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Holy cow Thin! 4-6 oz alcohol per drink! Thats stiff girl I have had drinks that stiff before, but would be a little afraid to do it now....

Interestingly I have seen in more than a few places the fact that alcohol can definitely contribute to a stall. A few places said that one way to stop losing if you reach goal and keep losing more than you want to (imagine THAT problem!) that a drink a week can help you stop losing. Hearing that is enough to have me backing off from drinking, at least until I reach goal.

I've only had alcohol twice since my surgery four years ago, and it goes right into my blood stream - as in I'm feeling it badly after just one or two glasses of wine. I can't remember if I felt sick afterwards or not, but I stay away now. Could be the alcohol, or as the above poster suggested, it could be the sugar you're reacting to, too

I'm preparing myself for admission to a 45-day rehab for alcohol addiction post RNY gastric bypass. This is not the first round of treatment. I had my gatric bypass 10/1999 in San Diego CA at the facility operated by Drs Clark and Wittgrove. By nine months post op I lost 106 pounds and maintained that loss through 2008. However, during that time I also began experiencing and struggling with a dependence on alcohol. Dr Clark explained that once I physically adapted to my new physiology, I could re-introduce various other foods and drinks, determining whether they would compel the infamous "dumping syndrome". Sugar was a definite "no consume", but when I went to my family's traditional Sunday brunch several months post op and slaked my thirst with a flute of champagne, I did not experience dumping syndrome. All I felt was a "super high" from the sip I took. After that, the game was on. My addiction began in earnest. Dumping Syndrome I was warned about. There were no flags waved before me about the possibilities of alcoholism and alcohol addiction. I am waving those flags now! I first went into treatment April of 2008. I did not complete the relapse segment of treatment because I had scheduled reconstructive surgery for a work related injury. The surgery schedule overlapped that final stage of rehab. I think God walked with me through those years because I remained sober until my mother began dying in late 2016. It was then I began drinking volumes of wine that increased to the equivalent, on average, of 4 bottles of wine a day. Occasionally, I thought drinking vodka a better alternative than drinking wine. Don't ask me why. The mind of an addict. I returned to wine. Drug of choice. Drug of self-destruction. One day I decided to try and find out why and and how my "take it or leave it " attitude toward alcohol became a "can't live without it " condition. On the internet, I discovered that, as gastric bypass patients, we are unique. In the same way that we each do not necessarily experience dumping syndrome, we do not experience the effects of alcohol the same. Post gastric bypass, my physiology became hyper receptive to the effects of alcohol, particularly the initial high produced from its consumption. I believe there is no way on this planet that I am unique in this experience. I want others to know, as I now seek treatment a second time on June 13, 2019, that if this is happening to you, don't wait, don't blame yourself, it's your body reacting to the changes made. Be totally honest with those treating you. Only then, hopefully armed with what I'm writing here, can you get the medical help, psychological treatment and ongoing care that will make you whole. Sent from my SM-G975U1 using BariatricPal mobile app

sugar free would be ideal but beware of sugar alcohol and that is what most sugar free candies are made from - that stuff gives me horrible tummy troubles. I would rather just have one or two regular.

It's not dumping as such as sugar alcohols have this effect in people who haven't had surgery. It's just the effect sugar alcohols can have. ... On anyone :-) I must admit, they never have that effect on me so I guess I'm lucky.

I just got back from the doc's office on Monday 12/3, and he said I am cleared for alcohol and basically anything I want to eat that agrees with me, which is everything. I have had a few glasses of wine and I am still losing weight. I don't drink alot though, I have to be up early for work and hate that icky feeling in the morning, so I'm good with my one or two glasses on a Friday or Saturday. I have not had any side effects from the alcohol, I don't get drunk and I don't act weird, I feel the same as I did pre-surgery.

I was cleared for wine consumption at 3.5 months out. My surgeon warned me to steer clear of red wines. I didn't drink until I was at goal, I was pretty carb/calorie conscious and didn't want to waste my calories on alcohol. The first time I drank a glass of Riesling, it hit me hard and fast then I sobered up pretty quickly. I am that "party girl", and have been socially drinking for the last ummmm few months. I tie one on monthly with mixed drinks and shots, and my tolerance is the same as it was pre-op now. In my little social circle of military wives, I'm know as the "afternoon cocktail" girl, and have been known to drink a strawberry mojito, have a glass of wine, or even a rum/coke at lunch. I don't drink at home, and I typically keep my drinking to a 4-6 times a month kind of thing, and it's typically just one drink unless it's my monthly "girls night out". I'm below goal, and the only thing I do notice is that I retain Water like the hoover dam after a big night out. Other than that, I have zero ill effects from drinking with my sleeve. I refuse to give up anything forever that includes any type of food or beverage. I had surgery to be as close to normal as possible, and being a social drinker is part of my "normal".

