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My restriction varies a bit from day to day. I think mine is tighter when I'm dehydrated. Usually I keep up w/my water really well, but the few times I haven't, I have definitely noticed being tighter. Also, alcohol dehydrates you and can make you feel tighter the next day.

My doctor pointed out that the band does nothing to the inside of your stomach. All restrictions, adhesions etc are from the outside. So the things we can't eat are affected by the shape of the stomach; tolerance for things like alcohol, caffeine, etc should be unaffected.

Doctors seem to be all over the map on tea, coffee, and alcohol (not to mention other foods). You can find studies that say that caffeine is a diuretic, that it isn't a diuretic, that it makes you eat more or less, that it helps alertness, that it does nothing... I have to wonder if their own preferences control just what studies each doctor decides to believe and transmit as orders to patients. Well, that's no true exactly...I don't really wonder. Since this is a diet for life I am choosing to drink my tea and coffee much the same way I always have...2 cups of hot tea in the morning and a latte here and there through the week. Gallons of unsweetened tea during the day. An occaisional cocktail...calories permitting. My doctor says "whatever works".

My doc says no coffee for 2 months post-op, no alcohol for 4 months post op. As with my pregnancies, I can live without the alcohol, but coffee...that's a tough one. I know caffeine is an appetite stimulant, but I swear, for me it is not!!! A cup of coffee can really take my mind of hunger for a while. I started my pre-op diet today and switched to de-caf. The last month or so I limited myself to one cup per day so I'm hoping the headaches will not be too bad. I'm curious to know if other people received similar doctor's orders regarding caffeine...

hi hun the port is on the left hand side just below your ribs,you cant see it but sometime you can feel it.you drink fluids after op,cup a Soup etc not sure bout alcohol,have you paid your deposit not long now hun:thumbup:

BB/Slinky, its very hard to tell people. so far only my partner eldest daughter and a very close friend know. I.ve even heard my siister talkin about how its cheat, but I think why should you suffer i there help out there. Im being banded on 27 july and wanted to know from those that have had it done where does the port sit can yousee it or feel it. What can you eat following op and you drink as normal what about alcohol I know loads of quest:tt1:

Thanks for your insight, agiudice! Spot on. :thumbup: Seems in our rush to rid ourselves of all the trappings of our ugly past we are quick to make the same mistakes that led us to the dead ends of obesity. We need to take it slower and smarter; get your information from legitimate sources rather than anecdotal. I was diagnosed with sleep apnea during my early consultation my physician said after about a 40 to 50 pound weight loss I would need to adjust my machine. If I didn't it would introduce too much air and I might spend most of my days expending it from either end (he was much more eloquent than that but the core idea was less gas when adjusting the device). He said it may seem like I no longer need the machine. He cautioned me not to stop until we had discussed the details. There was a possibility I might transition to a static device fitted to my mouth instead. He likened sleep apnea to alcoholism: you will always have it lingering in the background no matter how many days you have kicked the machine. I would have been happy knowing it was "chronic" a tad less pejorative. I got the point. What I can state is I am sleeping sounder and getting the much needed rest. It may be due to a variety of factors but at this point I am not going to start cutting the cord on anything that has got me this far. Keep us informed, agiudice. Regards as always,

