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The main point I was trying to make is that any alcohol beverage will affect Lapbanders much faster than they're used to. I understand the article quoted was directed at people with bypass surgery, but a lot of what was said also applies to Lapbanders. Reading through the various forums, many posts say that the poster was surprised by just how quickly alcohol affected them after Lapband surgery. I'm obviously not against drinking (in moderation), but just be careful.

Finally at home. I made it through the Block Party/BBQ. There was all sorts of food, sweets and alcohol. I sat through it with no problem. I had my Protein shake I sipped on. My gf made me crystal light and Jello. I am just having a small cup of broth.

Yes we do have a small pouch, but when the alcohol passes through that pouch it goes into the main part of our stomach where it metabolizes the same as before surgery....maybe slightly quicker due to the lack of food in there. But in the bypass patient 95% of the stomach is bypassed causing the alcohol to absorb at lightening speeds thus causing quicker and longer intoxication. I'm not saying that bandsters, or anyone else for that matter, should drink and drive. I'm simply saying that the article you referenced does not apply to us.

I was *just* wondering about you and how things were going...yay for your post. First of all you look amazing!!! We have similar start weights and goals (same height too) and I think you had surgery just a few weeks before I did. I *wish* I could say that I'm even close to -100lbs down. WOW! That is wonderful. I've been on the slowest loser train and yes, I'll admit to being frustrated. I have NOT had one single soda, or alcoholic drink since being sleeved. I am like you the carbs have to stay low or I don't lose. I'm currently on a 2 month stall, but I know it's not my eating and not "issues" (drinking my calories, drinking while eating, eating too much, eating the wrong foods.) So I just have to set my sights on my goals and work my sleeve day by day and know that it might take me a while longer to get where I want/need to be. But your journey is definitely inspiring and I hope you get a handle on the smoking. Sounds like you have already figured out the soda/candy/chips thing...so you are doing awesome! Congrats!

I can definitely relate. I've put on 40 lbs in the past few years, and I've always felt embarrassed about going out in public or seeing people who knew me when I was "smaller" (relative to the size I am now). I feel like a huge ungraceful elephant compared to the others who are much smaller. I go to the gym now, and I can feel the eyes on me for being the biggest person there. I am afraid that I'm sweaty and smelly at the gym (and think people don't want to be next to the fat girl huffing and puffing on the exercise machine), and that's so embarrassing. I didn't even want to go to my 5 year high school reunion last month (because of the college weight gain), but I went anyway and had a blast. Granted, there was alcohol involved that took away any self-consciousness and awkwardness, but I'm really glad I went! Now that I'm getting the band, I hope I will regain some confidence about going in public and being myself (sans alcohol) without being judged. BTW, 20 lbs lost is a great achievement. That definitely would be a noticeable physical change on you I hope you regain your confidence, because you deserve it!

I think you are doing a great job, and your doctor was treating you a little rudely! I work full time with a doctor and he says your liver (or mine) is probably not that big, at least to be felt like that. I can't see your ticker, (they are blocked at work) so I am not sure about your starting weight. I am 28, 5'4'' and my high weight was 262, and ate out almost 100% of the time for meals and I have a lean liver according to my ct scan. The big fatty liver than can be felt like that is usually from being an alcoholic or being older and obese, and and having comordidities like diabetes. Were any of your liver function tests elevated? LIke AST, ALT, etc? You are 22, and you probably have nothing to worry about, keep up what you are doing. Be pround of your preop weight loss. :-)

Amazing advice! I can't thank you enough. I am in Marketing as well and my husband is a chef so we are out quite a bit or out with friends. I do understand that things have to change and will change but I wasn't sure how to handle "going out." Your tips are invaluable and so practical. I was very nervous because I lost most of my weight prior to surgery (during my pre-op diet) so I thought I would have a lot of time to ease into having my band. I haven't had a fill yet and I'm not on food yet - I don't know how much more weight I'll lose in two weeks before I'm actually eating so I was really afraid that I would fall back into thinking I could eat and drink like I used to. I'm sure the band will remind me! I am a little worried about "barfing." It sounds as if it has happened quite a bit to you. I'm still two weeks out on liquids so easing into mushies and alcohol and the such is making me nervous. May Pre-Op Diet started: June 7, 2011 Surgery Date: July 22, 2011

