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No alky forever is a bit overboard, but there is concern about transfer addictions so there is a vulnerability there that has to be watched. Healing of the sleeve is the main issue with most docs and is why they have variable restrictions of a few months. Some docs, like mine, are in the no alky for the entire weight loss period due to liver health concerns - the liver is already overtaxed from being in an obese person and in metabolizing all the fat that we're losing, so it's not good to stress it further with alcohol, but then my doc is also a liver specialist along with the bariatrics, so gets a bit anal about liver care. After the weight is off, then the primary concern is psych/addiction rather than strictly physical/medical, so most docs back off at that point (somebody else's problem...)

I also understand that rice can cause a bit of an issue for many people for a while. I hope its no alcohol forever! I'm already giving up cigs and the way I am used to eating. I will be truly sad if I can't have the occasional drink.

I too was told that there are no "nevers". At 5 weeks I was cleared for anything that I could tolerate.Let me add I was told no carbonation or alcohol for 3 months. Sorry

No worries, it's our little secret. I think they say no alcohol "ever" because it can lead to snacking and of course, it's Kaiser - the whole Thrive thing you know - healthy living.

The rationale for the 1 year (or longer) wait that some surgeons impose is to help preserve liver health - being obese (or worse), our livers are not in the best of shape to begin with (which is why some surgeons impose the pre-op diet, to help improve the liver condition since they are working in such close proximity to it when doing the sleeve) and then it gets seriously taxed in its role im metaboliziing all the fat that we are losing. With all that going on, it doesn't need any more stress from handling the alcohol. My doc's rule is no alcohol during the entire weight loss period (and reinforced in the psych eval as to whether one can give it up for 18 months, give or take - whatever it takes to get the weight off.) My surgeon also specialized in biliopancreatic transplants, so needless to say he's a bit anal about liver care. I also tend to listen to him on such things as he has a better perspective on the issue than most bariatric surgeons. Take it for what you will - we're all adults here.

Hi interesting post, My Dr. never really talked about drinking, I am not a big drinker due to the calories, since being banded I do have a drink even beer once in awhile, I am also not a big beer drinker so maybe I might have a half of a beer or drink it over a bit of time. I also find that alcohol seems to affect me much faster than before. Also a friend of mine is thinking of getting the band, she is just 21 and asked specifically about alcohol as she has only recently legally allowed to drink and the Dr. said that you should avoid due to the Calories, and carbonation is not really good but that a drink once in awhile is fine.

I was told popcorn, corn, & celery are in the "never" category along with alcohol. But that's Kaiser Northern Cali.

I was just asked by a coworker if there is any type of food I absolutely won't be able to have. I'm told by the doctors that there isn't but I've also heard everyone is different. I'm just wondering what the consensus is on this? What are you unable to tolerate after the surgery? I've been told some people can't eat spaghetti, milk based products and non toasted bread...oh and alcohol is usually a no no for a while. Anything else? Thanks!

Ok, well my surgeon says to wait one year. I'm clearly in the minority here but my one year will be Sat. Oct. 22nd...and I have YET to have even one sip of alcohol (or soda for that matter!) but that's just me. I'm a rule follower and I'm not a big drinker so it was no big deal for me to give up alcohol for a year. I'm a bit curious to see the effect of alcohol on my sleeve but not curious enough to try it yet. Maybe someday soon! Glad you had second thoughts about it...let that tummy heal first!

To be honest I did drink before 3 months and had no problem with it. I would say stay away from it as long as you can though because it will hinder your weight loss. I lost 80 lbs really quick and have stayed at this weight for 6 months. The stoppin of my weight loss is all alcohol. I drink a few drinks every weekend and then I have to lose those lbs during the week. I have not gained any weight but I am not losing it and I attribute it all to alcohol. so, my advice would be to stay away from alcohol until you are at goal weight. (That's also what my doctor keeps pounding in my head.) .

My dr. also said the absortion of alcohol will be different after the sleeve. It will be much more potent.

