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I can't imagine the feeling of starting surgery and not having it go through. I am so sorry. I had such fears of my liver causing an issue. Just keep thinking of the goal, look at the success stories and photos here. That is what kept me going when I was suffering the liquid phase, not to mention the longer caffeine and alcohol free time. I actually stopped drinking all alcohol and taking almost all OTC drugs months before my diet restrictions because I wanted to do all that I could to avoid issues. Not sure if it made difference or surgery would have happened regardless. But, I do know that my liver numbers got better in those few months. Good luck!

My doc said not for one year! However, I had alcohol, about 3 months out. I have a cocktail every once in a while now, maybe two twice a month. I was never a big alcohol drinker...well, I worked at a winery for 12 years and I definitely consumed my share and more over those years which was 15 or more years ago. Beer, absolutely fills me up with just a half of beer now. I might have one or two glasses of wine and/or cocktails on a weekend night (but I don't do ones with sweet fillers), just a martini or fresh margarita and I'm feel super happy! I say use your own judgement. You might be able to have a cocktail or two or...your sleeve just might not tolerate it. Keep in mind...alcohol is still high calories, high sugar, and for me at least it seems to hit me much stronger than before being sleeved. One Love.

Alcohol is on my surgeon's list of things to avoid because it's empty calories. I think I had a little wine at about 3 months out and I've had a glass of wine here and there since then. Maybe 5 times since surgery? The odd thing is I feel slightly hung over the next day. Every time I've experienced this mild "hung over" feeling. I'm not much of a drinker so it's not a big deal to me to skip it but if someone's going to pour me a good glass of wine I'll probably take it! Six weeks out seems early to me though, but I'm not a Dr!

Tell them your pregnant! Ha! No you don't want to be drinking any alcohol. Just order a virgin drink and act like your drunk nobody will know the difference : )- let yourself heal completely.

I just went on a beach vacation last week and I'm 3 months out, honestly I enjoyed myself. I drank alcohol, took it nice and slow...1 drink lasted a while. I ate whatever I wanted, a bite this or that, and shared a lot of meals with my husband or kids. Enjoy yourself!!! You've been through alot in the past weeks!!!

I drink socially and have since month one. Tiffy is right, for me, it did burn at first, which limited my intake to a few sips of wine (my favorite) and it WILL hit u hard and fast. I notice that the effects wear off fast too, at least for me. If I indulge, I usually have something easy for me to handle, a daquiri, coconut rum with juice, or a vodka & cranberry juice...I normally just nurse the drink, no more guzzling for me...lol If you are controlling the making of your drink, then you can put a tiny bit of alcohol with a mixer, or better yet, just juice or the mixer, who will know but you? Good Luck!

