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I drink in moderation but not frequently ...not changed since I had my lap band. But. The others are right ... Empty calories, plus the feeling and ability to be able to consume more food may lead to self sabotage if you cannot keep in control. Foods'my demon not alcohol ... So happy days

And realize that alcohol will affect you so much more now. You are not eating as much to slow down the digestion.

I had 1 Cosmo last night and was hammered. I had 3 sips of my 2nd one and had trouble walking so I put it down. Be VERY careful, alcohol is very different on the band. Much stronger. And yes count those calories! On the plus side, with alcohol being so high cal and not nutritional, at least we don't need much at all to get a buzz. P.s I waited a month before my first drink and only drink for really special occasions cos getting drunk makes me wanna eat!!

Started my pre-op diet today and went over all the post-op dietary details with my husband who will help care for me. All the sudden it's hit him that I'm really doing this and he's started to panic. He was initially supportive when I started this journey six months ago but is now saying he'd like me to postpone the surgery and give dieting another chance...removing 3/4 of my stomach is extreme and unnatural...I'm going to be miserable during Christmas (surgery is 12/21)...I won't be able to stick with the plan and make myself sick...I'm just going to stretch out my new stomach, etc etc. I keep trying to reassure him that I'm confident in my decision, it's only one Christmas I'll be sacrificing (by not eating Cookies or drinking alcohol), despite my terrible track record with diets this time will be different, I will follow the doctors guidance so I won't get ill, etc. He tells me he is so scared about this he's not sleeping and thinks about what a bad idea this is all day long. He's begging me to reconsider. Anyone else have a family member/friend they had to "sell" on the idea of gastric surgery? Any good stories, videos, resources I should share with him to help out his mind at ease and reassure him that this really is a good decision for long term health? I need him in my corner and will need his support to get through the early months. Right now he's a negative ball of nerves. Advice appreciated. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

If you want to lose on the band, you have to count carbs, protein, etc. Adding carbs and the calories from alcohol is not good. 14 grams carbs, maybe 150 cals? Adds up fast. I had to give up sugar and all forms of bread to keep losing after five years on the band.. My diet is now 1200 cals max, 80 grams protein and under 100 grams carbs in order to lose about 1/2 pound a week. After the first round of dropping pounds you have to work for each additional pound. You can easily drink around the band, there is no restriction from the band. And, it will flush foods from the pouch, causing you to be hungry sooner, and maybe eat more than you need,

I am just over a week out, and I would do it again in a red-hot second. My doctor has allowed me to eat whatever I can tolerate as soon as I got home from the hospital on Day Two, and honestly I am just breezing through the whole thing. I think one thing that has really helped me is that I am 51 years old and have had a LOT of time to do diets and exercise and everything known to man to get this weight off, and it is clear as day to me that (a) it is just plain impossible for me to keep up the willpower and time commitment required to stay slim on my own, and (:redface1: I was WAY past the point where I really and truly enjoyed overeating. I was like an alcoholic who drank to get drunk, you know? Not because I particularly liked it, but because it was the only thing I knew how to do. The thing that is almost impossible to describe is that my cravings and appetite really have gone away. I ate 1/3 of a grilled sandwich the other day -- one of my very favorite foods -- and I was as happy as could be with that little bit. I think the hardest thing would be if I still had a lot of active food addiction issues. If food is your main coping mechanism, it'll be very hard to give that up, and you'll need a lot of support. I've been in therapy for a while and it's been a lifesaver for me. But bottom line: No regrets at this point.

With good companions, good alcohol, cocktail sauce and crackers, it can be quite delicious.

Although Southern California is known for health food and outdoor activities on its sunny beaches, there are still rising numbers of obese individuals. This is in line with the rest of the country, with approximately 30% of Americans currently meeting the standards of obesity. When diet and exercise alone aren't doing the trick, there are weight loss surgical procedures that can be used as a potential last resort. One of these surgical options which have become more and more popular involves the use of a lap band, or laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. This type of surgery involves the placement of the lapband, or adjustable belt, around the upper portion of the stomach. This is constructed out of silicone, and it can be tightened when needed by adding saline into the band to inflate it. The band is connected to a port, which is placed right under the abdominal skin, which can then be opened or closed to put saline in and out of the band. Like gastric bypass surgery, this is a way to reduce the size of the stomach, so that you can control how much food is able to go into the body. It is also a way to slow down the digestive process, giving a feeling of increased fullness. This type of weight loss surgery can be extremely effective, but it is not recommended for everyone. Most surgeons will not perform this procedure unless there is a demonstrated history of other failed weight loss attempts using traditional diet and exercise. It is also only available for those with a certain minimum BMI, and who have health problems such as high blood pressure or diabetes that are caused by this excessive weight. It is not recommended for those who only need to lose a few pounds or those who are mentally unstable, or dependent on drugs and alcohol, as they may have difficulty with the aftermath of the procedure. It may be necessary to lose weight before the procedure can be performed, in some cases. Before you can go in for a lap band Los Angeles, you will first need to sit down with a doctor for a thorough consultation to learn more about what your options are. They will need a full medical history to determine if you are a good candidate, and you will need to learn all the information about the risks associated with this drastic yet potentially lifesaving procedure.

