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Am only 13 days post op and have no plans to drink alcohol in the near future but I am curious about how long one should wait before having a glass of wine? I have an event in April and at that time I will be 6 weeks post op. I am going to be asked to have a drink and I really don't want to let on that anything is different as I have kept this surgery pretty much to myself. Do any of you out there think it will be ok to have the wine?

All I can say is thank God I don't have to have the whole nation judge me! I hope she does well. Sounds like alcohol might be a problem too, this is not a surprise. we are compulsive about everything we do. hope she can beat them both!

That is if you had laporoscopic surgery. That being said I am not sure how good those things are in salt water, I have used them in pools and they work well if you put them on right and are not in for hours (clean the area where you are going to stick the band aid with alcohol, but not the cut only the skin where the sticky still will go, it will help it stick better.)

Sugar free chocolate usually has sugar alcohol in it. Sugar alcohol gives me severe gas. I have to be very careful to see how many grams of it are in anything that is labeled sugar free.

I agree with Foxbins, my appetite fluctuates from day to day. Some days I definitely overeat, other days I eat fine, and some days I eat less than I probably should. I dropped as low as 136, but I have a large frame, so that translated into as small as size 2 in some clothing, so I was actually kind of gaunt and bony yet with some fat and loose skin. I then found that maintaining 136 required a fair bit of effort - zero alcohol, zero desserts, that kind of thing - which to me wasn't worth it. I bounced back up to 140-142 and have been there consistently for like half a year now. I bounced all the way up to 145 at some point when I was out of town for 4 weeks and eating a lot of junk while exercising a lot less than I normally do - it required some focus to get back to my normal weight. So YES, you can still gain weight if you are consistently overeating and not active enough to compensate. I don't deprive myself or starve myself, I just make better choices, e.g. eggs for breakfast instead of a cinnamon bun at the coffee shop or blueberries for a snack instead of a protein bar. I actually just took some pix today in the same spot/clothes/lighting as a year ago, and while I've gained those 4-5 lbs from 136, I look better - I'm less "soft," my butt actually exists instead of just skin hanging down, and my stomach is actually leaner. My mom said I look much healthier now than when I was in the active weight loss phase.

I had mine removed years ago after having a baby, I lost 50 lbs while I was breastfeeding in rapid fashion. I had some outside stress going on and was finding it hard to eat due to some depression. One side effect I haven't been thrilled with is loose stools or IBS...coffee and drinking any alcohol makes it worse. But I would imagine once I am having to do a high protein diet that will get better. Also not eating as much will slow it down I am sure. When I started having the gall bladder attacks before I knew I had stones, I freaked out cause the pain is terrible. I would rather have more babies with no anesthetic then go thru that pain again....so get it taken out while u can!!!

I never count fat grams and never will. I ate and continue to eat full fat foods. The limited capacity I have limits my fat intake on it's own. I eat real butter, full fat dressings, miracle whip etc. The only thing I eat that is fat free is Greek yogurt and that's because it cooks better in casserole/crock pot meals and that way I can add stuff to it. And, my cholesterol was never an issue, and dropped even lower during my losing stage and my "good" cholesterol improved. I just did what worked for me. I truly believe we only have one chance to lose the weight, work on our food issues, and then tweak what we can manage in maintenance. Losing was not difficult for me, keeping it off is and will always be my battle. It's the same issue I had from dieting attempts in the past. I could lose like a champ, but then it'd come back with a vengeance plus some. I do not diet in maintenance by any stretch of the imagination, but I do have to watch junk food, carby foods and alcohol consumption or I will surely see a gain.

I couldn't handle alcohol before surgery and I know I definitely won't be able to handle it now! Congratulations on 9 weeks!