I just posted this in another thread 5 minutes ago, so I'm just gonna copy and paste. 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 saw this on another forum and thought it worthy to share as it has all the great information and advice we all need for the journey! it is written by Mellissa Gangi and what I had wished I had been told from the very beginning. Sleeve Tips: I'm 10 months post op today and along this journey, so far, I've seen a lot of the same questions or concerns from many. I thought these tips could help! 1. Take preop photos... you'll want them! 2. Protein shakes...I used isopure protein powder and scooped it into 2 oz. of water (u can add ice and blend too) to drink in my immediate postop period. It was much less to drink at a sitting and you still got in your protein. It would take me over an hour to drink each one, but way easier to me. Plus, isopure has multiple flavors and it was reasonably priced. I bought off Amazon. Also, Genepro is an unflavored protein powder that is very popular. It can be added to pretty much anything. The scoop is tiny and it gives 30g of protein per scoop. I use it daily in my morning coffee but if adding it to hot liquids you have to add creamer 1st to cool it down or it will clump up or dissolve in a little warm water 1st then add... the directions are on the bag. It is not completely unflavored and it has a smell to it, but most of us get used to it quickly. Your body can only absorb up to 30g of protein per serving, so anything more than that at once will be wasted and it doesn't count towards your daily goals! 3. STALLS happen...stick to your plan and the scale will move again! You most likely will be losing inches during that time. They can last a few weeks...especially the 3 week stall. The further you are out they may even last longer and at that point you may have to shake things up a bit, maybe a day or 2 most increase your carbs then go back to your plan. Don't get discouraged and try to just be patient. 4. No NSAIDS (aspirin, ibuprofen, aleve, motrin, etc...) they can cause ulcers...tylenol products are ok and Excedrin Tension is ok (great for headaches) it has tylenol and caffeine in it, no aspirin like the other excedrin products. Also, peppermint oil rubbed on your temples help for headaches. 5. Fluid intake...atleast 64 oz of non caffeinated, non carbonated, sugar free fluids but the rule of thumb is drink half of your body weight in ounces. 6. Caffeine and alcohol...follow your surgeons orders. They both can dehydrate you and cause ulcers in the beginning of your journey. And alcohol may affect you differently postop, so be careful. Absorbtion changes postop. 7. Transfer addictions...a lot of bariatric patients give up food for other addictions like shopping and alcohol. Be mindful. 8. Increased chance of pregnancy after surgery. You can be much more fertile. Even if you had problems with it preop. 9. Increased divorce rates postop...I have looked into this because I was curious as to why. I have found that it does indeed increase, but the majority of the couples that do have had issues preop and the spouse that had surgery loses the weight, increases their self esteem and simply won't stand for the same behavior anymore. 10. Sugar/Carbs...1st and foremost, follow your plan. There are reasons why your surgeon and/or nutritionist gives you one, especially while healing and it takes approximately 6 weeks for your tummy to heal. After you are advanced to a "regular" diet, usually about 2 month postop, yes you can eat some sweets or carbs but in moderation. Always try to get your protein in 1st, though. I have chosen to stay away from sugar and certain carbs. I don't crave them, so why reintroduce them. I know me, and moderation is hard for me. 11. Everyone's weightloss journey is different. Try not to compare yourself to the next person. It's hard not to, I know! But their weight, height, sex, medical history all plays a part of it. If you do what you should be doing, you'll lose! 12. Dumping and The Foamies... Dumping occurs when your new tummy just doesn't agree with something you consumed. Dumping occurs more in bypass patients but it can occur with sleeves, also. Symptoms can include sudden vomiting, diarrhea, and increased heart rate and last anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. The Foamies... you'll know what this is if you get it. It's a lot of phlegm that is produced in your esophagus all of a sudden. It can happen if you eat or drink too fast, or take in too much, or drink right after eating...wait to drink atleast 30 minutes after eating. Plus, if you drink with eating or too close afterwards you flush the food through your belly too fast and you're not absorbing nutrients. 13. Take your vitamins and get in your protein daily! This will not only help your weightloss and prevent vitamin deficiency but it will help with the sunken in look when you lose weight. I was told 60-90g of protein daily, but follow your drs orders. I take 2 flintstones with iron chewables a day because I couldn't tolerate the prescribed multivitamin, in addition to calcium with d3, and magnesium and b12. 14. Gas ex chewables, heating pads, and walking help big time for your gas pains. When I woke up from this surgery I thought I was having a heart attack because the gas was causing chest pains. Also, use the incentive spirometry in the immediate postop period. Anesthesia affects your lungs and it takes 72 hours to completely wear off so the breathing exercises help strengthen them and prevent pneumonia. 15. Heartburn...omeprazole works so well for me. My surgeon prescribed it from day 1 and I love it. 16. Postop hormones... your body almost goes into shock in the 1st 6 weeks or so after surgery from the major changes to it. You may feel different mentally...it does get better but if it's bad talk to your dr about it. 17. Medications... your body can change postop. The same medications you were on preop may be absorbed differently postop so if you notice changes talk to your dr. They may need to be adjusted. And extended release meds may not work as well. 18. Tracking your intake keeps you honest. I love the baritastic app. It also has recipes for all the stages and reminders. 19. Head hunger vs real hunger. This is a lifestyle change, your body needs much less calories postop but you have to retrain your brain. It may take time and that's normal. If you fall off the wagon one day...oh well...get back on it the next. We are all human. Don't get discouraged. Just pick yourself back up. 20. Complications can happen. If your body starts feeling different...new onset pains, nausea, vomiting, passing out, food feeling stuck in esophagus, etc...call your surgeon. You're always better safe than sorry. 21. Abbreviations... HW your highest weight SW what you weighed on your surgery day GW your goal weight CW what you weigh currently NSV non scale victory Nut nutritionist VSG vertical sleeve gastrectomy (sleeve surgery) RNY roux-en-Y (gastric bypass) DS duodenal switch surgery 22. Hair loss or thinning happens. But, it will grow back. I thinned starting at about 4 months. It can last months. Many take biotin supplements for it, I didn't. 23. Get ready to be cold! You're body is changing, it's almost in shock so invest in a Comfy, like me, or electric blanket to keep warm lol. 24. What to bring to the hospital for your surgery stay...a long phone charger, chapstick, your phone, comfy pjs, slippers, a robe, earbuds, and a list of your medical history, surgeries, allergies, and medications with dosages. Others add gas ex chewables but I'm an RN and don't recommend taking any meds from home without the nurses or drs knowledge. Some also say a heating pad to help with gas pains, but walking is best. Also, remember to hug a pillow if you cough or sneeze. It will help! 25. Constipation! It is a part of this journey, unfortunately. The only thing that helps me, and this is not conventional, is sugar free hard candies. A few of those babies (no more than 5 or you'll hate me) and you'll be going within 12 hours. The sugar alcohols do it for me. But, more conventional approaches are benefiber packets, smooth move tea, or miralax. And there's diarrhea in the beginning...liquids in, liquids out. But your 1st bowel movement may take awhile...its all normal. 26. Ketosis...when you cut out sugar and go low carb you're body goes into a state of ketosis. This is a metabolic state that now uses fat for energy, instead of carbs. It aids in weightloss, but has some side effects like bad breath, body odor, bowel changes, fatigue at 1st but then increased energy the longer you're in it, and insomnia. Those side effects will decrease over time so just invest in mouthwash for the meantime! I know this is a lot, but hopefully it helps! If I missed anything, feel free to chime in. Best of luck to everyone!

