Search the Community

I had to take a few short written assessments. One was questions related to whether I understood what the surgery entailed and it's possible complications; one was about alcohol; one was about eating disorders. My appointment was only about 30 minutes.

Who says you have to eat/drink when out socializing? Chances are, no one's paying attention to the food/alcohol you're consuming - it's more about the atmosphere, friends, conversation, jokes, etc. Sip away on water and just enjoy the camaraderie! I'll admit, I was anxious heading to a party last night at a wine bar...but my ice water was just fine and I enjoyed catching up with people I hadn't seen in awhile! My boyfriend later asked me what food they served and, honestly, I had to answer "I dunno...I think I saw some cheese?" I'm still on the "full liquid" stage so I steered clear of the hors d'oeuvre table completely!

Hi, fellas. I'm new around here but am about to hard all my paperwork sent off to Cigna to get approved and looking at early August for my procedure. I have to admit that I've been trolling for a little while getting info and realized I should just join the dang site already! Probably the biggest thing I'm worried about is what I'm going to do to socialize after the sleeve. It seems like now all my socializing with friends and coworkers is either over a meal or over drinks. I've read that going out to eat is almost more a nuisance than anything else and we are supposed to try to avoid alcohol for 12 months. What do you fellas do? I feel like girls have it easier because they tend to do more stuff together.

I believe my sleeve is a tool to keep me from overeating to excess like I did pre-surgery. I want to eat like a "normal" person . . . and most "normal" people I know enjoy treats in moderation - alcohol, sweets, crunchy salty Snacks, etc. Today I ate a healthy lunch, and then stopped by a pitch-in some of the girls from work had and had a couple bites of a brownie and half a chocolate chip cookie. Before my surgery, I would have eaten a huge lunch, and then hit the entire pitch-in buffet and filled a plate or two. I do know that there will always be red-light foods for me (salt & vinegar potato chips, movie theater popcorn) but if I find myself craving one of those things, I get the smallest portion available.

You can have anything in moderation if that is what works best for you. I am still losing (close to goal).and have cake occasionally - a very small slice for birthdays weddings etc. Same goes for ice-cream but its easy to eat a lot of so its a trap ... I go out to eat frequently and I usually just order an entree or appetiser or a Soup that is mainly Protein. Waste of money though as I never even finish half. I like to order platters with my partner that we both share so people who dont know I have had surgery dont pick up on the fact I have eaten next to nothing. And alcohol is different for everyone but for me its the same as before except I sober up quicker and the hangovers are terrible! I drink a lot less these days but when I do I like to go a bit crazy.

I'm a lot more nervous than what I had originally thought. I have been researching this, going to my pre-op appointments now and thought I knew a lot about the sleeve. From what I understood tonight... 1) I'll have to take B12 sub-lingual supplements 2) Must take 2 Multivitamins a day, possibly Calcium supplements as well 3) NO using a straw for a long time 4) I knew no soda or alcohol ever again, but I didn't know coffee was also restricted! This makes me most nervous...The nurse talked about having to drink enough to hydrate and with a cup of coffee it'll be 2 cups of Water just to replenish the coffee-dehyration. I can definitely give up coffee pre-op, for some time post-op but forever??? 5) You have to get in 50-70grams of Protein a day...but they can't be any kinds of Proteins. The only proteins that contain the full 7 amino acids needed by our body are fish, chicken, beef, pork and eggs. Other things like Peanut Butter have protein but not all "full" proteins. So does this mean only eat chicken, fish, eggs etc? And is it egg white or whole eggs? What about hummus? 6) Only able to drink an ounce of water at a time...but still need to get all that water in? 7) Not to graze, have 3 meals a day but eat slowly and you have to learn what real hunger and feeling full feels like--and while doing this you might eat too much or too fast and feel like you're going to have a heart attack... 8) If you eat fatty foods, you might not only have diarrhea, you could profusely sweat, heart palpitations etc 9) She said ice cream, chocolate, cake etc never again Those of you who are at least a few months or a year out, would you say this is all pretty accurate? I still want the surgery but really want to know what I'm getting myself into completely. Also, is it a good idea to cut off water while eating now while I'm pre-op?

