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it will take some time to adjust but most people do. Journaling and support groups are definitely great ideas! You might want to also consider psychological therapy to figure out the reasons behind your self medication with food. Unfortunately many people get the surgery and don't deal with the underlining issue and end up abusing drugs or alcohol. Good luck and hang in there!

Wow thanks so much for all the wonderful replies! I really must come on here more often it really is a haven of support! I feel much more motivated than i have in the past month thank you all so much! Waitingpatiently you make excellent points. In the past twelve months i have had a baby, been on the pill, come off the pill, had a band and gone back on the pill. I think i need to give my body a break so i gave come off the pill and will report to non hormonal contraceptive for at least six months. I also allow myself to get too hungry then good choices go out the window. I must admit i also haven't exercised at all in the past month and have had a few nights out- weddings etc where alcohol was involved. Well it's really no big shock that Im not down much, it's actually quite a wonder Im not UP weight! SageTracy- you're so right, in the beginning of this journey i gave myself two years to lose the weight so that i wouldn't get down at slow losses and give up. If you've read above you'll see that i haven't really done much to help myself in the past month so Im considering today a fresh such. Thank you! Stephy this is also true, Im definitely not at restriction but need a kick of willpower to make good choices and i think all you're replies were just the kick i needed! B-52 that's very inspirational and exactly what i needed to hear, even though my band is only half full i think i was thinking, wow this is IT?! I forget that i still have 5cc to go and from what i read sometimes even .5cc can make all the difference. Well today is a new day- Im in Ireland so it's the morning and Im feeling great. Thanks so so much everyone!x

How are things going with the sleeve? Things are great now. Some days I don't even think about my smaller portions. I just made sloppy joes two nights ago, portioned out my 2.5 oz and topped with a serving of mexican blend cheese. The day before that? I made crockpot honey garlic chicken. I ate one thigh. It really isn't anything special. I just make my boyfriend's plate right along side mine, but I get the cuter plate, lol. It is just a way of life now making sure I get enough Protein and keep my carbs down. I use myfitnesspal religiously to make sure I am getting the nutrients I need. How long ago were u sleeved? I was sleeved 7 months ago. Has the adjustment gone well? Yeah, I was doing low carb six months prior to being sleeved. Soon as you get past the Fluid and mushy stages, I really think life perks up. Before that though, you gotta remember you are healing and relearning to eat with a totally new stomach. And sometimes there are hiccups, I didn't get any protein in my first two weeks. I had a really hard time with anything not a vitaminwater, but it gets better. Don't rush the stages, sometimes you have to linger a little. How has adjusting to so little food been? It was a mind trip at first. I really liked my big portions. Before VSG, I could eat an entire hot-and-ready pizza by myself in about 15 minutes. Now? I eat about 3/4 of a slice. I just tear off the crust. You get used to it. You sigh, you cry, you have a little fit where your SO laughs at you, and you move on. This is life. Side note, I really hate leftovers now though. I didn't before surgery, but post-op I really can't stand dried out chicken or even one of my favorite foods ever, pulled pork. I loathe eating reheated stuff. My boyfriend laughs and says, I got picky post-op. It is okay though. I just make a smaller meal that night and remake it in a couple of days so the meal is hot and fresh. Have you engaged socially yet? Haha, yes, and that is where I go a little carb happy. I may not be able to eat like I used to, but I sure can still get down my fluids. I am really only limited by how much I feel like. I can drink 2 large unsweet iced teas from McDonald's in about an hour if I tried, and 3 or 4 of my low carb daiquiris like it is nobody's business. I have no problems getting down fluids. I like to keep a decaffeinated beverage in my hand now because I almost passed out on campus once when I forgot a Water bottle all day. I definitely learned that lesson well. When I go out with my friends, I order things without bread, and I just don't eat Pasta. At Chipotle? I get my burrito bowl without rice and Beans, lots of veggies, double meat, and pile on that cheese and sour cream please! I eat about a third of the meat, cover it and bring it home. Okay, I will always eat Chipotle leftovers. I lied, lol. If I go to Buffalo Wild Wings or an Ale House? I get wings. If I go to my favorite Mediterranean place? I get the fried jibneh or kabobs. Indian? Paneer or Tandoori chicken. Vietnamese? Pho with extra beef. If I go for BBQ, I always get my ribs and just refrain from smothering everything in the sauce. I get the things I want, try to stay on plan, and just try to keep my protein up and be happy. I can eat whatever I want, but I feel better when I am not eating bready things. They just don't sit well for me. I get really uncomfortable. At parties, I take a beer and chat. Carbonation doesn't bother me too much anymore. Have you had a glass of vino yet? Err... lol, I guess I got ahead of this one. I will have to say yes. I have had wine, beer, vodka, tequila, bourbon, rum... Can I use my college student excuse? I admit I like going to parties and the club. What can I say? Just talk to your surgeon about when it is right for you, and definitely wait until your stomach is healed. Did your body respond differently than previously? At first, yes. I definitely could get tipsy off of a few sips of Riesling. Now? Tequila shot, you say? Don't mind if I do. Alcohol hit me hard and fast at first and it tapered off just as quickly. Eventually, you will definitely be able to hit the tapas and restaurants with your hubby again, but it might take two or three months. Again, talk to your surgeon about his or her recommendations. Don't worry, life goes back to normal. Just follow your plan though for the most part and the weight will come off. How will I stay engaged at social or family events that ,as always, revolve around cooking, eating and appreciating copious amounts of food? Well, for me, I just do what I normally do, chat up a storm. I carry my unsweet iced tea (blashphemy in the south, I know), grab a deviled egg, and play with my cousins. Same old, same old. I am just not carrying a huge plate anymore. When I have friends over for a meal, everyone knows I eat low carb, so I just grab a little meat and a couple of veggies and do the same song and dance. I eat slower. I enjoy my company more. If I go out, I like not having to worry about eating an appetizer, entree, and dessert all by myself. I enjoy a little of everything in moderation and take the rest home along with my shrinking waist line. Hope I answered all your questions and didn't come off as an alcoholic, lol. I really don't drink that often. VSG is just life now, and I really am happy with my decision. If you have any more questions, please feel free to ask.