Ok people have talked about this before, but I wanted to share or put my 2 cents and my experience in. I'm past 8 months, 253 days post op to be exact. I wasn't a huge drinker but when I drank it was usually more than 2 drinks, so the long and short of it was I always got a hefty buzz or drunk, but I never drank unless I went out so I didn't see it as a "problem". But it was classic binge drinking when I did drink. Post surgery- after my ok to drink , I had some wine, first glass I didn't get drunk any faster, halfway through second I could be good but since we can't eat AND drink then why ruin my buzz, right? I eat well, I drink my water, I quit smoking, so I'd have some wine on the weekends (not normal for me) weekends turned into many days of the week, then every night. I've lost 104 now, I was still losing when I drank because I ate very little and I only drank wine. (I'm NOT glorifying any of this) With bariatric surgery I don't think there's a ok 2 glasses and I'm ok (as in not too drunk/tipsy, etc) . Pour that third glass and I was zero to 💯 and for me I would be drunk a lot longer. Alcoholism is huge in my family, why I thought having a few glasses of wine all the time was a good idea, maybe it filled the void. I tried to rationalize it with myself that because I couldn't eat and couldn't smoke anymore that having a few glasses was ok. I've been in therapy for food addiction, he said this isn't really transfer addiction because I didn't really have true food addiction. I guess I'm posting this for anyone who asks about drinking and if you have a history of any addiction or alcoholism in the family I would be cautious of alcohol. I should've known, thought about it more, but now I carry a chip from AA in my pocket everyday. I had a problem binge drinking before surgery, and yes you can be an alcoholic even if you don't drink that much, with me I drank to be buzzed or to get drunk. Im not posting this to be policed about the calories in wine or how it halts weight loss or to be bullied for making a poor choice. I'm posting this in the hopes that someone may read it who may be like me and start drinking a lot, or if someone is in recovery and wants to talk. If you do decide drink, be careful, it stayed in my bloodstream for a long time.

