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I had the SF Russell Stovers Coconut candies, and I did fine. Only have one because sugar alcohols can give you killer gas pains. Good luck to you.

JoJo I can't really say what the complications would be, but my surgeon told me I would not be able to drink alcohol after surgery. I don't drink so that was no big deal, but the way it sounds he was meaning I shouldn't ever drink it. You may want to talk to your doctor before drinking alcohol, but I certainly would not drink it this early.

Hi: I'm six weeks out . My surgeon said to wait on alcohol until I was on solid food which was four weeks for me. But he also said to be cautious even at that point. To be honest I thought the minute I got to four weeks I'd be diving for a bottle of cabernet but when I got there I just could not imagine it. I just wasn't ready ( still not). I think what they really meant was to look at alcohol once you have the eating thing down. Drinkinng wine will not pop a staple but it is a strong irritant. You have scar tissue forming around your staples and when they are too irritatied they might overreact and scar too much. This is one way peope get strictures. The magic "out of the woods" healing time for most people is THREE MONTHS. Believe me, I know that seems like forever but at this point I am halfway there, another six weeks to go, and there's the rest of my life to get sauced. It goes fast and I think it's worth it to be careful. Make your recovery your priority now. Next year you can get plastered on hubbys birthday -- in a bikini no less.

yep I agree with thin. You have the rest of your life to drink alcohol. It is just too soon. I would say wait at least 6 months or so.

Quite personally hon, I wouldn't do it. Your tummy is still trying to heal and alcohol is very harsh. It won't do anything to your staples, but could irratate your suture line. Alcohol and birthdays will always be there. Just take care of yourself and heal first. Your hubbie should understand. I'm out nearly 2 years now, I took my first alcoholic drink after 3 months. You do get tipsy very quickly. I don't know if it would cause complications but i wouldn't attempt it. Good Luck!

Hi everyone! I hope all is well! I wanted to ask a question about alcohol. I have tried looking for the answers I needed in other posts but havent been successful. I am one week post op and doing well, already on soft solids and so far (crosses her fingers) no complications. This weekend is my husbands birthday, and he will be celebrating with friends. I would really like to be able to sip some Water and maybe 1 glass of wine but I dont want to cause problems with my pouch. I dont plan to get drunk just to Celebrate. Can anyone tell me what the complications may be by doing this? will it do anything to my staples... will it make me sick? I dont want to do it without being prepared and Im not making a habit but would like to be more informed. thanks for all your help and guidance I appreciate it!

I was told 24hrs I could shower, 2weeks for a bath. Keep steri strips on for 7days then I could remove them of if they fell off, they just fell of. No scrubbing over the incisions and try not to get too much soap on them. After 7days, I used alcohol to remove extra goo from the steri strips

My dr wants to shrink my liver with this preop diet. I see him and the nutritionist in the morning. Incidently, mine is revision surgery from bypass to sleeve, which will be particularly delicate. I am planning that my recovery might take a little longer because of the revision. I have been on a lowcarb/high Protein regimen on my own for about a week and a half now, 6 pounds lost, but the dr does not really want to look for weightloss during preop phase. I think they want me to build my immune system up, start the dietary supplementation, and get the habit of drinking liquids and weining from all carbonated drink and waters. This took a good effort on my part because I loved the Diet Cokes!! However, now that I am totally off the sodas, the liquids taste better and I am drinking more Water that tastes so much better. This is a time of detoxification. My surgeon asked me very specifically not to change my eating habits at all pre-op -- no dieting, no overeating or bingeing. (Of course I couldn't eat anything after midnight the night before surgery.) There are also very few post-op restrictions, and liquids only for three-four days post-op. The rules post-op mostly are don't eat sugar or drink alcohol at first, wait till four weeks post-op to eat raw fruit/veg, and eat 'circle-wise' -- one bite protein, one bite veg, one bite carb (preferably not white carbs), repeat -- and drink 1.5-2 litres of water per day. There is quite in-depth training and examples given about how to eat post-op, it's just full foods right from the start, with no liquid or mushy phase per se, though they advise a lot of joghurt and quark and very well-cooked veg during the first couple post-op weeks. This is all from a very experienced and academically respected hospital and bariatric team, who've led a number of studies and are well-published. I'm not saying that their rules (or perhaps relative lack thereof) are any better than all the liquids pre- and post-op -- I am just saying that, knowing what they know and how much experience they have (particularly with VSG), there is clearly huge variability in what is actually okay, or safe, pre- and post-op, from a quantifiable, replicable, medical/scientific evidence perspective. And all that is prelude to the following: I believe that, without seeing the evidence or knowing the medical rationale firsthand (e.g., actual fatty liver is certainly not present in every heavy person and can be determined through a simple blood test), I personally would have had a hell of a time staying on any extensive liquid or other severe diets. I need a very good reason to feel that shitty for two weeks lol. And now THAT being said, one very good reason many of you mention, is that your surgeon requires it for you to get the surgery -- that would be quite motivating I'm sure. Anyhow, best of luck to all of you in getting through the challenging times!!