Hello. Well, I never thought I'd get to the 8wk post-op point, but tomorrow will be 9wks post-op! I am now finally able to eat pretty much anything I want, although I've been taking it easy with every thing especially raw foods, i.e., salads, raw veggies. I will incorporate more salads this week. I've also tried to stay as vegetarian/vegan as possible, although I have had a couple bits of salmon and chicken. I'm not vegetarian for animal rights purposes, although I totally support it, I want to be vegan for health purposes. I am finding it difficult to be vegan but I just need to dedicate time to it and make dishes ahead of time so I have some good food to eat when I need to eat. What is it they say about preparation....?. Time has not been plentiful recently, but I need to stir some up! When my head hunger is stronger than my new sleeved tummy hunger is when I overdo it a bit and, yes, I've been nauseous many times. Haven't thrown up in a while, but came close. You just can't put much food in a little tummy and be comfortable. It just doesn't work. It is so strange to go to a restaurant and order a meal and take 3/4 of the meal home with me, or order an appetizer and even share it and be satisfied. Prior to my sleeve, I would have ordered a couple appetizers a meal and would have been thinking about the next meal right after. I figure the $ I save on food, will get me an outfit here and there along the weight loss journey. I haven't weighed myself in several days but will do that tomorrow morning and update my ticker. Hopefully it is down a few more lbs. So, I know I'm not suppose to drink alcohol for one year after vsg. Well, I blew that this weekend - and I paid for it all weekend! I was at a Reggae event this past Friday evening that we hosted and the bar had a drink special called a "Catch a Cab". It was a largish shooter of what tasted like a Watermelon Jolly Rancher. They asked me if I wanted to try it and I gave my standard answer..., thanks much but I'm not drinking tonight. Well, i caved under peer pressure and had a sip. I then ordered one (it might have been a total of 1.5oz and I sipped on it for a while. I then got a refill, and then another and another!!! I had 4 of them - a total of 6 oz. I must say, I did not catch much of a buzz, but....I was down and out on the couch not wanting to do anything but drink water both Saturday and Sunday. Needless to say, I won't be drinking any time soon as I just can't recoup. I don't know if it is because of the sleeve or just that I haven't had anything to drink for several months. I am loving this weight loss and looking forward to more of it! One Love.

First off, I think what you are feeling/thinking is completely normal!! Those habits we've created are like a child's security blanket in a lot of ways. I was more nervous about all of the little things than the actual surgery... and I think I was actually nervous about the surgery but projecting it onto the little things that were easier to worry about. As for the beer... I was similar to you. I had my surgery when I was 20, and I just turned 21. I kept thinking "what if I can't *really* Celebrate my 21st birthday because I can't drink??". Did I really care about drinking? No, not really. But I didn't want to feel like I was losing something. I asked my surgeon specifically if alcohol was allowed and at what stage. He said I would be fine for my birthday (which was at the 5 month mark) but to be careful because... it hits you soooo much stronger and more quickly then it normally would. So you may be bummed that it will take you an hour to drink that beer, but guess what? It'll feel like you had more than one for sure! Please be careful though that you don't create a cross-over addiction. I am not saying you will, but just be aware I ended up not missing my drink and food at the same time, but now that I'm 6 months out I do occasionally have some liquids while I eat, but generally it isn't that much at all. Eventually you'll find a groove that works for you. The first couple months are the hardest because you are the most restricted. But at the same time, it is all mental and not physical cravings, which is a little easier than dealing with both at the same time. Overall it is a huge difference, but you seriously don't feel deprived. You have a few bites of food and you feel like you pigged out during thanksgiving. It IS satisfying because you feel good AND know that you didn't overeat... it is amazing really, especially once you pass the 3, 4 month mark. Good luck and keep us updated!

I wasn't given any restrictions but I restricted myself while I was on Vicodin. If you're on pain meds and you drive, you're driving while under the influence and can get in serious trouble. It's just like alcohol. So if you're off meds, you should be fine.

I am not a heavy drinker by means, but I do enjoy my glass or glasses of wine..and now all of a sudden it hit me, I am not sure how to incorporate it? I wont right away due to I am on the liquid diet.. but I am turning 40 in a couple of weeks and I dont know what to do, or how to introduce it?? I hope this does not sound dumb..I know I can not drink while eating, so does this mean I can have a have a glass of wine just before, then eat, wait an hour...then have another glass..lol..who knew this would be something that is making me confused!!! Thanks for all your help!!

