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My surgery is July 1st. I am really excited. My biggest concern is the recovery time for return to work. I am trying to prep my body for surgery by eating healthy, trying to exercise, and cutting out alcohol. I have told many of my friends about my surgery. Everyone has been supportive so far. They just want me to be healthy.

I've been reading this thread since it popped up. WOW!!!!! is all I can say...Lots of emotions. Which I believe in 100%. This is a VERY EMOTIONAL subject for everyone involved. It seems we've all been to the point of being overweight and can't do alot about it no matter what we do. The weight will drop and then come back with more attached to it. As I say all the time 'my fat and I, we've bonded. we're best buds' lol. I think the questions everyone has asked are legit. All doctors have different ways of treating there patients and giving advice. Mine won't do the surgery if you are going to continue drinking sodas or alcohol. As he said why waste his time and yours if your not into it 110%. Alot of it is trial and error. What works for one may not work for another. I believe the rules are put in place to help you. Not necessarily hurt you. If you didn't want to loose weight and have a better quality of life then you wouldn't have made the first step to do the research on it and go to the doctor and inquire about it. The way I compensate for the cravings or 'rules' is I tell myself that I'm allergic to it and I can't have it. That way I won't be tempted to eat and/or drink it. So for me that is my rule. I'm sure at one time or another anyone of us will have something we aren't supposed to. BUT I know with me it won't happen again. I have to much invested into this to screw up and throw it all away. If you aren't serious about wanting to loose weight then go have the band taken out and be on your merry way. It's not a miracle band that will make you loose weight. It's a tool to HELP you loose weight. You are the one that is in control of what you put in your mouth. So if you deem that you want sodas, beer, or whatever else your not supposed to have and your not loosing weight then it totally falls back on you. There is no one else to blame but yourself. You are in control of your own destiny.

No question alcohol works against you for fat loss. At 7 calories per gram it is the most dense fuel choice short of fat (9 grams) and nearly double that of carbs and Protein (4 grams). Occasionally consuming alcohol though for some (me included) is a reward "food." When I'm focusing on a goal I stay away from it. When I'm on vacation or easing back a bit, I may "tie one on." After all, how relaxing is a campfire next to a cooler full of ice cold beer? :frown: Education and moderation are the key... Have the alcohol if you desire, but clearly understand the consequences of it - both inside the body and out. Brad

My surgeon's recommendation was to wait one month. I can't say I made it that long. :-o I love my wine and cocktails. Even though I started back before I was supposed to, it never made me sick. But, a week ago, I decided to make a commitment to give up alcohol entirely until I reach my goal weight. I have been stuck around the same weight for a few weeks now and I know these empty liquid calories are not helping. I decided I didn't get this surgery just to get halfway to goal. So, I'm stepping it up and eliminating the alcohol and increasing my exercise.

This is a EXCELLENT article, Debster!! Thanks for posting it!!! I was a major beer drinker prior to getting my band (on June 3rd). I guarantee beer was a lot of the reason I put on so much weight in the first place!! Not only did I consume a ton of empty calories, but I would binge eat afterward. Then, the next day my blood sugar was all out of whack so I would eat the wrong foods. For me, my decision was to completely stop drinking alcohol once I got banded. I do worry about transfer of addictions. Everyone is different, though.

I actually find your post to be totally offensive. I'm usually happy to help people who are struggling if I can, and would never judge, but you just sound like a humorless ass. Questions about coffee, soda etc. are asked time and time again and are totally legitimate. We've all done our research about giving up these things and have made our decisions. We're not blind sheep following Hitler into battle here. We're educated and curious, sacrificed a lot to have this band, did our due diligence, and made our own decisions about abstinence and moderation and special occasions and coffee and alcohol and liquid diets etc. etc. There's nothing special about you, buddy. It's just as hard for the rest of us. When you're ready to lose the tone, let me know. I'd be happy to respond. In the interim, I'd suggest some soul searching...

