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I'd be willing to bet that a lot of it has to do with insurance. I do also realize that food addiction is a real thing however no one's going to have a seizure because they didn't get their Ben & Jerry's. Where is a hard-core alcoholic going through withdrawal could have life-threatening seizures. So the physical dependence on drugs and alcohol does make medical rehab a little more necessary. I too used to think that weight loss surgery was taking the easy way out. Now that I'm going through it I think it is anything but an easy way out. Sent from my SM-G900T using the BariatricPal App

Good Morning everyone, I've read all the responses to my initial post and I appreciate all the feedback. What I've learned thus far is this....don't stock up on Protein shakes before hand because I might not like them. Which brings me to another question. If I don't like protein shakes, would it be safe to say that I should invest in a protein supplement powder to mix to taste...you know, with a wine or some spirit...hehe, just kidding. If someone knows of a protein supplement that mixes well with everything that they might have purchased at GNC let me know what it's called. Also, I've read that these weight loss surgeries creates the potential for an individual to develop a drinking problem. Has anyone else ever heard of this? Why would that be? I would think alcohol would make your stomach burn. I did have a friend who went to Mexico to get the lap band surgery and I swear she lived off of White Russians for a while when she returned and had some serious problems due to no structured after care and no one watching he behavior. She got to forgo the pre care and after care and paid the price for that big time. Thoughts anyone? Robin

I put on coconut oil after every shower (going with the Bahamas theme) ???? so would they still stick if I cleaned the area off with some rubbing alcohol. Sent from my Y538 using the BariatricPal App

My first goal for 2019 was to lose 50lbs by 50 years old. I turn 50 on Saturday and this morning i finally met my goal!!! 50lbs lost since 01/4/19 and 25lbs since surgery 7/23/19... woop woop!!! We just got back from New Orleans and I realized that i didn't need to eat or drink alcohol to truly enjoy myself, its who you surround yourself with! My sister came over from London, my daughter and her partner, my nephew plus 3 of my best friends and we had a blast!! The celebrations will continue for the next 2 weeks while other friends and family arrive from abroad to celebrate this milestone withme. #50lbsby50yearsgoalachieved

I had similar issues....turns out the sugar alcohol in the calcium supplements were causing it. I believe it was called maltitol. Any sweetener that ends in 'tol' can disagree with some of us.

It's all cracking until one starts crying and the other one starts spewing Sleeve or no sleeve laura-ven can hold her tequila Ok imma going to have to imagine your pretty eyes to go with the rest of the fabulousness I'm seeing... : Don't kill me I can't draw! LOL Brilliant! The sad thing about that? You're actually not far wrong from reality.. Could have just done with a few fine red veins where the alcohol had started getting into my system!

I'm not sure if this is too late but I am a patient with Dr Wellborn also and he does not have you do a special diet unless he feels you need to lose a few pounds before surgery. I wouldn't have alcohol tho just because it thins the blood and could cause some unnecessary bleeding during or after surgery. You can eat what ever you wnat the night before but they suggest you eat soft foods or easy to digest. I on the other hand ate about 4 slices of pizza and a 2 ltr of Dr Pepper because I KNEW I would probably never ever be able to have either again. I go tomorrow to have my second fill. Kind of excited but I am fearful that perhaps my band has slipped or something becuase I've been nauseous for a couple weeks now worse when I get hungry but I haven't thrown up. but today I have had a pit feeling in my stomach all day. It feels like I've got a golf ball stuck in my chest. Good luck with your surgery and I hope that if you have already had it that it was successful and without complications. Tisha

