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Here's the nutrition... I mean...not terrible. Not great either. Here's the thing, I have a program that I'm following but if there is something that is going to make my life a little better, more enjoyable... like a wonton wrapper, I'm going to do it. I don't think these nutritional facts are going to break the bank for me. I don't make these exceptions for sugar, pasta, processed foods, bread (exception of whole grain, once in a blue moon), alcohol, or simple carbs in general. My exception is a wonton wrapper. It's crazy about all the conflicting info. Even on here, I find people are ALWAYS saying things that go against my program rules. But such as life. There is a 1,000 fad diets for a reason. Every person, doctor, or tom, d**k, or harry thinks their way is the best way.

I was cleared for alcohol around 3.5 months post op. I drink soda occasionally now that I am further out. It's empty calories, and it may cause a lot of discomfort for you since you're so early post-op. I wasn't allowed to get in pools/ocean until all my incisions had healed completely. I couldn't take baths either, it had to be showers only. You can break that habit. It may just take some time.

I was specific for decaf as it was evening. But I was also specific about no sugar. I actually have had a bit of caffeine since surgery and seem to have no issues with it. I do think if I had much it would fire up my acid reflux but I'm not much on caffeine. Even in my 50's I'm hyper enough without it. No sugar alcohols have bothered me otherwise and I was bad about relying on the Protein bars that have them for a while. ( I don't think it's the best way to get protein so weened off of them.) And thankfullly, nothing yet give me gas. I really am grateful for that as I have a co-worker who had gastric bypass and she can just about close us down at times!

I was on track through the holidays, meaning, I always did Protein forward, no alcohol and maintained my exercise routine. I did indulge in sweets that I baked, which I never do. Since the holidays are over, no more baking, so that won't be an issue. I also added back in a 4th meal for. the day. I had cut back to three thinking I didn't need the fourth (my hunger hasn't returned). Then I noticed I was filling that space with candy, so I went back to my protein friendly Snacks, better it be that them sugar calories.

Maybe you feel a little bit like an alcoholic taking that first social drink? It's a bad move for an alcoholic, but unfortunately, we really *can't* avoid eating for the rest of our lives. You won't backslide if you just keep following your NUT's instructions. And at some point, staying on liquids only will be the WRONG thing to do because you'll be more hungry. You need to eat solids eventually. So follow the guidelines, eat slowly, try one new thing at a time to see how you handle it. It'll be ok!

I was given the okay for alcohol in moderation after a month. Moderation is the key. If I do drink it should be no more than 1 a day. Honestly though it doesn't sound enjoyable. I'm waiting for a while before I try it.

Most docs, mine included would like you to stay off alcohol for at least 6 months. My NUT said it would be "OK" after 3 months. The things you have to be careful of is one the behavior changes...getting the "munchies" and remember that alcohol flushes not only the water from your system but also the B12 so moderation is the key. My NUT reminded me that spirits (vodka, whiskey ect) do not have carbs its the stuff we mix with them..but stuff like beer, liqueors and stuff are loaded. Also alcohol is wasted calories..like a 4 oz glass of wine has 100 empty calories. Good Luck

So very sorry for your loss. It's awesome that you realized food is not the answer. Just don't be like me and turn to alcohol like I did when my mother passed a few years ago. It is truly a hard thing to go through life without finding some way to numb the pain. We just have to remind ourselves that they are in a better place and no matter how much it hurts we still have a life to live. Very good that you are not tempted by their junk food, I don't think I could handle that. So glad to live alone. Good luck and keep your head up. I won't say the pain will go away but it does fade with time.

I definitely reduced my alcohol intake during weight loss phase (maybe 5 or so the entire time, and not even full servings).