Hi there, and thank you. I had complications due to my band destroying my stomach tissue. I had a leak, it was repaired, longer recovery, would do it all again, complications and all. ZERO REGRETS. I technically do not have any food issues. Scrambled eggs and pork chops sit like a brick in my sleeve. I don't particularly like scrambled eggs and we quit eating pork with the exception of ham on accasion so I'm not missing pork chops either. I did not, and do not drink with my meals regularly. I broke that habit with the band, and never really picked it back up. I don't miss it. The only time I really drink with my meal is if it's wine, and I'm not wasting alcohol. If I'm eating super spicy mexican or thai foods, I might take a few sips with my meal and it's just enough to wet my whistle. It's not drinking, it's taking a few tiny sips to quell the heat. I did accidentally take a drink early out too soon after eating, and it was immediate pain and discomfort. We don't have pouches. We have normal, fully functioning stomachs. Our stomachs do not stretch after surgery. Our stomachs are extremely swollen post-op, and need time to heal and become acclimated to food going in there again. Once you are off the post-op diet, and introducing new foods, with each passing week and month, you will be able to consume a bit more. I'm 13 months out today, and I can consume the same amount of food that I could 6-7 months ago. My surgeon believes my stomach is at maximum capacity. I can eat 3-5oz of dense Protein, and 6-8oz of mushy foods. If I eat 3oz of meat, I can fit a few bites of greens, or some veggies. If I eat 5oz, I'm topped out, and can not eat anymore. Chili, yogurt, thick Soups etc etc I can eat about 6-8 oz depending on the consistency. Also, if I take longer than 30 minutes to eat my meals, I can consume more. I lost half of my hair. Yes, half. I had extremely thick, full, volume filled hair pre-op. I started losing around 3.5 months, and it last a solid 3 months. I had new growth coming in before the shedding stopped. There is nothing to stop it, but you can do things to help the regrowth such as taking Biotin or using Folicure extra care shampoo (found online or at beauty supply stores). No amount of protein, Vitamins, will stop the loss. It's a mixture of surgery, trauma, dramatic dietary changes, it's temporary and hair grows back. I still experience zero physical hunger. But, I have cravings just like any other normal human being. Skinny b!tches have cravings for Thai food also LOL. I don't obsess over food. I eat on average 6 times a day. I eat about 1500-1800 calories per day, and eat anything and everything I want. I do not forbid any foods off my menu. I eat ice cream, cake, and Cookies, but everything is in moderation. Instead of eating an entire package of cookies, I eat 2-3. I eat 1/2 cup of ice cream etc etc. I eat white carbs, and refuse to deprive myself of any specific foods. It's what works for me. Not everyone can do it like this, and that's okay. It is the path I've chosen, and you'll find yours. I truly love the sleeve. It's given me a fabulous life, and I live it to the fullest. I enjoy a very balanced, healthy and nutrient filled diet every day. Thank you to everyone for your sweet comments, and I look forward to another year with my sleeve, and sharing it with y'all ! ! !

Hello from Toronto! I understand 100%. I was a smoker, quit LAST SUNDAY! I've been a smoker for 20 years, but have only been smoking 12-15 cigs a day for the last 10 years. I quit because it was time, and this was punctuated by my surgery date on the 15th of July. My Dr. wanted me to quit 2 weeks before surgery. I have quit in the past, about 7 years ago, but stressful events in my life had me returning to the nasty habit! I had quit for 6 months, a real shame to return after that period of time. Alas, we move on, and try, try again! My quitting this time is part of my overall change of attitude! I want to get healthy, so I can play with my children, and feel good physically again! It's a lifesyle choice, and I am now chosing to control my habits, like smoking and eating and lack of exercise, rather than letting them control me! It's rather empowering me...and I'm feeling like I'm taking back my life, step by step. I'm using the patch, and it's working well. Try taking it off about 15 minutes before bed...the dreams and restlessness should stop... Stay strong, and breathe deeply everytime the urge creeps up on you...seems to be working for me. Staying away from "triggers" like coffee, alcohol ect is important. I KNOW you can do this.... Best of luck!

Every doctor has different instructions. My doctor did not have any special regimen after fills. If I could eat...then eat. If I couldn't, then go back to protein drinks until I could. He had no restrictions against alcohol, caffeine or carbonated beverages, although said that they might cause me discomfort and I should avoid them if they do. So I guess I wouldn't worry about it unless you find that they lead to continuing bad habits regarding your eating.

What i am doing right: - I am drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day - I gave up soda , caffeine and BREAD - I am working out 2-3 times a week. Usually before the 3 kids wake up and i dont get off the elliptical/treadmill till the machine tells me i have burned atleast 500 calories - I am realistic! - i keep a food journal - I weigh myself only once a week, on Mondays What i am doing wrong - I can eat well over 1 cup of food per meal...ususally more like 12-14 oz - i am a "crunchy carb" junky and that has been hard to to give up I still eat chips, crackers, gramcrackers, corn chips...all the junk that slides right through - i have 3 small kids and it seems i spend more that half of my day in the kitchen fixing up meals, snacks and treats...so i end up graissing on bad food choices. - i have 2-3 alcoholic drinks per week ( i need it after a day with teh kids!!) -Just cant give up Rice... it must be a Latina thing! - I forget to take my vitamins, calcium and vitamin D 50% of the time - I am eating well over 1200 calories per day -I look at myself and see no real changes. I still look like i am prego. My list could go an and on...but i have to go do my 3rd load of laundry.... just needed to vent i guess. goodnight