While I happen to agree with the anti cheating sentiments most others expressed, I also think the OP does too. Or else why would she bring it up as a problem? The way I read this, she doesn't like how she behaved toward her husband - but that is ended/ending; she finds a new relationship and is repeating the pattern. Once again, the way it was written was not clear, but I think she was asking if others have found themselves behaving "badly" after losing alot of weight. I am a believer that obesity often shields us from very complex emotions. Not overeating, obesity itself. Example - It is well known that many obese women have a history of sexual abuse (not saying this applies to OP, just the topic itself) and the fatsuit protects from outsiders, as well as from our own internal shame/desire type motives. It is also well known that sexual abuse of children can create emotional and behavioral and even personality disorder issues later in life. When people lose alot of weight - hidden demons so to speak can emerge. If you thought you worked this stuff out as a youth, you might be surprised that underlying emotional issues rise out of the victory of the weight loss. I know someone who went from a seemingly normal work colleague, wife, mother etc to dying in her sleep, after having left her family, due to organ failure post gastric bypass/massive weight loss. She had become a very very serious alcoholic (and other very very high risk behavior, lost her job etc etc) and as a type 1 diabetic, her organs gave out faster than most. We can say what people "should and shouldn't do" but truth is they might be really struggling. Being bashed here just adds to the general feeling that the world is not a safe place for them. Personally, I think (going back to OP) it is way too soon for her to even know WHAT she seeks. Maybe a poly lifestyle is a good choice, but a person needs to be pretty internally stable, pretty self aware, pretty centered to take on alot of that kind of stuff - in my opinion. Goes back to what is it you really want and is the current behavior getting you there? I bet there are alot of people on this forum that could ask themselves that question - not necessarily about sexuality, but about how they are living their lives. I realize that not everyone who has WLS has so much buried deep and maybe don't relate that well to the huge emotional turmoil but doesn't mean it isn't real. For me, it was anxiety that came up - not when I experienced "eating less" but it showed up when I got to a normal size - who knew???. It has been quite a journey to come to grips with it and to understand that it has always been there. I think that facing those sorts of things help us prevent regain because I gotta tell you, sometimes the inner self asks the question "weren't you happier when you were comfortably numb????" well, no I wasn't, but it is a valid question. I should probably start a separate thread before I go to much deeper on this topic.

Jon, thank you for all your prayers. I am doing much better. I am down to 237.5 from 245. I am following my hunger patterns nicely and keeping filled during the day. I also omitted alcohol which is a bad one for me. I'm back on track! Keep up the prayers. They work.

Primary care physicians need to catch on ...we are just as worthy of treatment as the alcoholics and drug addicts they refer to long expensive rehab centers...and judged with less respect. ignorant....lets teach them!

How scary!!! I'm so sorry, but glad that you're ok and sounds like everyone else is too ~ just take it easy tomorrow because it always seems that you'll really feel it most the day after. Take some advil and maybe make yourself a margarita or something to try to relax abit ~ alcohol = good muscle relaxer!

Some people lose one addiction and pick up another, alcohol is an easy one to pick up, as well as gambling. Also certain alcohol, champagne, beer has carbonation and is not good for the sleeve and can cause bloating, gas and I've been told it could stretch the sleeve. Other drinks, with juices, margarita's etc. are high in sugar and not good for you either. Some people have stated that have tried things like wine with no ill effects but that's like several months out. I am not fond of wine myself and I love champagne and beer, but for a special occasion, I may try my hand at wine for big gatherings.

I can't say that I felt regret. What I did feel was loss, I could not go to my best friend and comforter, food for help anymore for my emotional distress. The first few weeks were the hardest. I also have only told my immediate family. Even thought gastric bypass is more common in the united States there is still a stigma, or people who are quick to judge. I have lived a clean life I rarely drink, I only tried to smoking once, but I found myself addicted to food. I had severe high blood pressure, non alcoholic fatty liver, with cirrhosis of the liver. I was to the point that if I did not do something I was going to die. Some people will look and say but you really were not that big. The problem was my organs were not able to function properly. I was killing myself. Fast forward to today 3 months post op. I feel really good. I am totally off my high blood pressure pill/ water pill. My blood sugar is perfect. I can do more then I have been able to do in years. I have no doubt I will live to see all of my kids get married now, because my liver enzymes are also normal. I still have about 60 pounds to go to my personal goal weight. So what started as what you might call regret I now see as the best thing I could of done for myself and my family. Once you see results and you start to look great in clothing and people start to notice and compliment you, these are the things you will start to be addicted to. It will make you try a little harder to walk that extra mile, or lift weights just a little longer. Let the feel good affects replace the food that is killing us. It does get better, use your tool that you chose to get to give you freedom. Think of it as a gift you have given yourself instead of self mutilation. You have chosen life, give yourself at least a couple months before deciding you made the wrong decision. Think about what you have to look forward to. I am 100% positive you will look back and say. "Man those first few weeks were tough but look at me know I'm living I'm happy,Healthy and a Hottie" All the best ((((((((((HUGS)))))))))

This whole process - from the studying about VSG to the 6 months prepwork, then the enormous changes after surgery are all very inward-focused. I have felt throughout the long-process that I have been very self-absorbed. I spend less time thinking about the concerns of the wider world and more time thinking about how to respond to the demands of daily life without the crutch of my old "frenemy" and crutch food. My conversations are now more likely to be about the latest interesting article I have read (concerning something to do with weight loss) than the latest scandal in the news. My joys I share are as likely to be about myself (surprising in itself) than the lastest accomplishment of my grandchildren. I feel like how I imagine an alcoholic must feel, learning to function after they have given up alcohol. I understand why they go to AA meetings every day - and why I feel compelled to come visit this site a couple of times a day. I worry I am about as annoying to be around as a college freshmen in their first psychology class, that comes home and wants to analyze all the family members and relationships. I hope my family doesn't cringe when they are around me from being tired of my focus. One of my new year resolutions is going to be to become more outwardly focused again - but not to the point I don't put myself high enough on the priority list to make sure I get what I need. Very interesting topic on conversation. I will think more on this!

