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The focus of 2016 for me will continue to be centered on my health and weight loss journey. I plan to reach my goal weight by my birthday in March, but even if I don't I will continue my eating plan. I'm a bit of a foodie and love good food and wine but now realize that alcohol may need to drop off the menu along with the recreation of trying out new restaurants. My husband wanted to take me out for a big New Year's Eve dinner at a highly acclaimed restaurant, but when I saw the menu I realized I would be overeating ( several courses were being served) and over drinking. I didn't want to feel the regret of going off my plan and trying to eat all that food or the sting of him paying for food / wine I can't eat / drink. We opted for a fun evening with friends and I was able to take a few healthy appetizers for their buffet. Their celebration was alcohol- free. Surprisingly, neither one of us felt deprived and we had a great time. Even though this is sort of unrelated, I have been the recipient of some of my mom's estate - antiques and household items. Although I really love her, I'm not an antique kind of person contemporary and minimalist is more my style. The realization came that all stuff has been in my garage and storage for about 5 years, cluttering my space with its physical and emotional weight and costing extra money to store. My resolution is to find a way to let go of her things ( keeping the great memories of course) and lose the burden that having it entails. Having surgery has helped me to become lighter in so many ways that I cannot imagine the act of divesting myself of all the stuff I've been holding onto will not further enhance my journey going forward. So many things about having VSG have come as a surprise. I'm looking forward to more NSVs, optimizing my health and helping my hubby as he begins to lose weight too. Looks like we're off to a good start????????????????Happy New Year and wishes for your success to all my Bariatric Pals!

Not all alcohols are the same. Cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol are good alcohols, they are fatty alcohols and emollients and in a complently different class than straight alcohol or rubbing alcohol. CeraVe contains cetyl alcohol which is a good alcohol. Which is why dermatologist recommend CeraVe, for people with dry skin. I wouldn't put the body lotion on my face though, they make a line of face products.

Fyi: ive lost 2.5 lbs of the amt Ive gained. I stopped drinking alcohol and nightime snacking. I guess it makes a bigger difference than I once thought. I hafta force myself to "top off" with my dinner, eatong to the point of being full so Im not hungry again before bedtime. Probly not a great idea but once I have a snack (healthy or not) its over. I will eat all nite On my way back from the dark side...

This may sound dumb as hell, but I almost wish I'd get stuck ONCE, just so I know I have the band!! On the other hand, I've always been afraid of stuck, PBs, etc., so I'm careful most all the time. But even still, I have gone a bit brain dead from time to time, and still…..nothing stuck. Is it my anatomy?? The only thing I did have happen, was at a party two weeks ago. I drank mucho plenty of wine, and ate whatever appetizers were out. I ate a little bit of the dinner (chicken & salad), but mostly wine and finger foods. They had karaoke, and every time I took a breath to sing, little burps came out. No one heard it, but it was so frustrating. I had that issue for a good hour or two. I only have that happen after drinking too much. Eating too much doesn't cause it, but throw in the alcohol, and I become a little burp machine

..i had red wine and its not a problem.... only thing is, there is no more weight loss when we have alcohol, or at least there isnt with me. my body is very efficient at using very small amounts of calories now. im going on a cruise early nov... would like to have a small amount of wine then as well. im hoping that swimming will help my metabolism to step up a notch.

I think a food addiction (like mine) is comparable to an alcohol addiction. I am only speaking for myself here not others. A friend of mine who is a recovering alcoholic told me one time that she abused the privilege of drinking alcohol so she lost that privilege if she wanted to survive. I think of it the same way with food. Because I abused the privilege of eating anything I wanted by overindulging, I lost the privilege of eating all the "good stuff". If I want to survive to see my grandchildren I HAVE to give up some of the "good stuff". It's a choice. I would rather give up some of the "good stuff" than give up a foot or leg due to complications of diabetes. It's a hard choice but I choose to live a healthy life and give up the "good stuff". I still on occasion have a bite of the good stuff but only a bite and as a treat. You have a choice too. I am sure you are aware of all the complications of diabetes. If you continue on this path insulin is in your future. But again, it is your choice. I hope I didn't ramble but my point is changing your eating habits and lifestyle is very hard and very complicated. Good luck not matter which road you choose.

