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every dr is different but i am no alcohol of any form for a year.

My doctor says no alcohol for a year. You are healing and still swelled up. Most leaks happen at 3 or 4 weeks out. I would not chance it for wine. You can have a fruit drink with no alcohol and still have fun with the girls! Dont chance it!

I have heard that you should wait 3 months to even try it and then a drink here and there is ok, but not smart to get drunk because alcohol can agitate your still fragile stomach. After about 6 months maybe you can go out and have a few drinks, but it will probably hit you like a brick wall so don't even think about tryin to drive

I'm not a doctor or nutritionist but I am an RN. I work at a detox/mental health IP facility. My sister had WLS 6 years ago. She was barely even a social drinker until about 1 year after the surgery. She now is a full blown alcoholic. I see it often at work too. No saying that you can't drink at all just be careful. A lot of us have a food addiction. It is far too easy to turn that occasional glass of wine into a problem attempting to fill a void. You just have to be really aware of what you are doing....

Ok...I actually stumbled across this site a week or so ago and have been reading ever since. I live in a small town in KY and am travelling to Georgetown Ky to have my surgery done by Dr Weiss there. I am actually a nurse here and have a sister who did the RNY procedure several years ago. I had planned on doing the same and was told last week that my surgeon is preferring to do the VSG procedure. I started reading everyones topics while searching for information to prove to him that I needed the RNY. But after reading all of this information I am now thinking the VSG may be the way to go. As I said my sister did the RNY procedure about 6 years ago. She lost all plus some of her weight...but picked up alcoholism along the way. That and the malabsorbtion scare me. I am 5'8" and weigh 315. I hold it pretty well but my body sure can feel it. I have gone from no meds 2 years ago to HTN meds, 2 Water pills, inhalers and needing a C Pap for OSA. I keep thinking I am just 34 I shouldn't have these problems. I want to set a good example for my daughter too. For those of you out there who have been here. Are you finding that if you obey the VSG diet rules and exercise that you are able to loose weight? I am supposed to be meeting with the surgeon on the 23rd to make final plans with a tentative surgery date of 10-3-11. I am a self pay due to an insurance exclusion and want as much info as I can get to make the right choice. Opinions are greatly appreciated!

Thanks for posting. I will try to avoid these mistakes! The one about alcohol is pretty scary. I know a lady who had the gastric bypass around 7 or 8 years ago and later became an alcoholic. She lost custody of her kids (her parents are now in custody of them), and her life is in shambles. It can be so easy to transfer addictions. A lot of us are addicted to food- we need to be careful.

That was a question at the seminar and my surgeon said you do not have to go off it. I have a very strong ,sugar free light soy latte every morning. I know I will have to hold on the soy milk until I go to full liquids but I cannot imagine giving up coffee.Now I fully expect to listen to my body and see if it will be tolerated post op, I may have to water it down a bit. However: I am down with quitting diet Dr Pepper, and Coke Zero, I probably have 10 a week. I am down with quitting alcohol for a while , I do have a few cocktails on the weekend .I am ready to embrace portion control. And the new words "No More I am satisfied"...will become ny mantra,. I am even down with and ready to go Head to Head with the Head Munchies Monster . BUT, I am Not giving up my Soy Latte!