Aren't we humans a funny bunch? Last sunday morning, me, hubby and kids got up at 4.00am (yup, that's A.M.) to go to Tara (Ancient Seat of the Kings of Ireland!) to take part/witness the Summer Solstice Festival - I had mentioned to Donali that we would be going, and during the ceremory (mad hippy people in rainbow robes and face glitter!!) I met lots of americans who always seem interested in Irish mysticism - they were dressed up the most, and were really cheerful and enjoying the early rise, much more that the locals I have to say! I was thinking about Donali, and all of my american friends on lapband talk, and really felt happy and at peace with my banded life! Well, we eventually got home at about 9.00 am and all fell into bed until about 12 or 1.00 - everyone was asleep so I went to check for new posts here, and was completely shocked and horrified to read Donali's post about her band erosion - I was devastated that this little statistic would hit "one of us" - my heart went out to Donali, and I was remembering our last few emails where we were reflecting on sliding into bad habits and eating rubbish lately - where does my thinking end up.....? Me comparing my recent "symptoms" with Donali's symptoms, suddenly feeling a "gallbladder like attack" (which I have never had in my entire life!) I then scrolled down to see who else was online, and there were about 5 other people, all reading past posts about band erosion - my god, I thought, we are all so worried and convinced that we have the same thing going on inside! I have been barely eating in the last 48 hours, treating each mouthful like ground glass! And then I read Megan's post about never taking her band for granted again, which really impressed me - I had a decent breakfast today and got my ass to the gym, vowing too, to never take my band for granted. I was so humbled to read Donali's post in this thread, and see her pick herself up, and dust herself off, ready to face whatever is coming - I am so impressed and inspired - you are the best Donali :Bunny :Bunny :Bunny :Bunny The other thing I wanted to say is, while I love my band, and I lost 62lbs with it so far, through making bad choices recently, it has been 8 weeks since I lost anything - well, I was up 2, down 3, up 1, down 4....etc but I feel I have to make a conscious effort to lose weight and cannot depend solely on the band - what DOES work brilliantly for me, is following the food recommendations in the book "Potatoes not Prozac" book by Kathy De Maisons - she maintains that some obese people have a sugar sensitivity, and the programme she worked out was originally aimed at alcoholics - they were able to abstain from alcohol longer if they cut sugar out of their diet. What I am saying is, Donali, you may find this book a great help while your band is removed/waiting for rebanding etc - I have to (controversially!) say, I reckon it helps me with my food addiction more than the band has! The band doesn't mind what I eat, but if I stay away from sugar, I don't have the screaming craving that comes with sugar addiction. Apologies this is so long, it's late here and I'm falling asleep - I promise I'll edit this tomorrow! hugs to everyone xxx

Alcohol drinks don't bother me. The affects are noticed much sooner, but I have a margarita or two once a week or so, wine, and even a beer once in a while. I guess that most likely since I am over two years out, this has a lot to do with it too. I have had no problems maintaining at goal either. 2 years 4 months post op. 225 pounds lost, at my 3 times adjusted goal. Life is good!

I am just wondering if anyone has tried drinking beer? I talked with my doc and he said I could but I need to understand that the gas will not release as quickly and can cause some discomfort. I have always liked to have a couple of drinks when I bowl on my weekly wed. nights and have always preferred my Bud light (always was a beer drinker :smile2:). I have been having a couple of uv blue with water and adding propel lemonade for flavoring which is very good but I am getting sick of them. I am looking for any other ideas on alcohol choices, which are low calorie (not alot of juices or carbonation), or your input on if you drank some beer and how it felt. Thanks

I guess you'd have to ask yourself if the taste would be worth the risks? My Dr. is of the never, ever, ever school of thought on carbonation so thats all I know. Its ok by me though since I don't really drink alcohol and my drink of choice is tea. Is there some other alcohol that you like that you could add to a low cal, no carbonation drink like a flavored crystal light or tea?