I'm 42 and single with no kids. At this stage of my life I wouldn't call myself a "party girl", but I do still on occasion enjoy going out and having drinks and sometimes taking a cab home because it wouldn't be a good idea to drive. It's pretty infrequent now, but something I still enjoy. I realize that this probably won't be the same for me if I have the VSG surgery, but I thought I would ask how it would change. What are the recommendations you have gotten from your doctors? What are some of your personal experiences? Do you have to wait a certain amount of time after surgery before having any alcohol? Is it something you have to give up forever? Thanks.

Hi dear, it is hard to find that perfect fill volume once you do that it becomes better...its taken me 5 years to find that... but I know others are luckier they have lost all their excess weight in less than a year. In past 10 days I have lost 5 pounds. things I am doing differently now are, 1- No water 30 mins before or after meals. NO WATER OR ANY LIQUID WITH THE MEAL. 2- alcohol consumption stopped. i will have it only on special occasions now. 3-I walk everyday for 30 mins. Try this. See if it helps. Keep us posted.

I was banded in January 2011 and am now back to my pre-banding weight. Needless to say, I am discouraged. I don't have any allergy problems or anything like that - I just can't seem to lose the weight. I am going to have my fill level checked this week and maybe that has something to do with it. I do have some vomiting from time to time - so I don't think that I have too much fill. I really sympathize with all of you who are discouraged. I have taken up walking and given up alcohol and red meat but am at a loss as to what else to do to speed up the process.

They vary .... my psych eval I answered about 300 questions from the MMPI test, then had a brief (15 minute) discussion w/a psychologist about addiction, drinking, illegal drug use, my childhood, etc. Nutritionist was even less problematic; she told me I'd need to eat Protein, I told her I could lose weight but always got bored, that was it! While they do vary, the gist is they want to make sure you can follow a band diet and aren't likely to freak out,. or turn to gambling, alcohol, or some other obsessive behavior to replace food. Just be honest and you'll be fine.

Hello Kathi, Welcome to the Board... I am also planning to take this surgery. A primary part of the pre-op diet is a Protein supplement. Foods that will need to be avoid in your diet include high-sugar foods, fatty meats, high fried foods, carbohydrate foods, fats, whole milk products, and alcohol. If you need more information on Lap band surgery diet, finance and cost as well, please go through my signature link. It'll help you a lot.

I was quite a drinker before surgery and started to drink 3 months out, but only a glass of wine or a cocktail once in a while. Now, nearly 8 months out, I still have the ocassional drink when I go out (last weekend it was my 42nd birthday and I had quite a bit of wine and cocktails over those days) and I am stalled, I know alcohol is one of the main culprits, so please be careful, it WILL affect your weight loss.

Ok, I need to make a clarifying statement, it seems. I love everyone here. I appreciate every piece of input, it's all noted - but not anything I don't already know. I spent hundreds of hours researching, I have WLS patients in my close friend circle and WLS professionals in my immediate family, so I know what's up. Last night was a test run to see what was going to happen. I am not planning on boozing every night of the week from now on, or even again until I'm further down the road. I probably need to say it publicly so I can maybe stave off some of the assumptions and strong advisements and reactions. Note: I called it in the original post I am a healthy young professional out on the town, my life is just different, that's all. (What's happened in this thread is exactly why I am keeping my WLS private in my real life - I don't want "gasp, no don't do that" reactions to my decisions - My intent is to share my story on these boards - I would have given anything for a story like this when I was researching. I don't need counselling, I'm not an alcoholic, I just had 3 weak cocktails on a Saturday night with my homeboy.) Everything's cool, promise!

They say its a possibility. And patients with addiction are at higher risk of relapse. I personally I have been abstinent for 3 yrs! Thank you Jesus but of course im still at risk.. after the surgery your body absorption reacts differently to substances.. (prescriptions,Alcohol etc )

My surgeon does not play into the entire "soda stretches our stomachs". The portion of the stomach that is left behind is extremely muscular. That is as long as the surgeon dissects the fundus completely, and has good technique. His explanation went something like this ' okay, any liquid goes in, hits the pyloric valve and goes through. It isn't like it's in there sitting around bubbly, if you decide to have some, you're going to drink, burp, it's over." Also, 80-85% of absorption of calories/nutrients occurs in the intestines. So, liquid goes through pretty quickly to get to the intestines. My program and many others do not require patients to stop drinking 30 minutes before eating because of the same reasons. liquids don't sit in our stomachs. We do need to not drink for at least 30 minutes after eating because it can liquefy the food, or there isn't room for the liquid once we get to solid foods. My surgeon specifically told me that sodas, and alcohol are wasted, empty calories so to avoid them until I was close to goal. I did just that, and now I drink soda weekly and have been for about 4-5 months. I was scoped early February, and my sleeve looks amazing, and is not stretched, or damaged due to my soda drinking. Not saying that it's "okay" just because I do it. I believe in following your own surgeon's guidelines, but it's one of the little tidbits that many surgeons disagree on, and there's not any published studies that can back up the assumption that soda will/can stretch our stomachs.