It started about 3 years ago, My sister, then, a 21 year old young woman was living her life normally when she was overtaken by a horrible pain in her abdomen, followed by throwing up and not even being able to keep water down for days we decided it's time to take her to the emergency room, the doctors wrote it off as a stomach virus and said it would pass. Months go by without a trace of another "attack" when again same scenario, back to the E.R- again told it was a stomach virus, not one doctor did a test, MRI, CAT anything.. this happened more times than I can really count in the years to follow, when finally she had the worse "attack" ever which lasted for weeks, no one had a clue what was going on "could this really be a virus?" It got to the point where, her face had sunken in at her cheek bones, she looked sick, I thought I was going to lose my sister and I was terrified. After the last episode we met with our family doctor yet once again, he sat and brainstormed with us for what seemed like forever, then finally he thought "it's a long shot but let's check your pancreas" – A long shot because not only was she a 22 year old otherwise healthy young woman, but she wasn't an alcoholic. He performed the necessary testing and made the astounding discoveries, not only were her triglycerides at alarming numbers, (normal triglycerides levels should be 130 or under) hers were at 5000, but my sister, my best friend, was suffering from pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) causing the "attacks "of dehydration, excruciatingly painful episodes and constant vomiting. Now you can imagine how angry we were with the hospitals and previous doctors that not one of them thought to check her levels, not one of them cared enough to get to the bottom of why my sister was withering away slowly and in such pain. Once we knew this info we thought "ok, give her some medication and let her get back to her life" They experimented on her as if she was the poster child for narcotic exploration, she tried it all from high doses of Niacin, Omega 3 fats (which spiked her triglycerides even more) to Trilipix, Nothing helped, Now it was starting to become an issue of just when her body was going to give up the fight because she was tired, fed up and sick and tired of feeling sick and tired. I had been researching the Lap-Band®®® procedure for myself and brought it to her attention, "Well it's known for helping with diabetes.. maybe it will help with this too". She searched for a surgeon right away, we didn't need any surgeon, what we needed was someone experienced and had a "clue" about this monster inside her. She came across Dr. George Fielding at NYU Langone Medical Center, when reading his bio we thought maybe this is the guy to help, we hoped that finally our prayers would be answered and within the month had an appointment to meet with him. Now let me get into why I wrote this, This isn't one of those writings of mumbo jumbo or blah blah hear my story blah.. No, this is for you, the reader to understand the extent of the situation before any action was taken, and for you all to know that without Dr. Fielding, my best friend would not be here with me today. During the consult he was what some would call brutally honest, but coming from all the flakey sugar coating doctors we came from, this brutality was utterly refreshing. He told her that while the band would help lower her triglycerides, at her severity, it wouldn't have made much of a difference and she was a ticking time bomb. So here we thought "back to square one" When Dr. Fielding mentioned there was another option called the Biliopancreatic Diversion where he would by-pass the pancreas so that she would only be using a small percentage of it, It was a dangerous procedure but considering that by the time she'd be 30 we were looking at heart attacks, strokes or even worse, this was our best bet. I must mention that both my sister and I have medical backgrounds, both went to medical institutes and both have an above "average" knowledge of medical terminology and physiology but this, was foreign to us. We had no idea what it would entail, was it going to work? So the researching data started. This was it! Why hasn't anyone thought of this before? Why didn't any of the doctors we saw in the past even mention the option? The answer, we shall never know but one did, and for that, and I speak for my entire family, are eternally grateful. Dr. Fielding performed the procedure within 2 months of her initial consult, The procedure itself took less than 2 hours and here I am writing this over 2 months later and she is doing fantastic. Her triglycerides are down to numbers I am even to scared to mention because they are so good and she is finally able to eat normally, just live. Without him, I don't know what Id be writing about today, but chances are, nothing good. I'd like to express my gratitude, my appreciation to him and his staff for letting me keep my sister, We could never express it accurately or enough but, know, that he saved my sister's life and I can never repay him for the gift of a normal life he gave her. Thank You so much for everything, we are forever grateful from the bottom of our hearts. -Jasmine (scheduled for the band with Dr. Fielding 6/14)

I was about 8 weeks out before I tried a beer. Its considered a fairly big NO-NO considering the carbonation. I enjoyed it and had no real adverse effects (might have burped a bit more than usual? ) The biggest difficulty with alcohol is the calories. Any high calorie "drink" that slips on past the band is always best in moderation. There are other ways that alcohol hinders our greatest goal.....to be healthier and thinner...if you are interested check out this article. Just How Bad Is Alcohol for Weight Loss? Read more: Just How Bad Is Alcohol For Weight Loss? | LIVESTRONG.COM

The rules exist because all of that stuff CAN affect a person. My doctor is a common sense kind of guy. I like that. He allows caffeine, soda that has been debubbled a bit, and limited alcohol. I drink coffee. I have had a handful of sips of soda, usually when necessary, and alcohol is empty calories. A sip or two works for me. Exercise is important for life, mental health and physical health.

My personal view is that following the after surgery liquid to mushies to solids regime is VERY important. All the rules about soda and caffeine and Protein and stuff, well this may not be popular but I think they're rubbish. Every surgeon differs, and I personally wouldnt drink soda anyway, but I certainly drink coffee, moderate alcohol and I havent and will never ban healthy carbs, and I've had a great band experience. I havent "broken" any rules because those things were NEVER rules for me, my surgeon simply says to eat sensibly from all food groups, dont overeat to the point of feeling very full and dont have fills you dont need. I guess i've followed those ones religiously so I do value rules and can be compliant, but not with ones that have no real basis in any logic. To me weight loss is NOTHING more than calories in v calories out, so if you want to occasional alcoholic drink, then bearing in mind your overall nutrition and where you get your calories from, I see no problem with that at all.