I am 40 years old and have always been overweight. I have big bones and a large frame. I weighed about 160 when I got married back in 1989. After I had my second child, I had an allergic reaction in 1994 and the Dr's couldn't figure out what I was allergic to. I had to be put on steroids for 3 months and I gained 50 pounds from that. I was never able to loose that weight. So from there it pretty much started from 160 to 210 in 3 months. I tried and tried to loose that weight but no matter what I done the weight would not go away. I smoked from the time I got married in 1989 until Jan. 30, 2010. After I stopped smoking on Jan. 30, 2010, I gained another 40 pounds that I have not been able to loose which put me from 210 to 250 pounds. After I stopped smoking, I had to be put on blood pressure and cholesterol medication. I was diagnosed with non alcoholic fatty liver disease. I knew then I had to do something so I decided to go to a Bariatric Lap band Seminar at Princeton Baptist Hospital in Birmingham, AL. by Dr. Andrew Dewitt. I went to the seminar and decided that I wanted to pursue the Lap Band Surgery. I have Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama insurance and found out I had to do a 6 month diet with my family Doctor before insurance would cover my surgery. I started my 6 months diet in June and was done with it by December. I had to go through a series of different test and when those was completed and I was able to schedule a date for my surgery. I weighed 250 pounds when I started my 7 day pre-op. On Feb. 22, 2012 I went for pre-admission and weighed 242 pounds. Feb. 24, 2012 I had my lap band surgery. I went in surgery at 9:15 am and was done at 9:45 am according to my husband and mother. They was able to watch my progress on the TV monitor in the weighting room. Dr. Andrew Dewitt took my mom and husband in a room and told them how my surgery went. At 10:45 am I was in my private room and waking up. My mom and husband was already in my room when they brought me to the room. The nurse told me in 1 hour he was going to come in and get me ready to start walking. I had to walk the 4 hallways 8 times to equal 1 mile before they would let me go home. We was checking out and getting in the car by 3:00 PM. I couldn't believe how well I was doing. My throat was a little dry and I was a little sore but nothing at all like I had thought I would have been. I went to the Doctor for my 1st fill on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 and the Doctor said he put in 3 cc's. I weighed 231.5 at the doctors office Wednesday and today March 17, 2012 I weigh 229 pounds. I don't get hungry but I know I must eat protein and drink plenty of water. I think I am doing good since my surgery and I would recommend this surgery to anyone who really needs to loose weight. It is much easier than I could have ever imagined and I am well on my way to get to the weight I have always wanted to be. The only thing I must try harder doing is eating slower when I do eat. If you have any questions about the Lap band Surgery I will be happy to help in anyway that I can. My next Doctor appointment is on April 18, 2012.

For those of u that r 6-15 months out, what is eating like? Will I ever be able to have pasta again? What about alcohol? I'm a week away and wondering what I got myself into.

im 3 months banded and i can eat EVERYTHING, just slowly and chew well. since ive been banded ive had pizza, steak, pork chops etc. while i dont care for 99 % of alcohol, tonight im having a strawberry margarita in celebration of losing my 1st 25 lbs ! (Woo hoo! i hit 200 today !) so remember, you are in the early STAGE of being banded," and this too shall pass." good luck !

Sorry to hear about your pains...these things will drive emotional eaters to food for sure, and very understandable! For those who love me, I explained to them that I am a food addict. The same concept as an alcoholic and smoker, or even drug addict..food WAS my go to drug. I explained that as a child a snuck and ate after hours..and that I binge eat when I am stressed, sad and bored. This seemed to help those I love understand and support me. I have only told my love ones about my journey, as I do not owe anyone outside my loving circle, an explanation.. which reduces me having to hear unwanted opinions. The decesion is not east and is yours to make. However, as a mom, I was afraid of not being here with my little one. But after researching over a year and understanding the pros and cons! Best of luck in whatever you decide!! You have support here on this site for sure!