Happy anniversary! That said, yes, I tried wine from my husband's glass and it gave me headaches. So did beer. It's either too early or my alcohol tolerance has gone to hell for good. Meh ... No loss, no mourning.

Thanks for sharing. I can only hope that I am able to post so clearing and despite your "bumps in the road" you are still positive. I am awaiting a date, in he mean time I am doing what NUT tells me to do, exercise started with PT and Psych has totally cleared me til post op. Next visit July 11th....Looking forward to learning more, from my "team" and each of you. Reading a lot too. Any recommendations will be great. Already De-caffeinaed, de-carbonated and de=alcoholed....Not missing any too/

When can u have a alcoholic beverage?

I really need some alcoholic beverages right now had a very rough week and need to relax a little any recommendations on what we can drink Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-J727AZ using BariatricPal mobile app

Also, liquid NyQuil contains alcohol, so it would take effect quicker in a bypass patient. Just a FYI.

Throwing up when you get too drunk is a protective measure our body takes to prevent alcohol poisoning. Just keep it in mind that you cannot even make yourself vomit now. I have zero judgment about drinking, but safety requires that you keep yourself from a point of danger even more so now that you are banded. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

It won't mess up your band if you drink alcohol. What messes up your band is throwing up. Trust me, if you eat something you shouldn't or if you get sick, you will throw up. BE CAREFUL WITH THROWING UP! I had the band and am now going to the sleeve because the band was causing problems for me. Throwing up is not normal and if you do start doing it and it lasts, you need to go to the doctor and have it checked. I'm sure you know this but alcohol will put weight on you faster than anything. Be careful.

Some people develop food intolerances, e. g. lactose and in general have problems eating more stringy foods. As for the physical problems catwoman has already listed a lot. As for the mental problems... addiction transfer seems to be a real thing. Alcohol, smoking, shopping, food obsession, exercise (and no, exercise addiction is not - I repeat NOT - the "good addiction", hello, overuse injuries!).

I am not a smoker, but from what I've read that is a no-no - forever... as far as drinking - my doctor says nothing for 6 months, The alcohol will go straight to your head--one drink and a lot of people feel as though they have had 5.

I had my 2nd fill (4cc) 3 weeks ago and had a hard time eating solids, so I stuck to crunchy things and protein shakes. Recently, over the weekend, I spent some time at a neighbors and drank Martini's and Jack daniels until 4 am. Since that night I have not been able to eat anything except liquids and liquidify cream of wheat. For the 1st time since I was banded, I have Slimmed/Pb'd 3 times within the last few days - Its exhausting!!! I have no idea if the alcohol did something (I was not drunk that night) or if my band is just way too tight. But I am very hungry and have no clue how to eat. I did try some captain crunch this morning. 1st bite was fine, 2nd bit ok, then third, well, got that stuck feeling, started slimming and up it came. I read how people who have more cc's than me are able to eat regular stuff, but I just don't why I am unable to eat just basic food. How do you know if the band is just too tight?

i still have it, i use sugar free breath drops, and trader joes has some great sugar free mint that are strong and i like em. i also keep mouthwash in my office as well as toothbrush etc. but mints and the sugar free drops help a lot. i use the mouthwash without alcohol, i dont need to burn my mouth out lol. good luck.