That was my biggest fear as well before the surgery. I also researched in the forum and found some tips that really helped me after surgery. First, tell them before the surgery that you get very nauseous so that they give you some extra medication for that. I got an ear patch right before the surgery. Second, smell alcohol when you're starting to feel nauseous. I got a little nauseous when I got my first drink after the surgery, and I smelled some alcohol wipes and felt fine right away. You can ask the nurses for the alcohol wipes or take your own.

This is going to gross some people out, I'm sure. But I'm a week post-op, still on Clear liquids, and I'm absolutely sick of sweet anything. My pain medication is even sweet--some disgusting pineapple analog, I think. I quit taking it just to get away from the ghastly syrupy taste and texture. The Gas-X chewable is faux-cherry. Gah. Multi-Vitamin chewable is sweet. I want some character in my clear liquid diet, drat it!!! So, I got my husband to buy a bottle of cocktail olive-thingies, all briny and stuff, and a bottle of pickled pearl onions, plus some Perrier, and a bag of Key limes (those little bitty ones). Poured some of the Perrier Water over ice, added some spoonfuls of the liquid around the olives and onions, squeezed in some lime juice, and took a sip. I started *DROOLING* it tasted so good to me. Sour, salty, a little bitter...and no carbs or sugar. I may try tonic water next. Also, I think I've hit on a winning combination for the next party I go to, so I have a drink to carry around without drinking anything alcoholic and that'll actually taste good (to me). My doc said to not drink carbonated stuff, and I think Perrier is close enough to not-carbonated (plus, I don't exactly drink it every day) that it won't be cheating. Those sour onions and the olives were delicious, though...How silly is that?

I made it to onderland [emoji1373][emoji1437]but because I haven't been weighing regularly I don't know when it happened. I am beyond excited. Been over 16 years since I was in onderland. I am so grateful and thankful for this decision to make myself healthy and fit. My relationship with food is so much healthier now. I don't obsess about anything I consume. If I do eat a carb mainly as dessert I don't beat myself because I know I make good food choices 90 percent of the time. I am proud of myself and how far I have come. Just like everyone else I get my fair share of not so favorable days in life but I don't seek comfort from foods or alcohol like old me would have. It is my choice to make me and keep me healthy. Please be kind to you because you are very special and don't give up.

With food like that and the obesity problem rising, why even worry about alcohol and nicotine anymore? You'll die faster from eating at Domino's xD

Um, probably becuase she LIKES it? Why do you assume there would be any other reason? I really like club soda and ice as a drink. I vastly prefer it over still Water. Its also great half half with white wine to reduce your calorie and alcohol intake. I can handle carbonation fine though and my doctor doesnt believe it needs to be avoided.

Oh not a mocktini. It has alcohol. I have about 1 drink a month. This is soooooooo good. Yummy!

There are a lot more men out there who would welcome a relationship with someone who is taking control of their life and their health. I know one of them very personally, in fact... As Frustr8 said, there are a couple of threads that have been started for September surgeries, my date is September 6, 2018. I'm currently on the four-week pre-op diet, very similar to what you posted. I have an enlarged (but otherwise healthy) liver that the surgeon wants to make as small as possible. I'm limited to 800 calories/day, low fat, low carb, and high protein, and greater than 64oz of water a day (I'm averaging more than 90oz/day). I've cut out all added sugar, caffeine, alcohol, starchy veggies, fried foods, most restaurant food, bread (almost - I have two slices left, then no more), pasta, and carbonated beverages. I'm down 30.5 pounds since June 29, 2018. I do not feel hungry during the day but sometimes before bed or first thing in the morning, I get hungry. What I am struggling with now is "head hunger." Every evening when I drive home from work, I see all the places I used to stop and eat and my head wants me to stop again. So far, I've not stopped, but it is a challenge. My therapist suggested that I phone someone when I feel like I'm going to stop and get something to eat, so I call my mom often... I, too, am available to listen if you need an ear to vent to. Good luck! and we're all here for you!

