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i let myself doing only one sin i was about to choose alcohol or coke diet well i choosed the 2nd since it has not calories

Randy, I never took any Vitamins at all and didn't exercise, i was too tired too, and yes my hair did come out a bit and i was tired and weak alot. But, I went thru my first year with the band throwing up and trying to eat because i was hungry, so the next year i got a fill to 1.9 and kept for a year and lost weight on very minimal food and Water, and i have to say some alcohol too. I put on about 30lbs now, What it really did since i couldn't go to the bathroom because when you don't eat you don't go, it gave me constipation and put 3 tears in my retum wall and one that went right thru it, giving me a staphe infection landing me in the hospital for a month and 1/2 and 4 surgeries. I wouldn't advise this to anyone, this is just my journey and i'm sharing it, so no one does what i did, now i eat probably to much, but am still in my size 10 jeans instead of my 2's and 4's and some 6's which is a big difference. It is hard to adjust for me emotionally with the attention i got from being so skinny. Leanna

Honey, we all have eating issues or we wouldn't be here... food addiction is no different than alcohol or smoking or drugs.. something you may have not realized is that the lapband will change your relationship somewhat with food.. I love food but since being banded I don't think about it 24/7... I eat to stay alive, I still enjoy food but not as much.. after you have been eating healthy for awhile you will be surprised how your eating habits will change.. The band is the best thing I have ever done.. I tried every single thing to lose weight and never successfully kept it off long enough to matter.. This is different... Give it serious consideration and there are psychologist and counselors who can probably help with the mental part... You do have to change your eating habits but if you follow the rules and do your very best, I believe you will be successful. Best of Luck....

I began my WLS journey in 2015 with gastric sleeve surgery in September. My starting weight was 301, which I had managed to diet down to 285 by the time I was approved for surgery. Surgery weight was 277. Surgery was uneventful and I was back at my normal activities within a couple days. My goal weight was 185, but I only managed to lose down to 210. I believe this was because I made the mistake of continuing to drink alcohol after surgery (although less than before) and still ate too many snacks and slider type foods. Over the next several years my weight gradually increased until it settled in at about 230-235. Then the pandemic occurred and that added 20 pounds, so I was back to 255. This is when I learned what I felt was a good method to handle regain - I combined time restricted feeding with keto dieting... I only ate between Noon and 6pm, and strictly limited carbs. Doing this for a couple of months I was able to drop from 255 back to 235. I had issues with reflux before the surgery, and they continued after. They seemed to worsen as time passed. I learned not to eat at least 3 hours before bedtime, and still sometimes I'd end up sleeping in the recliner for several hours when the reflux was particularly bad. I also had developed a hiatal hernia (which a CT report said was small). Then in January of this year something changed. I started having issues where I could only eat a couple ounces of food without feeling severely overstuffed. This plus some bouts with chest pain prompted a couple of ER visits for cardiac workups. Finding no cardiac issues my doctors determined the pain was likely the hernia that had expanded. I also started experiencing symptoms that seem to be consistent with "silent reflux", such as throat, ear tube and sinus issues. I scheduled an EGD with my bariatric surgeon who found a 3cm hiatal hernia. He is going to repair it this coming Tuesday, and to prevent recurrence of the hernia as well as to resolve the GERD issues is doing a revision to RNY. I'm not happy about having to start over with the healing process, but am excited to finally lose the excess weight, correct the hernia and GERD, and get a chance to do things right the second time. So, here are some lessons learned along the way. If they can help someone else then this post is worth making: 1. Listen to your surgeon. If they recommend one procedure over another, there is a reason why. I probably should have done the RNY in the beginning but opted for the sleeve even though I had existing reflux issues. 2. Follow the dietary guidelines. They are there to assure the most successful weight loss. Unfortunately I 'taught myself' how to overcome the carbonation in beer and continued to drink it after recovery, which is a large part of the reason for lack of loss and regain. I wasn't addicted to either, but both were present in my social environment. I have now determined that alcohol and junk food are poison to my system and have resolved to be diligent in avoiding them. 3. If you do experience regain, get on it quickly. I found that time restricted feeding along with a keto eating plan worked wonders for me. I was essentially following the insulin control program established by Dr. Jason Fung. I quickly dropped close to 20 lbs using my sleeve along with this plan. 4. The sleeve, or bypass, is a tool that is given to you for life. You have a great window of opportunity the first year to lose weight and correct health problems. Make the most of it. Even though the tool is still there in later years, it becomes more difficult to lose weight after your system is fully healed and settled into normal life. It's possible, but harder. Make the most of the "one year honeymoon" window!

sounds like something alcohol can cure. If it works out then you can say you were sober, if it doesn't you were drunk and didn't remember anything.

