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Erik, I don't know your age, (I'm 55), but I know where you're coming from. Although I do weigh 400, my healthy weight (muscle mass/fat percentage) is around 250 to 270. Oh I forgot I'm 5'9 as well. Obviously I need surgery, but as far as yourself, I can see the concern. When u say belly, are you talking fat? I'm guessing u are. As far as eating habits, do u eat clean? Alcohol use? I know what the charts say, we shouldn't weigh over 183, I believe. As far as BMI, you know it doesn't take muscle mass into account. Are u self paying? If not, and insurance is paying, then obviously they're in agreement. I'm guessing you've done the research on the surgery. Only you can decide, it's your body. Do you yo yo a lot? You will lose weight, so it's a positive move. I do hope you make the right decision for yourself, and your journey. Keep me posted. Good Luck. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

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.

@KarenLR75 my BMI is 54.7 I believe so pretty high. My surgeon hasn’t mentioned anything to me about calling it off due to the size of my liver or anything. I do have “Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease” which I believe most morbidly obese people have. Mine is mild if I remember correctly. Either way, I will do better and hope everything works out on Monday. If we could give up food that easy, no one would be big and there would be no need for weight loss surgery. It’s a tool to help with smaller portions, which lead to healthier choices.... eventually, no or minimum bad cravings. So, I don’t try to beat myself up too bad. I’m sure surgeons realize that people will cheat. How can we not? If you don’t, please share some will power :)

Yup. Your last line is ON POINT. Every surgeon is different. These are great general guidelines, but they are not "THE RULE". I am allowed gum/straws/alcohol. Six months was the rule by my doctor, I was given clearance at three. I had a catheter as does everyone else in our practice. No complications. 60% is the worldwide average MAYBE, but of all the sleeved people I know, ALL have exceeded 60% weight loss. I think that's an extremely low estimate. Everyone I know hit their goal, or are within 10 pounds of it. I know you said it, and I agree with you. Everyone's surgeon is different. Follow your team. After all, you entrusted them with your life.

Some of you know my story and others of you may be reading my blog for the first time. So I will summarize my pre-surgery eating habits so that you may understand the title for my entry. Before Hernia Repair and Lap Band surgery, I had a VERY limited diet. I was in pain when I was hungry and in pain when I ate. I also had a habit of regurgitating food in my sleep. Nausea, cramps, burning/stabbing pain all symptoms I was used to on a regular basis. Food getting stuck....yea that is an understatement. You name it I had it. Most foods agitated my condition, the list looking something like the following: carbonated/ caffeinated/alcoholic beverages, fruit, fruit juices (not even orange juice), products with tomato paste (spaghetti, lasagna, pizza, etc), raw vegetables, soup of the non creamy variety, cakes, pies, brownies, cookies, candy bars, and so forth. You are probably asking yourself the following: WHAT ON EARTH COULD YOU EAT? Well that's simple: starch mostly. Rice, pasta, bread, potato, oatmeal, ice cream, pudding, jello, mushy veggies, and most meats. My life was a daily chore of figuring out what food to eat that would cause me the lease amount of pain. Yes, I had meds but it was like taking sugar pills: no effect. Well, Life has changed for me in more ways than one since then. I sleep better, I experience no pain outside of hunger and the occasional gas/air dilemma (burping hiccupping etc). MOST IMPORTANTLY: I EAT WITH NO PAIN. For the first time in THREE years, I had a few bites of lasagna and a few bites of salad. Everything stayed down and hours later I was still pain free. My mom and I almost cried. These two food items alone would have caused me several hours of pain in my pre surgery days. It took this experience to show me just how SICK I've been for many years. What you EAT and DO NOT (OR IN MY CASE CAN NOT) EAT greatly effects how well your body operates. I feel better, I sleep better, and hopefully I will experience fewer illnesses in the future. I have a new lease on life because I am now able to eat a healthier diet. BUT it is still a struggle. I not only have to learn how to eat, I also have to retrain my mind not to fear pain when I eat. In many ways, It makes me feel like an outcast in most lap band groups. While many are fighting their way to portion control and healthy eating, I am fighting my way through fear and years of a non healthy but very restrictive diet. This is the true reason, I share all of my experiences. I know I cannot be the only one with this journey. It also the reason, why it is painful to me when others beat themselves up about eating food (healthy or junk wise). If you only knew what it was like to go so many years without being able to eat. It is not something I would wish on my worst enemy. Anyways, I am on my way to a better/ healthier life and I can't wait to see where it takes me. I wish the best to all of you. May your journey be one full of success and happiness.