Had my 3rd fill yesterday. I now prop myself up on my elbows instead of laying flat, and watch the whole thing while carrying on a conversation about the weather, sports, etc.. He uses a very large bore needle, that has a open/shut valve between it and the syringe. He sticks it in the port, and pulls all the saline out of the band. Turns the little valve closing the needle off, then removes the syringe from the needle. I'm laying there as he examines the saline in the syringe with the needle sticking out of me like a pin cushion. He's basically measureing the volume taken from the band. He then replaces all the saline with fresh, plus a little more. Yesterday was 2 cc's more making a total of 8. He then re-attaches the syringe to the needle, opens the little petcock, and re-fills my band. After he pulls the needle out I hold pressure on the point with the alcohol swap, and walk down the hall to the Water cooler. I then have to drink the water in front of him to show him I'm fine. Then I'm on my way home. I have to say that mu port is right there under the skin. Not only can I feel/see the port, but also the small tube that runs from it for a few inches until it goes deep.

Well, the 2 concerns with alcohol are fizz and calories. So if you avoid beer or drinks mixed with soda you should be fine as long as you don't mind the "usless" calories in wine or other non carbonated beverages. I think a brothers wedding would be a good reason do take in a few extra calories!!! . Have fun!

Hi Everyone! I'm scheduled to be banded May 16th and I'm going to be a bridesmaid in my brother's wedding on May 29th. Well, I just went to my cousin's wedding this past weekend, while on the pre-op diet, and I didn't have anything to drink. Everyone was up dancing and having a good time and drinking and I was wishing I could join the party. I kept thinking the whole time-- I am SO drinking at my brother's wedding. I know I'll only be 13 days post-op, but do you think it will be unsafe to have one or two glasses of wine or non-fizzy mixed drinks? I know I should really ask my doc, but I'm afraid he'll say no, LOL. Anyway, I would love to hear from people about how long you waited or what your surgeons said. It's not that I NEED alcohol to have a good time or anything, but I think I would enjoy myself a little more if I could have one or two. Thanks! Mary

Yes liquids are a funny thing, I can down a 44 oz drink now in a few mins as long as no food is with it. Some foods like a ribeye now I can eat 4 oz and other softer foods I can get 6-8 oz. The restriction is still there a year out. As long as the surgeon does the work correctly you can expect long term restriction on solid foods, Liquids you have to be careful and stay away from any high calorie drinks or alcohol as they can run right through the sleeve.

When I first looked into the surgery I met with a surgeon around here and the nut. They said that they didn't want me drinking any caffeine whatsoever for the first year. The same was true for alcohol. I have no idea what Dr. Aceves will say but will soon find out. These things are not an issue for me because, I don't ever drink at all, haven't had a drink in many, many years and I rarely drink anything but Water. I love water! Renee, please do not ask me to sneak you a cup of coffee after your surgery! I won't do it!

You are not alone Khloe. A lot of us are struggling. I have done Ok but I am disappointed and depressed today too that I have not lost more and like you it's mostly my fault. It is truly a mind set that you have to have to push past your comfort zone. It is taking me longer than I thought but I refuse to give up. I had surgery , I cannot fail with this band. Perhaps you do need to go back to your surgeon and get a fill if you feel like you can eat more than you should. I have noticed that stuff that is not good for you are sliders and for the most part are sweets. Thankfully, I'm not into sweets but I do like food and I have been drinking alcohol more than I should. I will be having another fill at the end of this month and I am working on my mind set so that I can get back on the horse and follow the rules. Almost every successful bander will say that "Follow the rules" !! Today is a new day you can make a fresh start. So can I.