I had a cocktail about 5 weeks out. There was a celebration and I went for it. Had no adverse reaction. Life goes on. Just don't turn to alcohol to replace your addiction with food... Be very careful switching one addiction for another. It happens.

Hi guys! I was banded May 27 and I am 15 pounds down and holding! I lost the 15 in the first week and a half... but have stayed the same for the last 2 weeks! Anywho...how long was it before you started drinking alcohol? I am just nervous that I might get extremely ill! Feedback is helpful!!!

Sorry.... I can't let this one slide by without comment... First the disclaimer... the following is my opinion only... You know what they say about opinions... Okay... that part is done... Now... I don't want anyone to think that you can just get banded, eat chips, drink alcohol, and full sugar soda and lose weight so long as you just walk around the Home Depot all day... :eek: Oh if it were only that easy... She was just banded in March? She may be losing weight right now... Well guess what, come along August or September she's going to be due for a big a$$ wake up call... She'll be complaining that she's plateau'd and stalled out and this damn band thing isn't working at all... that'll be followed by "maybe I should go get a fill." If she isn't exercising, but has a good calorie deficit from intake alone (diet), then the weight she's losing is, percentage-wise, far larger Fluid and lean muscle tissue when compared to someone who is sufficiently exercising. What's the difference? The exerciser is maintaining a healthy metabolism by keeping as much lean muscle tissue as possible, which will keep the FAT loss going. The other is slowly but surely crashing their metabolism, losing lean body mass, and when the equalibrium is met - the plateau arrives. And walking around the home depot, or anywhere else for that matter, is a part of a good active lifestyle, but that aint exercise. Ok... I'm done... Brad

Oh my gosh... Well I'm not perfect, and Doctor's aren't Gods- so I try to listen to my body! I switched to mushies without my Dr's approval b/c I knew it was the right thing to do for MY body- I continue to lose weight successfully! This is YOUR tool to use with YOUR body- everyone is different! That being said, medically, soda is not recommended b/c of the carbination which can expand the pouch AND because it is very acidic and your risks of developing ulcers after banding is increased b/c acidic foods (which can cause ulcers) have a smaller pouch area to penetrate and concentrate in (same with coffee and alcohol). Further, the number 1 cause of band slippage is vomitting. Thus, if you are tolerating the foods you are eating, you should be fine- regardless of the seemingly baseless comment made by another user. You asked for facts, so, I hope this was CONSTRUCTIVE feedback.... p.s. I'm not a baaaaaaa either!

I never and still do not experience any hunger. I just eat because I know I have to. I rarely got shaky, or totally weak. Especially once I got to mushies and was hitting my Protein goals almost every day. I survived on 600-800 calories very easily. I drink sometimes once a week, 4oz of Riesling or a German called Eisswein wine. I did refrain for several months because alcohol is just wasted calories. When we go out to a bar, or I go out with my girlfriends, I do rum/cokes, occasionally white russians, and various shots. I have zero issues with alcohol.

I follow the rules for the most part. I think I've had one soda, a few beers, lots of wine (although for the last two weeks none), since being banded. My doctor says that if you can tolerate it you can drink it. My daughter, who was banded in March, does break the rules. She probably is giving 60 % to her diet and doesn't exercise. She does work at Home Depot so she walks a lot. And she IS losing. She drinks with meals, eats chips occasionally, drinks soda, drinks alcohol all occasionally, She told me she has about 5 sodas a week and they"re not diet. So here you have an example of a sheep and a rule breaker, both successful. I do think attitude has something to do with success though and committing to something makes us feel better and lose weight. So you can't go wrong with the right attitude! Best wishes on your journey!

Have you drank any alcohol since your surgery?

HEY GUYS FEW QUESTIONS??? 1: I KNOW WE NEED TO TAKE TINY BITES...AS MONTHS GO ON DO OUR BITES GET MORE NORMAL SIZED?? LOL 2: IM GOING ON VACATION IN AUGUST AND I WILL BE 3 MONTHS...WHAT ARE THE RULES FOR DRINKING??? I MEAN I DONT WANT TO GET WASTED BUT CAN I HAVE A FEW DRINKS? 3:WHEN DID PEOPLE START EXPLORING NEW FOODS NOT ON OUR DIET PLAN?.....