I struggle with perhaps being fat because I am afraid that if I am thin and men come on to me I will take them up on it and destroy my marriage. I think it goes back to having an alcoholic father who has never yet told me he loves me (I am 50). I used to use sex to get even a few hours of what I equated to love. What happens if I get thin and men come on to me and I fall back into this pattern? Being fat has meant that I have not had to deal with this because no one is attracted to me. I have been married for 30 years and have had this problem when I was thin before.

Wow, that's one I haven't heard before. Nothing surprises me. A neighbouring group in my area actually meets at an all you can eat Chinese restaurant once a month! Sort of like taking an alcoholic to a bar for a mtg. Oh well, I just don't go to those mtg's. Good luck!

I hear ya. I get those cravings too, but I fight it by drinking a Protein shake or if nothing is close by - Water. Cravings last for 15 min and it goes away....so try to fight it with water - works for me. I was banded 6/9/2010 and believe me, I want to cry when I think about hot wings - its worse when I smell it or see it...my coworker had it last week and he actually said "oh im sorry man!", and put his lunchbox in front of him so I cant see his food and started talking about something else - cravings are like an alcohol addiction and must be treated like so. But through discipline I've lost 25 lbs in 2 weeks postop. Its a constant battle and you have to switch your tactics. If you want fast food, get Pinto and cheese at Taco Bell, or small chili no cheese at Wendy's or Yogurt Parfait at McDonalds', and so on...You dont want to overstretch your pouch while healing due to slippage or whatever. Be strong - remember, cravings are 5-15 min long....think about something or drink water until full. You've come a long way to prepare yourself for a new life - be strong and dont look back!

It seems as though the foods listed are the ones people are commonly told to avoid if they have an ulcer. I could be wrong but I thought that it was no longer believed that ulcers are CAUSED by these foods. I thought that in the majority of cases it is believed to be the H Pylori bacteria that causes the ulcer and that these foods aggravate it. I wonder if in erosion it is being caused by these foods or if again the patient has H pylori? I am sure that everything in moderation is fine. I would think (but i am not a DR) that it would take excessive amounts of coffee,alcohol etc to cause this type of problem. Especially as liquids do not generally stay in the pouch - they go straight through so are more likely to contribute to problems in the lower portion of the stomach.

A small alcoholic drink will relax your stomach too. If thats all it is. I am not recommending this but I have noticed this happens.

A little of the ol' Google and I found this regarding erosion and alcohol....See number four. http://arturorodriguezmd.com/lap-band-erosion

Ok, so during the week I am like a machine, I follow my food plan to a T. I am not tempted at all. On the weekends though, I allow myself to have a few small bite tortilla chips (a few is all I can do), or a few m&ms, or a few bites of the kid's ice cream, by NO MEANS do I pig out! Of course, these are all Carbs and as I have said before Carbs are what make me fat. During the week I follow 30g or less of carbs and fat and 60+ of Protein. I go on vacation July 11th and I am petrified that I will not be able to stick to my plan. I do not WANT to go off my plan, I have no desire to have a vacation from my eating plan. I will be staying at a vacation home and my Mom (who is also an 18 year bariatric surgery veteran) will be cooking for the family for every meal. The difference with my Mom is that she can eat whatever she wants, just very little and does not gain weight. I need some major good vibes that week! I have a goal to weigh 150 or less by the time i leave, that is 4 more pounds! I want to continue losing while on vacation, I do NOT want to see a gain AT ALL. I have to write this down, my goal is to follow the plan and I want everyone to ask me how I am doing while I am on vacation. I weigh daily so this will also be a test for me as I will not have a scale. It is a blessing that I will have all meals prepared at home, just need to come armed with my Protein shakes and all my good protein and stay on top of my game even while on vacation. Oh, also, I would not mind having a few cocktails while relaxing at the pool IF I can find some that do not screw up my weight loss, I understand there are some low calorie, zero carb options. Anyone have any ideas? Alcohol is not a must, only a luxury if I can do a 100 calorie drink that does not impact me... Thanks everyone! Sorry, anxiety is kicking in. Right now I hate getting out of my routine cause I know my routine WORKS for me.:001_unsure:

