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My doctor's concerns with alcohol are potential bleeding ulcers (in addition to many of the other issues mentioned here). They recommend a year before having any which I see is much longer than many other plans. I like cocktails, but will hold out for quite a while. But let me add it's because I've had an ulcer in the past, and my father (who could drink quite a bit, doesn't any longer) developed bleeding ulcers and stomach cancer. It resulted in removal of 75% of his stomach so genetics play a big part in my decisions. And he didn't need to lose any significant amount of weight, but ended up getting very small after this. I figure if you follow you doctor's guidelines and all is well, power to you.

Is it ok to have a small glass of wine a week post op?

I did low carb/high protein/high healthy fat during my six-month insurance-required diet program and lost 99 pounds pre-op. It was the best thing I ever did for myself. I re-established my relationship with food, and prepared myself mentally and physically for the demands the sleeve would bring post-op. I started at 397 taking in about 2000 calories per day. I whittled down to 1800 then 1500, and finally, 1200 for the last 3 months of it. I cut out alcohol completely, too. On the day of surgery, I weighed 298, and today (10 days post-op), I weigh 284. I hope this helps. Good luck!

I almost started to vomit right out of surgery, but the nurse put a alcohol swab in front of my nose and it stopped the feeling of needing to throw up. It worked.

Can we talk about alcohol? Shhh! Don't tell my Dr. But I started drinking again. I'm still loosing, so I'm not concerned about the caloric part of it. I mainly feel guilty because he told me not to drink for a year. But I'm single, 30, loving myself and my new body and I've been a SHUT IN for the last 4 years! I want to go out and have fun! Don't judge. If i do drink it's a wine spritzer or beer. I find that I get tipsy, then sober up real quick. I guess it goes right through me faster now and doesn't absorb like it used to? Anyone else have similar stories to share?

@Veesoul....That's not true as you have read. My doc said no alcohol until a year after surgery. When you do you have to be careful because you will get drunk or tipsy really quick. You also could stand a chance of dumping if the drink is too sweet. Just be careful and if you decide to drink just remember moderation.

I'm 6 months post-op, and I now drink wine. But never more than 3-4 ounces, and I drink it very slowly -- usually over a couple of hours. The alcohol seems to hit me a little harder and faster than it used to (or it certainly would if I drank 4 ounces during an hour's time as I did pre-op). I've not had beer yet, due to the carbonation warnings. And probably won't for a long time. Besides, beer's just not my thing. However, I've read of many WLS patients online who do have the occasional beer and don't overdo it. 11 weeks out is about 2-1/2 months. If I were you, I'd hold out until 3 months. And then try a quarter or half a beer at home -- not in public, so you know how your new tummy will react to it. And yes, I've read about the dangers post-op of carbonation, transfer addictions, etc.

Had my post 3 months follow up with my surgeon. I'm happy and he is happy! I lost 50% of my excess weight My labs are now Perfect! (only exception is my Thyroid, an ongoing issue for me) Prior my op, I was heading towards Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Now my liver is happy too Prior my op, I was getting to a pre-diabetic stage. Now my Pancreas and blood sugar levels are also happy My cholesterol levels are getting healthy My hair has thickened and growing like crazy Although I no longer have reflux, due to Nexium PPI, I was told I need to stay on it for 12 months. I follow all the guidelines and recommendations from my surgeon, my dietician (NUT) and my bariatric psychologist. Sometimes it is hard for me to get all the Protein and calories, only when I get stressed. I was told to force myself to eat, and keep having regular meals I still battle/deal with my Graves Disease. Once my weight stabilises, hopefully my life will be easier in this respect My favourite exercises are dancing and walking My face is now defined, and I can see my waist coming back I laugh more The New Chapter in My Life has started, and for that I am very, very grateful I had to wait 9 months for this surgery, due to my thyroid auto-immune disease. I was supposed to be sleeved last July 2015. Finally sleeved 8th March 2016. No regrets, just massive gratefulness

Efierke, I did not address your statement on alcohol. Less than 20% of alcohol is absorbed in the stomach, the remaining 80%+ is absorbed in the small intestine. I can provide numerous references supporting this if you would like me to.

At 54, soda was my drug of choice -- no coffee, no tea, no alcohol. But give me a 2 liter bottle of diet coke a day and I was happy. I drank that much up until the day of surgery. I have not have even a sip, nor have I wanted a sip since. I think the post op diet did it for me. First, they tell you that soda will cause pain and burping -- not something I wanted to sign up for. Second, it's hard enough to get all the calories in without taking up space with zero calories. Third, now you can't eat and drink at the same time -- and that was primarily why I drank it. It went really well with all the things no longer on my list of foods -- potato chips, pork rinds, taco chips, etc. So, start weaning yourself onto caffeine free (say every other soda) and by surgery day caffeine will not be an issue. Then remember, the reason you liked it so well is it offset the bad calories you were consuming. Now that you are making smart food choices, it won't be an issue.