Ok, maybe I'll get a lot of crap for this, but... I'm 23 years old. I'm still in school. The weekends are always when I kick back with friends and that often involves drinking. Sure, sure, I bet you're all thinking, 'why can't you have a good time without alcohol?', but honestly, in the safety of my own home, there's nothing better than having a whisky or a martini and watching movies with my boyfriend. Alcohol is definitely a munchie-inducer, but it's something I can avoid if I concentrate just a little. So basically, my answer to the original question is that I waited until probably 3-4 weeks post-op before I tried drinking, and since then I haven't had a problem. As long as you're not getting drunk to the point of throwing up, I don't really see the problem with a couple cocktails. If you're worried about the 'empty calories', cut down on the high-sugar alcohols like schnapp's or pucker, and skip the juice mixers. Mix some whisky with some lemonade crystal light for a whisky sour, or drink it straight!

I was banded 2 1/2 weeks ago, and sure wouldn't mind having a cocktail or two. Can this hurt the band? What are some of your experiences with being banded and drinking? I would be sticking to the liquid diet!

I just posted this on the general board. Have any of you asked yourself this question? I could be getting cold feet as my April 2 date gets closer, maybe I'm looking for an excuse but now that I'm on the preop diet and making a serious attempt to lose weight, I'm losing weight. Im following all the rules, getting myself ready, i.e.: drinking tons of water, stepped up my exercising, dropped all carbs, no alcohol, concentrating on protein. So, the question I'm asking myself that Im sure you all asked yourselves: If I'm losing weight now can I do this without the band IF I continue following these rules which are the same rules I'd have to follow with the band? Those that asked yourself that question, went through with the surgery and can now look back....what are your thoughts on this?...thank you so much for your insight. ELCEE, B52 and Corrigan Im counting on you to reply!!!! : )

Hey i am getting my band the 18th and just have a few questions... How long did you wait to drink again after getting the band?? What do you like to drink....? --out of curiosity. Those that can drink beer...what kind? I really love microbrews from a brewery here and im just curious if some of u can still handle that?? If u cant handle beer what happened when u tried it? Do you feel tipsy a lot faster than u used to??? i am assuming so but some people are lightweights in the 1st place. im not i can drink a lot lol. THANK YOU FOR YOU THOUGHTS....

I am so thankful for all the support that is being poured out! That is what so many of us need. I am treating my eating as an addiction that is no different than an alcoholic. It is that serious to me. keep checking in yall. I weigh on monday mornings so I will try to post my results, hopefully it may be an encouragement to someone!

Hey SoCal, you are so right about family being supportive, they can make or break you. It's kinda like an alcoholic recovering in family of drunks. LapSF believes that their pts will not succeed without the family cooperating and keeping the junk out of the house. I live alone, and it has helped a lot, when I spend the weekend with family, if they are cooking and eating high carb foods, like spaghetti, mac & cheese, choc chip Cookies, it is so much harder to comply with the program. You have to put your foot down! But, the good news is that the first two weeks on liquids are easy. It is nothing like before. This time you have no appetite and you stomach is swollen from the surgery, so you just have to sip, sip, sip, to get in your fluids and Protein. The first day home, I was super-sensitive to artificial sweetners and thought I would fail, because I couldn't literally "stomach" my Protein shakes. The nurse told me to drink milk, so that is what I did until day 3. Then miracles of miracles, on day 3, I could drink my protein shakes, and by week 3 was on mushies, and by week 6 eating reg foods. I have had no complications, except constipation, diarrhea, which is normal in the beginning for a lot of us. But do not under any circumstances consume anything but liquids for 2 weeks, or whatever your surgeon recommends. There have been pts that have eaten one bite of broccoli during phase one and ended up in the hospital for over a month after the did that. Don't mess around. My only problem is learning to eat slowly. You must take 30 min to consume your meals. If you don't, it hurts real bad and you could hurt yourself. If you don't have time for a 30 min meal, drink a Protein shake. Anway, that is all for now.

I am trying a few of them today....mashed black beans and chew,chew,chew! So far so good I also wanted to know if anyone has suffered pancreatitis post surgically? I have been readmitted to the hospital twice each for five days with elevated Lipase levels. Unusual because I don't drink alcohol, and I never have. I did have type II Diabetes that was for the most part uncontrolled! Even with mega doses of insulin.

I drink to excess every so often. I wouldn't recommend it but I did verify with my surgeon prior to surgery that drinking alcohol would be ok. If he said no, I would have either not had surgery or found a surgeon with a different answer. I take 7 pills every morning and 3 every night and have not had one get stuck yet in the 7 months since surgery. There is NO wrong stuff for everyone. I have no problem eating anything except soft corn tortillas. It all depends on the person, how tight their band is and if they chew enough.