If you read the product information of the LAP-BAND System, you will see that one of the contraindications is if you have alcohol or drug addiction. I don't know the OP, so I don't know whether there is an addiction issue; however, if there is, the physician must be told about it so that s/he can help the OP make the best decision. It really is critical that you tell your doctor everything. Omission of anything is not fair to YOURSELF. Don't you want the best possible outcome for YOU? I surely want the best possible outcome for you. :scared2:

I couldn't agree with you more savvycat, I think there are mixed messages and everyone has different diets, rules etc from their different doctors. I am also not one to do something just because someone told me to do it so I can relate. I drink diet coke and I still drink alcohol on occasion. I've been fairly successful with my weight loss, I've lost almost 60 pounds in 6 months, could it have been 65 if I didn't drink those vodka and cranberries last month, probably. Am I upset about that, not one bit. What I'm saying is, I haven't been a saint, I don't always follow the rules after a fill, I drink soda (I'm drinking one right now) and I have alcohol. All that being said, I've been successful and am happy with the results so far. My suggestion, do what you need to do to get through the day because if you start hating your band because you can't have soda or beer it's going to be a long and hard road.

Bay, I totally agree with btrieger! I rarely drink, but the other day, I went out with friends and had a few drinks. Before I knew it, I was picking at the cheese fries on the table. With no alcohol in me, I most likely would not have eaten them. I also had a friend who lost a lot of weight with GB. She enjoys her 4 or 5 Miller Lites a night and has gained a little over half her weight back. Not only can drinking hinder your weight loss, but excessive drinking is just plain bad for your health. Getting this surgery is mainly about getting healthier.

alcohol can help cause erosion why bother if your only going to hurt your stomach? Plus you get drunk so much faster after being banded. So unless you want to be wasted 3 times a week it would be best not to drink so much when banded.

I think every surgeon gives slightly different foods that are allowed, but here is what my surgeon gave me: Weeks 3 & 4 Soft Foods (Mushies) - If it's not on the list, you can't eat it. ALWAYS EAT PROTEIN FOODS FIRST Dairy Skim Milk or Light Soy Milk Cottage Cheese - Low Fat or Skim Ricotta cheese - Low Fat or Skim Yogurt - No fruit chunks, low carb, low sugar, light Cheese - Shredded - 1oz/day - NO American slices or Velveeta for first month. Eggs - soft scrambled Pudding - Sugar Free - (You can add your protein powder to it) Vegetables Always eat Protein foods first Green beans - canned NOT fresh, cooked soft Carrots, cooked really well and mashed Zucchini/squash - remove all seeds - cooked & mashed Potatoes - Must be instant (very small amounts) Fruits Always eat some protein first No fresh fruit for the first month Mashed peaches or pears - canned, packed in water Applesauce - no sugar added Fruits are naturally high in sugar - eat small amounts. NO fruit juices after surgery SOUPS Broth - chick, beef, or vegetable Chicken Noodle - no chicken chunks Vegetable - no beef or barley, cooked really well (soft) Lentils - cooked well (soft) Miscelleneous Refried Beans - Fat Free (NOT FAST FOOD, they are loaded with lard) Tofu - not in form of veggie burger, etc. Grits, cream of wheat or malt-o-meal (plain, in small amounts) No Oatmeal or Rice (wait 3-4 months) Spices/Sweeteners Any as tolerated - salt, pepper, garlic, etc. Any artificial sweeteners - Equal, Stevia, Splenda, etc. No salsas or hot sauce for at least 1 month (acid & spice will irritate surgical area) Beverages 64-80 oz per day (If it has caffeine or alcohol, it doesn't count as fluid) NO FRUIT JUICES 0-4 grams of TOTAL carbohydrates (not sugars) per serving. REMEMBER Don't drink 30 minutes before meals, during meals, or 30 minutes after meals. CHEW, CHEW, CHEW - chew everything extremely well. I hope that helps, Best of luck - Terri

Another thought. Your Dr will need to know about your drinking habits as excess alcohol is one of the causes of a fatty liver.A fatty liver can cause serious problems at the time of surgery. It can cause the surgery to be cancelled or for them to do it as open rather than keyhole surgery.