want, today is day 12 and no chips!! OMG I'm actually doing it, I can't believe it! The longest other time that I know I recorded going without chips I believe was 35 or so days. That's a good long time, and for some strange reason I brok that and have been eating them ever since. I believe it was April of last year even. I lost about 20 Lbs. that month too... so sad I gained it back. :crying: But, today is a new day and I won't dwell on the past. I will only look to my future and and what I can do to improve my attitude and my willingness to succeed. That is a wonderful idea to cut out the Reese's. Make sure you count the days, I do and it seems to work wonders for me. Almost like how an alcoholic counts the time in from their last sip. That is exactly what it is for me, and addiction. I won't down play it any more than a drug addict should. It not easy but I have to do it, for a better me!! So far I have been doing an excellent job. I just got back not to long ago from my 2.25 mile walk at lunch time. The sun is starting to blaze here in CA so I might need to consider upping the time which I go out there. I feel overheated by the time I get back. I'm sure the smaller I get the better that will be, as far as overheating. Too much padding = too much over heating!! :rolleyes2: LOL!! I'm doing so good even that I'm making sure I'm even splitting my healthy snacks into servings. I took my almonds and made them into 1/4 cup servings which is one serving. It's about 28 almonds. I know it sounds like alot, but when your eating them, trust me it's not!! Haha!! :laugh::laugh: All week I have had my small dinners too. I had two Lean Cuisines on Monday and Wednesday. Then on Tuesday I had a half sandwhich and a bowl of soup. Not bad! It's starting to show finally on the scale. I was starting to think I was never going to lose weight again. I won't let that stop me though, I won't take a breather until I'm under 200 Lbs. I'll need to let my mind catch up to my body. I don't know what happened before but when I lost all that weight so quickly, my mind just flipped a switch! It was kind of scary to be honest and I did lots of things I wouldn't normally do. I think it was also a major contributor to my gain (along with BC pills) and falling off the wagon. I won't let it happen again though, ever! I have way too much at stake, and I need to take care of myself. Many people depend on me for that. I have to LOVE me too!! One thing I have been working on specifically is ensuring I'm getting enough fiber in my diet. I'm eating more whole grain cereals, along with the milk. That is a great meal packed with Protein, Vitamin D and Fiber. Being a bandster a tiny bowl makes it. It makes me feel good! A good snack also is the Fiber One cereal bars. They are about 170 calories, so I break it in half and mix it in my FF yogurt. It's really delicious and there again is that Protein/Fiber mix! I think when I'm regular, I feel "normal"... LOL!! I don't know, I just feel more energetic and ready to take on any task. Now again I'm usually really good during the week. It's the weekends that I have the most trouble. Wish me luck because it starts in about 2 hours. :crying:

Yes there are some here that have experienced crossover addictions... I have, to a smaller degree experienced it. I've never had an drug or alcohol addiction. But I come from a family with both (my mother and brother) This is a post from me some months back.... Comfort.. It's why I ate. Numbing myself with each bite, from what? Past trauma? Disappointment? Boredom? Life? The answer? All of the above. As you know a lot of us struggle with addictive personalities here. If you've been around here you've heard me talk about my problem with the pain meds at night, I started taking them in the evening ( the same time I did my best eating) long after I "needed" them.. I shocked myself because drugs or alcohol have never been a problem for me. It's like an addiction is waiting around every corner just waiting for me some days. I've been sick this last week and had bad allergies to top it off. I have always stayed away from Benadryl because I have a bad drugged type reaction and then it knocks me out. Well a few days ago I got so desperate I took one, worked awesome! I went back for more the next night. Last night I couldn't find them, my husband took them. He said I know you just want to knock yourself out.... Was he right? Maybe. We have additive personalities, and we are sneaky beings. So we are always looking for ways to fill that hole. My husband knew about the pain meds in the beginning because I told him. That's how he knew to take the Benadryl away and confront me on it. You need to do the same. Shine a light on the problem, talk to a close family member, friend, and counselor. And us of course,

I have had a few drinks here and there since having surgery.... I have steered clear of all carbonated beverages since surgery so that its not too overwhelming! ..... I am over 3 months out from surgery and I have had some alcoholic drinks about 4 times MAX....