Check with your doctor or nutritionist about drinking wine. Communion wine is a very tiny sip of wine, and that won't hurt anyone, even a new post-op person (Again, check with your doctor about this). The wafer however contains wheat (It has to by Canon law) and wheat products can cause blockage issues in people with a Lap-Band. Taking either the wine, the wafer, or both is completed communion according to the Catholic Church. I know some Catholics who cannot take the wine due to being recovering alcoholics, and I know two who cannot take the wafer due to wheat allergies, so they take the one that is not an issue for them.

I guess it depends who your with. I have Kaiser, mine lasted approximatly 20 min. I was asked a lot of questions. Do/did ismoke, did I have any depression, do I drink alcohol. I heard some a bit more extensive though. They just want to know that we are mentally stable and able to handle the changes.

I gave up alcohol entirely because of the empty calories.

So when did everyone have their 1st drink? Be honest ppl

Hello Everyone! I figured it was time to join a forum because I'm sure I'm driving my friends crazy with all the VSG talk! Anywho, my name is Erin and I am 32. After many years of struggling with my weight decided to look into the VSG on July 28th. On that day I quit smoking (cold turkey), quit drinking alcohol, and coffee! I attended my first seminar on Aug 8th and it made me feel like this is definitely the right decision for me. Thankfully my family and friends are all very supportive so it helps. I have my first appointment with my surgeon on August 26 to go over the insurance and surgery requirements. I don't think I have any cormobidies but my BMI is 45. Today I went to get a check up with my PCP and am scheduled for an ultrasound due to some stomach pain I have been having. He is worried it may be my spleen. I'm hoping it is nothing that will hinder me getting my surgery. I asked my PCP how he felt about wls and he is absolutely against it. He said he would rather me try medication to curb my appitite, because in his experience wls patients gain the weight back. I think I need a new PCP. Luckily my surgery program said they will write the letter of medical necessity for the insurance approval if I am a good candidate. I am very excited to meet with the surgeon and finally get the ball rolling. My plan is to get that checklist completed ASAP so I can be one step closer to a healthier version of myself! Thanks for reading my story!

To having a Lapband…. Well there are Dr. O’Brien’s eight golden rules. 1, Eat three or less small meals per day 2. Do not eat anything between meals 3. Eat slowly and stop when no longer hungry 4. Focus on nutritious foods 5. Avoid calorie-containing liquids 6. Exercise for at least 30 minutes every day 7. Be active throughout the day 8. Always keep in contact with your aftercare specialist And there are the basic band eating rules. 1. Small bites 2. Chew until mushy 3. Eat slow (wait about 1 minute between bites) After this it starts to get foggy, many doctors with many different opinions and advise. There is: 1. Don’t drink while eating 2. No carbonated drinks 3. No straws 4. No NSAIDS 5. No alcohol So what do you do? Who is right?? Every doctor is different. An example is let’s compare my doctor and my good friend CalorinaGirl’s doctor: Drinking while eating: My doctor says it’s fine as long as you wait the minute between bites & sips. CG doctor says NO drinking while eating and wait 30 minutes after you eat. Carbonated drinks: My doctor says if you want that’s fine but he sees most patients prefer not to because of the discomfort in drinking the carbonation. CG doctor says NO. Straws My doctor says if you want and it doesn’t bother you, fine. (I use a straw on occasion). CG doctor says NO. NSAIDS My doctor says Yes. CG doctor says NO. Alcohol My doctor says count the calories. CG doctor says prefer not, but if so use sparingly. I would say that both CG & I have been successful with our banded journeys, we both follow our band rules (doctor’s orders) and have seen the results. So who is right????? YOUR DOCTOR IS RIGHT! That is the person you put your money and life into so why not trust them? My point is this journey is not cut and dry, black and white. This journey is what you make of it. Trust in your doctor and listen to them. Make your choices based on that.

I’ve had counseling . I know why I eat . It’s due to boredom. But actually it wasn’t the food . It was the alcohol that took me out this time. I was sober for 3 years . Flunked out of nursing school and picked up the booze . The pound cake back easily. Now I’m fight a battle on two fronts . I’m clean two weeks going on three taking it one day at a time . I’m bored but I’ve decided to come out of this pandemic clean and sober and lighter with new eating habits

I've had acid reflux on and off and there are few things that really trigger it. Alcoholic beverages definitely make a difference, as do sodas and coffee and acidic foods like tomato sauce. I also got very bad reflux when I had post nasal drip from a sinus infection. You should try to find out the root of the acid and in the meantime, there's a few things you can do to make it better. I was put on Prilosec 2x per day and that managed it well. Also monitor what you are eating/drinking. Don't drink or eat anything within 2 hours of bedtime and if you do, try to sleep with your chest and head a bit elevated. I hope it gets better for you because it can cause longterm damage if left untreated.