I don't see my NUT anymore unless I really need a consult, so I thought I would ask here. I am 11 weeks post op. Feeling great. Off all restrictions. When did you have alcohol the first time? I am well aware that I will only probably be able to drink 1/2 a beer once I drink one, but how long did you wait. I really want a beer. I'm not a big drinker, but I would like to be able to enjoy the occasional beverage.

. INR! Well I only used my restraint until I got home. My diet over the last 24 hours has consisted of sugar, carbs and alcohol! And my reward is now cramping and nausea. Oh well....totally worth it! But now back to protein...

I drink mostly water and Crystal Light, but nearly every day I have some coffee with cream or milk, sometimes have iced tea and once a week or so a couple of alcoholic drinks. I rarely drink soda anymore, but will once in a great while.

So do I. And I have one when I feel like it. obviously alcohol is empty calories to a degree and detrimental to strict dieting. But moderate wine consumption is actually GOOD for your health.

I must be one of the long waits then after reading this. My process took from October of 2011 to now. My surgery is scheduled for this coming Tuesday finally! I think I am glad it took so long, I quit smoking 5 months ago, gave up any alcohol over a month ago and also stopped caffiene 3 weeks ago. If I had to do that all at once I would have been a basket case! Especially the cigarettes and coffee! It also gave me time to really research it and make sure it was what I really wanted. I have had plenty of time to back out but I am going for it! No looking back Lori

I personally use unhurt. I am allergic to most the others because they sugar alcohols Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I almost never drink since being banded - I find it completely lowers my inhibitions and I end up eating tons of crap! And talking tons of crap! Hubby bought me a bottle of baileys for Easter and I was red-cheeked and giggly after one glass! Not used to drinking anymore! Also alcohol is such a waste of calories in my view! I'm so happy having lost over half my excess weight, I am delighted to be anywhere, alcohol or no!!!

I'm six months out and I don't measure or anything, so please forgive the lack of amounts in my description. I have never tracked my calories, so no help there, either. I basically eat when I'm hungry and just until I'm not hungry anymore. Mostly Protein, veggies, fruit and Water. I don't usually eat Pasta, rice or bread, but I have had them on a rare occasion. Breakfast... Workdays is something quick I nibble on while feeding dogs and horses and getting ready in the morning. Cottage cheese with peaches, an apple, premade spinach, sausage and cheese mini quiche, hard boiled egg, etc. last week I even had some leftover prime rib and sweet potato fries. Weekends I will sit down for a civilized breakfast. A one egg omelet with whatever I've got available..... cheese, sausage, spinach, bacon, mushrooms, green chilis, salsa.... I made a batch of protein pancakes and froze them and they are great with butter, maple syrup and a turkey sausage patty. Huevos Rancheros is another favorite weekend breakfast. Daytime Snacks and lunch.... I am on the road all day and I don't get a lunch break so my work days consist of snacks and Protein drinks. I make up a big protein smoothie 24-32oz, 30-40g protein with benefiber and Metamucil to bring along. Flavors vary .....chocolate with a banana, cake batter/hazelnut/Carmel, Peanut Butter, cake batter with blueberries, apple cranberry, orange cherry, vanilla/gingerbread, etc. I drink 1/2 in the morning and 1/2 in the afternoon. I also nibble on mixed nuts, sesame sticks, a protein or whole grain Fiber bar, cheese sticks, beef jerky and pumpkin seeds. I don't have any set lunch or snack times, but I'm usually eating every 3 hours. On top of the smoothie, I also get in a travel mug of decaf coffee and a liter of water. I'll drink a big glass of V8 a couple times/ week. On the weekends I get a lot more real food....I'll eat 5-6 mini meals, and not any snacks. dinner.... If I get home before 6pm I will have two dinners. One I try to make heavy on veggies and the other protein heavy. I eat most anything. BBQ ribs, chicken salad on pita bites, elk, Chinese food, burgers, tacos, pork loin, roast beef, rotisserie chicken, turkey curry, seafood, ham, steak, brussel sprouts, Beans, corned beef, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, carrots, baked beans, artichokes, tomatoes, avocados. Lately I haven't been getting home until 8-9pm, so I only get in one dinner. At night I have a cup of chamomile tea and sometimes some plain Greek yogurt flavored with Protein powder or apples and peanut butter as a bedtime snack. I also take a whole food based Multivitamin with Probiotics, Iron, and sublingual B12. I have indulged in alcohol, cake, ice cream, cupcakes, cheesecake, noodles, fries, donuts, chips and English toffee, but they certainly aren't everyday treats. I hit my surgeons goal weight 3 weeks ago. I'm 2 pounds away from a "normal" BMI and I'm still losing at a rate of 1-2 pounds/week.