I have had gas off and on since surgery and sometimes it is bad and I feel very bloated. I swear by Gas-x I carry it with me everywhere. There are sometimes I may take it several times a day and I can go weeks and never need it. I prefer the strips that are mint or cinnamin that you place under your tongue and I also take Prilocex daily. I tried to stop taking the Prilocex but had to add it back. I also notice if I eat protein bars with sugar alcohols or just protein drinks that sometimes I have more gas. I honestly think it is due to the size of our stomachs and the slower rate that the food passes through but have nothing to back that up. Good luck and I wish I could say the gas went away but I am 1 year out (almost) and it is still there.

Hi Kerri, first of all, congrats on your decision to take this journey. Looks like you have less t han 100 lbs to lose. A few things to remember as you go through this, and these were told to me by my dr, and nutritionist. I listened to EVERYTHING they told me to do......and I followed it to the letter. I'm losing like crazy..........I wanted to lose 70 lbs total. Next week on the 24th of October will be 5 months for me, and i'm down 60 lbs as off today, with 10 lbs to go. If you want this advise, read on.......I found it VERY helpful to keep me on track. ( It's not meant to critisize anyone.......) I was told that if I followed my dr's instructions i could lose the weight I wanted to lose in about 9 months to a year..... Maybe even sooner If I was real good and NO EATING BAD FOODS on the no no list they gave me....lol They also said that the 1st 6 months were going to be my fastest weight loss and I would never get that kind of a chance again, so don't screw it up. So i've been good as gold. Not eating breads, pasta's, sauces, candy, deserts, NO SODA, no potatoes, no alcohol,and everything they say is bad. I'm getting in lots of Protein. the more protein I eat, the faster i'm losing. I'm getting in at least 80 to 130 grams of protein per day, and drinking at least 80 ounces of Water everyday. (yes, I'm peeing all the time too!..lol) all I can say on the water thing is...... thank god for the crystal light "to go" packets for water....I'd never be able to drink that much per day, If you are real determined and want this bad enough, just do as your told to do by your dr.....sometimes i read postings on here from ppl, saying what they ate for dinner, or lunch, and i think to myself..........why in the world would they eat that........you are making a life chanding decision to have this surgery, and going back to old habbits are what got us overweight to begin with, so stay strong, follow your dr's orders and you will do great! I also DO drink water with my meals, some ppl on here say not to...I have done it since day one.....I asked my dr...he said it was no problem to drink w/ meals, and it appears to be working for me. but your dr may tell you something different. I weigh myself everyday...can't help it...lol..i have to know if I've lost another lb or not overnight.. when I reach goal, I was also told to continue to weigh myself everyday to make sure I'm not putting back on a few lbs, if I do, i can catch myself and fix it before it's out of controll. To be honest, I'm never hungry, but I know I have to eat my 3 meals a day plus a snack on the in between. (don't skip any meals even if you are not hungry) I don't miss anything from my old habbits, as this is the direction I'm going now for the rest of my life. I should be excersizing, but I'm not...shhhhh don't tell my dr...lol....I keep saying i'm going to start soon, I need to firm up some. I've gone from a size 14/16 to a size 5/6 right now.....hoping to be a 3/4 with my last 10 lbs to go. everyone loses weight at a different pace, try not to compair yourself to others, just pay attention to what YOU are eating, drinking, and it WILL melt away. I bought myself the cutest summer halter dress in a small.....hung it on my wall in my bedroom so i look at it everyday. (kinda like that yellow polka dot bikini idea) it's keeping me motivated. Have fun on that cruise Donna