The Friday confessions were such a big hit last week and all the way through Monday that I thought I'd open it up for the entire weekend. My flame free confession? I had 4 glasses of wine last night and I smoked (because I was drinking of course) The really bad part is that when I started drinking I had only had about 20oz or so all day, so about half of my Fluid intake yesterday was alcohol. Mmmmmm Reisling

Yeah, I'm a diet soda addict myself. I won't get banded for a few more months yet so I have time to indulge But my doctor doesn't have a problem with diet soda. He just said a lot of his patients stopped drinking it because of the discomfort. I'd be happy if it gave me a tummy ache. Diet soda doesn't have any nutritional value and the chemicals don't do us any favors. I am sad about the beer. I love, love, LOVE beer. Anyone can see this based on my chub since it's a high calorie drink... I'm preparing myself to abstain from alcohol as much as possible once I am banded. Whenever I do indulge, I'll make sure the beverage is high quality and expensive since it'll be a real treat!

My surgeon doesn't have a problem with carbonation as our digestive system is not a closed system, the gas will escape. The problem is that it can be an uncomfortable process. For me, soda is too carbonated. I'll sip it sometimes, but usually it gives me the hiccups. yuck! Beer I am generally OK with. The thing with alcohol and non-diet soda to remember is calories. Diet soda can increase your appetite due to the chemicals in it.

Have banded three months now, and my have been told by my dr that I can have pop once in awhile. At first I didn't want to even drink any with the risk of "over doing it" now within the past two weeks I catch myself drinking a little sip here and there. How much is too much I really can't drink too much cause it is too sweet? What about alcohol? What types of drinks are ok? Not ok?

I find that when I am not busy doing something I am thinking about food...what the kids and hubby had for dinner and what i'm gonna be able to eat in 2 weeks....well if I am busy I don't think about it and I don't dream about it. Husband asked me last night..."Wife, did ya buy me any candy bars?" I said "nope" those will be something you will need to buy from here on out!...It's like an addict, who tries to run around with others who are doing the drugs or alcohol in front of them. It's hard for the recovering addict not to partake. I really wish people who don't have a weight problem would understand that.

Going on vacation next week any suggestions?

Dear Tinalpn - couldn't agree with you more ! Had my band in 14 yrs ago and regained most of weight 4-5 Years later. Over two years ago decided enough was enough and just started eating sensibly, no alcohol. The weight fell off. It's been a life style change NOT a diet.. I don't believe the band had been helping for several years and recently discovered it has eroded. Had the band out 4 days ao. Feeling a bit rough but determined NOT to regain any weight.

You look FABULOUS!! Sweets were the main reason that got me overweight. So I hope I can avoid them the rest of my life. I sorta feel like an alcoholic when it comes to sugar. I seriously hope those cravings stay away from my door!

During the WLS Seminar, the surgeon mentioned that the dietician is going to tell us all that we must not drink coffee. Forget the Starbucks, no more Dutch Brothers, skip the home brew. This, my friends, was devistating news to me. See, I don't drink alcohol. I've never smoked and never even thought of touching drugs. But coffee...oooh coffee. I drink it all day long. I would rarely buy the good coffees (Starbucks, Dutch Bros) but I would drink a pot of coffee a day. When asked the reasoning behind that idea, the surgeon said the focus needs to be on giving your body only what it needs. "Okay", I thought, "I totally get it, I can do this!". Saturday was my grande finale. That night, I ran the coffee pot parts through the dishwasher and put it all away. Sunday I tried a cup of black tea, then some diet green tea with ginsing later in the day. No caffiene headache, and I felt pretty good. Monday was pretty successful too. Yesterday though...yesterday was a doozie. I REALLY wanted a venti white chocolate mocha frappuccino from Starbucks. As in, it was all I could think about all day. I had a headache, I was tired, and seriously doubting my decision to go 'cold turkey' on this whole caffiene-free thing. A coworker suggested grabbing a Pepsi, but again, my focus is on transitioning to what my body needs not what my head wants. So I resisted. Has anyone else had to give up anything (besides the yummy food!) to get in the right mindset for surgery.....or do you think it's better to "live it up" while you can pre-op since you'll essentially never have some things again (if you stick to the plan)?