Search the Community

I haven't had much alcohol since my surgery I don't have any craving for it and I used to love a Margarita with Mexican food but since my sleeve I really don't have any desire for it. I did try to have a glass of wine and it didn't set well. I got terrible indigestion and only a few sips and I was feeling the effects of it right away. My husband says I am a cheap date now...LOL My doctor said that he advises all his patients that want to have a drink to do it the first time at home since the alcohol will affect you very quickly. He was right. I was never a big drinker and now I tend to just stick with water with lemon even when we go out. Everyone is different so try it slowly and see what you think.

I got a birthday call from my wonderful MIL the other day. She was really excited and wanted me to look up Vertical Sleeve surgery. A co-worker of hers had just returned from Mexico and Dr Joya's clinic with a spring in her step and 20LBs down. I have been STRUGGLING with my weight for, well, EVER. I've put on 10lb a year for the last 10 years, and there's no sign of it stopping. Even THINKING about losing weight makes me gain more. I am SO done. So, ever hungry for knowledge (and cookies), I opened up the laptop and started reading. I read til my eyes bled. My goodness, there is SO MUCH INFORMATION! Then I searched for "real people information" and found you guys! I read THROUGH the bloody eyes, and WOW! You are all so inspiring! I'd like so much if some of you could take the time to answer a few questions about your experiences; there are just soooo many great posts I'll never get through them all. 1. Who was your surgeon and why would you (or wouldn't you) recommend him- please don't bash other people's choices, forum drama makes me SAD :sad0: 2. How do I get the ball rolling- how do I approach my doctor, what do I need to ask for? 3. I have never had "major" surgery before- like I've been put under for a leep-cone procedure before, and I've done natural child birth, but what do I expect physically? How bad does it hurt after and for how long? 4. I've read that recovery is quite exhausting, and that it's hard to cope with so few calories (energy wise). I'm already tired all the time- When does the energy come back? 5. What about all the EXTRA SKIN? Is there a way to help that without more surgery later? 6. What about hair LOSS!? I like to pretend I'm not vain, but that might be a bit hard to take, how do I cope with the inevitable hair loss? 7. Beer? Can I have beer? It's my FAVORITE summertime treat, but it's fizzy and I haven't been able to find much on alcohol consumption... This is certainly not a "deal breaker", but I'm curious :001_huh: 8. I've seen several posts and responses about how to cope with eating out and in public, does it ever "feel" normal again? I mean, will it stop feeling strange that I can barely eat half a slice of pizza? (that's assuming I can tolerate the cheese and the pepperoni and the sauce...) 9. The puking and dehydration.... Um, does EVERYBODY struggle with that? Is it FOREVER? 10. Finally, is there anything else I should know? I've read PAGES and PAGES of stats and medical info, so I understand the basics of the procedure and the risks and the possibility of complications etc... But is there anything else? Any Super Top Secret Inside info that I'm not going to learn anywhere else? Thanks in advance, this forum has already been a great help to me and I welcome any support you are willing to lend. :scared0:

Since being diagnosed w diabetes 2 I drink about 62-84 oz of water a day n about 2-4 cups of herbal tea. Will I have trouble drinking after surgery? I gave up coffee years ago n don't drink alcohol cuz gives me hot flashes. Also does everyone get cold cuz I have window open wear tea shirts all year round. Guess losing fluff n lowering blood pressure will change things. Maybe next winter?? Surgery target Feb. Oh so ready!!

Can't go 4 weeks without a drink? Alcohol is empty calories and no doubt has contributed to your needing a lap band -- if you can't give it up for 4 weeks and then cut way back on those empty calories you just wasted a lot of money (yours or the insurance companies). The lapband is only a tool, you still have to watch what goes into your mouth.

I will get plastics eventually but if I have to choose it will be the apron. It is large but really nowhere as big as my tummy was before surgery. That is more of a concern for aging and being independent in my later years. Daily skin therapy - baths with glycerin are good - dry brushing and such that stimulates the skin will help too. a MODERATE daily lotion therapy will help. Drink your Water, drink, drink - avoid alcohol. Cigarettes are no good either! Accupuncture may help this - I am lookin ginto a few reports that it helps the subcutaneous blood flow, which helps the lipids and such dissolve, which triggers the skin to "recede" blah, blah - like I said, I have not confirmed this!