1. Some days I can drink more at once than others. I mostly try to spread it out all day. General rule just keep yourself hydrated to the max. It helps with weight loss. 2. That just depends on your body. 3. I usually tell people I had lap band and that has helped my portion control but that I have had to change my food choices for healthier food and that I also work out a lot. Most negative people are jealous or not informed. 4. YOU WILL! Just make sure you're honest with yourself about what you eat. Track your food and exercise so you can see patterns in how you eat & exercise vs weight loss. Everyone is different and small tweaks to your plan help you specifically. 5. There is a port revision surgery available. 6. If you can't handle chicken breasts you could always try something like skinless thighs, however, I personally do not have any issues with any type of food. There have been times I have had issues but it's usually either that time of the month or me eating too fast. 7. I am down 150 lbs so far and even when i have off days I do not gain like I did before the band. You CAN gain but try to stay on top of being honest and really looking at your eating and exercise habits. 8. You CAN have alcohol but you have to think about those empty calories and sugars in it. Plus you really want to keep your cokes to a minimum for the bubbles and acid. PLUS, diet drinks can have the same reaction regular sugar does on the body in the way that it can make you more hungry. Oh and I've found through this process that my major stress relief is a hard work out. REALLY helps the anxiety levels. 9. I haven't had problem swallowing pills, but everyone is different. Not a bad idea to start a chewable. There are TONS of chewable brands out there. I use Bariatric Choice. 10. I am a 38 DDD I think i started out at like a 44/46DDD and My cup size is the same as before I lost weight I have shrunk a lot around. They are saggier even though they take up as much cup space. It really depends on how badly stretch marked your boobs are. Stretch marks are basically scars and they don't have the elasticity that the unscarred skin will have.

Let's clarify this. I've had my band for 3 years and I'd be lying bold-faced if I didn't say I've gone through phases of enjoying a martini or three every now and again. haha. The claim that alcohol affects bandsters more than non-banded people is purely circumstantial. It has mostly to do with how often you drink, how much you eat, and if you're a man or a woman. The band, in and of itself, makes no change in anatomy, so the physiology of alcohol metabolism doesn't change. HOWEVER, in someone with a gastric bypass, the anatomy is modified. The little pouch that they have dumps right into the small intestine, bypasses where the stomach would begin metabolizing the alcohol, so when the alcohol hits the small intestine, it soaks it right in, which increases blood alcohol level MUCH quicker.

I agree with others here. I think it's way to early. I only recently, 4+ months out, had a sip of red wine for a toast. I don't know if it was psychological but it felt like it burned a little. I stay away from alcohol for now and will probably wait till 6 months or so. My surgeon recommended three to four months that's why I had that "sip."

Yes, it IS a tad early, just because the stomach is not fully healed yet and alcohol might be quite a shock for it so soon. Whether you choose to do so or not please remember to NOT drink to excess, for health and safety reasons. I started out on 3 oz of wine at about 8 months out and had no ill effects. I take red wine for it's purported health benefits.

I personally think 6 weeks is way to early to even be THINKING about alcohol..... JMO

1. Sometimes I can - sometimes not! Depends on how tight I am. 2. Mind didn't fade Everyone is different though! 3. I tell everyone that asks. I haven't had any negative feedback. (to my face anyway ) 4. YES! Follow what your doctor says and exercise! You will do great! 5. I've read there is a low profile port - don't know too much about it though 6. I'm sorry to say that I can't do chicken breast. Again, everyone is different though. I eat a lot of seafood now. 7. I think so...my band limits the amount of food I can eat so I think it won't let me overeat and put the weight back. But you have keep up with your after care (fills, diet, exercise) 8. The alcohol will slow your weight loss. I count calories, so you could save your calories for it. I say whatever works for you 9. I started with centrum chewables and now take a regular multi vitamin. I have no problem swallowing any pills now. 10. I started out a 46 DDD and now am a 42 D. Unfortunately they are kind of saggy! YUCK! Oh well, I'll eventually have to get a boob job! I have had a very positive experience. The exercise has helped me the most. Good for the mind, body and spirit! Good Luck to you!

