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Why can't you have alcohol. I am only 12 weeks banded but I have had alcohol twice (a friend's birthday party and New Years Eve) with no problems. You just have to be accountable for the calories and make choices about what you are willing to do (either accept the weight gain or work it off). No whining if you don't lose weight the week you chose to drink alcohol.

I would water it down. One of the things they told us in the preop class I went to was that alcohol is absorbed much quicker, so a 1/2 glass is like a couple of glasses previously as far as affect.

Great posts Spartan! Thanks for taking time to give me your advice. I do my work out on the total gym so it is not cardio. I do workout every night about 1 to 1½ hours but it is all on the total gym not cardio. I have some DVD's that I am going to get started on this week. They are all cardio, I think that will help me greatly. I do not drink milk my Surgeon recommended that I stayed away from it, no problem as I do not like it anyway. I do eat Carbwise yogurt though. My downfall is vegetables I can barely stand any of them except the ones that are not good for you.. I have thought about getting a juicer and eat my protien and drink my veggies and they would be fresh that way. Would that work? I am not worried about hunger as I lost my hunger months ago except head hunger at night. I know I do not need a fill as I had to have a small unfill several month ago after being too tight for about 6 month. It did not change much except all of my food stays down now. I am going to really try to add more veggies and do some cardio and I may have my answer. I do not drink any alcohol nor have I for about 25 years. I also try to stay away from cheese and nuts. I know everyone eats them but my surgeon told me not to as they will hinder weightloss in some people and I do not miss those 2 things. Thanks so much for you help. I will let you know when those pounds start dropping. I think the cardio is really going to work. Such a simple answer! Cheri

I understand your dilema. I have a weekly girls outing at the local bar for open mic night and a variety of fried food chicken wings, cat fish, french fries, onion rings, etc. I was never a heavy drinker so I would always order a pepsi, well now I can't do that. It took some adjusting but you can do it. The best thing is to eat before you go, or at least have a protein shake. That will stop you from being hungry and will curb your desire to munch. Having never liked beer, i can't tell you what a good substitution is, but you can always add a shaker to your water bottle for a little extra taste.have fruit juice or some other type of drink to get you by. I often order cranberry juice at the bar so it looks like i have a coctail when I really don't and the juice is good for you anyway in moderation. The reason they say not to drink is you have less food in your stomach, and your stomach is smaller, so you will absorb the alcohol much faster and once you're tipsy/drunk you will make poor decisions including what to eat. I've learned each doctor's recommendations are different so follow your doctor's advice.

Crod; A few things come to mind. First, congrats on your success. MANY Band Patients do not make it to those last 15. You have done very, very well. First, you said you exercise, but you did not specify what KIND of exercise you do. In a later post you agreed that you should start doing cardio. If you have not been doing much or any cardio up to this point, then you really have not been working out. Cardio is KEY to losing weight. You should spend most of the hour you dedicate to exercise on cardio, with your pulse in the correct range. That might be all you need to shed those pounds. Also, you said that you ate correctly %99 percent of the time, but you did not specify what exactly that means. To many people on this forum, "eating correctly" means having only ONE Snickers instead of 3. I have stated many times on this forum that it is the constant, small decisions we make in what we eat that will determine whether or not we are totally successful. I seem to continually get into arguments here with people on the subject of alcohol. I won't open that debate here, but in fact those couple of glasses of wine that many people have at dinner or bedtime might be inhibiting their weight loss. I saw a post recently where one member (LeighaMason, I believe) had difficulty losing her last 10 or 15 pounds. When she cut out her glass of wine, the weight came off. It is NOT always a matter of Calories in/calories burned…..different types of food have different effects on your METABOLISM. Alcohol is one of them. I am not suggesting that this is your problem, but I would encourage you to take a serious look at what you are consuming. Culturally, we are very conditioned to think that certain things are "good" for us, when in fact they are ONLY good for the people who SELL them. Milk, for instance, is one of those foods. We are the only creatures on earth who continue to consume milk after we have been weaned from our Mothers, and with all of the hormones and drugs that the dairy animals are given to promote growth (and profits), there is a good possibility the Milk we consume can be, in fact be having a detrimental effect on us. Most of the positive nutrients in Milk are destroyed during the homogenization process, so you're not getting much nutrition from your Milk, but you ARE getting some fat, calories, and other things that are NOT desirable. You can get all the Calcium you need from a small serving of vegetables. So, I would encourage to you take a close look at what you are eating. There might be some things that you can change that will make a difference. You have done very well, so you must be eating fairly well. I suspect, though, that adding in as much cardio as possible in the exercise program will be of great benefit, in a number of ways. Cardio is tough to get going on, but after you have done it for a while, you will begin to look forward to it. Best of luck; keep us posted! S.