I waited about 6 weeks before I had caffeine and about 3 months before I had alcohol. I have found though that one drink at a bar (probably 2-3 shots worth of vodka) makes me feel good and 2 just makes me unwalkable drunk lol. So be careful!

In my group we often talk about how our addictions can move on to alcohol or drugs for many people. It's not uncommon and I'm so proud of you for fighting and winning that battle! WOW!! You are so strong.

Ummmm no sarcasm intended, seriously! I truly wanted to clarify! Everyone's plans are different. Everyone is here seeking and sharing information. You came on to a thread where someone offered info and said no thanks it didn't fit your plan. I wanted to clarify to make sure I didn't miss anything before suggesting for people who didn't mind the sugar alcohols might want to try these. Believe me, if I disagree I will disagree, read my other posts! I don't use sarcasm on the net much because without tone of voice it tends to be ineffective.

Anxiety in life, risk for alcoholism and risk of anorexia, there will not be comfort in food anymore so they need to check that you are otherwise comforted. Sent from my SM-G550T using the BariatricPal App

Here's the thing about why I also give the advice I give. I have found that people who have this approach (your co-worker) actually DO have an issue with whatever it is they are inquiring about. I saw this from my friend after I went to rehab for alcoholism. "Why did you go there? You really didn't drink that much." "Couldn't you just drink less or just drink less often?" I basically had to cut ties with all of them for my own sobriety as they were not healthy for me. I later found out from another acquaintance it was their own demons related to alcohol/drugs which prompted their attitudes. By dealing with my issues, it forced them to take a look at theirs, which they didn't like. I see this with members of my family. My mother constantly asks me about my portion sizes. "There is just no way you can survive on that much", but then later admits that sometimes she just can't stop eating something she likes. When she sees someone taking control of their eating habits, she realizes how little control she has over her own. Your co-worker may be experiencing the same. It could be she has even bigger issues with food. We just don't know, but turning these questions back to her may do more good than just getting her to stop with her pursuit. You may be helping her in ways you just don't realize.

You should feel fine to go but remember the difficulty drinking (especially alcohol) and food that you will have to endure. Its not gonna be a walk in the part but it will be fun to be outside and experiencing Vegas if you haven't been already. Just remember, its not gonna be the same trip as it would be pre-op obviously.

Alcohol use is discouraged after RNY for 2 reasons. Due to the plumbing changes, your body reacts very differently. You are likely to feel the impact very quickly and much more strongly than usual, especially in your early months. Secondly, you would be consuming calories with no nutritional value. That is normally explained quite clearly in the pre-op materials and discussions.

Hi Jen -- Yes, you really can do this! We all got cold feet during the last week or two. Right up to the point where they put you under you'll be thinking, "I can still back out!" That's totally normal. After 4 weeks you should be pretty well healed from the surgery itself. There may be some remaining tightness from the swelling, but easy foods like tuna salad should be going down pretty well by then. I used Hellman's Low Fat mayo on almost everything for the first couple of weeks of solid food. If you're driving to the wedding, take along your shakes. If you're flying, maybe you can get someone out there to buy some, or find out where they sell them and buy them on the way in from the airport. Also buy tuna/mayo and Greek yogurt if you like them. Use the shakes, tuna and yogurt to get you through the wedding. In fact, pack a shake or two in your purse for the reception just in case. By the way, my favorite Protein shake is Premier Protein, chocolate flavor. Pre-planning is the key to travel success! I just got back from a 9-day vacation where we ate out 2-3 times per day. I made good choices and lost 5 pounds. And even though it's a special occasion -- Don't drink alcohol. Not only is it really bad on this program, but it leads to other bad choices. Do drink your 64+ ounces of Water or Crystal Light - that will also fill you up. If you feel hungry between meals, you are probably just thirsty. Do focus on getting your protein in. It helps you feel satisfied. Take all your Vitamins and supplements. And don't cheat! (That means no sugar/carbs.) They will start you down a bad path right off the bat. The good news is you shouldn't really be hungry. Plan your strategy in advance and keep to your plan. Eat your three meals and two Snacks each day and drink all your liquid and you should be okay. Hope that helps. Good luck with your surgery and the wedding!!!