I was in shape until I graduated HS. I ran almost daily and lifted weights. I was a size six. I felt great. Then I went through a very difficult 7 years with my family. It completely fell apart. My dad left my mom, she tried to commit suicide, my dad went to treatment for alcoholism 3 x and some other ugly stuff. It was right at the same time that I began to live on my own and in college. I ate too much, ate out too often, used food and alcohol to cope with the stress of my family. I did not even notice how fast it was coming on. I recall buying bigger stuff but not really knowing how big I was. I was in denial. I quickly gained 100 lbs. I have then hovered at the same weight (give or take 20) for 7 years. However, I cannot make the needed changes long enough to have successful weight loss. So I guess I am fat because I turned food into a coping mechanism many years ago. I hope to change that on 5/22/12......

lol that was too funny jenny I actually havnt gone to my Doc in a long time I mentioned it after the first few months and was told it was normal and that it would go away eventually and to swing my arm around and use heat pads and hot Water bottles and stuff but no joy. Sometimes its not to bad other times its extremly painful Strangly though sometimes it will start when I drink alcohol aswel!! Ufortunatly we dont have walmart here in Ireland humming bird but I'l have a look and see can I get some online anything that will help Thanks

I don't drink much. I've never been much of a drinker, and alcohol is the first thing to go from my diet when I'm trying to drop some weight, just because it's the worst combo as far as taste vs. nutrition go! The one thing I noticed about alcohol that concerns me is how hungry I am after and how disinhibited I am about food choices. I've always read in Women's Health and similar mags that alcohol makes you more likely to choose unhealthy foods, but I didn't actually notice that until after the sleeve. Yesterday we went to a family dinner; every single person there drank, even the 92-yo greatgrandma - except for me! So proud of myself!

