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Now it seems that people just dont know how to search the forums to find an answer to their question and repeat the same question so here I am laying it all out for ya as simple as I can: Its all normal!!!!!!! Gas? Yes you will have gas, your stomach will growl, talk, make noises you never heard, be loud enough for the neighbors to hear it. The gas will go away within a few days or by the first week. You may never get rid of gas. It may always be there. The band changes your digestive flow causing GAS. Put gas x on your grocery list. Pain? Yes you will have pain. It is just not an option. To what degree you have it is up to everyone. Your port site will however be sore longer than any of the other sites can take up to a couple months to feel completely pain free. One day post op pain, two three four days post op pain. You may have pain for two weeks. Sore Throat? You may have a sore throat after surgery because they put a tube down your throat while you are sleeping. Nausea? Most bariatric patients wake up nauseated. This is common it should not last. Have them put a patch behind your ear before you go in to surgery. However if you throw up unstoppable for more than you think is normal then call your doctor. Problems? If you feel you are having a medical issue call your doctor. That is what they are there for. We are not medical professionals and can not diagnose medical issues. Band slippage? If your band slips you will have uncontrolable vomiting. Not because you can eat more than normal. HUNGER? When the swelling from surgery goes down you will BE HUNGRY. HUNGER IS SOMETHIING THAT NEVER STOPS ITS IS NATURAL FOR YOUR BODY TO TELL YOU WHEN TO EAT. You may get fuller faster but you will still get hungry. Shoulder pain? If your pain persist more than normal you could and probably are eating too much. You have a nerve that goes from your stomach to our left shoulder and the band presses on it. Signal STOP EATING. Head Hunger? You need to realize that the band will not control head hunger it just wont. If your stomach is growling you are hungry eat. If you just feel empty drink. If your not roaring then you are not hungry. Restriction? You may or may not have it from the beginning. If you dont you may need a fill 6 weeks post op. Weight loss? It is not going to be fast. Im sure you were told slow but steady and then maybe not steady after a while. Its all about you, your metabolism and your ability to stick to the diet. Diet? The lap band is a diet and if you dont think it is then dont get it because it is a diet/life style change. You can not continue to eat the way you did before surgery and think you will lose weight because you wont. Nothing taste better in your mouth than being thin. Soda and carbonation? Drink it if you want to expand your pouch otherwise stay clear of carbonated beverages. Alcohol. Although alcohol will not hurt your band the empty calories will hurt your weight loss so dont attempt it. One leads to two. If you are steady losing weight I dont suggest getting a fill. Only get a fill if your not losing weight, overly hungry but if you eat enough Protein you should stay fuller longer, and or gain back weight. If you keep losing weight you do not need a fill. Why put yourself through that when it is not necessary. Fluids? You need to drink 64 oz of fluids after surgery whether you want to or not or risk being dehydrated. Dehydration means IV"s if you love needles then dont drink after surgery. Bread? Some may never be able to eat bread ever. Some may. Same with Pasta and rice. Exercise? Its entirely up to you whether you want to excersise or not. The band alone is not going to do it. It is a tool and that is all it is to teach you portion control. If you do not use it as a tool then you will not lose weight. If you are severely overweight wait until you feel comfortable doing some type of excersise. Eat protein first with all your meals then add the other things you will find out you wont need so much of the other things. Anyone want to add anything else I forgot then please do. I am not being smart just trying to answer all the questions in one place.

each doctor is different. my doc told me no soda or alcohol for 3 months post-op. i drink diet soda now... 1 or 2 cans a day... and my stomach gurgles like its hungry when it passes thru the band. i get a lot of funny looks lol

first off, let me say CONGRATULATIONS!!! Soon you will be a new person. . .now for your answer. . . on my part (and this doesn't mean it'll be like this for you) I'm out 1 year now and am now comfortable with my new tummy. . I can actually eat more about 1200 calories well balanced meals. . I can drink sodas, alcohol, water, whatever i want 8 oz glasses without a problem (not gulping though) I have no problem drinking 64oz of fluids. . .I can eat whatever except steak, that hurts still. . . but it's a learning process. . . you didn't become fat overnight, but your expected to relearn overnight. . .literally. . . it's a learning process and you will eventually learn what hurts from what doesn't. . . just follow doctor orders and you'll do fine. . we are all here for you as well. . .so chat about whatever and remember the only stupid question is the one not asked. . . so ask away that is what we are here for.! Good luck to you!

http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/11607-i-have-a-question-about-alcohol/page__p__99986__hl__alcohol__fromsearch__1#entry99986 There is another topic with lots of information, and other people's experiences.