I was sleeved on 1/3. I am 5’7, was 255 at surgery and I’m down to 226 in 4 weeks. I had a rough 2 week recovery, but feeling fine now. I had a slew of health problems for the last 8 years after gaining 90lbs very quickly. I am happy to say ALL traces of the edema I had are completely gone, I’m off lasix and all my blood pressure meds. I don’t have reflux anymore either. I have 4 more weeks on the mushies stage until I can eat regularly, but I don’t feel restricted on my food choices right now anyway except for anything seeded and raw veggies. I am only able to eat 2oz at a time, but I supplement with two protein shakes a day. I have a few expensive bags of bariatric advantage left that I can’t stand anymore, but I really like the muscle milk with the 32g of protein in it. I tried Isopure drinks 🤢. Still on the hunt for a protein source I can add to my water that isn’t whey and has a milky taste. I have the flu, so I haven’t been exercising but still able to drink and eat “normally” I had a craving for something sweet, and i found a bunch of keto recipes on Pinterest that were sugar free and low carb obviously, my favorite are no bake energy balls made with almond flour and peanut butter. Crystal light is my drink of choice. No alcohol yet, no desire which is weird because I used to drink often. Not in large quantities but often.

Hi everyone, I'm 11 weeks out (this Wednesday) and still having discomfort when eating or drinking anything. The discomfort ranges from mild to moderate and sometimes, severe. It's never really "painful", just feels like I have to burp REALLY bad, even though I feel like I'm constantly burping the second I put food in my mouth, followed almost always by a stomachache within a half hour or so. My gut is always making a TON of noise too! I also feel like I'm getting conflicting info from my surgeon and his team (PA, nurse, dietician, etc.). I had a telemed visit with my surgeon about two weeks ago. He's the most laidback and easy-going of the bunch. He encouraged me to eat anything and everything I want (within reason & making healthy choices), but to be prepared for unexpected reactions. He basically said I have to "live and learn" what I can now tolerate. Of course, he also stressed small, slow-paced, well-chewed bites & portions. I even mentioned that I had a couple sips of a margarita a few weeks ago and his response was a laugh and "I bet that tasted good!" - not the scolding I expected. (BTW, that is the ONLY alcohol I've had since surgery.) I told him about the severe burping and stomachaches and he said that it will pass, but could take up to a year to totally go away. He wasn't the least bit concerned about it. For whatever reason, his PA followed up with me the next day (not sure why, as I had just talked to him) and she was way more strict, almost condescending, telling me NO pasta, NO bread, NO rice, NO sugar, NO crackers, etc. The surgeon himself said I could have those things in moderation if they agree with me and as long as I'm continuing to lose weight. I'm still eating super healthy, getting my protein and fluids in for the most part (it's hard when I know it will make me uncomfortable) and I'm still losing weight (down 31.5# since DOS, and that includes a 3-week stall). I guess I'm confused as to who to listen to - not to mention surprised that people on the same team have such conflicting guidance. Thoughts?

T-minus 14 days and I'm starting to freak out a bit! I apologize in advance if this thread gets a bit graphic. I plan to regularly post post-op pics to show the good, the bad and the ugly! There aren't as many pre and post-op pictures of black people showing scarring, bruising, etc, so I hope others will find these useful. Pre-pics are a bit low res b/c they're from a webcam, but hopefully my surgeon will provide his copies afterwards. I finally worked up the courage to schedule a brachioplasty and mastopexy. It's been dreadfully hot and humid in the DC area this summer and I'm tired of being too self-conscious to even wear short sleeves, much less the sleeveless ensembles everyone else seems to be enjoying. I find babydoll cut shirts are particularly obnoxious! I'm 29, black, 5'7", 177lbs (as of this morning). Pre-Op Arm Pics: I'm totally flexing in this one! lol but it helps show where the dangling skin is. According to my surgeon, I still have enough breast tissue to be a large C or small D when he's finished. I really wanted implants, but I'll heed his advice to at least give them a chance. If I still want more volume and a better profile, I can always add them during my next surgery. I'll admit my boobs look great in a full coverage bra, but they have an amazing ability to escape their confines. Seriously, I'll bend over to put something into the oven, and by the time I stand up, half my boob has managed to ooze out of my bra! Awkward. Pre-op Boob Pics: Well...there it all is! Now I'm busy scrambling and over-preparing for surgery. To those brave souls who have gone before me, in you post-surgery recovery did you use: - Vitamedica Bromelain wth Quercetin Nutrients with Anti-Inflammatory Properties - VitaMedica Arnica Montana - Biotin I'm going to ask my surgical staff, but I've read plastic surgery forums that have recommended them. Also, I live alone, so I'm hiring a nurse to stay with me for 2 days and someone to walk and feed my dog for a week. Is there anything you wish you'd had on-hand for your recovery that you didn't? So far I've purchased: - 2 long icepacks with sleeves - bed/sleeping wedge - 2 strapless dresses - Protein drinks - bathing washcloth wipes - 2nd compression garment (surgery center provides first one) - getting my hair braided so I don't have to worry about that! Yes, I'm a bit of a psycho, OCD, over-preparer... Upon the advice of the pre-op nurse, I've started taking a Multivitamin and Vitamin c twice a day. I'm also going to stop drinking alcohol today (well...tomorrow. lol). Thanks for your help!