I have my surgery 3/12/13. I'm wondering if its ok to have an occasional drink if you are banded? I have a vacation planned for September (6 months post opp) and I'd like to indulge of a drink here or there? Any thoughts?

Speaking from the sleeve experience as I am sleeved now and have been for over a year now, I was 389 at surgery, 1 year later I am 197 or a little less, There is a gland in your stomach called Grehllin or however it is spelled that sends a signal to your brain telling you when your hungary and also slowing your metabolism. (once removed it was like a miracle) (For example myself, I unfortunately have not worked out since surgery, just normal routine work walking around at different facilities) Yes I have lost some muscle mass. I find it hard to intake the amount of protein without tasting horrible protein shakes or shots and so on. I eat probably 6 times a day in small portions About the size of half a happy meal but of pure protein like chicken or fish. I have been very successful with my sleeve and feel confident that anyone who is sleeved will have some success if not meet their goal except with excessive obesity. The VSG is step 1 of a 2 step surgery for those who need it. I was told no heavy lifting after surgery so I didnt. I was also told to walk alot, no running for at least 6 weeks, I would advise against volleyball for a while :cool0:. The best advice is to let the sleeve heal inside of you, dont hurt it. I was soooo careful drinking and eating after surgery for so long because I didnt want or need complications. (word of advise to anyone.. When they tell you to go to the hotel and wash your wounds I wouldnt do that, Take some Neosporin spray, alcohol wipes and completely cover your wounds while in the shower anywhere in Mexico. I look at it like this, If it is not safe enough to drink it isnt safe at all) You can wait till you are back in the states to wash them hehe. Just make sure that you clean them with the alcohol wipes and neosporin spray :car: .. Not knocking mexico or anything, this is where I had my surgery performed in Tijuana Mexico at Hospital Angeles. I hope my post is somewhat helpful if not feel free to contact me if you would like to ask specific questions I will be more than happy to support you all in anyway I can :car: I also apologize if my typing is wrong, I am super tired from working all day in the heat but wanted to post

A few days after surgery I removed my sutures.... alcohol, a pair of small scizzors, tweezers, and bandaids. Beware....my largest, centered up top, incision opened up. Had to run to the drugstore for butterfly tape. I don't think mine were the type to dissolve on their own....they were what you described as wiry and like a fishing line. But if you want to go to the nurse, they will remove it.

I am just starting the process and am wondering if once all healed and on solid foods if you can have alcohol drinks. I am not a big drinker but occassionaly like some margaritas with girlfriends. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm about 3 months out and I talked with my nutritionist about alcohol. She told me it would be ok but not to make it a regular habit and to make sure an calculate in with my daily calories and carbs. Like you I wanted to have something while out with the girls. I had a skinny girl margarita first and yes it hit me fast but also the buzz wore off fast too. The second time I had vodka cranberry and it was the same fast buzz but then quickly went away. Both times I felt fine the next day but I didn't over induldge. I agree with doctors using the scare tactic. I understand where they're coming from but I agree more with having everything in moderation. I think that is easier for us to take in as well and not think it will be off limits forever.

Any addiction's going to screw up your life - rather than hoping for an exercise addition (albeit one I've wished for in my previous life), I'd suggest to anyone dealing with WLS to get a good therapist and see them, at least monthly, for 2 years post op, if not longer. We're far better off seeing a therapist when we're entirely psychologically healthy and addiction free (excepting food, of course) and staying that way rather than waiting until we need it. That said, the likelihood of addiction switching from food to sex, drugs, alcohol, gambling, exercise, etc is no greater (and no less) than the likelihood of anyone else quitting another addiction swapping to another one. There's a reason for all of that coffee and those buckets of hard candies at AA, NA, etc meetings - folks just swap to something more socially acceptable. I'll agree I'd rather my own child was addicted to coffee than nicotine or narcotics, but I do wish 12-step programs did a better job writ large (I get that this is a HUGELY oversimplified generalization) of helping folks do more than just 'kick the ____ habit' and focussed on building a whole self in recovery. But that's just my 2 cents. In short - yes, you've got a higher risk than someone without other addictions, and a higher risk than if you stayed in your food addiction, but nothing some dedicated, honest, and vulnerable work with a good therapist can't help you through. Good luck!

Hi, everybody! I just met with the dietician today and am now a little apprehensive about my upcoming sleeve surgery. I was told by others that I could have the occasional cookie or sweet thing and now my dietician is telling me I won't be able to without getting sick I was told by others that I could pretty much eat what I want just in very small portions (at least after 90 days or so). Also, will I be able to go out with my friends and have a couple glasses of wine?? I 'm worried about my nights out with the girls!