It's probably best to ask your doctor, they all seem to have a different date in mind for when you can begin exercising, eating mushy food, eating solid food, and when you can drink alcohol. I can say that beer, or carbonated drinks in general, should probably be at the bottom of your list since the bubbles will fill you up (and expand in your stomach). If you're going to drink you may want to try wine or a mixed, non-carbonated drink first to see how you can handle it. I'm only 3 weeks and probably shouldn't be drinking yet but on New Year's eve I had a vodka and cranberry and Crown & Ginger (setting the ginger ale out in a glass a couple hours early to let it go flat).

Hi Elise, You have asked some very good questions! I'll be honest, it will take time for you to figure this all out! I hope you get some good responses! As far as parties go, people don't really notice what you are eating. I actually find I enjoy my food more now. I'll just have a little taste of everything. The one on one restaurant thing can be a little tricky, but there is usually something on the menu I can have. If you are looking to eat "healthy" while out dining, which I know we all should, I look toward the Soups and anything crunchy. I have to admit the things I pick out usually are not healthy, but I don't go out to dinner very much. We are all different and toleratae foods differently. I find people are very understanding and have not had any issues. I do find my friends actually feed "bad" for me having to leave so much food. I often do not take a doggy bag, as the food is just NOT the same warmed over, but that is a personal thing. As far as alcohol, I have had the occasional drink, but not to excess. I will have an occasional glass of wine mixed with club soda, fruit juice, etc. I know this is shunned on, but a few times a year has not hurt me. Good luck! I cant' wait to see the responses to this great question!

Hi everyone I am new to this and am 6 weeks post sleeve doing ok i think would love to know if i can drink alcohol, in moderation ofcourse. I have a family party to go to this month and was wondering has anyone got any advise, my drink normally is bottle lager, or am i being to ambitious. Thanks for any help

Well, I think we have found that there are various explanations. My nutritionist said 3 months out (or 6, I forgot, lol). When I asked the surgeon directly, he said the staples have to heal but at the same time he said that after that it is just a liquid - albeit a highly caloric liquid. What I took from that is: Nutritionist doesn't want us to drink alcohol because it has too many calories (and can possibly lead to unwise eating when tipsy) Surgeon says that the suture wounds should heal (I assume a tequila shot on my internal raw flesh post-surgery wounds may not be recommended) Surgeon said that after that it is a simple liquid (not sure about Everclear though, lol) I had small glasses of white wine about 6 weeks out (the sample glasses from the wineries) I had a few cocktails around the holidays (about 8 weeks out) I try to restrict it simply for caloric reasons

Sooo glad I found this post, alcohol is the only my doctors won't give me a clear answer on:( Loved to hear all of your experience! I am three to five months out from surgery (depending on insurance). I used to be a party girl but now that I have graduated college, I only drink on the weekends. Very glad I won't have to give up alcohol completely:)

Yes, you can drink as you can with any WLS type. It's typically recommended to wait until you are goal, or at least 3 months out to allow adequate time for your stomach to heal. Plus, staying hydrated is key during the first 2-4 weeks so adding alcohol to the mix is just wasted calories, and is a diuretic essentially it's just wasteful to drink early out. Your surgeon will have guidelines. While some surgeons are super conservative, they'll tell their patients 6-12 months wait for alcohol. I was cleared for alcohol at 3.5 months. I was advised to avoid red wines due to the tannins (acid), and have been drinking since around 6.5 months out. I was below goal. I will tell you that the first time I drank. It hit me hard and fast. One glass of wine, and I had slurred speech, numb lips, and overall not pleasant after just one drink. I sobered up quickly as well. Today, at 19 months out, I drink extremely socially. My alcohol tolerance is back to what it was pre-op. The one thing I have noticed is that I urinate 4 times the amount I did pre-op. Once I break the seal, I'm in the potty every hour. It runs right through me, and I have to really drink heavily to get drunk. Catching and maintaining a buzz is much easier now, but early out, 1-2 glasses of wine and I was pretty buzzed then it'd leave me pretty quickly and there was no fun in that.