This is good to read. I am 10 weeks out and sometimes a reminder is good to read through. I have kept to most of the basics since my surgery with the exception of going on a cruise a few weeks ago. I did make some mistakes on my cruise by drinking some alcohol and eating a few spoonfuls of desert. Since I am home again I have been back on my regular schedule and am back to my "new normal" eating." New normal" is getting in all my Protein, having enough Water, no snacking and taking my supplements. I am feel so much better since losing almost 40 lbs. 1st Mistake: Not Taking Vitamins, Supplements, or Minerals Every WLS patient has specific nutritional needs depending on the type of surgery you have had. Not only is it a good idea to ask your surgeon for guidelines, but also consult with an experienced WLS nutritionist. Understand there is not a standard practice that all surgeons and nutritionists follow in guiding WLS patients. So, it is important to do your own research, get your lab tests done regularly, and learn how to read the results. Some conditions and symptoms that can occur when you are deficient in vitamins, supplements, or minerals include: Osteoporosis; pernicious anemia; muscle spasms; high blood pressure; burning tongue; fatigue; loss of appetite; weakness; constipation and diarrhea; numbness and tingling in the hands and feet; being tired, lethargic, or dizzy; forgetfulness, and lowered immune functioning. Keep in mind, too, that some conditions caused by not taking your vitamins, supplements, or minerals are irreversible. 2nd Mistake: Assuming You Have Been Cured of Your Obesity A "pink cloud" or honeymoon experience is common following WLS. When you are feeling better than you have in years, and the weight is coming off easily, it's hard to imagine you will ever struggle again. But unfortunately, it is very common for WLS patients to not lose to their goal weight or to regain some of their weight back. A small weight regain may be normal, but huge gains usually can be avoided with support, education, effort, and careful attention to living a healthy WLS lifestyle. For most WLSers, if you don't change what you've always done, you're going to keep getting what you've always gotten -- even after weight loss surgery. 3rd Mistake: Drinking with Meals Yes, it's hard for some people to avoid drinking with meals, but the tool of not drinking with meals is a critical key to long-term success. If you drink while you eat, your food washes out of your stomach much more quickly, you can eat more, you get hungry sooner, and you are at more risk for snacking. Being too hungry is much more likely to lead to poor food choices and/or overeating. 4th Mistake: Not Eating Right Of course everyone should eat right, but in this society eating right is a challenge. You have to make it as easy on yourself as possible. Eat all your meals--don't skip. Don't keep unhealthy food in sight where it will call to you all the time. Try to feed yourself at regular intervals so that you aren't as tempted to make a poor choice. And consider having a couple of absolutes: for example, avoid fried foods completely, avoid sugary foods, always use low-fat options, or only eat in a restaurant once a week. Choose your "absolutes" based on your trigger foods and your self knowledge about what foods and/or situations are problematic for you. 5th Mistake: Not Drinking Enough Water Most WLS patients are at risk for dehydration. Drinking a minimum of 64 oz. of water per day will help you avoid this risk. Adequate water intake will also help you flush out your system as you lose weight and avoid kidney stones. Drinking enough water helps with your weight loss, too. 6th Mistake: Grazing Many people who have had WLS regret that they ever started grazing, which is nibbling small amounts here and there over the course of the day. It's one thing to eat the three to five small meals you and your doctor agree you need. It's something else altogether when you start to graze, eating any number of unplanned Snacks. Grazing can easily make your weight creep up. Eating enough at meal time, and eating planned snacks when necessary, will help you resist grazing. Make a plan for what you will do when you crave food, but are not truly hungry. For example, take up a hobby to keep your hands busy or call on someone in your support group for encouragement. 7th Mistake: Not Exercising Regularly Exercise is one of the best weapons a WLS patient has to fight weight regain. Not only does exercise boost your spirits, it is a great way to keep your metabolism running strong. When you exercise, you build muscle. The more muscle you have, the more calories your body will burn, even at rest! 8th Mistake: Eating the Wrong Carbs (or Eating Too Much) Let's face it, refined carbohydrates are addictive. If you eat refined carbohydrates they will make you crave more refined carbohydrates. There are plenty of complex carbohydrates to choose from, which have beneficial vitamins. For example, if you can handle pastas, try whole grain Kamut pasta--in moderation, of course. (Kamut Pasta doesn't have the flavor some people find unpleasant in the whole wheat pastas.) Try using your complex carbohydrates as "condiments," rather than as the center point of your meal. Try sprinkling a tablespoon of brown rice on your stir-fried meat and veggies. 9th Mistake: Going Back to Drinking Soda Drinking soda is controversial in WLS circles. Some people claim soda stretches your stomach or pouch. What we know it does is keep you from getting the hydration your body requires after WLS--because when you're drinking soda, you're not drinking water! In addition, diet soda has been connected to weight gain in the general population. The best thing you can do is find other, healthier drinks to fall in love with. They are out there. 10th Mistake: Drinking Alcohol If you drank alcohol before surgery, you are likely to want to resume drinking alcohol following surgery. Most surgeons recommend waiting one year after surgery. And it is in your best interest to understand the consequences of drinking alcohol before you do it. Alcohol is connected with weight regain, because alcohol has 7 calories per gram, while protein and vegetables have 4 calories per gram. Also, some people develop an addiction to alcohol after WLS, so be very cautious. Depending on your type of WLS, you may get drunker, quicker after surgery, which can cause health problems and put you in dangerous situations. If you think you have a drinking problem, get help right away. Putting off stopping drinking doesn't make it any easier, and could make you a lot sicker[/b]