Renee, someone posted a pic on FB 2 days post op, in the hospital, with their lunch tray: SF Jell-O cup, chicken broth and Coffee! I have high hopes for drinking coffee post op - even if it is just a few tiny sips! I get the whole "caffiene dehydrates" but the ratio is like 2 cups Water for every 1 cup coffee. If we are taking maybe 5 sips of coffee, there shouldn't be any dehydration with the 60 oz of water we are supposed to drink daily. I am not a big alcohol drinker, so that part doesn't bother me However, if I want a drink post op, it will prob be something extremely light and only a few sips. I am not trying to pack the liquid pounds on -- Liz, I went to the Kaiser program in 2010 and was not told that. Did the Nut or the Dr tell you no coffee or liquor ever again? They did stress the crossover addictions and how liquor adds pounds easily. The more I read online, the more I realize, every Dr and/or every Bariatric group is so different in their views. The pre and post op diets vary, the heal time, the leak rates and even the hospital times vary. But if your Dr says No.. you can't really fight that without proof. Something had to make him/her say that. Good Luck

I was told I could have it "flat" if I wanted to, but there is really not much fun or joy in that (to me anyway!) So I quit cold turkey last Sept. and haven't touched the stuff since. For me it wasn't hard to do so I guess I wasn't a die hard addict to diet soda, I was a once a day type of diet soda drinker. Speaking of drinking, I also haven't touched alcohol since being sleeved and I have found that wasn't hard to do either. I guess it just depends on what works for you within your surgeon's guidelines. Good luck!

I think in the beginning they don't want you to have caffeine / coffee because it dehydrates you quickly and that's something that some people have a problem with. Alcohol also is a diuretic and can dehydrate you quickly, hence the hangover, add carbonation to it and your tummy and body are suddenly spiraling downward toward dehydration. BE CAREFUL! This is a whole new you and your shot at making your dreams a reality...make it happen and be proactive! I never touch alcohol (long story there) but I drink coffee and diet coke all day and night. I have the two next to me at all times and it's a horrible habit and one that will be hard to break . I've started drinking a gallon (yes a whole gallon) of Water a day and I hate hate HATE water but I want to be hydrated and ready for surgery and accustomed to drinking water afterwards. I've switched to caffeine free diet coke but still drink coffee. It's going to kill everyone here to drop those habits but we can do it. (someone tell me I can have coffee when I wake up from surgery please please please! *prays on bended knees*) LOL Renee`

I am glad to hear the update! I hate bras. I am barely an A now so it's really hard to find one I like. The little A bras are for little kids and they barely have any sides on them. I really like the Calcium citrate capsules that Pumpkin was talking about. I love the chocolate chews I get from bariatric advantage, but I don't like the sugar alcohol in them, so I get the rest of my calcium from the capsules. I get them at vitacost too. Vitacost is so great. You can get so much stuff there for much less money. I get my protein shakes and protein bars there as well as biotin shampoo! Free shipping if it's over $49 otherwise 4.99 shipping no matter what you order.

I had my first glass of wine this past weekend at 10 weeks out. I only had one glass of white wine. I drank it slow and did just fine. Fair warning: I have not struggled with anything I've ate or drank so far(besides bread- yuck!). So, I may not be the best person to go by. I was very thirsty the next day though. There have been a few threads about alcohol consumption in the past few months, you may want to search for those. Regardless of whether you get to have a drink, I hope you enjoy the heck out of the wedding! Amanda

I'm almost 1 month post op, so I'm just out the gate. I used to LOVE wine, but I've been a good girl and have had nada. I am a bridesmaid in an upcoming wedding and I REALLY want to imbue. Be honest. How have you dealt with alcohol? I don't want to go bananas and drink all night, but I'd sure like a glass of wine at the bachelorette party (this Sat) and one at the wedding (June 4). Go for it? One or the other? Avoid? Do you drink? Please put in your 2 cents.