There is always non-alcoholic beer! The weight loss is really more important, but you are a grown up and your priorities are your own.

Lori/Great -- you DD's MIL is simply a control freak and is being ridiculous. You should e-mail her and tell her neither you or your DD are the hostesses and you do not feel you have the right to ask the hostess to change the date/place. Tell her she is welcome to attend, but if she must send her regrets, YOU will forgive her. What is wrong with people??? I feel so sorry for your DD to have to put up with this woman. Is she an alcoholic or a drug addict? With people like her you must be very direct and don't beat around the bush - if she can't forgive you /your daughter than that's her problem and her problem only. I know it's tough but you gotta hold your own now or it'll only get worse - especially after the baby is born. Your DD needs to take hold of the lasso and rope this woman into reality. She is the one that's nuts, not your dd. Hugs, Linda

Who said you need to break up with Alcohol? I did not have any alcohol during pre-op and about three weeks after... But that was it!! The hardest part was before... because you feel fine - you are just hungry . Afterwards ( post op ) you will have no desire to drink, or at least I did not. And when I did have a drink in a social setting, I was kind of afraid.. for a couple reasons.. I had dropped a ton of weight in a short time - so how was it gonna effect me and I had not eaten any "real food" so was it gonna get me wasted? Which believe me was not my goal.. But now, as I have become more comfortable with my band ( banded Sept 1 ) I can enjoy the occasional cocktail.. In doing so though I do see a difference in the scale... but I am ok with that. I am a firm believer that you can NOT stop living... however appreciate your band and take care of it and you!! Just think... you will be a cheap date!!! My hubby loves that!! ha ha Good Luck!!

Okay, so dh and I have been known to socialize once a week with our dear friends. We just hang around, talk, watch football games, play board games, listen to great music...the usual. How on earth is this going to fly post-band? I know I can survive not eating the munchies but no drinking at all? I understand I have to break up with beer but do I have to break up with all alcohol? Does it really mess up your weight loss or is it just unhealthy for you (which I know it is). I can survive without it as I'm not addicted or anything but I imagine it is going to be tough sitting there and sipping water. Which brings me to another issue... How can I drink 64 oz of water if I have to only sip it (and NOT from a straw?). I mainly only drink water (except read above...hehehe) so I don't have soda to get over and I don't regularly drink coffee either. When I drink a glass of water I drink it kind of quickly which I hear I can no longer do. These are not deal breaker issues. I'm very anxious to get my surgery and begin my new life. I'm just worried that those certain things will be very hard.

Elise I am 26yrs old and prior to my surgery I would go out to clubs often, 2 of my friends are club promoters so I go with them to help them out and also being with them you meet alot of people so those are our possible new customers when we open new night clubs. These guys know I have had the procedure done and they are very supportive of my decision of my new life so now when I go out to the clubs I walk around meeting new possible customers yeah i'll have a drink in my hand.... but its a non-alcoholic but hey the other person doesn't know that i'll ask the bartender for Water over ice with a wedge of lime or orange or a cherry or pinneaple so it looks like th real deal. Now that I have lost 40plus pounds girls are more easily approachable and honestly I have gotten more customers/possible customers for my guys. Dating its gotten easier.. I have no idea why im still my self Going out to dinner... its easy depending on the restaurants but many restaurants will help you out with just small sides. Like last night I went to the movies and went to dennys after I had 1 scrambled egg with a small side of mashed potatoes with a side of salsa... Everything is possible you just need to use your imagination a little, that's what I do.