I think yoga would be be fine no problems.I have never stopped drinking since i got my band and have had no problems i drink cider and whisky not in the same glass right enough.lol Im not in to sweets and crisps to much so my alcohol is my treat. Its just learning when you have had too much to eat im stil pb or being sick if i eat to much its just learning when to stop.

I love love love my surgery....I have lost 59lbs...I didn't make 60 before the end of the year....but hey, I lost a lb in Vegas....so I can't complain..... My surgery was in July, in Mexico with Dr. Corvala....I also was set on VSG until I read about this procedure.....you can't go wrong with Dr. Watkins in the US or in Mexico I am a Corvala fan... You can read my story, and see pictures on my blog, it's in my signature line....PM if you have any specific questions or if you just want to know more.... I am in the process of moving from California to Florida so I am on and off the boards, but will be around..... I have never puked or slimed...I feel full without feeling "thanksgiving" full for the first time in my life, and with about a cup of food. I eat everything and drink everything...there are things I don't like anymore...scrambled eggs, diet coke, coke zero, or any carbonated bevy (I do have a beer or champagne on occasion)....I drink alcohol (vodka and crystal light) with a straw.....I have been on vacation, I go out to dinner, and I live a normal life....the difference is that now I eat like all my "skinny" friends...I leave stuff on my plate and don't feel guiilty...left overs are awesome and have been a $$ savings....my grocery bill is down.... It is a journey and you have to research....but if I am so glad I did this...down almost 60 I have about 40-50 to go....yay!~

You can not have aspirin long term but once for a headache will not put a whole in your pouch. You just can not take it regularly I take furicet when I have a headache and I have taken Ibuprophen I just dont take it daily about once every other month. Caffeine is also only something you shouldnt have for three months post op. I drink coffee everyday for the last nine months and no problem. Drs tell you things to never do well you should never have the Heimlich Maneuver done on you after a banding but are you gonna die so you dont get your band knocked out of place NO. You can not take Drs so literally. Never is a long time and if I have a bad enough headache I am not spending a fortune in the ER for them to give me the same thing only in IV form. Everything in moderation. They tell you never to drink alcohol either. Yeah sure everyone listens to that one. They tell you dont smoke with the band, dont drink, come on common sense folks if you take aspirin or excedrin take it with food and not on an empty stomach just dont take it a gazillion times a day for the rest of your life.

I didn't quit prior to surgery, but did after. I can tell you that the lack of physical hunger really helps you not eat to replace the habit of smoking. Remember, giving up food is very temporary, giving up alcohol is also necessary, and giving up cigs, well I have quit and gone back to it 3 times since my revision. If you have addictive personality, like I do, then I recommend getting into a support group, and really find another coping mechanism for those tough times. Maybe you'll be one of the lucky ones that picks up exercise/working out as a transfer addiction. I picked up shopping, and luckily I'm extremely frugal, and it hasn't impacted us financially.

I'm new to the boards here, and have not had my initial consult with the surgeon yet. I'm scheduled to go in on 1/18 and I will be cash pay as our insurance has an exclusion for any WLS. I want to have surgery ASAP, but I have some fears. I'm just this week trying to quit smoking. Started Chantix last week and Friday is my full on quit date. I have smoked for 30 yrs. I know I have to give it up for my health, and for surgery but I'm really scared about giving up cigarettes, alcohol and most food in a short period of time. anyone else out there that had to quit prior to surgery?

I had my surgery four weeks ago to and probably could eat the same way that i did before, but I choose not to. I paid cash outta pocket for my band so maybe that is more a motivator, but this is a last ditch effort. I couldn't do with conventional diets and I couldn't keep it off with fad diets so this was it. Just because an alcoholic can still drink doesn't mean that they should. The fact that you are willing to risk damage to yourself after the surgery should open your eyes to the fact that you have an addiction to food. Are you seeing a therapist?