I have to add my thoughts to this one. I'm 4 months out and have lost 80 pounds ( stalling right now due to TOM). I do have an occasional sweet usually mini reeses cup me and my hubby keep in the freezer. Im also part of a wine club and love to drink wine. I go about once a month to a wine tasting and my husband and I usually have a glass of red for dinner. I don't count calories and just listen to my body what it needs food wise. I do find that since I eat so little I do make much better food choices. I eat more fish since it has more protein and always make sure to drink plenty of water. If I drink wine I have extra water to make up for the alcohol. This surgery is the best decision I've ever made for myself and as a self pay the money I spent was well worth it. I've never felt better and since I'm eating so much healthier my husband has also lost 40 pounds since I've inspired him. Make sure you do plenty of your own research and don't blindly follow the advice of a NUT. I've picked up books to read and like to make my own decisions based on a wide range of facts. Best of luck to ya!

I'm not a beer drinker, but I drink soda. I waited until I was at goal to drink it. My sleeve had relaxed, and I would burp and the liquid would pass. I know there are a couple of the other guys on the forum that enjoy beer now. I'm a rum/coke drinker, and haven't had any issues with having carbonation plus alcohol. I wouldn't do it early out if you have really great restriction still because it can be very uncomfortable. Flat beer sucks so I wouldn't recommend letting it go flat like a lot suggest for soda consumption.

I searched some, but didn't find a whole lot on this topic. I would like to keep some Protein bars around - they are easy to take on the go for errand running, etc. Easier to eat than Protein shakes - which I happen to like - but they take forever for me to get one down because of the volume. Anyone suggest some good tasting, good for you Protein Bars? So far Ive only tried the EAS carb control one (chocolate Peanut Butter crisp) and it was okay. Im hoping something is out there that tastes a little better. This one has: 240 cal, 8g fat, 27g carbs (6g fiber), 1g sugar, 17g sugar alcohols, and 17g protein. This isn't something I want to eat daily - just something to have on hand on the days I run errands and know I will be out and about when snack time hits. I will be a month out on Monday! Woo-hoo! Thanks for any suggestions!

Went out with the dance girls after class for a pow-wow at a sushi restaurant. Had this lovely roll called the Popeye... but all the rice and soysauce got to me.... up 1.7 pounds. Fingers crossed its just the salt. Skipped alcohol and just had water. Only went over my allotted cals by about a hundred, not too bad really. Tomorrow is another day!

I used to drink red wine with regularity, but after surgery, I don't really have a taste for red wine. But, I do enjoy a glass of white wine on occasion - on the weekend. I went on vacation for a week and there was plenty of white wine flowing. I can't drink as much as I used to and one glass is usually my max, sometimes two. I didn't gain any weight on vacation, but I didn't lose like I was either. This past weekend I had a watered down margarita which was very yummy but is very high in calories too. My surgeon said wait 8 weeks before drinking any alcohol. My nutritionist said to have a drink if I want to but make sure I count it in my daily calorie count. Also, you need to drink more water than usual if you drink alcohol since it is a dehydrating beverage, so that's what I do when I drink an alcoholic beverage. Everything in moderation, just like high calorie, high carb foods.

I would say hard liquor hits you about 3 times as fast as pre-surgery. I enjoy a nice glass of wine on occasion, but I am no longer hooked on sugar laden mixed drinks!! For the record, the drinks are easy to tolerate....but do the math...alcohol has a lot of calories, probably best for a special occasion or during maintenance stage : )

I like all the bars mentioned though I try to keep sugar alcohols to a minimum. So far Quest bars are my favorite. I like the Banana Nut and Chocolate Chip. Just ordered a box of Berry, looking forward to trying them since I don't eat much in the way of fruit right now.