I know this has been discussed to death on here but....... Why do people feel that banding or GBP is "cheating" or not really losing weight? How is this tool any different from WW or JC or South Beach? If obesity is medical condition why should treatment for it be viewed differently than treating any other disease or addiction? If there was a surgery to curb alcoholism or drug addiction would people poo-poo that as cheating? UGH People are so ignorant. The worst part is that this attitude comes mostly from other obese people. Tad of the green-eyed monster I suspect. Not just over the weight loss, but at the decision to take control over this. Aaarghhh! GRUMBLE GRUMBLE..... Thank You-Rant over.

From the Dakota Voice My emphasis added. You show that you are against personal responsibility all the time. From wanting to further the liberal agenda of making more people dependent upon the government instead of themselves, to constantly blaming others for problems and crimes that are committed by an individual. As far as you saying, it's funny that I know someone that knows someone that abused the system, that statement would be wrong. The person who I was talking about is a very close friend. And to be perfectly honest, I don't really blame him for collecting unemployment when he's perfectly capable of finding another job, he'd have to work his butt off to just break even with what the government gives him for free. Why work 2 or 3 crap jobs 40-60 hours a week to break even with the handout your getting? As for the bartender story, I didn't say it never happened, I said I had never heard of it. Now that I have I've lost even more faith in country. Who would you all have blamed if he had gotten drunk at home and killed someone? The liquor store who sold him too much alcohol for one person to safely drink? Bars and drunks go hand in hand. Bars serve people who are intoxicated, probably more than they serve people who are sober. Have you ever been in a bar? If bars didn't serve intoxicated patrons they would all go out of business. The only thing that bartender should allowed to be charged with is serving alcohol after hours. I just don't understand the thinking behind blaming someone else for another's actions. About the only time I would agree with holding someone else partially responsible for another's actions is with a child. And I use that term loosely. When a "child" reaches 15 or 16 in most states they can be charged as adult for various crimes, at which point I no longer think we should hold the parents liable. Personal responsibility and accountability, seem to have no meaning to the left, and this case, where before anyone even knew the killers name, and the left was already throwing blame at the tea party is a perfect example.

I think you'll do it. I'm a couple of months away from surgery with insurance requirements and am completely resigned to doing this and sometimes am down-right excited. My group gave me a book called, The Skinny about Weight Loss and it addresses some of your concerns. I've told my friends and am stopping alcohol, trying to get to 62 oz of water a day and so on.....I think once I made the decision, told people, and then pretty much developed an attitude about just pressing on and not worrying over the people not especially on board with my decisions. I think having a LOT of requirements beforehand is a very good thing. This week I'll go to my first Sleeve Support group. I, too, rely on these posts for information. They are so comforting and I've learned so much! You'll do the right thing. If it's right for you, tell your friends. I didn't ask for support or approval, but told them it's what I've decided is right for me ---and that after a LONG time considering this! Good luck!

I just want to say that we still need to be nice to people who are not nice to us. The best revenge is living well. I love when someone asks a question already asked because I can relate to them and maybe help them. I am not really hungry. I do eat more than I should but I am working on my issues with food. I know I need to work with my issues with alcohol, but hey I am 21 and want to have fun. I know that eventually I will lose my weight. Let's be nice, no matter how experienced we are. The world is tough on us as it is we need to support each other completely.