Just a moment. The article I referred to was concerning bypass surgery, but when you think about it, Lapbanders have a pouch much like an egg with holes in each end. That allows alcohol to go (with the help of gravity) straight to the empty stomach that most lapbanders, in their high weight loss period, have. I'm not a spoil sport and like a beer as well as anyone (I was a beer maker for 30 years), but I was also a California Highway Patrolman for 20 years and know what a DWI can do to a family. Now I don't have empirical evidence for all this, I still have two weeks to wait, but I can't imagine this is incorrect. If any medical professionals happen to read this I'd certainly appreciate their input. I only posted this so hopefully no one gets surprised. In making alcoholic beverages most sugars are converted to alcohol. Any sugar in drinks are from mixes.

This article is about gastric bypass patients and alcohol. Alcohol (in any form) contains alot of sugar. Sugar is a huge no-no with gastric bypass. While it's true that alcohol will affect us quicker because of the small amount of food in our systems, this really doesn't apply to us.

We've been talking a lot about beer and beer making lately and it's all been in good fun. I'm not banded yet, but will be soon and In reading, I've found some information we all should be aware of. I'm no crusader and like a beer as well as the next guy (or girl), but i feel this is serious. I hope I don't get in trouble with the Admins., but here is the Link:http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/topic/26136-alcohol/ If you think you might like a drink after surgery, Please read this. (Cut and paste from http to alcohol/) it's the fourth article down.

http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/17829-alcohol-after-surgery/page__p__149611__hl__alcohol__fromsearch__1#entry149611 http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/15947-the-diet-coke-debate/page__p__135030__hl__alcohol__fromsearch__1#entry135030 http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/15685-alcohol/page__p__132872__hl__alcohol__fromsearch__1#entry132872 http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/19277-still-craving-carbonation/page__p__162484__hl__beer__fromsearch__1#entry162484

Up at the top of the forum; Type in the little search box "Soda" and "alcoholic beverages". . . I'd type out my usual response and if you have issues finding topics I'll come back and post some links, but there's 100s of topics on here regarding this 2 subjects. It depends on what your surgeon mainly. BUT, I drink alcohol (not now in my pregnancy), and I've drank soda for 18 months with zero issues with weight regain and/or change in my sleeve capacity. There are varying opinions on soda/alcohol, you'll have to decide how you want to manage that post-op. I didn't have either in my losing stage.

There is never a 100% no to any food but carbonated beverages seems to be very hard to tolerate because of the bloated feeling after drinking them... this goes for beer also, you should be able to have alcohol if you want i dont see why not?

I'm still in the beginning stages of this journey, but I've met with my surgeon at a round table info meeting, and I've been reading through these forums when i can...and I've decided it's definitely what i want to do. I just have a few specific questions re: food post op- 1. What (if any) alcohol consumption is allowed? Will i ever be able to go wine tasting again? Or have a martini on a night out? 2. Are carbonated bevs allowed? I'm a fan of diet soda, but i coukd live without it if need be...just curious. 3. Are there any other "never again" foods/drinks post op? Thanks for your help

you will have a busy 2 months good luck on your journey. A few sips of Alcohol will be all you will be able to manage. still drink lots of water before and after.