Before I got banded I went along to a support group. There was a guy there that was really inspiring. He had told by his Dr that he had to do something or he would be dead within 3 months.He had diabetes, alcohol issues and other health problems. He got his band and continued to inspire everyone at meetings. He lived life to the fullest. Went on a number of cruises and was one of the few people that actually lost weight on a cruise. He was so excited when he could fit into a pair of speedos. In total he lost over 60kg. His health improved dramatically. He never ceased to be an inspiration. Sadly he passed away suddenly earlier this year. The positive here is that he did extend his life by over 3 years and he lived those 3 years to the fullest. Without his band he probably would not have managed to see so much of the world and have such a wonderful time.

I just wanted to say I am sorry for the pain and reflux you are having. I have been having issues too... but not quite as severe. I had an EGD a few weeks ago and was diagnosed with severe esophagitis and a hiatal hernia. My Dr wanted to remove my fill or remove my band. I changed my diet drastically and that has helped. I am hoping to avoid losing my band. Some diet tips: ~Avoid spicy foods such as those with pepper, chili powder, curry, and nutmeg. ~Avoid caffeinated drinks like coffee and tea. ~Avoid greasy and fried foods. ~Avoid hard foods such as nuts, crackers, and raw vegetables. ~Avoid acidic foods and beverages such as tomatoes, oranges, grapefruits, and their juices. ~Take small bites and chew food thoroughly. ~Drink liquids through a straw to make swallowing easier. ~Avoid alcohol and tobacco. Sorry I don't have a lot of advise. Just wanted to give you some support. I hope you can find relief!!

So I stopped taking the benedryl and cortizone and just used alcohol .. bam its almost gone.. ofcourse I'm using aveeno lotion as moisturizure

I don't drink alcohol bc I have been working hard to get to this point. I have heard some sad stories about was, drinking and causing death. I have chosen to live a healthier life style and right now there's no room for alcohol. I did like an occasional margarita at times. I probably will have one some time in my future. But right now. Alcohol is not important to me.

I don't drink alcohol bc I have been working hard to get to this point. I have heard some sad stories about was, drinking and causing death. I have chosen to live a healthier life style and right now there's no room for alcohol. I did like an occasional margarita at times. I probably will have one some time in my future. But right now. Alcohol is not important to me.

I can't judge because I'm a smoker. We did have a gastric bypass patient in my support group that lost all her weight and then gained it all back and more from drinking. OJ and cranberry juice are almost pure sugar and highly caloric and vodka had 85 calories per shot. I only have room for 700-800 calories per day and I have to get all my nutrient and 70 grams of Protein. After a couple drinks I would go way over what I should have for carbs and be missing my protein. As many have said, alcohol makes some throw caution to the wind and make bad food choices. Careful!

I have heard some people say they can tolerate it at 3 months. However, alcohol is empty calories so I wouldn't until you are at least at maintenance.

How long after surgery before you have a drink?

I feel bad that this post has become so negative! I think it's okay to have some alcohol if you like to, after your doctor's okay, and as long as you keep track of the calories. Yes, this IS a lifestyle change but some of us want to have alcohol in our lives for whatever reasons. I just want everyone to succeed at their goals and have a fabulous life, whether they drink or don't. We're all here for the same reasons - support!

Amanda! I know what you mean!! I was a cognac drinker, and you are soooo right! it's the eating afterwards! I was always starving!!! I would take a half a snifter of cognac, after the kids were all asleep, and then soon afterwards, I'd be so hungry, i'd practically make another dinner just for me! I know there are empty calories in alcohol, but I always liked the fact that there were 0 carbs in cognac. But all that fell by the wayside because it would cause me to eat, and eat, and eat! Dang, I just don't miss that!