I'm talking about the shooter, all signs, as of now, point to him being a crazy left winger, mad that she is not liberal enough. As of now, no one, except the father is linking anything to the tea party or and tea party people. I wasn't aware of us holding bar tenders responsible for drunks drinking too much. Personal responsibility, I know libs hate it, but its something that has to find it's way back into our society or we'll continue falling apart. I literally had to read that post like 5 or 6 times to get my head around you saying that. A drunk kills someone and you blame the bartender? Are you kidding me. What if he got drunk at home? Do you blame the Jack Daniels company? Or Grey Goose? I've not heard of any bartenders being help accountable for a drunk killing someone. The most I've seen in that aspect is when a minor kills someone while under the influence, the police will go after whomever they got the alcohol from. Personal responsibility, again. If a 17, 18, 19 year old is capable of making choices on their own, I don't think that anyone should be responsible for their actions except for them. Why are you so against PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY? It doesn't make any sense to me. Will you also want to go after the gun maker and ammunition maker of the weapon and bullets that killed these people? There is not plenty of blame to go around, there is blame on the person who pulled the trigger, period. The only arrogance I've seen is from the people saying that this is something that it is not. To demand an apology from anyone other than the shooter is arrogant, and ridiculous.

Hello everyone. I've been absent from the forums for a while, I got a bunch of great information and asked a few questions which got me through the decision + the stages to be able to eat again. I was a self pay so the process was much easier than I expected. Psychology wise, I've adapted to the new lifestyle pretty well. I have my moments where I'd really like to eat something shouldn't. Anyhow, I'm fairly impressed with my progress, if not a little shocked. I'm currently around 55 lbs lost in about 12 weeks. I certainly didn't think it would come off this quick and I'm expecting it to slow. My original goal is ~120 lbs down, actually, anything near 200 would be awesome. Most importantly, I don't let things go to my head. Even with Thanksgiving and a wedding in the span of four days, I kept myself on the straight and narrow. During the holidays I just kept saying to myself that I wanted to have a whole new wardrobe by next Christmas. I did indulge a bit, had alcohol, had some sweets. I find I can't eat many breads, few pastas, and that's fine with me -- probably where I got most of my calories. I'm stepping up the physical activity over the next few months. I had no delusions about it coming off, it will, I'm just going to work as hard as I can to make it happen. Anyway, I hope the New Year is treating you all well. So far, I haven't even had a fill yet, the doctor is happy with the progress. Any advice from anyone in the same place as me? Anything you'd do differently? I'm not over confident, if anything I'm the opposite. I will tell you, it feels great to eat so little compared to what I did and feel full. I'm not sure if I can say with any assurance that I could ever feel full before surgery. I was either starving of stuffed, not "full". My best to you all. John

My palette changed on a whole raft of formerly favorite foods postOp. I can't report on alcohol tastes as I had to jettison that decades ago due to diabetes. Many articles of what I've read supports the occasional drink, and it seems some successful Bandsters have included such in their life styles. Learning how to treat our own community members as we learn how to function in our New Lives is an added benefit LBT encourages. It is a world full of differing opinions and standards of behavior. Learning how to disagree without being disagreeable is a beneficial goal for all of us.

My surgeon basically said that after the wound healing, it is "just a liquid". He didn't spell it out, didn't give me anything in writing, but the way I understood it is that it is discouraged for a couple of reasons. 1. It is high in empty useless calories. 2. Most people make dumb decisions after drinking which is bad in general but after surgery, you can hurt your pouch if you gorge on crap. 3. It is difficult to get in 64 oz. of liquid and if you fill up on booze it may prevent you from drinking good and hydrating liquids. 4. Last but not least they are DOCTORS and no doctor will ever tell you "Sure, go ahead and drink alcohol". Saying no to alcohol is part of every doctor's "party line", together with "don't smoke", "exercise", and "drink plenty of water" (among others). Take from this what you like :-)

I have had a few drinks here and there since having surgery.... I have steered clear of all carbonated beverages since surgery so that its not too overwhelming! ..... I am over 3 months out from surgery and I have had some alcoholic drinks about 4 times MAX....