Can I? Yes. Do I? No. I've always been more of a wine person than a beer person. That said, I grew to enjoy wine too much. I got to the point that I was drinking one to two bottles of wine every night. That was a poor choice. I'm proud to say it's been more than 10 weeks since I've had any alcohol. I have few regrets in life, but if I had to do drink that much again, I wouldn't.

Friends, I've done some things very right for me like exercising, joining this forum, & quitting alcohol. But I've also done some things very wrong for me like drinking too much, eating too much occasionally, & not seeking support when I needed it. I hope this thread is helpful to you.

Do you know if we are allowed alcohol on this liquid diet? It is a clear liquid [emoji51]

Can we have alcohol during the liquid diet phase. I don't need a lecture, I'm just curious. My 1-week starts Friday.

I did not read all the other suggestions but have one of my own. Sorry if it's a repeat. We went to a wedding this past summer and the bride and groom had little money but wanted a somewhat big wedding. I live in Chicago and weddings get nuts-o here. (a cousin spent almost $30,000 on her wedding) The reception we attended was in the fellowship hall of the church (so no alcohol was allowed, a great excuse btw) they had a local chinese place come in and prepare the food on-site. It was very good, everything was hot and there were several choices available. (1 chicken, 1 beef, 1 shrimp and a veggie) This place also provided egg rolls, pot stickers, crab rangoon and white and fried rice. It was a blast, and people are still saying how cool it was. I called to book them for my community Christmas party and it was only $6 a person, and that also included cookies and the makings of hot tea. Then all you would need is a dessert table, and wedding cake of course. ~Mandy

I disagree. There is little about a wedding that is interesting for guests other than the party. There should be food and there should be alcohol, even if it is a cash bar which is socially acceptable these days. There should be, however, in addition to the cash bar a complimentary glass or two of wine.

I had to sign a contract with my surgeon stating that alcohol is strictly prohibited. Forever. Not for 6 months, or 1 year. Same with pop/ soda. They say you can stir the carbonation out of diet soda months out if you really want soda, but that's about the extent of bending the rules.. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using BariatricPal

I'm only 2 weeks out but I do have some social events coming soon. What's the rule on alcohol? I know the amount just need to know when.

Woot!!! This morning I met my goal!!! I'm now 75 pounds down total!!! I can't believe I lost weight over the holiday...I ate and drank everything I wanted (a tiny bit of the bad stuff mind you, but even a cookie or two a day and plenty of alcohol). I love my band! Just 6 more pounds and I'll be 'NORMAL'!!! Thanks for the Challenge!