My surgeon suggested 6 months before alcohol, but I have heard of some saying a year! No liquids a 1/2 before eating and after. Make smart choices keep you food options clean.

I would ask you NUT see what they say, I was told no alcohol for a minimum of 6months but everyone's dr and NUT are different...

I was still on clear liquids at 2 weeks out!!! I couldn't imagine alcohol. I am 2 1/2 months out now and just had my first alcohol today - a couple sips of piña colada. I was buzzed fast and it was gone fast. It was too fruity! It was a trial since I'm turning 30 on Friday and I'll have something that night!!

I don't like beer at all but I do like a glass of wine (at, or before) dinner on occasion. I'm single/no kids so going out is a big part of my social life. At my consult, I told my surgeon quite honestly that I usually had 1 or 2 drinks a week (maybe 4 - 6 a month at most) - and he said OK but I should stay away from carbonation (which I do anyway) and watch the empty calories. I find with the band that since I eat less, that a little alcohol goes a long way. I often can't/don't finish the one drink I have but I enjoy having some. So if I'm having a glass of wine, I just watch my carbs elsewhere. I was looking for a WLS that I thought would be a better fit for my lifestyle so I thought this was a plus for the Band over the RnY. The majority of my friends with RnY can drink alcohol but I know a few who can't tolerate it so I was cautious about the chances of being one of the ones who couldn't. So I think with all things, moderation is probably important. vHappy band journeys to all!

Good afternoon everyone! I'm brand new to this forum and I'm happy to be part of this community. I know I may ramble on for a bit, so I apologize. I had my surgery Wednesday 9/28/2016, so I'm 4 days out; and I have a few things on my mind. If anyone has any input or advice on anything, I greatly appreciate it!! A little history about myself..I'm a 27 year old female, starting weight at 340 pounds before surgery (I haven't weighed myself since 9/28). I have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder which is controlled by generic Lexapro 20mg once daily. Some people have attributed by massive weight gain in the past year or so to my medication, but it has helped me so much, that I wouldn't dare stop it. I've had PolyCystic Ovarian Syndrome since 12 years old, and I've been extremely overweight since I was a child. I weighed in at 232 pounds when I was 11, and I've been a yo-yo dieter since I was 15. I hit 300 pounds at 14, dropped to 180 by 17. Shot back up to 290 around age 21, dropped to 210 by 23/24. And since 2013 I steadily gained to be at my highest at 348 pounds. I've been seeing a psychologist for my OCD since 2013, but I have not seen him for a coupe of months. I plan on going back to discuss my weight loss journey. With being a new sleever and a natural worrier, (with anxiety) there are, of course, many things I'm concerned and curious about. Again, I apologize for the long post, and I'll list some things that are on my mind: 1. I'm tired and lazy. I've been sitting on my aunt's recliner since I left the hospital Friday (today is Sunday). I get up and walk around a few times a day. My urine is fine and I had my first bowel movement today (sorry, TMI). But I mostly want to lay around and close my eyes. I'm not hungry, but the smell of the delicious fried chicken that my aunt is making for her kids is bringing back memories lol. I'm getting off topic! Bottom line is, is this tiredness and laziness normal? I feel bad and almost obligated to be more active, but I just wanna rest! 2. I was never told that I had a food addiction, and my therapist told me he doesn't believe I compulsively eat. However, I do know that I am an emotional eater. And usually that emotion is happiness. I used food to reward myself all the time. I hated when people were around me when I was eating something delicious and watching TV. I wanted to be alone and enjoy my private time..which always included a good TV show and delicious food. Food always made me happy. I never really used food to self medicate when I was sad, but always ate when I was happy. And bored. I'm such a boredom eater. I don't have any hobbies, I live by myself, I'm an only child. So I'm always alone...and often times bored. And the eating would begin. I planned meals like they were major rewards. For the finale of Breaking Bad, I ordered pizza to have it delivered to my home right on time...I loaded up on Snacks and Desserts. I shut my phone off and didn't want to see or talk to anyone while I enjoyed my show and my food. I foresee that this will be a problem. Has anyone felt the same way? And if so, were you able to control it? 3. I worry about addiction transfer. I've heard of people resorting to alcoholism, drug addiction and/or gambling after weight loss surgery, and with my anxiety issues this scares me. My friend told me to become addicted to exercise and health, but who's to say that will happen? 4. Feeling like your old self? Just a general inquiry...how long did it take you guys to feel back to "normal" in terms of recovering from the surgery? Thanks so much for reading this! I hope to interact with you guys! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Welcome! I just got sleeved on the 7th of June. These boards are wonderful and the people are amazing, supportive, informative and helpful! I gave up caffeine before also and soda...(didn't completely give up alcohol...). It is great you are getting in good habit now. A great one to start is to carry a water bottle and get to where you wouldn't leave it at home....I tried to make mine like my cell phone...don't be far from it. After surgery you will find it is the times you wouldn't think of to sip,sip,sip that helps you get it in...(in the car, line for groceries, waiting for kids...ect). Good luck! This is a great gift to yourself!!!