Hey Dub Just curious...exactly when did you stop drinking diet soda? Was it months before surgery? Right before surgery? Did you gradually stop or stop cold turkey? I'm trying to figure out the best way to do this! Howdy. I began to scale back on things and it really made it easier for me. I had a back injury in early April. I was doped up with meds and realized this would be ongoing for a while....stopped all alcohol at this point. I sure didn't need pain meds mixed with alcohol and the problems that could come from there. The back surgeon was the one that recommend bariatric surgery (I'd already had a hyperbaric & wound center surgeon and a vein surgeon both recommend it a couple months prior while I was getting other stuff treated and corrected). The back pain shut me the hell down.....shutdown in a way I've never experienced and it scared the crap outa me. Rapid and sustained weight loss was my highest priority. By early June I was in a bariatric program and began losing weight. Exercise was out of the question and I was fighting to get mobility to make it back to my job after being absent for 6 weeks. Returned to work and struggled but kept after it. I realized that my current diet was vastly different that my post op diet and it was getting results....but was just different. I conferred with the NUT and the program's nurse & advocate. My initial approach was to go low-calorie. The advice I took from them was to continue with what was helping me lose weight, but to ensure I was getting Protein. They stressed that there was going to be some rapid weight loss upcoming and to maintain protein levels. I basically swapped over to more of an Atkins diet. The diet sodas were more of my own concern than their's. They said that as long as I realized I'd not be able to drink them post op......for several months.....then it wasn't a problem. I used to drink 4 20oz Diet Dews or Diet Cokes on a workday......by the time I was a month out from surgery I was down to 1-2 on a workday and none on my days off. I've had zero desire for them since the surgery on October 13. About 3 weeks prior to surgery I started having an occasional Diet Snapple Tea or Lipton Tea. There are numerous flavors in their diet line-ups and there is no carbonation to contend with. The best two things that I did when leading up to surgery was to eliminate alcohol and to begin losing weight. Today is the third week past surgery and I feel really good. I run out of energy fairly easily. I go in short bursts. I'm anticipating that improving after my next surgeon's appointment on the 4th week. He'll add some more fuel to my daily menu that should certainly help. The weight loss has been really steady and I can see a difference, but more importantly, I can FEEL a difference. I worried about a lot of my demons leading up to the surgery......but the two that mattered most were as I stated....dropping the alcohol and putting forth the effort to lose weight. I've got a secret weapon that I'm about to unleash on my weight loss that's going to pump me into overdrive.......I've yet to do much of any type of exercise throughout this entire process. Very minimal. I'm a dude who enjoys exercise, too. I've been very cautious with my healing back and taking things extremely cautious with the 9 wounds in my gut form the hernia repair & sleeve. The wounds are healing nicely and my back feels better. I'll be starting the gym tomorrow (treadmill). Things are about to really speed up on my weight loss. What I've done since June is basically been done while being sedentary. I'm stoked. Treadmill guy......elliptical guy.......and then by this Summer when the hernia has healed, I'll add in weight training. By next October....my one year mark post-op......the physical changes could be significant. The emotional changes have already been. HOPE is a powerful asset. Having days when my back is trusty......and getting past having to rely on hydrocodone and other pain meds........just Proteins, water, and my blood pressure meds only.........things are getting better. Life is good. Life..... while having visible abs at 47 will be gooder. I'm looking forward to the future in a way that I haven't in a long, long time.

From Raven's Husband, Paul: Assuming you have experience with accessing various types of ports, it's easily done in about 1-2 minutes. If you can't feel the port outline to determine exactly where the diaphragm is, consider US guided access as an option to fishing around blindly in hopes of locating the diaphragm. Supplies: -20ga Huber needle with short tubing extention. 1"-2"+ needle length depending on depth of tissue over port. -10ml syringe. -18ga needle to draw saline. -18ga needle to draw 2% Lidocaine w/ epi. -25-27ga needle to inject Lidocaine into tissue overlying port. -Sterile saline (Or contrast media, if necessary for visualization via fluoroscopy or CT. Check port manufacturer's data to confirm compatibility.). -Alcohol prep pads. -Betadine prep pads (Unless allergic, then substitute as needed). -1-2 gauze pads. -Bandaid. -Spill safe container of Water for patient to drink from. -Non sterile exam gloves. -Sterile gloves if desired. 1. Patient positioned supine w/ 1-2 pillows under his/ her back. 2. Draw up roughly 1-3ml (Or as much/ little needed) of saline with 10ml syringe and 18ga needle then remove needle. Attach syringe to Huber needle w/ extention, flush and clamp the tubing. Note volume of saline remaining in syringe. 3. Locate the port. Spend as much time as needed to get comfortable with port location and attitude. 4. Prep site with Betadine/ Alcohol, wipe with sterile gauze for better visualization. 5. Infiltrate Lidocaine to tissue directly over the diaphragm. Less is better, too much and you'll have trouble feeling the port. 1-2ml is probably enough. 6. Reprep the site as needed, inject Huber needle through anesthetized skin and tissue to the center of the diaphragm. It takes a bit of firm pressure to penetrate the diaphragm. Don't worry, the port body is plenty strong enough to prevent overpenetration. 7. Release the tubing clamp and aspirate until resistance is felt. Again, note volume in syringe. If unable to aspirate at all, you're either not in the right spot or the port & band are completely empty. 8. Inject desired amount. Clamp tubing and note volume injected. Have patient drink a small amount of water while still supine. If patient's esophagus is now obstructed and unable to swallow any Fluid, aspirate enough until no longer obstructed before removing the needle. 9. Remove Huber needle, clean up the site, place Bandaid. Repeat swallow test in upright position with at least 120ml of water (4oz) to "Proof" the patentcy of the esophagus. 10. Discharge patient to home with 24hr phone# access to your service for emergencies related to this fill.