To me, just cutting out certain foods until I reach my goal has done the trick. I hestitate to call it a diet and it is not a strick regimented diet but in the beginning, I didn't eat pasta, rice, bread, sweets etc. And I follow the no carbonation rules and when to drink liquids between meals very strictly. No alcohol for me either. Now that I am closer to my goal and I am working out very hard on a regular basis, I have let up on my original rules a little. I still don't eat pasta and rice but I just don't really want them. I have integrated some breads back into my eating like whole wheats and grains. I also have a sweet occasionally and found out that I can eat just one piece of chocolate and not feel like I have to have the whole box. Who Knew?

Mine said no alcohol because it is empty calories. No beer because of the carbonation and empty calories. I was banded in May and have since had a few drinks. Yes, it does affect me much sooner than before. I certainly do not drink nearly as much as before. As a matter of fact 1/2 a drink will affect me as much as 1 or 2 did before. Check with your doctor to see what they want you to do. Every doctor is different and has a different set of rules. Good luck!

Hello everyone! My surgery is coming up on March 7, so i'm reading everything I can get my hands on to try and stave off the nervous feelings. That's how I came across this forum I'm excited, and nervous, and that seems to be the norm around here. I am loving reading everyone's stories. I'm a self-pay, 30 years old, and live in Dallas. I've not had much experience with surgery, i think i've only been put under twice in my life, the last time was when i was 20. I've never been skinny, but my weight started piling on a few years ago when i started a company and working 80 hours a week, sitting at a desk. I'm now up to 240lbs, with a 39 BMI. I have high blood pressure. As a social drinker, i'm really nervous about what the surgery is going to do to my social life afterwards. To be honest, this is actually a huge concern for me, since it is so important to my lifestyle. I'm not an alcoholic, but I drink pretty consistently about 2-3 times per week. I smoke when I drink too. Obviously, i'm going to want to limit that behavior in the long term, (I don't think I will have a problem treating myself right during the healing process), but I don't want for the social drinking part of my life to be over yet. So this is my experience so far - I'm planning on updating as events warrant. I go in for my pre-admission bloodwork tomorrow morning, and just started on my pre-surgery liquid diet. Thank you to all of the participants on this board. It's making me feel better by the minute. Laura <3

Be gentle with yourself. Life is about learning how to pick yourself up and go on. Not allowing in a mistake to keep you down. Celebrate that you are learning and growing. We all go through the same thing. Over and Over again. Different situations, same feeling of worthlessness. And, just as you would tell me, I am telling you. Go easy on yourself. I made up my mind that i was only fat. Others have their own crutches - drugs, alcohol, affairs, spending habits......whatever. ..............And I am learning to deal with my problem. But thanks for posting your feelings. I learned from your post and the others who posted. I have been beating myself up for the fact that I quit after the first 60 lbs. I am going to take my own advice and be gentle with myself, acknowledge why I stopped after the first 60 lbs,and simply go on to lose 60 more. You are on the right road. The first couple miles (weeks) are bumpy. Have faith - it gets SO much better. You will be smiling in no time.

Was going to get mad at myself for not fully embracing my 6 week lower carb diet. But then I realized I gave up coke zero and other sodas, cut coffee down to 1 to 2 a day, and cut all alcoholic drinks to 1 - 2 a week. I actually don't have an official Sept date yet, but just had EKG and sleep study.... So that should be all I had left for approval. Maybe an official surgery date will help. Now I am struggling some with fast food, ice cream and carb treats. I have resisted a lot, but have not made the best choices. I do have a close family member in the hospital, that adds stress. So I just wanted that out here for support and accountability. Thx

Thanks BigMamma1981, I will try the rubbing alcohol and see if it works. I appreciate your suggestion!

I have had several surgeries in the past and sometimes skin so soft from avon will work and sometime use rubbing alcohol. If this doesnt work call the surgery center because I know I have been given packets of stuff also.

