of surgery (I was 115 lbs even 10 days ago). Out of curiosity I stepped on the scale earlier and surprise! I am still 115 lbs even. However, I was fully clothed, along with wearing an arm compression shrug & abdominal binder, am retaining fluid to the equivalent of a 4.5" increase in waist circumference, AND have 12 DAYS OF POOP in my belly. Arms continue to not comfortably raise higher than my shoulders. I am not yet standing up straight. Hands continue to deflate and my forearms no longer make me look like Popeye (I'd say they are maybe 85% to normal) The v-jay is no longer sore (but is still looking up at me!) For some reason my skin on my face is FABULOUS. I suspect this is due to: (1) not wearing make up for 10 days (2) all the water I have been drinking (3) all the sleep I have been getting (4) swelling??? Been wearing too-big clothes for comfort and ease, and am totally looking forward to putting something cute on and going out. BUT. MY. PANTS. DON'T. FIT. Le Triple Sigh.

I’m like @FluffyChix. Definitely not a teetotaller either & support the drinking as little as possible. I had a G&T at 6wks out at my cousin’s 40th. Took 4 hrs to drink it. If I’m going to a party I take my own - gin mixed in a small 300ml tonic or soda water bottle - cause I control the amount of gin I add. Drink slowly over hours & let the tonic/soda go flat. Had a small glass of champagne for Christmas & after 3hrs I poured half of it down the sink. (I know.😩 Such a terrible waste of Moet!) Sorry @Fatboyslim1 Great suggestion but I just can’t do the diluting of wine. 😱 Alcohol will mess with your weight loss & addiction transference is real. Be careful. Go slowly. Weigh the risks (pun intended) before indulging.

Disclaimer: I am in the industry . So yesterday/Christmas day at a family party I had some wine. I just filled 1/4 of a glass, and then added the same amount of water. Note: that is how the Roman senate drank their wine, so they would not get drunk (as the alcohol killed the various microbes in the water). This while virtually everyone else was drunk on wine or beer, as there was very little pathogen free water in the cities. so anyway, I sipped that amount of wine in that social environment over aprox an hour, holding it primarily in my mouth, to absorb the effects of the alcohol. An hour or so later I did it again. So over a two hour period I had basically a half a glass of wine, and quite frankly it was little more than mildly intoxicating, with no adverse affect at all. I AM NOT advocating drinking alcohol. I am however not so naive to think that people are going to obstain completely. Just be smart and quite frankly, you don't need to get drunk in life, to enjoy life

Yes, transfer addiction to alcohol is very real and a real problem post bariatric surgery. As said, you absorb it much faster (alcohol absorbs in the small intestine and for post-op people we have very little or no stomach left so guess where all that alcohol goes first - yup, the small intestine!). All that said, I plan to drink some at 6 months. I'll be in Hawaii for my 10th anniversary. I'm talking 1 drink a day, maximum. And that's only if I'm well on my way to my goal weight at that time and I will absolutely log those calories!