Stay away from the rice! I would go for the shrimp personally. Shrimp are not too calorie dense and when chewed well reduce to mostly Water. So you can feel like you are eating more normally with everyone else. Whatever you do, don't drink alcohol. 6 weeks is still pretty close to surgery and you don't want to risk a bleed.

I was scheduled for 9:30am on a Thursday. They didn't actually get to me though till around 3:00 that afternoon. Very boring just sitting in a tiny area hooked up to an IV! For some reason they got backed up really bad. I had the option to stay overnight or go home. My doc said most of his patients would choose to go home. I was wanting to stay overnight just to be on the safe side, but needed to go home due to my kids and such. I ended up leaving at around 7:00 that same night even after getting really nauseous when i stood up and the nurse having to put an alcohol swab under my nose to keep me from throwing up. I was thinking they should have kept me longer, but I just thought they knew best. Later that night at home I did throw up after getting sick again when I stood up. Maybe that could have been prevented if I would have stayed at the hospital. I would advise anyone with the option to definitely stay over night!

Great question. I am now 5 months out w/ 70 lb's off, 50 to go and loving my new size. I mention this because part of me is thinking maybe I am loosing motivation and that is why I want more food. I eat a 1/2 cup of food and if I try for more I am nauseous, I don't throw up but I hang over the sink thinking I might. Up until 4 months I was fine w/ the small portion. In December I found out I can eat anything, where b4 that I was not sure if I would dump. Then I started feeling like I wanted a quanity, like my husband eats. Before that, I am now remembering, the few restraunts I went to I had 1/2 in a doggie bag, ate a quarter of the serving and left the rest. I was satisfied. Now I want more. So I went to a support group, I always force myself to tell the truth there. As I listened to myself share I KNEW I needed to shift my thinking. Now when my head gets mad that I I ate a 1/4 tuna sandwich and that is it, I stop and remind myself I am thankful my pouch stops me because I continue to get smaller. Someone shared "as an alcoholic is new in sobriety, they think about alcohol and want to drink. As they continue to abstain & work a program the desire lessens.". It is the same for me, as I continue to work this tool I will have my success right next to me, w/ my continued exercise, exploring my food addiction and gratefulness I will deal with what comes my way. This post is convoluted , I hope I made some kind of sense. It sounds like I was loosing sight of my original goals. I am a work in progress.

It's so weird how our docs have such different timeliness on when to consume alcohol...there's just huge differences. keepin it real

donali, well i'll preface this by saying my father is an alcoholic and has drank my entire life except 3 years. i'm 27 i told my bf in the begining i didnt have a problem with casual drinking but i could never be with someone who drank more than socially. as we have stayed together he has drank more and more and i find that i have to bitch at him to not drink more than 3 nights a week. its not something i am willing to live with. i dont feel like i should have to MAKE someone do anything. he of course assures me things will change, one last chance...yada yada. i have heard that before from my father and now him. the past is a good predicter of the future and i dont want to waste anymore time. i do truly love him but in the words of tina turner 'whats love got to do with it' you can love someone till the cows come home but if they arent good for you then you arent loving yourself by settling. its been a tough couple of months i am hoping he'll be out by august. i have been telling him he needs to find a place to go the past month but he isnt really listening. i dont know if i'll have to move too in order to make him see its OVER! michelle