Pasta with sauce? Have done, sometimes gives me trouble, but usually I kind of know how the day is going and know whether or not to even try. Extra sauce please. Lasagna? Same as above. Mac n cheese? Same as above. This was my first 'soft food' after mushies. I over cooked the noodles a bit, made it nice n' saucy. Yummy. Grits? Haven't tried. Oatmeal? Works well. I make it more moist, usually with milk. Cucumbers? Yummy! Bananas? Kinda 'sticky'. Half a nanner will last me a good long time. Especially with peanut butter! Grilled cheese sandwich? Sammiches are tough. Gooey cheese can be tough. On the right day if the planets are in proper alignment, I could eat a grilled cheese sammich. Oysters as in fresh? Haven't tried. Sushi? Oh yes. I love getting "sushi bowls" where the fish n' stuff is on top of a bowl of rice, instead of in the nigiri pieces. I can do some rolls, but usually take the seaweed off. I've been told you can ask them to make the rolls with rice paper, which disolves on your tongue, but I haven't tried this. Rice? Sometimes. Shrimp as in cocktail? Shrimps are iffy. Usually fresh shrimp is not a problem, but frozen shrimps are a bit tougher, and can cause issues. Celery? Haven't had any that wasn't in soup or something. French fries? French fries will ruin my meal if I have them. Sometimes after I've eaten my meal, I can eat a couple fries without a problem, but trying to have anything after eating them is dangerous. Fake crab meat? Nummy. Corn on the cob? I think I've had this once since banding, and I did not have a problem. Chili with Beans? All the time. Enchilada? I have had a couple. Tortilla's slip me up alot, so I don't have them often, but every now and then (again, planets in proper alignment) I don't have an issue. The enchiladas cooked in the sauce seem to be fine though. Have you ever slipped up and had champagne? What happened? What could happen? I was not told to not drink carbonation. I drink diet soda at times, and yes, have had carbonated alcoholic beverages. Carbonation does sometimes bother me if my tummy is tight, but I know if it's gonna be a problem within the first couple of sips, and if I stop there, I don't have a problem. The only thing you need to remember about alcohol is empty cals. But the occassional 'slip up' shouldn't be a problem. None of my advice is to be taken in the place of a medical professional's advice (unless you decide to, but then that's on you )

Having an addiction to something in your life no matter what the substance is is a disease. I found that food made me happy, and approximately a year and a half post surgery I begin to become unhappy from not being able to indulge in my addiction. Slowly and painfully I became addicted to drugs. Somehow someway I had to replace that happy feeling that I no longer was able to accomplish with food.within 6 to 9 months I became physically dependent on the drugs and became a full fledge drug addict instead of a food addict. I found myself drinking a lot more alcohol,smoking a lot more cigarettes, just doing whatever was necessary to achieve that high I was missing from food that I no longer was able to indulge and such quantities to be happy! in conclusion my very sad story, I'm five years post op lost 144 pounds gained 27 back during the drug detox and now I'm clean and sober.the reason for my post sticking to the subject I couldn't have gone through any of this without professional psychological help counselors support groups etc. A lot of times obesity is caused by an underlying mental problem that we have to address in the behavioral health portion of our lives. A psychologist or therapist will help prevent a lot of you from trading one addiction for another. Utilize their help.

I don't smoke but I do drink alcohol. I have been enjoying myself too much over the holidays. It did not make me sick or anything but has stopped my weight loss cold. I guess this was what the warning about "drinking calories" was all about. I'm back on the wagon (well, maybe not totally lol).

I don't get the fibromyalgia thing, but the other one I take to mean that if a parent hosts a party for teens that has alcohol, they risk losing a lot.

I'm very worried about my daughter . She had the sleeve revision from lap. She has only lost 25 lbs since January after losing 100 lbs and regaining 40 with lap. She eats very little at meals. I'm afraid she is eating slider foods and drinking too much alcohol