I really agree about finding out what pushes you towards eating. I was taking with female family members once and we agreed that our male relatives are alcoholics go for alcohol; but when we are upset we don't look for alcohol we say "What can I eat". I like Cereal esp. lucky charms and count chocula; odd huh? I can't buy them; for me they are like beer for an alcoholic. I can't stop. Ice cream means nothing for me. I've hosted family birthday parties and ended up with a freezer full of ice cream. My mother came 2 much later and said "Is this from 2 months ago? Yeh, just does'nt grab me. Planning is also important. Be prepared. Will you be out shopping and need to delay having lunch? Keep a Ready to Drink Protein shake in your car. That way you can have a high protein, low cal snack and not be ravenously hungry when you get home.

Most doctors say no carbonation alcoholic or not. Other than that just the calorie count which is high

My doctor had no problems with alcohol or carbonated beverages other than the carbonated might cause pain. I rarely drink but I did have a couple glasses of champagne on Christmas day. .

I was banded November 23, 2010. I am not a huge alcohol drinker, however I do like to go out with friends for drinks every now and then. I was told no alcohol. Is there any other reason why I should not have a beer or a mixed drink other than the fact that there is no nutritional value? I am also very careful with my sugar intake so I would watch that with the mixed drinks. Suggestions anyone???

i'm on the opposite side of the spectrum... my doctor said no carbonation or alcohol for 3 months then after that time period it was fine. i drink 1 or 2 cans a day plus my Water. i've had absolutely no problems except for a gurgling noise when the soda passes thru the band that sounds like my stomach is growling. i'm almost 3 years post op.

I have heard some doctors do a blood test to determine whether someone is smoking. There is a chemical in your blood from the nicotene. Some doctors have been known to cancel the surgery. I am not unsymathetic to your case. My brother is a recovering alcoholic and he says tobacco is the hardest thing to give up. He has given up both pot and alcohol. At AA meetings they have coffee and cigs and the room is blue from the smoke.

Don't know if you are still here to read another response, but to answer your question yes my taste buds seem to be different. And my nose! food is more intense in flavor, seems to have too much salt, and there are days when everything stinks -- smells like fish. My beloved coffee, now decaf, tasted like poison for a while and occasionally still does. I don't drink, so cant comment on that specifically. I do hope the nurse told you a smaller amount of alcohol will have a bigger effect now that you are banded. But it sounds like you did ok, anyway. Typing here, just like emails, can be hard to put into words exactly what you mean to communicate--especially since no one can hear your tone, hesitation, or inflections. And can be interpreted and misunderstood so easily and hard feelings created when none of that is intended. I think this thread went downhill fast and Im sorry about that. I think most people who post here, including those who try to voice their concerns for fellow banders decisions, are trying their best to be supportive. And are actually very supportive and compassionate people when someone else reaches out. My advice for all banders is to give yourself the very best foundation for success possible right from your first consultation with the doctor. Ive had trouble letting my favorite old habits encroach on my new lifestyle and regretted allowing that to happen--for me it only took one time to roll right back into the very thing Ive gone to such extreme lengths to change! Im halfway to my goal, feeling really good about that, on a roll -- and just last week my doctor told me we have a long way to go. Im not letting that comment discourage me; he knows it gets tough after the honeymoon. I can only hope Im tougher So I hope you are able to get the support you want for the long haul and hang in there no matter what! ~hiddn