I do not follow "the rules" to a T and have lost much weight. That being said, I can not encourage you to break the rules. Some of the rules I do follow are the no carbonated drinks rule and no alcohol/ or in moderation rules. Since being banded I have had zero carbonated drinks, not even diet. They bothered my stomach even before being banded, so it was not hard to never drink them again. I am a big iced tea drinker. I use sweet-n-low in my tea. I have had about 4 glasses of wine in the past 11 months, but I was never much of a drinker. Maybe you could find a good replacement for your diet soda. Even diet soda is full of sodium and may keep your blood pressure up and cause you to hold water weight. I do take it easy after fills. I go slow starting with liquids, then mushies, then solid. That being said, I have no choice because my restriction has been very tight. Another rule I do follow is the no swallowing pills rule my surgeon has. I only take things is chewable or liquid form. The band makes me follow many of the rules. I hope you make/ follow some rules for yourself and have great success with the band.

My doctor said to stay away from carbonated drinks which includes beer but wine or other non-carbonated alcohol beverages are ok in moderation. My doctor doesn't have any regulations after fills. I have never gone to liquids after a fill. I realize some rules vary from doctor to doctor but if you go to the LapBand website it list rules for success with the band. How successful have you been in your weight loss following your own rules?

My doc and nurses were VERY adamant about the soda thing. They went so far as to say if you aren't ready to give up soda and alcohol, don't have the surgery. You may not have the right restriction and that is why you aren't suffering the consequences right now. Consider this: You have allowed someone to cut into your body, had a foreign object inserted to help you lose weight. Either you or an insurance company paid a heck of a lot of money for this proceedure, and your surgeon and the nurses who are taking care of you are spending valuable time to help you. Why are you not following the rules? Do you REALLY want to lose weight or is this just a whim? Of course, this is your body, and you can do whatever you wish, but it took so much effort to get to this point, why throw it all away? It is a life changing event. You need to change your life. I say this to myself as well who, while I haven't had any soda since Aug of 2009, I enjoy ice cream more often than I should. You may suffer complications if you don't follow the directions. This is your life!!! This is your body!!! This is serious!!! Do your best. It's only soda...it isn't good for you, doesn't give you any nutrition, costs money you don't really need to spend, etc. The same goes for alcohol. Is soda and alcohol more important than your life? That may be a choice you need to make. Again, not judging...I have my areas that need constant attention and am always learning the hard way -- they mean it when they say don't drink after eating!!!! Best of luck to you! Get some good support people around you to help you make positive choices.

OMG my Dr said no soda or alcohol and it is in the book also that he gave me to read. All i can say is i am going to follow the Drs order to a tea and not do anything other than what he says i do not want my band to slip or have any complications. I worked at this to long to get my banding and i am not gonna mess it up now that i have it

I have to say, my Dr never said anything about not havign soda or alcohol after the "healing" phase, and also never told me to follow a specific diet after fills. He just said be careful of drinking your calories in any form.

Ok, so I admit to being hard-headed & needing to learn things the hard way. This being said, I have to admit to not following the surgeons instructions: I drink caffeinated diet soda & have had the occasional alcoholic beverage. Also, I have not followed the liquid, puree, soft then regular foods after fills regime. Because I have not had any adverse affects, I can't help but wonder why all the restrictions.... (I can see how it could be an issue for some)... I guess what I am wondering is, outside of the empty calories in alcohol, can any of this behavior hinder how effective the band is? If there is anyone who can offer some concrete info I would sure appreciate it!!

Cheri... I agree with so much of your post! I have a wonderful doctor myself, who is very well respected in my area... like your doctor he did tell me to make sure to EAT the Protein... not to rely on the protein drinks-- that they would stall your weight loss or you would lose slower. The only time I ever did Protein drinks was in the beginning before I could eat food. As for nuts, my doctor didnt tell me about the nuts, but I did keep a journal of my food and would compare it to how much I lost for the week. I immediately noticed that the weeks I ate nuts... no weight loss and sometimes I would even gain! I cut those out quick and did just fine. So I couldnt agree more- for my body nuts were just not good! The only difference I have in what you have stated is my doctor said that with the lapband he would get 80% of the weight off - the rest was up to me. He told me this since the first time that I met with him. Set those expectations from the beginning. I was determined to hit my goal and I knew that most of the weight loss would happen in the first 6 -9 months... he told me get the weight off during the first year. So I went on and ate just like he told me too- got my protein in thru eating a solid piece of protein first every meal and then ate veggies if I had room. I cut out nuts, Pasta, bread, rice, sweets and alcohol. I found that if I stuck to the simple rule of eat my solid protein first when hungry-- I never had room for the other crap. I hit my goal 9 months and 1 week after surgery.. 108lb down! I went from 242 to 134. I am currently going for 130 just because I have found that I have a 5 lb flucuation and I want to always stay at my goal weight. I am also back at the gym again... doing weight training to tone up. I really appreciate my doctor telling me the things he did and being realistic with me- by doing that he was the key to my success. Also, when I hit my 80% mark he said- step it up -- the rest is up to you! This has been a great journey - I have learned so much about myself and ways to better myself.