1 - I chug a bottle of water after I work out. I am at 8.6 in a 14 cc band 2 - pregnancy stretch marks fade 3 - I tell on a need to know, I eat healthy and get a lot of exercise is good enough for people I do not know 4 - It is up to you and how you use your tool. Go at it to succeed an you will 5 - mine does not show so I do not know 6 - I eat chicken all the time! Some people it helps to switch to dark meat because it has more moisture in it 7 - yes, but you will always have to work with it 8 - Alcohol slows down your weight loss. you need to find other was to decompress 9 - I take adult gummy multi vitamins 10 - I have gone from a 48dd to a 38dd and mine sag, but I am 49 and started out at 304 You can do it, just do what your doctor tells you and use your tool wisely

Hi all. I had my surgery on October 11th at Shawnee Mission Medical Center in Kansas City under the care of Stan Hoehn. Day of surgery: Surgery at 10:30 am. I woke up in a lot of pain in my abdomen. The original recovery room pain meds didn’t help. The next meds they tried caused an allergic reaction - rash, trouble breathing, inability to focus, nausea. It took hours to convince the nurse that the Dilaudid was a problem. In retrospect, as I am allergic to morphine, I can’t believe they gave me a morphine derivative and then denied I was having a reaction, but that is having a bad nurse vs. a good nurse, I suppose. For the record, all of my other nurses and CAs were the best and truly a great group of healthcare professionals. The Demerol that they finally put me on (about 7:30 pm) gave me a bit of itching around my eyes and nose, but was far more tolerable. I was able to suck on ice chips, take a walk around the unit, and sleep pretty comfortably. Day 1 Post-op: Felt great, was doing great with all tests and measurements. Able to start clear liquids. Every bite felt like I was filling my stomach with air – uncomfortable but not painful. Started taking Lortab Elixir. It tastes terrible, but it was nice to get away from the powerful drugs. Went home moving well and optimistic. Took my everyday meds (Wellbutrin,Kariva, and Zantac) and went to bed around 10 pm. Woke around 12:30 am feeling crazy nauseous and vomited repeatedly – very painful. Woke again at 3:30 am for another round. I was in so much pain and so nauseous that I could not get the Loratab down. Day 2 Post-op: Spent entire day in bed. It was almost too painful to get up to use the restroom. Too scared to take Loratab in case itmade me vomit again. Too nauseous to eat or drink, though I forced myself toget in 25 oz of water before bed. A frightening, dismal day. Realized that I was not supposed to begin taking the Kariva or Zantac right away, so that was probably the cause. Day 3 Post-op: Called the doctor because I was so sick thatI was barely able to get anything down, including water. They prescribed an anti-nausea medication that dissolves on your tongue – took one and haven’t been sick to my stomach since! Still sore from vomiting, but feeling 100% better after getting the script filled and taken. Easily get my water and protein minimums met. Took a 15 minute walk around the neighborhood and then took a nap. Day 4-6 Post-op: Energy is great and pain management is easy with liquid ibuprofen or Tylenol. Having soreness in my back, but probably due to too much sitting around. Was able to do household shopping and light cleaning around the house. Able to bend easily to scoop litter boxes, vacuum,and any other task that doesn’t require heavy lifting or pulling. Eating hasbeen an adventure. Protein shakes and liquids in general are no trouble. More solid things are hit and miss – pureed shrimp was okay, but salmon caused sliming. And sliming is no fun, but not painful, thank goodness. String cheese was fine once but not tonight. Hummus, eggs, avocado/yogurt soup, and refried beans have been no trouble. I find I am able to take one biteof just about anything and I am fine as long as I chew, chew, chew. And, ofcourse, I’m not trying anything outside of my nutritional guidelines. On the downside, I can’t tell when I am full, so I have been tying to keep all portions at about ¼ cup, as that seems to work without making me slime. Starting tomorrow, I need to really up my protein and water intake, so that might be a challenge as I feel like I have something in my mouth all the time already. LOL Hunger is mostly gone, but head hunger is alive and well. Dr. Hoehn prescribes a self-injected medicine called arixtra to help prevent blood clots. We must inject ourselves once a day for seven days following surgery. I was dreading this and was pleased to find that it is so easy and painless. Swab some tummy fat with an alcohol prep pad, pinch, and jab. The needle is so fine that I haven't felt it even a little. Believe me, super, duper easy. I see my doctor tomorrow to have the staples removed. I’m hoping to be cleared for a bath as I dearly love soaking in the tub. I've been showering, of course. I just miss my bathtub. Otherwise, I feel very much on track. I’m using myfitnesspal.com to keep track of every bite and that is so helpful. I am “hswelch” there if anyone would like to find me there.