Hi @MarceMonster. Here’s the formula I used to get to goal weight: • Start every morning with a Protein shake for Breakfast. • Eat 60–80 or more grams of protein daily. • Drink 64–120 ounces of fluids daily. (I drink tons of Crystal Light, or generic, sugar-free/decaf iced tea.) • Do not consume any starches or sugars. • Get all carbs from green veggies, legumes, and dairy products. • Do not consume empty liquid calories/sugar (fruit juices, ice cream, etc). • Try to avoid alcohol. It’s empty liquid calories that turn to sugar in your body and can lead to poor choices. • All Snacks must be protein-based (Jerky, nuts, cheese, Greek yogurt, deli meats, etc.). • Get some exercise 4-6 times a week. • Never leave the house without a plan for what you can eat and drink while you’re out. If necessary, bring food and drink with you. • Restaurant eating is not hard: 1) skip the bread; 2) order a meat (or legume/bean) dish; 3) replace the starch with a second vegetable; 4) skip the dessert. You’ll probably end up taking some of the meat and most of the veggies home for another meal. • Beef/turkey jerky is my secret weapon. It’s saved me more times than I can count, so I try to always have some in the car for emergencies. You can buy a bag of jerky almost anywhere. It’s kind of expensive and not great for sodium-restricted diets, but it’s also high protein, low fat, okay sugar, and a 3.5-ounce bag is a meal by itself! • If you fall off the horse, get back on immediately – at the next meal. Not tomorrow, and definitely not next Monday. That’s what got us here! • Go to Bariatric Support Group meetings in your area, if possible. • Participate actively in online forums like BariatricPal. • Read as much as you can about the process and the journey; and especially, read posts and articles from those who had their surgery a few years ago. Try to understand what lead to their successes and/or struggles. • Share your story and reach out to help others who are behind you in their journey. By helping them, you’ll help yourself as well. • Have a goal weight in mind and strive to get there. (I weigh myself every single day.) But also set lots of smaller goals. It’s fun and inspiring to achieve them. • Always be looking forward. Don’t look back over your shoulder waiting for the heavier person to drag you back. Let that person fade into history. • Believe that the slimmer person in the mirror is the real you. • A little vanity is okay. Enjoy how you look. Accept compliments graciously and don’t deflect them. Have fun trying on smaller-sized clothes that fit now. Compare before and after pictures. Take pride in your accomplishments! • Accept that this is a somewhat selfish process. That’s okay, too. You don’t have to apologize for it. And don’t let other people interfere with your progress. We have to make our weight loss program a priority in our lives. • But at the same time, recognize that your journey affects your friends and loved ones as well. Be sensitive to their reactions and their emotional needs, without allowing it to derail your program. • And finally, try to have fun losing the weight and getting healthy! Hold onto your determination! That's what'll keep you going during the difficult times and the stalls. Good luck!

It sounds like she truly believed the surgery would "solve all her problems". The results of immaturity, abuse, trauma, addiction, and mental illness is not going be "solved" by anything let alone weight loss surgery. Without surgery she would have certainly continued to abuse food and still may have turned to alcohol, drugs, and sex anyway. Blaming the surgery for her issues doesn't sound very healthy to me. What would her life been like without it? You can't compare apples to oranges. If she was unwilling to seek counseling before bariatric surgery should she have been denied? I don't know. A lot of folks of all ages go into this process blindly. Some actually learn and grow through the process. Some do not. Some people have the capacity for personal growth. Some do not. If she was a poor candidate for WLS she still might have been able to learn from the experience. If she had been a great candidate for surgery, she still might have wound up where she is today. I just don't think there is necessarily cause and effect at work here. This is much more complex than she or the article seem to acknowledge. Yes, I think there needs to be many more mental health resources both pre- and post-op for anyone who is obese. There certainly are not enough affordable mental health resources in the US period.

My step mother got drunk the end of May, she jumped out of her window. Her window was on the 30th floor of an apartment building. She did what she wanted to do. She enjoyed her alcohol and she went flying, flying like a butterfly out her window. She didn't care about anyone else but herself. Oh yes she enjoyed her alcohol and I know that she enjoyed her flight! She only cared about her alcohol not her daughter that she would leave devestated behind, or her friends and other family members. Just like you she did what she wanted to do and she enjoyed it. So go ahead and have the band and drink as much as you want. I've gotten drunk a few times in the past to years, and I've enjoyed it. I'm more sensitive now about alcolhol because I see how it hurts others so much. I am also more sensitive how weight effects others. So you need to make this desision for yourself. I am sure you are already affecting other peoples lives by your weight and your drinking. You are aviously going to do just what you want to do. Just like my step mother did what she wanted to do. The only thing that I can ask is that you think about how you are affecting other people who care about you. It does effect them even if you think it doesn't