bigserv, I think you need to think long and hard about whether you want to have this surgery since you are having doubts. I knew I'd be giving up some things, like alcohol and sodas, but I'm gaining so much more: health, longer life (I hope) and the ability to move more freely than ever. I had serious health problems from my obesity and I see the surgery as a way to overcome those problems. Perhaps you need to do some more research. It IS possible that the sleeve isn't for you. It's a big decision and one that only you can make. I will be cheering you on no matter what decision you make. It's your life and your health, which means it's up to you. Good luck!

CONSTIPATION.....not any easy subject to talk about. Let me tell you a little about myself first and how I came to post this. I am 52 years old and was sleeved Feb. 25, 2013, 83 days ago. I am down 42 pounds. I feel better than I have since I was in my 20's. I am off my cholesterol meds, high blood pressure meds and triglyceride meds. I am coming on here to tell you the mistakes I have made in the last 2 1/2 months that have brought me to tell you all this. I avoided some of the advice that we are given after surgery. For instance, no alcohol, I ate foods I probably shouldn't have before it was time to, etcetera. Why was I setting myself up to fail? I don't know why either. But please listen when I say there is a reason why there are rules after this surgery. Take them seriously. Now lets get to the constipation part. Actually my stool was impacted. And if you don't know what that is or how painful it is, count your blessings. I'm sure it all began right after surgery since you can't drink as much water right after surgery that you could before. Then I started drinking alcohol (a diuretic) about 1 month post op. I usually would drink a snifter of Grand Marnier almost every night because for some reason it made me feel like I wasn't giving up everything. Then I started eating soft foods before my doctor said it was ok because I got sick of only having protein shakes and soup broth. I would vomit if I ate too fast or too much so I slowly learned that lesson. But nothing could have prepared me for the constipation I have been experiencing since surgery. WARNING... HERE IS WHERE IT GETS GRAPHIC. Before surgery I was "regular", once or twice a day actually. Since surgery I have a bowel movement maybe every 3-4 days, sometimes longer. When I was able to go it would come out like grape sized rabbit turds. Then they started getting packed together making it a little harder to get out. But I'd sit on the toilet until it came out. Sometimes I would be in there for over 30 minutes, sweating and cramping until it was over. But today was the worse it has ever been. I felt like I had to have a bowel movement so I went upstairs prepared to stay in the bathroom for awhile. 45 minutes later....nothing. I knew I had to go but it felt like I was trying to pass a football and it was NOT going to come out without a fight. I came down and Googled "severe constipation". A lot of suggestions would only help AFTER whatever was in there came out. I was in so much pain I called the hospital and explained what was happening. They told me that it sounded as though I was "impacted" and I had two choices because at this stage the "plug" has got to I wish I wouldn't have taken his direction so lightly.

Drinking isn't the only reason to GAIN weight and not drinking the only reason to lose it. There are tens of thousands of people who are overweight and don't drink. Apparently alcohol isn't the only reason the coworker is obese. Plus MANY people hit plateaus. Perhaps after 40 pounds he hit one. Just because we are getting the band doesn't mean we are diet experts (although I've done so many different diets I often feel like an expert LOL) If he's interested in the band, he needs a check up and then to go to a seminar or two, discuss his concerns with a surgeon.

No carbonated drinks ever. That includes sparkling wine. I'm six months out. My surgeon gave me clearance to drink alcohol after 2 months. I drink at least once a week. Wine is my choice. Do remember that you will handle alcohol differently after surgery.