Michele, you and I have a LOT in common. My first marriage was an exercise in co-dependency, something I was really good at as the daughter of an alcoholic. When I was 30 I walked out and it was the single best thing I could have done for myself and my future. I'd be happy to commiserate with you in private if you need any support. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt. You are a stong, strong woman and deserve to take steps for your happiness. You owe him nothing and yourself everything. Lots of cyber-hugs from me to you, sweetie. It's a tough road but one you'll be glad you traveled someday.

I DIDN,T CHOSE BYPASS FOR FEAR OF RE-ROUTING MY INSIDES, AND THE MALABSORPTION ISSUE, BUT WE BANDSTERS CAN AND DO REGAIN WEIGHT ALSO BY MAKING WRONG FOOD CHOICES, ALCOHOL ETC. I DIDN,T GET THE BAND FOR A QUICK FIX I AM FULLY AWARE THAT I HAVE TO WORK HARD DEALING WITH HEAD HUNGER AND EXCERCISE WHICH ARE THE THINGS I STRUGGLE WITH. I HAVE IN THE PAST DIETED SUCCESSFULLY FOR UPTO A YEAR AND USED TO GO TO THE GYM FIVE DAYS A WEEK, I WAS A SLIMMING CONSULTANT AND HELPED COUNTLESS PEOPLE LOSE WEIGHT. BUT EVENTUALLY THE WILLPOWER GOES AND I AM BACK TO SQUARE ONE. I FOUND IT PARTICULARLY HARD GIVEN MY HISTORY. I AM HIGHLY MOTIVATED AT THE MOMENT AND FOLLOWING THE GUIDELINES TO THE LETTER BUT WORRY WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN THE FUTURE AS I HAVE PROVED TO MYSELF THAT I AM UNABLE TO CHANGE MY EATING HABITS PERMANENTLY. I JUST HOPE THAT IT WILL BE DIFFERENT THIS TIME.

Congrats on the size 8 - way to go! It feels so great, doesn't it? Now to your question of how to stop losing weight - well, just eat whatever you want, which is what I do. No low fat or diet foods in my house anymore. I drink sodas, alcohol, eat sweets, cheeses, chips, etc. and never gain a pound. Of course, I eat my "good foods" first and get my Protein in, but I don't make any type of effort anymore to watch calories or fat grams. I don't eat those high calorie items all day every day - I don't even WANT them but every now and then. Everyone is different, so I'm not advocating anyone "do as I do", I'm just telling it straight as to how I keep at goal weight. I guess it's been very easy for me - I don't even think about my weight anymore. I've even got a new favorite fast food - the McDonald's Angus Wrap. It's like getting to eat a burger, but no bun to deal with. You can hold the mayo and cheese if you want, add extra pickles and lettuce and get a nice tasting burger patty. I get them a couple of times a month and they curb that little nagging fast food demon we all have. It took me a year to get to this point, but I'm enjoying it now.

I've done a lot of research on how the body adjusts and adapts. I knew that I would not ever be "dieting" for life, but a lot of that has to do with me recognizing my weaknesses. I can also say that I had a couple of major driving forces behind me getting to goal quick, and then figuring out maintenance once I got there. 1) with the complications I had, my husband was deployed and I had to "get better", I cared about my weight loss numbers, but my main goal was to be healthy upon his return 2) We wanted a baby 3) I had the band, and it failed miserably even though I worked the crap out of that thing so failing with the sleeve was not even an option nor did I allow those thoughts to enter my mind. Rum/cokes are my arch nemesis, and I did see a true gain over the holidays because of copious partying, alcoholic beverages and every type of party food you can imagine. BUT, I didn't go back to dieting or even low carbing after my 3 month long binge, I just went back to my normal eating routines, and BAM lost those pounds pretty quickly.