I'm not having any issues with it i'm only 4 Weeks out of my second surgery just think that i might have problems with alcohol, or even pain meds, however right now i'm waiting for a call back from a psych. And hopefully well bee seeing me within the next week I need help!

She had RNY with a pouch and stoma. The pouch is made from the stretchy tissue (fundus) of the stomach, and the stoma is a man-made hole so stretching of both are common with RNY. She never stuck with healthy eating and alcohol consumption was a leading factor to her regain as detailed by her husband and her self-admission of eating the wrong foods especially after the birth of her children.

No way on earth would I have had any liquor as soon post op as that would be for you. Not flaming, either; I like to drink. But you only got your band on 2/2...don't know where you'll be on your post op diet (for me, I'd have been in full liquids, or mushies, depending on day of diet). You had an artificial device placed around part of your stomach. Your liver (where alcohol is processed) was moved and jostled so that it could be placed. You need to give everything a chance to settle down, heal from any bruising, etc. To drink too soo would be really counterproductive. Many docs say 6 months (or never...) I didn't wait that long. I did, however, wait 3 months. You should call your surgeon to be sure (they are all different) but I think it would be smart to give it longer than 2-3 weeks.

I think your post really spoke to me. I had WLS at the hospital I work and and a lot of co-workers know I had it. So I know when I go back to work after taking a month off, I'd better show a loss. I feel that pressure. Here is the plan I'm following : -800 to 1200 calories a day -60 grams of Protein a day minimum -64 oz. of Water a day minimum -no non-natural sugar -no more than 20 grams of fat -no more than 100 grams of carbs -no white carbs (sugar, flour, rice, bread and potatoes) -no sugar alcohols (aka, sugar free candy) -no use of straws -no chewing gum -no caffeine (at least for the 1st 6 months) -no carbonated drinks Well, I am loosing consistently. But now I find I feel like a failure if I'm not 800 calories a day or less. I never go under 700. I log everything that passes my lips on thedailyplate.com, and measure everything.

TOTALLY! Not only about your stress eating but also with your child. Mine went AWOL from the marine corps and was missing for nearly 2 years (he was 22 then) . We rec'd no call from him in 2 years. . . the military kept calling us threatening that we were harboring a fugitive . . they were so stupid, finally i threatened back with lawyers as we didn't know where he was. They backed off. . . finally they caught up to him and he was arrested and spent 1 year in jail in Camp Pendelton CA. after that he paid restitution and was handed over to me. He rec'd a bad conduct discharge and i drove to CA to pick him up. For those 2 years I was a total emotional wreck. . . every time the phone rang I thought it was the Mp's or civilian police calling to let me know they found his body. . . it was horrible. After he came home, he lived with me for about 1 year and then disaapeared again in the night. I ballooned up to over 350lbs. . . another year or so passed and no calls, not from the police or him. . then we started to recieve orders for his arrest from the civilian police. . he was wanted for a variety of reasons, domestic violence, dwi, speeding, etc. . .he was in and out of jail. . . that was then. . . . Now I had the sleeve 2 years ago. . I've lost 150 lbs and am very proud of that. . . work is now my stress point and i noticed that when i was stressed out, like you, my stomach burns something horrible. . . i make very sure i keep really busy because i was depending on junk and alcohol a lot. . . lots of black licorice pieces and pretzels. . . i gained about 10 lbs. . . i had to stop so i did and lost that plus a couple more. . . i am a emotional eater and alcohol drinker. . . i had to stop both for a while. . . it was getting bad. . . So yes, i can totally relate with you and what you are going through. . . by the way, my son (is 30 now) has straighten out his life (for the past 1 1/2 years). he works, but has a record He has a nice wife and they are expecting their first kid. . . it is very very tough when your kid gets into trouble and has legal things against them. . . but know this. . .you have done your job, you have shown him the right way and guided him to know right from wrong. . . he needs to walk his path of life and stumble and fall, then get back up, shake it off, and continue. . . they all learn from their mistakes and hopefully this scared him enough so that he'll walk the straight and narrow now. . . good luck and know that you are not alone in this. . . alot of us have gone through problems and we are here to help you, even if it's just to listen and talk. . .