Hi all. I had my surgery on October 11th at Shawnee Mission Medical Center in Kansas City under the care of Stan Hoehn. Day of surgery: Surgery at 10:30 am. I woke up in a lot of pain in my abdomen. The original recovery room pain meds didn’t help. The next meds they tried caused an allergic reaction - rash, trouble breathing, inability to focus, nausea. It took hours to convince the nurse that the Dilaudid was a problem. In retrospect, as I am allergic to morphine, I can’t believe they gave me a morphine derivative and then denied I was having a reaction, but that is having a bad nurse vs. a good nurse, I suppose. For the record, all of my other nurses and CAs were the best and truly a great group of healthcare professionals. The Demerol that they finally put me on (about 7:30 pm) gave me a bit of itching around my eyes and nose, but was far more tolerable. I was able to suck on ice chips, take a walk around the unit, and sleep pretty comfortably. Day 1 Post-op: Felt great, was doing great with all tests and measurements. Able to start Clear liquids. Every bite felt like I was filling my stomach with air – uncomfortable but not painful. Started taking Lortab Elixir. It tastes terrible, but it was nice to get away from the powerful drugs. Went home moving well and optimistic. Took my everyday meds (Wellbutrin,Kariva, and Zantac) and went to bed around 10 pm. Woke around 12:30 am feeling crazy nauseous and vomited repeatedly – very painful. Woke again at 3:30 am for another round. I was in so much pain and so nauseous that I could not get the Loratab down. Day 2 Post-op: Spent entire day in bed. It was almost too painful to get up to use the restroom. Too scared to take Loratab in case itmade me vomit again. Too nauseous to eat or drink, though I forced myself toget in 25 oz of Water before bed. A frightening, dismal day. Realized that I was not supposed to begin taking the Kariva or Zantac right away, so that was probably the cause. Day 3 Post-op: Called the doctor because I was so sick thatI was barely able to get anything down, including water. They prescribed an anti-nausea medication that dissolves on your tongue – took one and haven’t been sick to my stomach since! Still sore from vomiting, but feeling 100% better after getting the script filled and taken. Easily get my water and Protein minimums met. Took a 15 minute walk around the neighborhood and then took a nap. Day 4-6 Post-op: Energy is great and pain management is easy with liquid ibuprofen or Tylenol. Having soreness in my back, but probably due to too much sitting around. Was able to do household shopping and light cleaning around the house. Able to bend easily to scoop litter boxes, vacuum,and any other task that doesn’t require heavy lifting or pulling. Eating hasbeen an adventure. Protein shakes and liquids in general are no trouble. More solid things are hit and miss – pureed shrimp was okay, but salmon caused sliming. And sliming is no fun, but not painful, thank goodness. String cheese was fine once but not tonight. Hummus, eggs, avocado/yogurt Soup, and refried Beans have been no trouble. I find I am able to take one biteof just about anything and I am fine as long as I chew, chew, chew. And, ofcourse, I’m not trying anything outside of my nutritional guidelines. On the downside, I can’t tell when I am full, so I have been tying to keep all portions at about ¼ cup, as that seems to work without making me slime. Starting tomorrow, I need to really up my protein and water intake, so that might be a challenge as I feel like I have something in my mouth all the time already. LOL Hunger is mostly gone, but head hunger is alive and well. Dr. Hoehn prescribes a self-injected medicine called arixtra to help prevent blood clots. We must inject ourselves once a day for seven days following surgery. I was dreading this and was pleased to find that it is so easy and painless. Swab some tummy fat with an alcohol prep pad, pinch, and jab. The needle is so fine that I haven't felt it even a little. Believe me, super, duper easy. I see my doctor tomorrow to have the staples removed. I’m hoping to be cleared for a bath as I dearly love soaking in the tub. I've been showering, of course. I just miss my bathtub. Otherwise, I feel very much on track. I’m using myfitnesspal.com to keep track of every bite and that is so helpful. I am “hswelch” there if anyone would like to find me there.