I started my weight loss journey with bariatric surgery in December 2010. I was put on a mandate insurance diet for 3 months (which actually ends up being 4 months). I also quit smoking December 4th after attending the seminar. I was weighed in at 354 lbs. I had not weighed myself in a very long time prior to them taking my weight so needless to say I was shocked at how high my number was. I knew at that moment the seminar was just a stepping stone on my way to having this surgery done and changing my life. I have been "bigger" than everyone since I was about 3 years old. I have always been taller and it just seemed like as my height increase so did my weight. I found myself always being thought of by others as the "biggest" person and I allowed myself to fall into the stereotype. I have been considering all the options for bariatric surgery for about 3 years. I have researched and read as much as anyone possibly can. I am so ready to be sleeved. My surgery date is set for Monday August 15th!!! I never thought the day would come, and now it is rolling up fast! I am scared and nervous now, but I am putting my faith in the Lord that I will come out of surgery just fine. I have an amazing surgeon, Dr. Troy Glembot. He is part of the Winchester Medical Centers Bariatric Program in Winchester, VA. He has great credentials, and him and the office staff have made me feel unjudged and comfortable since day 1. I know that I will be in good hands on the day of. I have lost about 6 pounds total so far. The doctor told me that was great since I quit smoking as well. I didn't think it was so good though. I am now on a liquid diet up until my surgery. I am having a little trouble with it because drinking your meals is not like eating a meal. I find I want to have food I can chew up. I am guessing I am missing that satisfaction... I don't really know though. I just keep telling myself that its all going to be worth it. I have a fatty liver and they want me to lose at least 10lbs in the next 2 weeks so that it shrinks the size of the liver. Also, I am getting married exactly 2 months post-op! I am sooo sooo nervous about that because of the dress fitting. The dress shop said it should not be a problem, but I have no idea what size I will be 2 months out. I have Googled average weight loss and all that but I really can't find anything. The doctor said it just depends on the person, and I understand that, but I am just trying to get an idea of what to expect. So if anyone has any averages or anything I would greatly appreciate it. One last thing before I go. Has anyone consumed any alcoholic beverages within 2 months post op? My bachelorette party is October 8th, and my wedding is Oct 15th. The doctor of course discourages all alcohol intake. I read that your blood alcohol level will increase at a way higher rate that pre-surgery. So if anyone has any info on that I would really appreciate it. Thanks!!! ps.. the ticker picture is me (the tallest one there) and my bridal party LOVE THEM!! Created by MyFitnessPal.com - Nutrition Facts For Foods

That's a GREAT question, May! How do social outings affect me? I've got to say, I find it really challenging, especially because I'm in marketing so my job involves taking people out to lunch all the time. Yikes! I've had numerous embarressing situations where I've been talking to clients over a nice lunch and have to interrupt them to run to the bathroom to barf. Oy! For me, the biggest thing I have to watch is my alcohol consumption. It's very easy to continue to socialize and feel a part of the party by participating in alcohol, especially when you can't participate in sharing an order of chicken wings or nachos. So it's easy (for me) to turn to alcohol to kind of fuel that "I want to fit in with the group" need. If that sounds like you, then my advise is: (1) Sip your alcohol slowly; (2) drink Water in between your alcohol to slow you down; (3) choose lower-calorie beverages, such as choose vodka ("clear" alcohol") & juice over Baileys/Kaluha ("dark" alcohols). But in general, when it comes to socializing with the gastric band, some ideas are: * Socialize in non-eating situations, if possible. Go for a walk, a bike ride, canoeing, horseback riding, etc. You can get exercise, enjoy your social gathering, and not feel the pressure with food. To effectively do this, *YOU* should make the recommendation for the gathering first, rather than rely on other people to choose your activity. * Talk a lot. When you're talking, you're not eating. * Invite people over to your house. That way you control the food being served, you keep costs low (eating out to dinner is expensive!) and you can keep busy playing hostess, which means you're not spending so much time eating. * Choose restaurants with good Soup. Soup is my best friend! * Share dishes with your close friends/boyfriend/husband. That way you don't waste * Check out any local tapas bars. Small portion sizes! * Don't forget to chug a large glass of water before you eat. This will help slow you down, make you feel full, and prevent you from overindulging. * There can be a distinct juxtaposition as to when your body says you are done eating versus when your brain thinks you are done eating. When you body is done, immediately throw your (paper) napkin on your plate, turn your fork & knife over, push your plate physically away from you. This will help you brain understand that meal time is OVER. * When you're socializing with people that don't know that you've had weight loss surgery, prevent an embarressing situation by announcing before your meal that you may have to get up from the table. I might say, "Just so you know, I kind of have a medical issue where food gets stuck in my throat. So if I have to excuse myself from the table, please don't think I'm being rude!" It honestly does help make those abrupt departures a little less quirky. I hope a few of those tips help! Feel free to share your own tips, too!!