1st Mistake: Not Taking Vitamins, supplements, or Minerals Every WLS patient has specific nutritional needs depending on the type of surgery you have had. Not only is it a good idea to ask your surgeon for guidelines, but also consult with an experienced WLS nutritionist. Understand there is not a standard practice that all surgeons and nutritionists follow in guiding WLS patients. So, it is important to do your own research, get your lab tests done regularly, and learn how to read the results. Some conditions and symptoms that can occur when you are deficient in vitamins, supplements, or minerals include: Osteoporosis; pernicious anemia; muscle spasms; high blood pressure; burning tongue; fatigue; loss of appetite; weakness; constipation and diarrhea; numbness and tingling in the hands and feet; being tired, lethargic, or dizzy; forgetfulness, and lowered immune functioning. Keep in mind, too, that some conditions caused by not taking your vitamins, supplements, or minerals are irreversible. 2nd Mistake: Assuming You Have Been Cured of Your Obesity A "pink cloud" or honeymoon experience is common following WLS. When you are feeling better than you have in years, and the weight is coming off easily, it's hard to imagine you will ever struggle again. But unfortunately, it is very common for WLS patients to not lose to their goal weight or to regain some of their weight back. A small weight regain may be normal, but huge gains usually can be avoided with support, education, effort, and careful attention to living a healthy WLS lifestyle. For most WLSers, if you don't change what you've always done, you're going to keep getting what you've always gotten -- even after weight loss surgery. 3rd Mistake: Drinking with Meals Yes, it's hard for some people to avoid drinking with meals, but the tool of not drinking with meals is a critical key to long-term success. If you drink while you eat, your food washes out of your stomach much more quickly, you can eat more, you get hungry sooner, and you are at more risk for snacking. Being too hungry is much more likely to lead to poor food choices and/or overeating. 4th Mistake: Not Eating Right Of course everyone should eat right, but in this society eating right is a challenge. You have to make it as easy on yourself as possible. Eat all your meals--don't skip. Don't keep unhealthy food in sight where it will call to you all the time. Try to feed yourself at regular intervals so that you aren't as tempted to make a poor choice. And consider having a couple of absolutes: for example, avoid fried foods completely, avoid sugary foods, always use low-fat options, or only eat in a restaurant once a week. Choose your "absolutes" based on your trigger foods and your self knowledge about what foods and/or situations are problematic for you. 5th Mistake: Not Drinking Enough Water Most WLS patients are at risk for dehydration. Drinking a minimum of 64 oz. of water per day will help you avoid this risk. Adequate water intake will also help you flush out your system as you lose weight and avoid kidney stones. Drinking enough water helps with your weight loss, too. 6th Mistake: Grazing Many people who have had WLS regret that they ever started grazing, which is nibbling small amounts here and there over the course of the day. It's one thing to eat the three to five small meals you and your doctor agree you need. It's something else altogether when you start to graze, eating any number of unplanned Snacks. Grazing can easily make your weight creep up. Eating enough at meal time, and eating planned snacks when necessary, will help you resist grazing. Make a plan for what you will do when you crave food, but are not truly hungry. For example, take up a hobby to keep your hands busy or call on someone in your support group for encouragement. 7th Mistake: Not Exercising Regularly Exercise is one of the best weapons a WLS patient has to fight weight regain. Not only does exercise boost your spirits, it is a great way to keep your metabolism running strong. When you exercise, you build muscle. The more muscle you have, the more calories your body will burn, even at rest! 8th Mistake: Eating the Wrong Carbs (or Eating Too Much) Let's face it, refined carbohydrates are addictive. If you eat refined carbohydrates they will make you crave more refined carbohydrates. There are plenty of complex carbohydrates to choose from, which have beneficial vitamins. For example, if you can handle pastas, try whole grain Kamut pasta--in moderation, of course. (Kamut Pasta doesn't have the flavor some people find unpleasant in the whole wheat pastas.) Try using your complex carbohydrates as "condiments," rather than as the center point of your meal. Try sprinkling a tablespoon of brown rice on your stir-fried meat and veggies. 9th Mistake: Going Back to Drinking Soda Drinking soda is controversial in WLS circles. Some people claim soda stretches your stomach or pouch. What we know it does is keep you from getting the hydration your body requires after WLS--because when you're drinking soda, you're not drinking water! In addition, diet soda has been connected to weight gain in the general population. The best thing you can do is find other, healthier drinks to fall in love with. They are out there. 10th Mistake: Drinking Alcohol If you drank alcohol before surgery, you are likely to want to resume drinking alcohol following surgery. Most surgeons recommend waiting one year after surgery. And it is in your best interest to understand the consequences of drinking alcohol before you do it. Alcohol is connected with weight regain, because alcohol has 7 calories per gram, while Protein and vegetables have 4 calories per gram. Also, some people develop an addiction to alcohol after WLS, so be very cautious. Depending on your type of WLS, you may get drunker, quicker after surgery, which can cause health problems and put you in dangerous situations. If you think you have a drinking problem, get help right away. Putting off stopping drinking doesn't make it any easier, and could make you a lot sicker[/b]