Well I had problems trying to find one that I could STOMACH never mind the carbs and calories. If you are only going to eat one a day (I use mine for Breakfast sometimes when I am in a hurry or for Meal Replacement if the cafeteria at work has something that I can't handle - greasy spagetti etc) If you are only going to eat one a day then you don't really have to stress about the carbs. My favorite one so far is Balance bar Peanut Butter flavor (blue and white and orange box sold at walmart) for about 6.00 you get 6 bars. It has 200 calories, 21 grams carbs and 15 Protein. I was looking MORE for a bar that had MORE protein. Also...SUGAR ALCOHOLS give me the farts (sorry if that is too much info....but just wanted to warn you because I have seen alot of people post it does it to them too) so I stear clear of those esp on the days I am working..........lolol.... If I eat 1-2 eggs in am. lunch of chicken breast couple bites of veggies dinner fish and few bites of whatever I made for family Snack of nuts or string cheese Protein Bar to make up if i have not met my protein for day Then I am still WAY under for carb count. I stay away from carbs because I noticed years ago I just don't loose if I eat carbs. After surgery I really only crave peanut butter and sugar free popsickles so for now I am staying away from carbs because I don't really miss them yet.

Thanks for this post. I'm a little over a week out from surgery and I had the low carb strategy in mind, but its interesting to see people say they just blend regular food. I know myself and I know what led me to this point. I don't want to fight the same battles that I did pre-sleeve. It's sort of like an alcoholic playing around with one or two drinks here and there. In the beginning, it's fine, until that binge day comes. No thanks! Will I slip up and try things here and there? I'm almost certain of it, but I will always strive to get in all my Protein first before I eat anything else! Also, I want to add that modified low carb that includes 1.5 servings of fruit per day works quite well for me (think Scarsdale's plan).

This subject does come up frequently, and it usually provokes some pretty strong opinions on all sides. I'll state the same things I have stated on this subject before: If you are really serious about losing weight, you need to consider giving up the booze. It is NOT conducive to good health OR weight loss, regardless of what some small studies say about the occasional glass of wine. Don't get me wrong; I always enjoyed a good blast of hootch, but NOTHING could make me feel as good as I do as a thin person. Sure, you could have a drink occasionally; you could also have a Snickers on occasion. Or a Hot Fudge Sundae. But WHY would you want to, after everything you have been through with your weight? It's the little decisions that we make on a moment to moment basis that impacts our health so dramatically. A shot of booze here, some cheez whiz there,....it all adds up. And you don't NEED a drink to be happy or have fun....if you DO,....well,,,,there are perhaps some other issues that you might want to address. There are certain things you need to eat to live..... Alchohol is one of those things you do NOT need. And it can hurt you in a number of ways. Also, consider the very real idea that after you have had one or two drinks, your will-power does tend to diminish, if not vanish entirely. This could lead to more drinks, and then the snacking that can often accompany a buzz. Sure, you can drink. Sure, you can have that piece of pizza, that slice of cake. But will that move you ANY closer to your goal? Nope. Will it keep you away from your goal? A little, tiny bit, yes. And will it continue to expose you to the foods that made you fat to begin with? Sure will. A couple of you have said your Drs have said that it is OK to have a drink.. Some have said their doctors advised against consuming alcohol. You will find Drs that say both. But….I would challenge you to ask any Dr if it would be better that you did NOT have a drink/Pizza/whatever. I can guarantee you that probably %100 would say that it would be better if you didn't. You always have a choice. And you should always strive to make the HEALTHY choice. S.