I agree a lot with what @Creekimp13 says, but I also would say this: cut out the alcohol. Completely. It is empty calories AND it lowers your inhibitions so you are more likely to make poor food choices. I think you look AMAZE-BALLS! But, you want to keep looking amaze-balls and not get to where your weight keeps creeping up and you're back where you started. But maybe you shouldn't listen to me since I haven't even had surgery yet and I don't drink at all. I'm just speaking from watching the food choices I see my friends and family make when they are drinking vs when they are sober, plus a number of things I have read including nutrition textbooks.

Yeppers they can. It can also be considered a DUI (Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol).

1. So yes, we all get the point of the surgery is to lose weight and lead a healthy lifestyle BUT that doesn't mean we can't enjoy ourselves sometimes. My favorite food chain is in LA, In-N-Out Burger. Will I be able to eat a cheeseburger and small fry with like a milkshake? Clearly I won't be opting for this on the daily but we all still need to indulge in our favorites once in a while and I'm not sure how much of it I'll be able to eat I'm assuming maybe like 1/3 or maybe 1/2 of the entire meal. But does anyone have experience with eating cheeseburgers, fries and a milkshake on like a vacation or for just a little "cheat meal"? (Again, I get the point is to NOT eat these types of food but sometimes you have urges especially on vacations). Maybe I over read what surgery you are having, but its a little different for a sleever or someone who's had RNY. I cannot eat regular ice cream. It has way too much sugar and I would dump. Occasionally I will eat sugar free ice cream from the grocery store. But you are hard pressed to find sugar free options at restaurants. Also, I would NEVER be able to eat a burger (never with a bun), fries, and a milk shake. I wouldn't have enough room. Let me give you an example, I was at Chili's this past weekend and I ordered shrimp tacos and fries as my side. I had 3-4 fries and one single taco (I was stuffed!). I did partake in a couple chips with salsa prior to the meal, and I can do that as long as its long enough before our meal comes out. Eating out is not fun for me anymore, and its almost frustrating because I waste so much food. By the time I start to enjoy something, I'm already full. Don't get me started on the cost factor. 2. I absolutely LOVE sparkling Water like La Croix and San Pellegrino, does anyone drink sparkling water on occasion? I drink carbonated beverages on occasion. This is not against my program. However, this is a mixed review in the WLS community. I would consult your surgeon to see if they allow carbonation after surgery. I also weighted until 3 months post op to make sure my staple line was completely healed. The important part is that you are drinking CALORIE FREE liquids. 3. Cocktails and Wine, I'm not sure about you but being 24 I like to have myself an occasional couple of social beverages, how was your experience with alcohol both mixed drinks (hard liquor) and wine? (Don't worry about beer I don't like it). I have drank hard alchohol on two occasions since surgery and I did just fine. I did half of a shot of vodka to one small can of sugar free Red Bull. I was cleared for alcohol 3 mons post op. 4. Not to generalize but I think a lot of people have a sweet tooth, I love the occasional scone, croissant, cookie, French macaron, etc. how has your experience with these types of baked pastries been? I don't eat baked goods at all. There is too much added sugar, and white processed flour. The only thing I indulge in is the SF ice cream on special occasions or really hot days. I stay away from most processed foods and things with added sugar. There are plenty of recipes you can make on your own at home that can satisfy your sweet tooth. This one below is for a protein brownie. But you will be hard pressed to find things at the store (already made) that are bariatric friendly. The common trend is make it yourself. Cooking, meal prepping, healthy shopping...ect. https://www.bariatriccookery.com/simply-gorgeous-protein-brownies 7. This is hopefully not going to be a struggle but when I eat I like to sip on water or unsweetened iced tea, coffee, etc. I know in the beginning you're supposed to drink like 30 minutes BEFORE consuming food. How soon after can you drink something? Also will there be a time when eventually I can have a beverage while eating a snack or meal? Or will I forever not be able to consume liquids and solids at the same time? The answer is you will forever have to withhold from drinking for the 30 mins before/after rule. The only time this does not apply is when you are in liquid stages of post op. This important for 2 reasons. The first being is that liquids will allow food to pass through your pouch quicker, making you able to eat more. The second, is it could cause your pouch to stretch. My program specifies the 30 minute after rule, but not before. Check with your surgeon to see what your program suggests. So I gave you very honest answers to most of your questions.... but let me say this, it doesn't sound like you are in the right mind frame to have this surgery. These are questions I wouldn't be concerned with if I was ready to change my life. There is a difference between concerned about post op recovery, types of vitamins, or protein sources. You are concerned about not having to change your lifestyle. These questions don't sound like they are from someone who has hit their rock bottom and wants to have life changing surgery to lose weight. Just saying.... Remember this, this surgery is 80% mind, and 20% body. You will have to overcome the mental aspects. Are you ready? Can you do it?