1st Mistake: Not Taking Vitamins, supplements, or Minerals Every WLS patient has specific nutritional needs depending on the type of surgery you have had. Not only is it a good idea to ask your surgeon for guidelines, but also consult with an experienced WLS nutritionist. Understand there is not a standard practice that all surgeons and nutritionists follow in guiding WLS patients. So, it is important to do your own research, get your lab tests done regularly, and learn how to read the results. Some conditions and symptoms that can occur when you are deficient in vitamins, supplements, or minerals include: Osteoporosis; pernicious anemia; muscle spasms; high blood pressure; burning tongue; fatigue; loss of appetite; weakness; constipation and diarrhea; numbness and tingling in the hands and feet; being tired, lethargic, or dizzy; forgetfulness, and lowered immune functioning. Keep in mind, too, that some conditions caused by not taking your vitamins, supplements, or minerals are irreversible. 2nd Mistake: Assuming You Have Been Cured of Your Obesity A "pink cloud" or honeymoon experience is common following WLS. When you are feeling better than you have in years, and the weight is coming off easily, it's hard to imagine you will ever struggle again. But unfortunately, it is very common for WLS patients to not lose to their goal weight or to regain some of their weight back. A small weight regain may be normal, but huge gains usually can be avoided with support, education, effort, and careful attention to living a healthy WLS lifestyle. For most WLSers, if you don't change what you've always done, you're going to keep getting what you've always gotten -- even after weight loss surgery. 3rd Mistake: Drinking with Meals Yes, it's hard for some people to avoid drinking with meals, but the tool of not drinking with meals is a critical key to long-term success. If you drink while you eat, your food washes out of your stomach much more quickly, you can eat more, you get hungry sooner, and you are at more risk for snacking. Being too hungry is much more likely to lead to poor food choices and/or overeating. 4th Mistake: Not Eating Right Of course everyone should eat right, but in this society eating right is a challenge. You have to make it as easy on yourself as possible. Eat all your meals--don't skip. Don't keep unhealthy food in sight where it will call to you all the time. Try to feed yourself at regular intervals so that you aren't as tempted to make a poor choice. And consider having a couple of absolutes: for example, avoid fried foods completely, avoid sugary foods, always use low-fat options, or only eat in a restaurant once a week. Choose your "absolutes" based on your trigger foods and your self knowledge about what foods and/or situations are problematic for you. 5th Mistake: Not Drinking Enough Water Most WLS patients are at risk for dehydration. Drinking a minimum of 64 oz. of water per day will help you avoid this risk. Adequate water intake will also help you flush out your system as you lose weight and avoid kidney stones. Drinking enough water helps with your weight loss, too. 6th Mistake: Grazing Many people who have had WLS regret that they ever started grazing, which is nibbling small amounts here and there over the course of the day. It's one thing to eat the three to five small meals you and your doctor agree you need. It's something else altogether when you start to graze, eating any number of unplanned Snacks. Grazing can easily make your weight creep up. Eating enough at meal time, and eating planned snacks when necessary, will help you resist grazing. Make a plan for what you will do when you crave food, but are not truly hungry. For example, take up a hobby to keep your hands busy or call on someone in your support group for encouragement. 7th Mistake: Not Exercising Regularly Exercise is one of the best weapons a WLS patient has to fight weight regain. Not only does exercise boost your spirits, it is a great way to keep your metabolism running strong. When you exercise, you build muscle. The more muscle you have, the more calories your body will burn, even at rest! 8th Mistake: Eating the Wrong Carbs (or Eating Too Much) Let's face it, refined carbohydrates are addictive. If you eat refined carbohydrates they will make you crave more refined carbohydrates. There are plenty of complex carbohydrates to choose from, which have beneficial vitamins. For example, if you can handle pastas, try whole grain Kamut pasta--in moderation, of course. (Kamut Pasta doesn't have the flavor some people find unpleasant in the whole wheat pastas.) Try using your complex carbohydrates as "condiments," rather than as the center point of your meal. Try sprinkling a tablespoon of brown rice on your stir-fried meat and veggies. 9th Mistake: Going Back to Drinking Soda Drinking soda is controversial in WLS circles. Some people claim soda stretches your stomach or pouch. What we know it does is keep you from getting the hydration your body requires after WLS--because when you're drinking soda, you're not drinking water! In addition, diet soda has been connected to weight gain in the general population. The best thing you can do is find other, healthier drinks to fall in love with. They are out there. 10th Mistake: Drinking Alcohol If you drank alcohol before surgery, you are likely to want to resume drinking alcohol following surgery. Most surgeons recommend waiting one year after surgery. And it is in your best interest to understand the consequences of drinking alcohol before you do it. Alcohol is connected with weight regain, because alcohol has 7 calories per gram, while Protein and vegetables have 4 calories per gram. Also, some people develop an addiction to alcohol after WLS, so be very cautious. Depending on your type of WLS, you may get drunker, quicker after surgery, which can cause health problems and put you in dangerous situations. If you think you have a drinking problem, get help right away. Putting off stopping drinking doesn't make it any easier, and could make you a lot sicker[/b]