Hello my fellow Gastric buddies. I'm 3 weeks out from my surgery. I was told not to consume alcohol for a full year. In my nurses education class we were told that the chances of becoming an alcoholic after surgery has become a true fact. I usually have 1 drink in a year,so I'm going to just stay completely away from alcohol like I usually do.

there are food restrictions the first few months, but after that, there aren't any limitations as long as you can tolerate whatever the food is (I can no longer tolerate really high-fat meals - and it's not uncommon for people to develop things like lactose intolerance after surgery - but you won't have any restrictions per se. I'm "allowed" to eat anything - and have been for a long time). I was never a big drinker even before surgery - I'd just have an occasional glass or two of wine. We weren't supposed to drink for the first year (according to my clinic, anyway), and I didn't at all for the first three years. Now I'm back to having my occasional glass or two of wine - by which I mean, maybe four or five times a year. So for ME, I don't notice any difference...other than alcohol hits me a lot faster than it did pre-surgery. taking vitamins becomes pretty automatic after the first few weeks. I don't even think about it anymore. I take a small handful when I get up in the morning, a smaller handful around dinner time - and my iron and vitamin C before I go to bed. complications aren't common and most are minor and "fixable". The most common one with sleeve is reflux, which in most cases (if you happen to develop it) can be managed medically. In severe cases, there's always the option of revising to RNY - although I don't know how common it is for it to get to that point. Might be worth asking if you're concerned. I didn't mind the puree stage. It was a relief after being on all liquids. If you're not crazy about the puree stage, just keep in mind that it doesn't last very long. You'll be on soft foods - and then solid - before you know it. it'll be pretty obvious to others the first month or two by how little you can eat that something is "up". I mostly just tried to avoid going out with people so the question wouldn't come up - or I'd suggest meeting up for coffee or tea or some activity instead of a meal. After that, for several months I'd just claim I wasn't very hungry and order an appetizer or some soup or chili. Now I'll sometimes still order that - or if I do get an entree, I'll eat half of it and have the rest boxed up. Pretty much the same as a lot of my never-been-obese women friends. No one can tell anymore that I've had surgery. Basically, this will all take some getting used to - it can be overwhelming at first - but after the first few weeks, it really isn't. And you're right - pre-surgery nervousness is pretty common. I've had four surgeries in my life, and I get nervous every time - but they've all gone off without a hitch!

I know in the future when I'm banded I will: drink coffee straight after dinner. I dont care if it washes food through, I have no problem beating hunger at night anyway, its not a time when I eat much. I know on occasion I will drink wine with my meals too - when out or eating with family I know I will also occasionally choose to consume alcohol rather than food. I will continue to consume liquid calories in the form of yogurt for Breakfast. I love yogurt.

Megan - it will get better. I am sorry you feel excluded by your friend. I think you should actually ask her after the outing why she excluded you though..... She might actually feel that she is sparing you from frustration by not asking you to attend. Friends are really complicated and be aware that a lot of friendships tank once YOU start changing the 'game'. But you will get more social and have so many new life experiences once you let the new you out. Warning: there are transference addictions and alcohol can be one of them - most docs say don't even try any alcohol for a year after surgery and it takes less to get wasted quicker. Is there a support group for wls patients at your hospital/clinic? If not maybe you could ask to start one, it's sonetimes so good to see other people experiencing the journey and share solutions. Dream big girl!!!! Go buy a top 2 sizes smaller that's on sale and hang it where you can see it, if you get the urge to stuff your feelings - then go 'pet' it and tell yourself you want to fit into this instead of eat. Tell your brother to sod off!!! Lol

Thanks! One more question, can drinking (non alcohol) too much cause the pouch to stretch as well?

Did you know you can get flesh eating bacteria from getting a pedicure, and possibly die from that? Doesn't seem to stop women from getting pedicures. Any kind of surgery is a risk, I was scared and got cold feet at times as well, but I told myself if it is meant to be it will be, and I had faith in my higher power, who happens to be God, but for whatever is your higher power, have faith. I know someone who has lapband. She and her husband had WLS together. He had bypass and she had banding. She was jealous as the weight just fell off of him, and she had to work at it. She told me a year ago that she would never recommend anyone get the band as all she can do is drink her calories and now she is an alcoholic. After doing my research I realized the band didn't fail her, she failed the band because she expected the weight to come off without effort. That is not the approach I wanted to take with my health.