It won't fill you up at all...and has no nutriton what do you mean? alcohol? soda? 2 margaritas or pina coladas is like 1500 calories... thats more than you are aloud all day.

Everything she said. Alcohol you should wait at least 6 weeks till your body is healed. Even now though alcohol is weird cause you are such a cheap drunk LOL

1. First and foremost, the word "only" should be removed when talking about weightloss. That is 10lbs gone, and hopefully 10lbs you'll never see again. While it may not seem like much, those "only 10lbs" soon add up to 50lbs, maybe 100lbs gone. So, congratulate yourself and take pride in the 10lbs you have lost thus far. You said it yourself. You're early out. The first 6-weeks are not about weightloss, it's about healing and allowing your body to heal inside. Stay off the scale for awhile. You won't gain weight, but during this time you may not lose any either, and that is perfectly normal. Even though you're doing everything right, keep in mind you didn't gain it all overnight, and you're not gonna lose it all overnight either. It takes a lot of time, patience, and will power. Keep in mind post 6 weeks, the average weightloss with the band is 1-2lbs a week. Some weeks you'll lose within the range, sometimes less, sometimes more, and sometimes none at all. I say this in almost every reply to most thread, remember, weightloss is not linear nor constant. Keep that in the back of your mind. Also remember that your weight can fluctuate 10lbs in one day. 2. Per the starving issue, focus on getting your Protein in. Protein really helps with hunger as does healthy dietary fats. The "full" feeling is personal. I feel full eating 1 cup of food, sometimes more. Others feel full eating 1/4 cup; it's all relative and differs from bandster to bandster. Not one of us here has the same "full" feeling. I personally don't seek it. I portion out my food, enjoy it, and then I'm done. Restriction usually isn't met on the first fill, but then again, restriction is all relative as well. I have no fill and have enough restriction to keep me satisfied for 2-3 hours; that's all I want/need. 3. Port pain can last for a few more weeks. The port is sewn to your abdominal muscle so it will take more time to heal/feel completely normal. Try using a heating pad. 4. I'm not sure alcohol this early out is safe, advisable, nor a wise choice. Just my 2 cents. Good luck!

Hey guys! I am new, just banded 3 weeks ago tomorrow. I weighed 227 at surgery, and I am pretty sure I am basically the same weight. Maybe down ten pounds or so. I don't like weighing myself because I feel discouraged when I see the scale hasn't really moved. Anyone else slow to lose? I am freaking out! I know this is early still, but you all know how it feels. I am doing everything they told me to, eating soft foods or chewing thoroughly, and making healthy choices. Fish, yogurt, cottage cheese, potatoes, low fat milk, multi Vitamins, Calcium supplements. I guess I just feel like I should have lost a LOT more weight by now.....3 weeks eating half the normal calories I used to......I'm annoyed. Also, I am STARVING! I am pretty sure I could keep eating just like I always did. When can I expect to feel full? I was thinking maybe after my 1st fill which is in like 2 weeks.... Any thoughts? Also, how long did your ports hurt? Mine is on my right (which also worries me, was there something wrong with my left?) and is STILL sore. It hurts to sleep on my side, and at the end of long days, I am super sore at my port incision. Final question, how is alcohol now for you guys? Haven't had any drinks yet but am going on vacation this weekend.

Hormones, and metabolism play a big role in that "honeymoon" phase. The first 6 months, the sleeve hasn't typically matured to full capacity, so weight loss is hell of a lot easier because there just isn't room for mush of anything except Protein. Of course, if you continue to make all the "right" decisions, you continue to follow all the rules for the first 12-18 months, you'll continue to lose weight, but more often than not, sleeve size changes, more food goes in, old habits creep back in, and poor food choices seem to be the culprit. Also, metabolic changes occur once the weight comes off. As for losing weight after goal, I've found it to be pretty easy. That might not always be the case, but I can pinpoint a solid gain(not Water weight) to my indulgences typically with alcohol and social eating which I do a lot. . For me, I have yet to have trouble losing weight. Even in the pregnancy, I've lost a few pounds when I was concerned about the rate of gain I was seeing on the scale. Just my $0.02 worth on the "honeymoon phase" of WLS.