One of the reasons my doctor told me not to drink alcohol is because it will hit our system quicker. He said I'd get drunk before I realized it, then most likely start vomiting and that's exactly what you don't need to do. When I pushed the point, he did say that a glass of wine every so often would not hurt. Beer was definitely a no-no just because of the carbination.

I have not had the band done yet..... hopefully in Dec once insurance approves :smile2: But im wondering and afraid my social life will be ruined. Im only 22 so im still in the bar/club stage and is wondering how I will be able to have a cocktail or two? Does anyone still drink beer or mixed drinks? Can you even drink any of that? Does your band restrict it? I am looking forward to going to the bars/clubs in a sexy outfit tho It won't take me hours of trying to feel comfortable in jeans and a black shirt (to make me look slimmer) cant wait :mad:

can anybody tell me if they have any problems with alcohol after being banded,and what is the best to drink after op as most alcoholic drinks are fizzy.

I don't think anybody would recommend you to consume alcohol only under 10 weeks post op. Your stomach is still healing from inside. It is wise to talk to your doctor about this. He/she will give you the correct guidance.

What did your surgeon and team tell you? You should follow their advice...that's usually no alcohol? Just my opinion, but I don't think you should be considering alcohol only 7 weeks out. Take care x

alcoholic beverages actually have started causing a stomach ache and wine is the only thing that doesn't seem to bother me.

I would say absolutely not. If you are SERIOUS about this whole process, you need to begin to make the right choices. For a LOT of people who are obese, much of the problem comes down to them having made BAD decisions.....eating the WRONG things at the WRONG time in the WRONG amount, for long periods of time. You need to begin making the RIGHT decisions. Alcohol is NEVER conducive to weight loss. And, even a small amount may impair your judgement further, causing you to drink more, and even eat some stuff you shouldn't. Start making GOOD decisions.

The hospital I had my surgery just had a support group meeting talking about alcohol and they basically said what you said, if you are going to have a drink, don't drive. They said because we are bypass the rule changes from one drink an hour to one drink every 2 hours and even if you don't feel drunk it stays in your blood stream so if you get pulled over you will probably blow high enough to get a DUI. They also told a story about a woman who had a drink, thought she was fine and killed a pedestrian, so definitely not worth the risk! I know you already answered your question but just wanted to re-affirm for you!

Wow, I guess it really is different for everyone. I did learn more about alcoholism in gastric bypass patients, sorta like the catch the dragon.

*side eye* Uhhhh....no!!! I gave up smoking, that should be plenty!!! My nutritionist just told me that alcohol will effect me differently....oh and I should try 'drinking' at home first to test the waters!!! LOL! I guess folks go out and go CA-WAZY (ya have to say it like its spelled) and drink like they did pre-band.

As very nervous....its only been a week..,ive lost 5 lds yeah,,,,but really misss my girls and going out ..so tonight Feeling great and having tolerated ....string cheese ,soups,guacomoli. Hummis, i decided ill try..the girls do not know...they think I am on a medically supervised diet....we went for chinese...i ordered won ton soup. Drank half the broth was fine,,,,then ordred diced beef for lettuce wraps.....I never ate the lettuce....just put some on my lettece and ate with a spoon...i chewed and chewed. Went down fine...once or twice felt like it was a bit much....but all went well...no alcohol of course

I totally understand why you don't want to tell anybody. I'm right there with ya! I will be banded tomorrow. I told the people who I eat out with... close friends and family. Friends I see every other month, none of their business. As for work, I told my supervisor for the same reasons, and 3 others at work who have been struggling with weight loss as well. They know it's secret. Only tell who you want to tell. I am going to say, "I cut down on my portions, calories and alcohol" ~ the rest is up to their imagination... ! haha... Dana