I thought of another one to add I am going to ask about alcohol.... in the future of course (since my surgeon knows that I am not yet 21... but I will be soon and I want to know what is and is not allowed). The size of a straw seems to be more what the size of the bougie is. They put that inside the stomach and cut around it, so you will be a bit bigger than the straw. I know my surgeon uses a 42, cuts tight to it (some surgeons just use it as a guide) and then oversews the staple line... he said it was about the size of his pointer finger... which is about the size of my middle finger. I still don't know how we fit anything in there!! Especially at first when it is swollen :/ But apparently it is done!

I have read that after being banded alcohol hits you harder than it did before so be careful.My surgeon's office recommended trying a first drink at home to see how it effects you before doing any public drinking.Well also alcohol could hit you harder after being banded becasue as your weight goes down your tolerence level will too-thinner people are ""cheap drunks'' and can get really buzzed on less alocohol.

I was told not to drink anything with carbonation. However, I have had an occasional beer & haven't had any problems. I'm not a huge drinker, but I have gone to parties & had a few drinks. My experience is that the alcohol hits me a lot faster & wears off faster. If I have 2 beers in a row, I'm pretty tipsy... not sure if that is due to a lower body weight or the smaller stomach. I would say that you should be able to drink eventually, but start slowly since you don't know how the alcohol will affect your system.

I wasn't given any restriction on alcohol from my surgeon after the first healing period was over. I can drink wine and beer just as before surgery, however - I don't get as effected by it now. My husband and I had a couple of moijitos when in Thailand and while he was clearly not sober from the experience I felt nothing! :-)

Hi everyone Now im not a big drinker at all infact i have only had one drink this year ( red wine) at my sisters wedding but im wondering after the sleeve whats the rules regarding alcohol? i woud just like to know if, now and again when i go out i can have alcohol or is having the sleeve taking that ability away?

I am not a medical professional but as far as what I know is... Alcohol is high in calories so we have to take that into consideration..But anything carbonated such as beer or champagne could be bad. Personally I don't think it will hurt to have a drink from time to time. I haven't drank yet but have talked to others that have drank since being banded and they are fine. I have heard a glass of wine is good for the heart. There is even a section in the papers I was given from the office that says in studies drinkers have a higher success weight of losing and keeping the weight off. I would just be careful with the empty calories... Tabby

I'm not a big drinker but the beverage I do drink has 65grams of carbs. My question is,is it safe to drink when I have the band? (Keep in mind I only drink one a week)

I went back after one week and was fine (tired but fine). Make sure you try foods at home first. Brought my little containers of Soups to heat up. Also still bring alot of yogurt and string cheese which are easy to pack. Water bottle stays at my side so I remember to drink even now. Be careful with Protein bars - they are easy to eat in the morning or I bring them incase the hospital does not have the "grill" open - make sure you buy the ones with no "sugar alcohol" which makes you VERY GASSY and can give me diarrhea (which you don't want at work). sugar free Hawaiian lemonaid is good and I keep those little packets in my stash at work too. Keep your protein up...I am 3 months out and have almost....one more lb to go.....lost 60 lbs. I use the unjury chicken broth (you have to order it online) for making up those days that I am short on protein. I put some in little containers and take that to work too. Good luck! We have all been where you are and it does get easier promise!!!!