September has been a crazy busy month! I am actually looking forward to my surgery, so I can rest. I am a person that strives to do everything, even when there isn't enough time. I had to admit defeat this month and miss out on a family wedding. I was disappointed that I didn't get to celebrate my cousin's marriage to his beautiful bride and spend the day with family. However, I spent the day out at a little airport with my husband and a group of his students. Although it rained most of the day and the days plans were ruined, it was still a good day. Watching how passionate everyone is about aviation was quite a sight. There was a group of atleast 50 people that sat around inside just waiting for the weather to clear for about 6 hours. Optimism was abundant and the pure passion they all have for aviation was abundant. My husband’s passion for aviation is unwavering, job losses, uncaring bosses, he just keeps driving on. Recently he said to me, “If you loved being an engineer half as much as I love being an aircraft mechanic, you would have so much fun.” Where does my passion lie? Sure I am an engineer, mostly because I was good at math. Did I choose to be an engineer? No, my dad thought I would be good at it. There are days that I absolutely love my job and many where it is just a job. What I really love is helping people. Last night when I was walking back to my hotel from dinner, I gave a dollar to an older gentleman in a doorway. I know, you shouldn’t give money to beggars as they usually buy alcohol or drugs with it. It really wasn’t about the dollar, I was nice to him, told him to have a nice evening and his face lit up. I had just watched a man and his children completely ignore the older gentleman. Amazing how a bit of kindness can brighten someone’s day and your own. I do love helping people when I do my job, just need to find more days where I love it. My surgery is in 9 days. One class to finish, a Piper's Barkery event at a dog fair and one work day to survive! I know I can do it! Ready for the next chapter in my life. I will then have 3 ½ weeks off from work to recuperate. Hope I can do a little self-reflection and rediscover my passion in life.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009 Everything I've Been Through I scheduled my first fill for August 11. I'm noticing hunger between meals the past few days. I'm also finding that I could keep eating when I'm done with my food, more food than I was able to choke down until the past week. So I went ahead and scheduled my fill. They'll only put in a little. See how I do. Put in a little more. See how I do, until I hit what people call "the sweet spot." At which point, as far as I can figure, things become easier. As long as I follow the basic food plan and the protocol for when to drink fluids, which I described in an earlier blog, hunger and the desire to eat both diminish greatly. Not everyone reaches that point. You can still eat around the band by drinking with your meals, you can eat things like ice cream which slide past the band, you can consistently make less than healthy food choices. Your results won't be as good. Weight loss surgery, no matter what kind, is just a tool. I have to keep doing the footwork. I'm finding a lot of support on-line on the Lap Band Surgery and Lap Band Discussion Forum. I'm hoping to find a non-shaming support group to help me deal with my food issues and gently hold me accountable. I plan to continue writing in this blog as various issues come up. Just the discipline of writing every night helps hold me accountable. I feel amazingly empty of feelings and thoughts tonight. I think I drained myself (temporarily)talking about shame and guilt, ADHD, and, especially, yesterday's post on codependency. That was a difficult post to write. I learned a lot about codependency and addiction in my years attending a 12-step program for people who have been impacted by someone else's addiction. Addiction is a family disease and not just the addict or alcoholic's problem. Food helped me cope, it helped me survive, but it, too, becomes an addiction. It's an unhealthy relationship that stabs you in the back. Codependency has to be dealt with in order to recover from food addiction. There's a song going through my head. We've been singing it in church fairly frequently. Lord I offer my life to you, Everything I've been through, Use it for your glory. Lord I offer my days to you, lifting my praise to you, As a pleasing sacrifice Lord I offer you my life. Amen.

@@melyssafaye that's a common misconception. Truvia is actually a blend of stevia, sugar alcohols and other ingredients I can't pronounce. I can't say that it's bad for you but it's produced by Coca Cola which makes me suspicious. Though that may just me being paranoid!

As long as you try to avoid anything carbonated, I wouldn't imagine it would be a problem- You might just have to watch how much you can drink, as you will have lost weight, and arent eating as much to soak up the alcohol! No matter what, you will have a good time, but cheap night. Have you thought about what you will be able to eat at the wedding? I didn't tell anyone I was banded, other than my immediate family, so I am avoiding those social situations for a while. As long as it is 4 weeks after surgery, and you chew well, it probably wont be a problem, but maybe someone who has been banded longer than me might have a better idea (I was only done on the 23rd). Good luck, have a great time at both events!

Hi Paula, I always look for the bars that have the most protein and the least sugar. Most use sugar alcohol, which supposedly does not affect our blood sugar. There are some really good ones out there and some that are loaded with sugar. Be sure to read the labels carefully. I have tried EAS brand lemon cheesecake and Think Thin peanut butter and I like both of those. They are 2 - 4 impact carbs per bar and good amount of protein. There are many other goods ones, just take the time to read the label before you buy one. They are nice to have on hand in an emergency for a meal replacement. Take care, Theresa