What a wonderful post! The sneaky thing about denial is you don't know you were in denial until you have accepted the truth. I would have denied a food addiction up and down until I got sleeved. And I would not have thought I was lying to myself. In fairness, I don't think I was actively lying. Lying is when you know the truth and choose to disregard it. I didn't know I had a problem. Sure I knew I was eating sugar. Yes I had metabolic and inflammatory issues. Yes it is true that I have the ability to put on weight with a lot less food than my friends. Yes it is accurate to say that the last time I put on weight, it was faster and with fewer calories than humanly possible in a well-functioning body. It is also true I never binged, sneaked, or lied about my food. I also ate extremely healthy meals. It was the sweets that killed me. But until I was sleeved, and until I had spent a long time on The Artist Fomerly known as VST, I had no idea I had an addiction. I dont regret my sleeve at all. But I do regret not ever trying to eat low carb and better controlling my insulin response. I do regret never accepting that the sweets were making me PHYSICALLY if not mentally addicted to more sweets. Could that have made the difference for me? I don't know. And now I will never know whether my current eating regimen, albeit at higher calories, would have helped me lose weight. I do know I refused to accept that I needed to give up simple carbs before. And now, I accept that they will never again play a starring role in my life. I have an addictive personality. This is why I never did drugs, alcohol or gambled. Because I was fairly sure I'd get addicted. But I didn't think of food like that. It never occurred to me to stay away from unhealthy sweets because you could get addicted. Isn't that denial of a sort? Because how can we live today without being aware of sugar addiction? How can one know about the chemical cocktails food companies create that make you crave more junk, and yet deny that I was a willing participant in that game? I was well aware of all the facts. But somehow I didn't relate the facts to my own situation. Isn't that denial of a sort? I started smoking at 14. I continued for years where I limited myself to 3 cigarettes a day (not packs) I'd start, I'd quit. I'd stay quit for years, then I'd start again. The last time I quit was 5 years ago. And I will stay quit. You know why? Because now I accept that I am a nicotine addict. One is too many, and 1000 aren't enough. I don't believe I can EVER smoke a cigarette again--unless I want to be a smoker. The sugar thing--I haven't accepted I can never have sugar again. That's what scares me. Against all odds, I find myself wondering if I couldn't just have sugar once in a while? My husband accepts he can never have it. He quit a several pack a day habit overnight. Yup, 40 years of smoking and quit cold turkey the day before we met. He knows what addiction is. And he knows we were addicted to sugar. He never wants to get started again. I do. I still very much want it. I want to believe I can do it in moderation. Isn't that denial of a sort? Sorry for the long ramble!

I've been preaching about sugar addiction...if you think you have a "sweet tooth", there's a good change you're a full-on sugar addict. Do some research...it's as physically addictive as cocaine, and imaging shows that it lights up the same areas of the brain as cocaine addiction does. I always thought I just had a sweet tooth.... it wasn't until years after surgery (and 55 lbs of regain) that I learned about this. Understanding that it's just as real as an alcohol or drug addiction, and recognizing it in myself, has made all the difference in the world in my ability to get off and stay off the stuff. Please research it and understand it. It's the one and only thing that I wish I'd known about ahead of time.

I started March 1st. Having my surgery on November 24th. I immediately gave up soda, caffeine, and alcohol. I started logging all my food on the Fitbit app. I try to keep under 1200 calories. Concentrate on getting between 65-90 grams of Protein a day and keeping my carbs low. I am so thankful that I have almost lost 60 pounds. I feel like my sugar addiction is under control (of course, I know it can rear its ugly head at any time so I try to be diligent.) The two times when I thought I was going to crawl out of my skin for wanting sugar I allowed myself to have a prune. I know this sounds funny but it was nice and sweet but also has Fiber and other good things in it. I also got rid of everything in my cabinets that aren't good for me. (Because I can be really creative with putting ingredients together when I want to!) I also have changed my relationship with food. Before (I hate to say it) I would always secretly try to "cheat the system". I'd eat "diet products" that were treats and fat free things--etc. Now I am trying to give

Hi, I'm new to this app, and have a question that I'm kind of nervous about asking. I am currently on the pre-op liquid diet and am going to be sleeved in 11 days! I'm very excited and motivated to start my wls journey. I just recently moved to Southern California because I'm starting school here in the fall. All of my friends are in Northern California and have no idea that I'm having this surgery. I was wondering at what point, post-op, were you able to have a drink? I am by no means an alcoholic, I'm just a 21 year old girl who loves to have nights-out with her friends. Fortunately for me, all of my friends live 6+ hours away so I won't be seeing them as often. But when I do go to visit, it will be expected that we go out and a have a few drinks. It will be obvious if I go out and don't part-take. I am of course able to say no, but I'd rather not go out with them at all if I can't act how I normally would, if that makes sense. Please no judgements [emoji18]

My doctor told me no more alcohol period. It's going to be hard but you've already gotten this far. I'm not drinking anymore for myself, I've invested so much in this weight loss journey. I'll support and not judge any decision you make. Good luck. Sent from my LG-H901 using BariatricPal mobile app

I had wine after three months on a cruise - no issue. Keep in mind alcohol consumption will stop weight loss in its tracks. It also didnt take a whole lot to get loopy. A reasonable doctor will tell you that you will need to live your life. Its not reasonable to assume you will never drink alchohol, eat something fried, eat cake, eat something bad for the rest of your life. If you are reasonable about it you can do those things once in a while.