Is anyone drinking alcohol??

My tips: I try to keep my house stocked with a variety of foods that I allow myself to have. There are no junk foods, or breads, or sugars in my home. That way, I know that when I get the urge to browse my hand is only going to fall on something that won't hurt me. I too refuse to eat breads and sugars. These are my downfalls and I know me - once started it would take months or years to stop again. Within the bounds of those foods that I bring into the house, I have the freedom to eat what I want, when I want it. And I rarely struggle to ignore that certain food that is calling to me from the pantry. I swear some foods are possessed and have telepathy powers! I have been working very hard on brainwashing myself to think differently about the aroma of foods that used to trigger "hunger". Much like when we smell beautiful spring flowers along side of the road.. we enjoy the aroma but we don't stop and get out to graze on the flowers. I think I am succeeding. When we drive by a steakhouse, donut shop, chinese restaurant, or burger joint and those smells come drifting into the car I just take in a big deep breath and focus on how pleasing they smell, tell myself that was the end of the experience and go on. I rarely carry cravings with me after such encounters now. Avoid temptation. Alcoholics don't frequent bars and remain alcohol free. Drug addicts don't go to parties where their favorite drug is being passed around. And I don't go to ice cream parlors, Mc Donald's, or any other of my once-favorite food places. It's been about 6 months since I've been around the foods that I used to live on morning, noon, and night. And now, when I do encounter such foods by accident I find that they don't even look appealing to me. I was at dinner with a group of friends last week and there were dishes of Pasta and some deserts that I used to die for. I looked at them and it was like they didn't even register as real food. My response was more like, "Why would anyone want to eat that?" So I guess no exposure to temptations really does pay off over a period of time. Weigh no more than once a week. Weighing everyday is like clock watching. The days will begin to drag by and the natural fluctuations of body weight will drive you nuts. Pop Secret 100 calorie packs of Kettle Corn. The only snack allowed in the house. Never leave home without some sort of safety food with you. Getting caught out with no "safe" food when hunger strikes can lead to impulsive choices and justifying foods you know aren't going to help you get healthy. And finally, journal your food intake, calories, and Protein. While you may THINK you aren't eating very much, you can easily overlook 300-500 calories a day in those things you just nibbled on or drank while you were working.

Mike, Making the choice to get healthy is a life changing thing. Yes your weight was out of control, which is what lead you to choose a Sleeve. You probably had some co-morbidities as well. When I read your justification for choosing to smoke MJ again (and yes that is what it was a justification) I was struck by the glaring evidence that you very likely have an addictive personality. People who are easily addicted to substances to stimulate their feel good responses in the brain and are heavy users of the substances weather that be alcohol, drugs, weed, cigs, or food. The good news is you can change what you are addicted to. You have already chosen to stop the addiction to food. You can choose to stop the addiction to substances that have a negative influence in your life (MJ is illegal, you risk being arrested, losing your job, not to mention you freely admit that life before the sleeve was spent completely baked on a daily basis) My suggestion is instead of focusing on things you want back from your old life, you focus on all of the awesome things that you have to look forward to in your new HEALTHY life. With peaceful and hopeful thoughts for continued healing and good health Apple

I guess you're going to have to start over. You'll do better tomorrow. It does get easier with practice, this is self deprivation. It's going to take a bit of will power and a bunch of determination. You have to take it one day at a time, like a recovering alcoholic. You're a recovering food junkie. If it gets to the point where you can't stand it, think about what you'll look like in a year if you make a success of this. If you follow your dietitian's instructions, you should lose about two pounds a week, on average.That's about 100 lbs in a year. Would that be worth drinking a cup of tea instead of eating a cookie? Everyone here has done it and we've all slipped once or twice, but you have to get back on the horse, and try again. you're the only one who really knows how badly you want this and whether you're willing to work for it (and it is work!). The rewards are worth it.

today was my first day home & i really wish i wouldve stayed in the hospital. i just finished throwing up and its so disgusting & burns so bad!!!! im actually mad that i pushed to go home so bad! i shouldve stayed. this morning i found out my prescription portion of my insurance was not active so i couldnt get my meds until just a few mins ago. when i say nightmare, im talking about nightmare!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! the acid is like triple & burns so bad that it feels like someone is pouring alcohol on an open cut. i dont wish this on my worst enemy. i just really wish i could go back to normal. this is just crazy!!!! :'(