As someone who's been at goal for over a year, I can say it continues to be easy and I'm loving life now. Even if I splurge and eat sweets, sodas, alcohol, etc. I don't gain weight since I keep the portions small. And also as a former lap-band patient, the sleeve is a MILLION times easier than that ever was! Love it!!

I have to admit, I have never liked alcohol, I just think it tastes nasty. I've been reading about the benefits of a daily dose of red wine and decided to try it. I've finally got my cholesterol under control (thanks to the diet change after the sleeve) but what scares me is the family history. I had two grand parents die of heart attacks at young ages (early 60's) and the other two died of cancer so I've got a double whammy from BOTH sides. Not knowing a thing about wine I went to a local wine shop and got what they recommended, a cheap box of a dry red wine. The quick sip he gave me at the store seemed OK but the 3 or 4 ozs of the stuff I've been taking is enough to gag a maggot. I REALLY hate the taste and cringe when I take the stuff every evening. My co-worker suggested I try a sweet dessert wine. From what I've read the "dry" wines - one's that have most all the natural sugar consumed by yeast and turned into alcohol - is supposed to be the best. Of course there are a million opinions online and most do not agree. Does anyone have any good knowledge they can share? Is a sweet wine just as good as a dry one?

Hello R Many of the questions you are asking are what most of those considering having a band have posted on this thread and there are pages and pages of peoples experiences. I'll try to answer the ones you have. I was banded just oiver a year ago with Dr Chris and have lost my terget weight and more. So here goes 1. I've heard that meats, breads and pastas are very difficult to eat after banding...in which case, what on earth do people survive on? I can't eat fish, it makes me feel ill! Is it mainly vegetarian diets? meat would refer to steak as it is very fibrous and difficult to digest. Mince is fine but in small quantities. Bread some are able to eat this. Pesonally I can't so I replace with crackerbreads and titx biscuits. Pasta depends on the day and type ofpasta. Only recently (last few weeks) have I had a fe spiral twists or tubes finely chopped up. We are talking about 2 pieces of each (so not much). Again everyone is different. 2. I'm most definitely, absolutely, positively an emotional eater and I guess a food addict. I quit alcohol a year ago (not good for me at all), and smoking earlier this year. Seeing as I clearly have an addictive personality, I'm very worried that removing the food addiction by force may end up in a brand spanking new addiction rising....anyone found other compulsive areas arising post-band? I know that's very personal, so you obviously don't need to answer on the boards! Not sure whether I have another addiction but I still drink alcohol but not in the same amounts. I look at this as a treat as I have reached my target weight. 3. Is PBing really as terrible as it sounds? How can you avoid it? Do you have time to get out of company before everything comes back up? Sometimes this just can't be helped I find I get a lot of liquid build up where I have chewed and chewed and perhaps gone a little too quickly and next thing I need to get rid of a liquid build up. Yes you have time to go to the toilet. Those around you who know are very aware of what the pattern is and understanding. 4. I had heard of an increase in complications after 5 years -anyone know if this is true? Not sure about this as just into my 2nd year of having a band. 5. The port - can you feel it? As in, if you touch the skin over where it is, can you feel the port? Or can you feel it moving around in there? Do the fills hurt? Yes you can feel the port. It's stitched in place and no I can't feel it moving it around. No the fills don't hurt. Dr C is very quick at doing these. 6. Has anyone regretted getting the band fitted? If I go ahead, I'll be using money I was supposed to be saving for a housing deposit....I feel enormous guilt at the thought of that...and I'm scared to tell my family as I think they'll judge me as vain. No regrets at all. Good health and happiness is not vanity, it's an investment in staying alive and healthy so that you can enjoy your family. Talk to them you never really know how they will react. BUt again this is individual and yu know how you feel about this and how they may react. Good luck and take care. Messgae back if you want to know anymore. Take care Claire