She came off really judgmental in my opinion. In my initial application I shared that I have 3-5 drinks a week and that I was a victim of sexual abuse. I straight out asked if she had the power to deny or approve my surgery and she told me that she doesn't. She said she shares her notes with my surgeon and it all depends on my surgeon. She did suggest that I go to therapy. Yeah. She basically implied that I was an alcoholic. I wish I wasn't so candid in my initial application if I'd knew they would throw everything back in my face. And told me I need to go to see a therapist. I explained to her that I'm a full time student who can barely afford the visits for getting cleared for surgery, let alone a psychiatrist. Because of my mom's insurance I have to do a mandatory six month supervised weight loss. I'm currently on my second month.

I believe that the Pure Protein bars have sugar alcohol in them which gives me horrible gas. I'll have to look on the label next time I am in a store.

You won't need your vitamins until 2 weeks after surgery. I would suggest not overdoing it anyway - I got a case of protein shakes for my after my surgery and still have 4 in the fridge 6 week later. I'm sure your surgeon has resources- did they give you a packet or info or have you seen a dietician? They are always great help. I'd be sure to get some sugar free popsicles to have on hand. They were my lifesavers. There are all kinds of protein shakes out there even at Walgreens and the gas stations. Just get ones with less than 5 g of sugar and lots of protein. Also avoid sugar alcohol (shows on the label below sugar). They can make you feel yucky! Good luck all! Mich W Hw 223, SW 217 CW 194 GW 135

My addiction was diet Pepsi. The thing that I finally was able to kick it with was orange flavored stevia drink mix mixed with about a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. It actually does taste good and I think it gave me that sweet-tart and crisp feeling that the soda did. Interestingly I read that back in the day they used to use apple cider vinegar to help alcoholics kick.

That's one of my biggest fears that I would forget and take too big of a bite, not chewing properly! It's probably one really big reason I'll hold off on alcohol....potential for forgetfulness and hunger. Bad combination. As I have been feeling more normal it is easier to forget about "mindful eating". Thanks fot the reminder!

I am 11 weeks out, 50 lbs lost, 26 to go! I feel awesome. My knees hardly bother me anymore, no more BP issues, I've had no nausea, vomiting, intolerances, etc. I have had no regrets! But.... I spend most of my spring weekends, then my summer at a beach camping (glam ping) resort. The people I hang out with are the ones I have been friends with for many, many years. I gave told no one but my hubby and kids about my surgery. The hard partis that on our weekends away, we normally all hang out and have a few adult cocktails while playing cards, having a campfire and going to dinner. We have gotten together for the last 4 weekends now and I find it hard not yo accept a frozen margarita or a cold beer or nice glass of wine. I show up with my crystal light in a nice glass but do admit I miss cocktail hour. (It's not the alcohol I miss, it's the shared comradery) Any suggestions on getting through this or alternatives? A virgin cocktail still has way too much sugar snd carbs. I just hate feeling like the one left out

Don't stress. Your surgeon needs to have you list out what you've done on your own to lose weight my list looked like this: Paid Programs for Weight loss: Weight Watchers - 4 years 99, 2003, 2005, 2007, on all attempts I attended weekly meetings, and weigh ins. Stuck to the program lost anywhere between 30-60lbs, but would gain it back. Nutrisystem in 2006- lost about 20 pounds but the cost of food, and having to prepare a complete meal for my son was far too expensive. Weigh Down Workshop: Faith based weight loss program offered through my church. Lost 50-70lbs over 2 years. Exercise and various physical changes: 1 hour 4 times a week of hip hop abs for 1 year - lost 40lbs, hurt my knee and had to quit working out, a year later joined 24hr fitness and worked out with weights, and isolated core. Lost 20-30lbs, but moved and gained the weight back Behavioral modifications: Park furthest away from the store front when going shopping, ate off a smaller plate to help cut portions, ate slowly and extended my meals over 30 minutes, cut all fried foods out of my diet, cut out soda and alcohol Diet Attempts: Weight Watchers, Nutrisystem, Atkins (several times), FenPhen, Adipex, herbal weight loss supplements such as Metabolife and Slimquick. I lost weight with all of these attempts, the issue isn't losing, it's keeping my weight off. I added that last little tidbit at the end. My insurance coordinator faxed my sheet in directly to the insurance company. My surgeon signed off on it. I had to do this for both my band and revision.

Alcohol is recommended against simply because of the empty calories. I seem to be able to stand spicier food now than I used to (maybe because I'm pickier about quality??). Pardon the pun, but go with your gut!