My doctor group says alcohol of any kind goes straight to your liver and one becomes a "cheap drunk" real fast. My friends who've had any of the surgeries pretty much gave up alcohol. I quit a week ago to get the idea in my head before surgery in April....

drinks? You bettya. I don't drink every night or every week, but I will go out and enjoy with my friends or husband. I usually stick with wine but also will occassionally have a beer. I did some internet searching and vodka is the lowest calorie and I will have that with club soda or have a vodka gimlet. (vodka with lime juice) Answering some questions above, sure alcohol is empty calories. Sure, you can compare it to eating Cookies but there isn't FAT in a vodka and club soda. Plus, depriving myself feels like a diet and I am not on a diet. I am changing my lifestyle and that for me means not having a drink with sugar like a Pina Colada and instead changing to vodka and club. People with WLS can't live in a bubble--we need to learn to live in our society which would occassionally mean going to a social event. It's how we maneuver though these social events that makes or breaks us. So, I say bottoms up, with limitations. (meaning I would not do that every night)

I think the reason my nutritionist stated no alcohol any more was more the empty calories than anything. Call yours and ask the specific reason to be sure. As for the carbonation, i was told to stay away due to the gas pain it can cause. Not a problem here as we don't drink much soda to begin with. Had a sip or two of the hubby's beer last month and i know i don't need that any more. Just didn't taste the same. As for wine & other alcoholic drinks, i think only you can know if those empty calories are worth it. Are you in control of your diet? Can you just have one socially now & then? If you can, then why not. Might mean an extra trip to the gym or a little pre-planning before the event with your diet. Realistically, i am one of those persons that believes if you forbid all empty calories, eventually you are going to want to cave just because you know you shouldn't. If I can do moderation and just sample something now & then, i'm good with that. However, if you know you are the type to fall off the wagon very quickly, then i would look long and hard before taking that step. You need to know your strengths and weaknesses. One of my weakness.....cream cheese fill cupcakes. I love them & can eat them like nothing. Of course my youngest has a birthday this week & wants those in cake form for his family party. NOT happening. So instead i'm making 24 cupcakes that morning & sending them into school with a note saying "throw extras away, do not send home!". Temptation avoided. For his family party he's getting homemade ice cream cake made from fat free cookies, fat free ice cream and fat free cool whip. They've NEVER known the difference & I can have a sliver & not feel guilty.

Alcohol intake in access amount will definitely affect on ones oral health. That's why Dentists Carlisle PAsuggested to avoid alcohol in accessive amount.

My doctor has never said no to alcohol. He even said beer is ok if your not at full restriction. For me I stick to wine or mixed drinks were I can add more of the juice or Water to make sure I dont get tipsy too fast. Sometimes I have baileys and coffee or with milk, wine, cran vodka etc. My doc knows I drink and says it is ok as long as it is not all the time. Some docs are different and say no alcohol because it is empty calories.

I hate to be an ex smoker and to preach..I quit smoking 4 1/2 years ago when I got pregnant with my son and now I can't stand the smell of it. I am allergic to caffeine so I am like an alcoholic with that..I have been caffeine free since June 6, 1990 (my sobriety date LOL). Anyway there is no better time than now or as soon as you get banded to quit. I always feared gaining weight before but with the band it will keep you on track. Also, before one of my smoking friends got banded I asked my surgeon straight out what damage does smoking do...he looked at me straight in my eyes after I convinced him I wasn't going to start again (I have known my surgeon for 5 years now)..he said erosion & ulcers and you never want to go through that so if "you" can convince your friend to quit do what it takes but have her quit as soon as possible. As for the caffeine headaches...when I went through the withdrawals (I was drinking on average 8 mountain dews a day) I had cold sweats, chills and massive headaches for 5-7 days but after that I started living a normal life without have peaks and gutters throughout the day. Once I balanced out my attitude and temper were also balanced were as before the amount of caffeine played so much of a factor I didn't even know until I didn't have it. When people say they don't function until they have their coffee...it is really the caffeine but once they learn to live without it it is amazing how balanced they are without that "java". I wish you the very best on your journey!!