It's been one week that I've been home from my surgery experience with Dr. Kelly. Mine was August 19th and to be honest - you have nothing to be worried about. Going alone was freaking me out. I barely remember the 4 hr plane ride to San Diego but now I see I was wearing myself out all for nothing. Your driver will confirm your time you will get to airport and he will be out front waiting for you. You get driven across the border (no issues there - guess they don't care much about who goes INTO Mexico) and on a short ride to the hospital. The roads in mexico are TERRIBLE. Bumpy and dirty but people are whizzing around like ants on an ant hill and I didn't see ONE accident (don't know HOW cuz it would've been like bumper cars here in the states. You are never in any danger. You spend the first 2 nights after surgery there in the hospital and even the first night if you come the day before. The nurses are very nice and come in a flash when you need something or your IV is beeping (that happened to me a lot). Even Dr. Kelly comes in to check in on you. I came in for same day surgery so I was in the hospital and on to the initial tests as soon as I got there. After your hospital stay and drain removal (which I didn't feel being removed at all), it's on to the leak test at another hospital (you're driven again) and if all is well, off for 2 nights stay at the fence surrounded hotel. Very nice place and a room/balcony with a view. I was facing the noisy traffic side of the hotel which didn't bother me at all. It was fun looking off the balcony at all the hustle and bustle going on down on the streets. There are american television stations and you should be very comfortable - I was. The weather is so comfortable I walked around out by the pool and even around the whole hotel just to make sure that gas threat didn't sneak up on me. I rested a lot and was even on line since I brought my laptop. I used my cell phone (Verizon and probably all the others charge "data" fees and 99 cents per minute on calls) but I had to call and let my family know I was fine. There are no phones in your hospital room. Trish was my patient coordinator and since I felt GREAT and didn't want to sit around, she was either coming to get me to go shopping or checking in on me. She supplied me with gauze and tape to change your bandages after your showers and even some Gatorade and Jello (which you probably won't even want but she insists you eat something and keep hydrated). I'm telling you - I was terrified of going at all and going alone - I thought I was gonna lose it but I'm glad I did. I concentrated on ME and was never afraid or felt abandoned. The driver contacted me again to confirm my flight time and set up the pick up time for the next day. The border crossing takes more time going back into the states (long slow lines) but I made it back to the airport in PLENTY of time. Pack light. There's no reason for more than 2 changes of clothes. You can wear the ones you came in as the "Going back home" set if you wear something loose and comfortable. No jeans. Other than that, you should keep it simple. I brought about $100 cash, my driver's lic, and my passport card. I tipped the driver and the hotel concierge who brought my suitcase up and showed me around my room. I did some shopping but not much - all places LOVE & accept dollar so don't worry about converting money. You'll be in gowns or pj's while in the hospital. Bring flip flip flops for your many trips to the bathroom and shower. I forgot to bring but wish I had brought some antibiotic cream to apply to my incisions before applying the bandages. Alcohol pads, something. I just had to wait to get back home to really start "tending my wounds". Sorry I wrote so much but I was in the same shoes you are in and wish someone had broken it all down for me - it makes it all so much more real and I could process the whole experience better. I read so many posts and was a sponge filling up with so much information I thought my head was gonna pop. Let me know if I can help you in any way. Other than that - you've got Trish who takes care of you and really cares! Then Dr. Kelly - he's a really good doctor and is so down to earth, he makes you feel safe in his hands. You will be fine.