I had it done on the 16th and been regular foods for about a week or so. I just focused on eating healthy and Proteins. I was a little nervous but when I talked to my doctor she said if I can eat with out having any problems then go for it. I was worried I would do damage if I tested different things but she assured me I would be fine and so far I can eat about anything as long as it is chewed well. I had some steak and one bite of potato for new years and a couple non carbonated alcoholic drinks, I felt full after the steak, so the potato didn't really appeal to me. I also had some pulled pork and a little chili on yesterday. So far so good...I just love being full after eating a little bit. I see that ordering kids portions will have to be something to get used to when going out. I get my first fill today and she said I will notice a big difference in the amount of food I will be able to eat and start dropping weight more quickly. I am down 16 lbs since the 9th (pre-op diet) of Dec and I am pleased with that so far, so I look forward to what the fill does.

@ elena and lindaa. You must first of all understand, elena, that all medical systems will make mistakes in their treatments of their patients from time to time. This means that the advanced affluent indutrialised western nation which does operate on the universal health care system will occasionally screw up. This also means that the business-driven health care system will also screw up. This is human nature, is it not? It can be argued that the two systems are likely to screw up for different reasons. In the case of the financially driven system the screw-up may stem from a cutting off of further funding. In the case of the universal health care system in an advanced industrial nation the screw-up is likely to be a question of dumb human error. It certainly will have nothing to do with the cash flow being cut off. As for you, lindaa, I am inclined to persist with my initial assessment of you as being someone who is both mean-spirited and judgemental. You see, I have been spending a fair amount of my past blonde 10 to 20 years reading up on such issues as morbid obesity, addictive personalities, depression and other forms of seemingly self-indulgent psychological misbehaviour, and, within this framework, a host of other questions upon which hinge the individual's emotional and psychological life. The latest genetic and neuro-chemical studies are kind of fascinating. They would seem to indicate that many of the behaviours which you have categorised as falling within the framework of moral failures are not; they are medical issues and these individuals certainly do not need someone like you deciding as to who will or who will not qualify for help. Let me explain. Research has been done on a genetically pure Amerindian tribe who suffers from obesity. These folks are desert people and their ability to survive on little food was extraordinarily valuable in their remote past. Now this means that everything this gang eats translates to lard and the tribe is troubled by morbid obesity. Of course there are horrible health problems which come on the heels of this. I read about this study 15 years ago and over 50% of this tribe were morbidly obese, were suffering from diabetes, cholesterol, and heart-related problems. Are you going to say to these individuals that you have brought this on yourself? You've been eating too much? Are you going to kick these people to the curb? People who suffer from mental illnesses are more likely to self-medicate. Indeed this is now considered to be a response to feelings of psychological distress and is an indicator that the abuser should be assessed for emotional problems. But it looks like you are ready to kick a drug abuser or an alcoholic to the curb, does it not? You should be aware that mental illness is something which is outside the individual's choice and is often a genetic issue. I really cannot see that there is anyone who wakes up and says to themselves that their goal in life is to become an overweight, dysfunctional, chain-smoking, drug addicted alcoholic. I do believe that very bad things can and will happen to all sorts of families and that this is due to bad genetic luck or tragic family circumstances or whatever.... I also believe that the rich are insulated from the financial fall-out of these tragedies because they have the bucks. The rest of us are not insulated and that this is the generous philosophy which the affluent industrialised counties which do have universal medicine operate on. You must remember that you as a single individual will never be required to pay the entire tab of someone's lung transplant, you know. You should also know that hospitals are not in the habit of giving away valuable spare parts to those folks who have treated their own equipment carelessly.

I kinda have this problem as well, except I am all out allergic to sperm. Yah, so UTI's I get em, but even better I get another great infection that I have to take a pill on which I can't drink alcohol for 21 days. SUCKS because I get them all the time. And, yes, DH uses it as a great excuse to try to get me to swallow....but not working!

Stacy, my dear. I fight my demons every day. I can only consume 800-1k calories a day. I still fight alcohol addiction on a daily basis. I just try and stick to 2 drinks a day. I can totally relate. Just eat what you can but smaller portioins. I completely feel for you. PM me any time. Julie