I’m in the same boat I’m 2 years out in March and I’ve regained exactly how much I’m to scared to look lately but it was 5kgs a few months back drinking alcohol has been the biggest issue as I get drunk fast but I use to never drink prior to surgery now I do every night except the last week I’ve stopped I can also eat bread and chocolate and lollies I was sleeved and wish I had chosen RNY so I’d atleast get dumping and not continue to eat bad things I snack all the time and don’t exercise I’m miserable I Was self pay and cannot believe I’m having these issues now I was so good in the beginning so strict Please let me k ow how your going with your weight loss

Five weeks and two days since my last drink and back at the gym three days a week. I went to the rehab support group, which was rubbish. I have decided to do private counselling, one on one. Fifteen pounds down.... That’s 15!!!!!!! 🤸🏼‍♀️🤹🏻‍♀️

Yes, sometimes I have a pig out day. But like you, it's good food, just plenty of it. I don't worry about it and just go back to my normal program the next day. Heck, I've even had a few alcohol and dessert binges, but it's ridiculously minute compared to anything I ever did preop. Heck, I'm human and I'm living my life like a "normal" thin person, so these things happen. Besides, like Recycled said, I like to mix things up and keep my metabolism guessing. Seems to be working for me.

I got my 1st fill this morning with my Doc. He answered some questions I had about my medications and exercise and whatnot. He told me that to optimize my weight loss I need to eat about 1000 calories a day. I told him that I was eating 1200-1400 now. He also did confirm that we need to be on a liquid diet for 2 days after the fill. You should have an empty stomach when you come for a fill, so don’t eat about 2 hrs prior to your fill appt. he also said don’t schedule a fill before any events like parties or trips out of town bc of the liquid diet that follows. He felt the right side of my stomach and used an alcohol swab to clean the area. He used a tiny needle to giving me the numbing medicine near my port site. It was a tiny pinch. He then prepped the needle for the fill. It was a pretty long needle so as soon as I saw it I looked the other way. He told me it was “only 2 inches long” but it looked like it was longer than that. he went in to do the fill and he found the port like immediately. So was minimal pain, I just felt the needle going in my skin, and I felt it going in my port (like I felt some pressure against something hard). It was over in a matter of seconds. He told me that I needed to sit in the waiting room and drink Water to make sure the fill wasn’t too tight. If you cant keep down water they will remove some liquid. He also told me that I can come back for fills every 7-10 days if I’m still eating more than 1000 calories or I’m feeling hungry. He told me not to wait to schedule a fill. So that’s my story J

You can have an occasional drink if you must but you will find the alcohol hits you harder than before you were banded. Just a word of caution; it is entirely possible to have the lap band and gain weight or not succeede with it. It will stop you with the quantity of food you give yourself (and you will not like how that feels!) but if you make poor choices, like ice cream, alcohol, milk shakes, puddings, etc. etc. the band cannot help you there. Those liquids go right through it and give you all the calories and none of the full feeling or nutrition at all. The weight loss is still something you will be doing for yourself, band or no band you will have to work it. The band gives you a bit of help, but the effort and the choices are all up to you.

Different doctors have different opinions on alcohol after banding. A couple of things to be aware of would include the high caloric content of alcohol, the carbonation in some alcoholic drinks and the possibility of addiction transfer, which is well-known in weight loss circles.

Laya, you're so right about the addiction part -- most people don't understand that. And, unlike alcohol and drugs, we can't live without food!

Hello all! I was banded on Monday August 18th and had a few questions. I am supposed to be on Clear liquids for a week and have only had a couple popsicles and a couple servings of Jello since surgery on Monday. I have also had gatorade and watered down apple juice. I dont know if what I am feeling is severe hunger pains but it feels like a heavy rock in my stomach. When can you start adding Protein shakes or milk? I really hate the broth so I have not had any of that yet. I have been getting so dizzy and I am sure it is because I am not eating much of anything at all. Another question that may sound silly...How do you get that sticky stuff off of you that the bandages left behind? Not the steri strips but the big bandages they put on top of those? They REALLY irritated my skin and I have bad red itchy spots around all 5 insicions. I have tried alcohol, but that wont even get the sticky stuff off. Any suggestions?