Ok...so I'm looking into this whole gastric band thing, and I'm completely terrified. I'm 5 ft 5, approx 14 stone. and 30 years of age. I've been overweight since I was 11. I once lost 4.5 stone and maintained for over a year, but gradually it came back. It looks like Dr Chris has some great feedback, so I think if I go ahead, he looks like a solid choice. I have been in touch with himself and Frederick, and I need to fill out the hospital form. I had previously enquired with another company who had Dr Chris mentioned on their website, but when they followed up on my enquiry they said they don't work with him. They also seemed very pushy so I backed right off. If someone could help me with some questions, I'd really, really appreciate it. As much as the pros seem amazing, the down sides are really making me nervous! I'm going to throw out some questions, and I would really appreciate any input from personal experience! 1. I've heard that meats, breads and pastas are very difficult to eat after banding...in which case, what on earth do people survive on? I can't eat fish, it makes me feel ill! Is it mainly vegetarian diets? 2. I'm most definitely, absolutely, positively an emotional eater and I guess a food addict. I quit alcohol a year ago (not good for me at all), and smoking earlier this year. Seeing as I clearly have an addictive personality, I'm very worried that removing the food addiction by force may end up in a brand spanking new addiction rising....anyone found other compulsive areas arising post-band? I know that's very personal, so you obviously don't need to answer on the boards! 3. Is PBing really as terrible as it sounds? How can you avoid it? Do you have time to get out of company before everything comes back up? 4. I had heard of an increase in complications after 5 years -anyone know if this is true? 5. The port - can you feel it? As in, if you touch the skin over where it is, can you feel the port? Or can you feel it moving around in there? Do the fills hurt? 6. Has anyone regretted getting the band fitted? If I go ahead, I'll be using money I was supposed to be saving for a housing deposit....I feel enormous guilt at the thought of that...and I'm scared to tell my family as I think they'll judge me as vain. Any advice at all on the above would be much valued. And feedback on Dr Chris and the team from personal experience would be great! R

Hi GreginMI, The instructions that I got from my surgeon are as follows: "For the first month following surgery, make sure to drink at least 2liters of fluids/day and get between 60-80 grams of Protein from soft vegetarian sources, eggs, fish and seafood." This is followed by a list of acceptable foods (i.e. cream of wheat, mashed potatoes, eggs, Beans, veggies burgers, yogurt, soups, fish, rice, egg noodles, etc.) Of course he also told me to avoid foods high in sugars, fats, and alcohol. At the hospital he told me just to try things as I felt like it, but to really push and prioritize liquids, especially for the first three weeks. Some surgeons are like this I've been told. He's one of the best in the country and has own reasons for not having his patients follow a staged plan, I'm sure. There are quite a few people on this site who have used him and have nothing but the highest praises for him. Incidentally, he also doesn't make his patients do a pre-op diet. The only thing I had to do was a clear liquid diet and drink Colyte 1 day before surgery. However, I tend to find it easier to have stricter guidelines to follow, which is why I plan to discuss the plan Golden laid out above when I meet with my surgeon on Friday. To be honest though, aside from the one attempt at the meatball, I have been sticking to a strictly clear liquid diet, simply because I didn't feel like eating anyway. Right now, clear liquids are about all that I can seem to consume comfortably, and sometimes if I accidentally take too big a sip even the liquids make my tummy hurt. Sorry, I guess this is a really long answer to your question. But maybe it makes more sense now? Anyway, ever since my adventures in meatball land I've gone right back to clear liquids and am doing ok here for the time being Thanks everyone for your advice and concern!! I think I'm on the right track now thanks to everyone's input. I have to say, this is such a great site!

Here is the info from Allergan's site. Contraindications The LAP-BAND® System is not right for you if: You have an inflammatory disease or condition of the gastrointestinal tract, such as ulcers, severe esophagitis, or Crohns disease. You have severe heart or lung disease that makes you a poor candidate for any surgery. You have some other disease that makes you a poor candidate for any surgery. You have a problem that could cause bleeding in the esophagus or stomach. That might include esophageal or gastric varices (a dilated vein). It might also be something such as congenital or acquired intestinal telangiectasia (dilation of a small blood vessel). You have portal hypertension. Your esophagus, stomach, or intestine is not normal (congenital or acquired). For instance, you might have a narrowed opening. You have/experienced an intra-operative gastric injury, such as a gastric perforation at or near the location of the intended band placement. You have cirrhosis. You have chronic pancreatitis. You are pregnant. (If you become pregnant after the LAP-BAND® System has been placed, the band may need to be deflated. The same is true if you need more nutrition for any other reason, such as becoming seriously ill. In rare cases, removal may be needed.) You are addicted to alcohol or drugs. You are under 18 years of age. You have an infection anywhere in your body or one that could contaminate the surgical area. You are on chronic, long-term steroid treatment. You cannot or do not want to follow the dietary rules that come with this procedure. You might be allergic to materials in the device. You cannot tolerate pain from an implanted device. You or someone in your family has an autoimmune connective tissue disease. That might be a disease such as systemic lupus erythematosus or scleroderma. The same is true if you have symptoms of one of these diseases.