Ducker: You seriously need to relax. You are the classic "extremism person" who probably exhibits this behavior in other areas of life. "All or nothing" as you say philosophy in one of your posts. In studying behavior, you are probably are a choleric personality type who tends to control things. Heck...you didn't either bother to verify that the original poster was 4 weeks post op instead of the 3 days. In moderation alcohol is fine...so please don't act like its not and treat people like they are second class citizens if they do. Yes...we all need to be careful (especially during the healing phase) but to be LEGALISTIC on alcohol (in moderation) is clearly wrong from a common sense point of view and medical point of view. I know you said you are fine with alcohol...but the words and spirit (in your posts) clearly says otherwise.

Exactly how I felt!! So weird you used the alcoholic reference. Once I came to the realization that if my mother had an option to have surgery which would have been a tool for her to fight her addiction to alcohol I knew she would have done it in a heartbeat. So I had no more doubts about whether I should proceed with my surgery or not.

Check liver light! Now that was funny! Regarding the posts about the calories in alcohol - yes, those are liquid calories, but in my case, the danger of weight gain from drinking has been the overeating afterwards. All common sense would go out the window. Now, I don't (can't) do that, and I hope I never do! There was a time when I drank sweet frozen and mixed drinks and didn't pay attention to the calories. I was pretty big, larger than I was when I started this VSG process. Well, one day I actually read the label on the frozen mixers and I actually cried at how many calories I had been drinking in mixer alone! No wonder I was so big. I have never touched those mixers since then and have had maybe half a dozen margaritas in the last ten years. Now I only drink wine, or alcohol mixed with a no/low calorie mixer.

This whole journey is hard. But don't give up. You just have to keep at it and celebrate the little victories. We are to hard on ourselves. One step at a time is the way to a victorious journey! We are addicts who unlike alcoholics can give up our addition completely. We need food to live. So we often have to fall off and get back on several times until we reach our often unrealistic goals. Let our first step as addicts to say I am going for being healthy and not thin... We see the stories and the pictures and the encourage and discourage us.... For the most part we have been on this journey so long it seems as it will never end... But the best part is that if we keep trying and working and keep faithful it will move in the right direction and soon you will find yourself feeling better and living like you never have before. Be encouraged my journey was long but it was worth it.... @ adoptmom

I don't drink often but I have had wine, jack and coke, and even vodka and red bull. I didnt add alcohol back until five months post op and then only sparingly. You have to remember the trade off. Yes, you can enjoy the drinks but they're liquid calories which will kill any diet- sleeve or no sleeve.

I believe I have been sinning with food. Gluttony (sp)...and surgery will help me not to do that anymore. God would want that. Just like he would want an alcoholic to do whatever it takes not to drink including rehab. You know what I mean? I decided at the start of this process that if God wanted me to do this, doors would open easily. And they have. So, I believe this is what God wants. Even when I get scared sometimes...

I learned many years ago to never judge other people, I had many vices myself. I used to drink but I found that was one vice that I replaced with going to the gym. After my surgery, I cannot even think of drinking or eating things that are not good for me. I work too hard at the gym to have things that are going to slow my progress of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. I still go out with my friends, they have drinks, I have water. I do not miss alcohol at all and I used to love my beer and margs. As you lose the weight and move toward your goal, it is very hard to do things that will slow your progress, you too might find you do not have the urge to drink anymore. Good luck to you on your journey.

Isn't Redbull carbonated? I haven't had a carbonated drink since before surgery. Come to think of it, I have never had a Redbull! The vodka cranberry is pretty much what I do, with the Ocean Spray low calorie juice. I tried vodka with grapefruit using the 50 calorie/8 oz juice, but it tasted too good. Too many calories and the alcohol can sneak up on you!

I am interested to see what others have to say too. Drinking wine is my vice now and I have to say that I do drink more than I should. I am going to stop two weeks before surgery to make sure I do not double shock my body. If it comes down to it and after I am sleeved I feel the need to keep drinking I will seek help. There is no way in hell I am going to ruin a $10,000 surgery (out of my own pocket) on calories from alcohol. Jimmy - it is great that you are thinking about this now beforehand. I would look in to maybe having one low calorie drink once in a while. I have heard that bacardi and diet is low carb and has the least amount of calories. Good luck to you.