As a new year starts I am sure we all have a wonderful list of things we think of as "New Years Resolutions"-- or whatever... I decided that I only have one this year- to drink more water every day... This should help with weight loss since it will cut out more sodas/teas and keep me feeling "full"... Obviously losing weight is a goal of mine for the year.... I will be re-evaluating my "to-do" list from the surgeons to get the ball rolling more on the lap-band situation.... I have another Support group to go to (which, If I can be honest.. yes it's nice to get out of the house- and sometimes I have to be "forced" to do so because my depression makes it hard for me to do to so.... but it really is kind of a joke- very few people there are actully post-op, most of them are like me- there as a required pre-op...) but anyways... on my to-do list-- another suport group, the exercise class, and then the $275 program fee and lap-band education class....Oh, and the hardest, quit smoking for good. It is so frustrating to know that really, *I* am what's stopping me- if I could quit smoking, "cold turkey", then I would have months ago... but, I am doing what I can to get the quit smoking goal accomplished... and it shouldn't be too long... Last year-year and a half I probably packed on 30-40 pounds.... WTF?! I cant even begin to express how sickened I am by this... I feel like such a effing loser... I dont even want to discuss how grossed out and disappointed I am- in myself... I know the last few months I really "let myself go"-- mostly because I've been thinking about getting a lap-band-- and to do so I had to actually GAIN like 10 pounds to have the BMI that I needed... but then I kept using "I'm getting a lap band" as my excuse-- saying things like "I have to enjoy this while I can, this time next year I wont be able to eat like this anymore" or "I wont be able to eat _____________ (fill in something I shouldnt have been eating to begin with!) after I get my lapband, so I might as well eat it now!"-- who does that?! I never realized that I had a food "Addiction" until recently-- and that is a sad sad realization to have.... Stress is also at an all-time-high... Decemeber 29th, 2010 my father died in my eyes. NO- he is not LITERALLY dead... but once again, he has shown to be be worthless, judgmental, and a hypocryt. He and his wife bought my daughter (used, but still good!) bunk beds for christmas, well I wasnt able to be home when they came and were going to put them up- so they were at my house when I wasnt there... Apparently my house isn't tiddy enough for them and my "Step mom" decided that I don't live up to her standards and wasn't talking to me... Didnt talk to me, except maybe 10 words all day Wednesday (the 29th, that's when we were doing our "family christmas")... Anyway- long story short, I got into a huge arguement with my sperm donor (aka father) about all of this and I completely blew up at him- seriously? how can you expect me, a single mother, who works 2 jobs, AND goes to college to keep my house up to THEIR standards? Oh, and by the way, my grandma, his mother- fell (3rd time in a month or so) so I've been at her house any time i could to clean her house, put up her decorations, do her nursing stuff (changing her dressings- she busted up her face pretty bad and has stiches), her yardwork, and her christmas shopping... YES- MY HOUSE IS A FREAKING MESS! But that's because HE decided that he wasnt happy here and moved away- leaving ME as the only one her to take care of his mother... He's always been worthless... the first time I brought home an "F" in school was in P.E. in middle school- the first year we had to "dress out" in the locker room- in front of all the girls who already made fun of me for being the fat girl- so no, I never "dressed out", and I failed... when he saw my report card- his response? He screamed at me and constantly told me how I was nothing but a "fat lazy nigger"--- excuse me for even using that "N word"- as I HATE that word and am no way what so ever a racist or anything... and yes, he called me that (and I am white..) He's an alcoholic, and will always put himself before others... when I told him I was hoping to get a lap band, his response? "well, if it will actually work for you, maybe then you'll finally be thin like your sister"--- WHO SAYS THAT?! Well, I'm at work, so I cant give this blog the attention it deserves right now... but anyway... it's a new year, I feel every single pound that i've added the last 18 months or so... and actually- it's a good thing- it's a reminder to me that I need to get off my ass and actually start making the positive changes my life needs- with or without the lapband... it's just a tool-- I'm the one who is going to have to do the work- so I better start dress rehersal now, because there's less room for screw ups when the real deal is here! (when I actually am banded I mean) Hope you all are off to a great year!

hi hun glad you got date sorted out,it's now going to be your new beginning,after surgery you do feel sore and rough but the next morn i felt fine ust a bit tender,they get you up out of bed and take your drip out,then give you somthing to eat and you get sent back to your hotel around 1 to rest,but believe me you dont feel like eating i know i never,that lasted for about a week,then i just had shakes and tom soup lol,when you appetite comes back you just have to try and control it get your first fill asap and your second from your second fill onwards you will start to feel a bit of restriction everyone is different,but your pain eases each day it really does,we drove home from belgium up till scotland and back to ni and i was fine so it cant be that bad lol.i got banded in end of july and couldnt get a fill until 23 sep,then got my second oct and have lose 28lb i could have done better if i wasnt drinking alcohol and rubish but it is out of my system now and hopefull with my next fill i will be flying again lol xx