Alan, If you've ever tried to drink an old beer (Like from last night's party), you'll know why beer has to have carbonation. Carbon dioxide gives beer it's distinctive taste. Without it it's pretty awful. We work hard to get enough CO2 in beer. If you want to drink alcohol, they make very good wines these days;^). I'm selling all my beer stuff and DW thinks she's going to move her sewing stuff in my brewery. I'm in ham radio and I think it might become a radio room. Today we bought some Quinoa and sugarless stuff. I'm getting ready for my year in hell. I can lose weight readily, keeping it off is the problem. If you guys ever really want to learn beermaking, let me know. I have all the information you can use.

Hi, I have the same issues. food addiction. It sucks. I truly believe food addiction is harder to kick than any other addiction because you have to eat. If you were a drug addict or alcoholic you could give up those substances and never have to take them again. But with food, we are faced with it every day. I definitely recommend therapy. Get someone who specializes in food addiction or eating disorders or is a cognitive behavioral therapist. Also, there is a good book that I have read. It is called "Shrink Yourself" by Roger Gould. It talks about emotional eating and gives step by step instructions on how to identify and deal with emotional triggers. Shrink Yourself They even have a web site with a 12 week online class to deal with emotional eating. The main thing is, you need to decide you want to change your life. You need to make a plan regarding how you are going to make the changes. Your band is a good tool. Do you need a fill? I know that with a proper fill the amount you eat should be limited and you should feel full. Perhaps you need to see your surgeon. Good Luck. I wish you much success!

Thank you for your response. I don't know if there is any validity to the whole pre-op diet/liver prep/cleanse idea or not, but my doc doesn't have any special pre-op diet and he's a liver specialist who does transplants when not doing bariatrics, so he tends to be rather anal about liver health (as in no alcohol period during the 12-18 month weight loss time, etc.) Or, maybe he's just more skilled in that area so that whatever minor differences such pre-op treatment makes is insignificant to him.

I don't know if there is any validity to the whole pre-op diet/liver prep/cleanse idea or not, but my doc doesn't have any special pre-op diet and he's a liver specialist who does transplants when not doing bariatrics, so he tends to be rather anal about liver health (as in no alcohol period during the 12-18 month weight loss time, etc.) Or, maybe he's just more skilled in that area so that whatever minor differences such pre-op treatment makes is insignificant to him.

I still have an occasional beer from time to time. I am not one that has problems with carbonation. But, I wasn't a big pop drinker before so it hasn't been an issue giving it up with the band. Some people have a horrible time with carbonation. I used to drink a lot of beer when out with people. The difference is now, I don't have it very often and usually 1-2 gets me buzzed. It takes a LOT less alcohol with the band to get me tipsy. The vodka and Crystal Light mixtures are awesome, if you want to drink.

I noticed as I lost weight I had wild shifting hormones! When I have a hormonal upset going on my deoderant quits working. I have to start washing with antibacterial soap, then before my I apply deoderant I apply rubbing alcohol to my underarms and let it dry. Then I apply clinical strenght deoderant. It seems these boughts lasted about 2 weeks and settled down. Now that most of my weight is gone my hormones are settling into a regular routine.

clear liquor (i.e., absolute vodka) plus water and crystal light/equivalent is the least harmful - least caloric alcoholic drink you can do since diet pop is out and the other mixers (i.e, fruit/vegetable juice) are high in calories. I will DEARLY MISS my light beers - used to have about 7 or 8 every weekend - of course, that's probably why i got so fat LOL. No beer, i have to think, has contributed to my 25+ pound weight loss since the end of june. You couldn't pay me to drink flat beer. Has to be fresh and cold. Oh well -worth the sacrifice to be thin. Best of luck to you!

Hello all im 5 weeks post op doing well! Today is a huge birthday bash for my father, anyway wondering about alcohol consumption? Has anyone drank alcohol this 5 weeks out? Just curious? And maybe dabbing around with it? HOW MUCH? wHAT KIND? THANKS!! YOU GUYS ARE MY SUPPORT!!!