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I just joined this forum today and this is the exact reason. I am 8 years post op and had amazing results. Over 110lb weightloss. I knew all the warnings of gaining the weight back and not replacing food with alcohol etc. I truly thought all the warnings did not apply to me! I kept my post op weight for approx 5 years really without any effort. Ate pretty much what ever I wanted and still no weight gain! I WON- was my thought! Then 3 years ago my mom died and i fell apart. Eating didnt change but the daily wine drinking started. My weight slowly crept up over the next years and i am now 40+ pounds up from where I want to be. I really dont even know what to do. I have an extremely stressful life and really do not want to stop the wine completely so will cut back but I do not know what to even eat anymore! Has anyone else been here? Where did you start? Specifically-what did you do. I feel so ashamed of myself. I feel like i had such a gift of a second chance and have blown it ((.

When I had my Psyche evaluation I asked the Dr what would disqualify me from being approved for the surgery. One thing he stated was being an alcoholic since I would need to refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages during my recovery from surgery. As for you. You should seek the help of a qualified medical professional who can offer you guidance and treatment.

3.5 weeks post surgery. Went to our state fair tonight and was really sad that I couldn't eat any of the food I love having at fairs. I really wanted a corn dog, and cotton candy, and funnel cake, and alcohol, and, and, and.... We didn't stay long because I was sad plus I still haven't returned to full energy levels since the surgery. Just feeling down and wanted to share.

Since being banded and diagnosed as Metabolically (Insulin) Resistant, I've come to learn a great deal about myself and my relationship with food. The band has been a wonderful tool in assisting me with recognizing my problem areas. I have done some REAL listening to my body lately and that has opened up doors I've kept locked up for so long, I've forgotten they existed. This, along with journaling, has helped me to unlock these doors and discover these hidden rooms inside myself. Today, I have decided to air out these rooms, by confessing. I've never been addicted to drugs or alcohol, nor have I ever been through a 12 step program. I neither claim to know anything about psychology, nor do I claim to be an expert in health and nutrition. However, I have learned for myself, that in order to begin a healing process, we must first recognize there is a problem, confess it and move on. This is why I am starting this thread. After some negative reactions from some of the posters on this forum, I am a little nervous about this, but this is something I MUST do for myself. Confession, after all, is good for the soul. Here goes: 1. I am a sugar addict. My body constantly cries out for sweets and no matter how many times I try to give up sugar for good, I always go right back to it. 2. I've kept this secret hidden from my husband, my family and my friends. People have made remarks that I eat like a bird. They don't know about the chocolate hidden in my closet. The secret trips to the snack machine at work. How I make "cover up" noises to keep them from hearing the noises of the wrapper as I open my 3rd Snickers bar for the day. 3. I don't like cake but I love frosting. I can't tell you how many times I've eaten a whole bowl of frosting or eaten all the frosting off the cake, then pretended to drop the cake in the floor to cover up my secret. 4. Sometimes, when I buy groceries, I buy a jar of Smuckers hot fudge and eat the whole thing on my way home. I drive by a dumpster before I get home so I can toss the empty container. I would be mortified if anyone knew this. But now YOU know. The Addiction Resource Guide difines addiction like this: The physical and psychological craving for a substance that develops into a dependency and continues even though it is causing the addicted person physical, psychological and social harm. The disease of addiction is chronic and progressive, and the craving may apply to behaviors as well as substances. Yes, my friends, I am a sugar addict. I thank God every day for making it possible for me to have the lap band, because now I know, there is hope and with the help of my band, I can start moving in the right direction. With the band I can feel full and satisfied longer, which will help to keep my blood sugar regulated and reduce the cravings. With the help of my band, and reading this forum, I'm finding the strength to say no and make it through another day.

I have not taken the time to share my story, as a matter of fact I have still not changed my Facebook pictures, or the ones of me at work. food. I believe I had an actual addiction to food, the same as an addict, I didn't see it as an issue... But now I realize that I had a problem. I eat to live now, instead of living to eat. The surgery helped by taking away the cravings, but I worry that if I reintroduce things like breads, fried foods, and other crap, I will develop the addiction again, just as if an alcoholic was to just have " 1 drink". It is a disease, with horrible side effects including low self confidence, depression, and humiliation. I have made it my mission to find healthy foods, and replace all of my old favs, with healthy... And what I call, feel good foods. An FG food is one that I can eat comfortably, and they just basically feel good. for me, my list of items that I probably have a little of everyday would include... Chobani Flips. (190-210 cal, 12 gram protein)... These are my go to, if I haven't eaten in a while and am hungry, I can put this down a bit faster, and the size is pretty perfect for a meal. Love them all! Pickles- (0-5 cals) I love the spicy pickles, but I can eat them all. Pickles have become a regular snack in my life. Spears, slices, whatever, they all rock! Soup, soup, and more soup!!! My souls have been a huge part of my success. I make a huge crock of soup and it lasts me weeks. You can freeze some, but always have some in the fridge ready to microwave. I make a few varieties, but the basis is always the same. chicken broth base, cut with Water. Chicken or Cod fish, yep... I said fish! My family hates the smell of my "fish soup" but I loved it! However if you are not a big fish can just go with chicken. Vegetables- carrots, onions, mushrooms, kale, spinach, and even Brussels sprouts... Whatever you like and then I would spice it up with Cayenne and red pepper flakes, I even used Sriracha at times. This soup has been a staple for me since the 3rd month post, and I still make a lot here and there now. It was just great for me to grab a coffee cup, fill it, microwave it, and enjoy it. I pushed myself to walk, and then I started "1 TED" lol. That means 1 thing every day. If it was parking in the back of the parking lot when at a store, or walking down the street and back when going to pick up the mail, I would just push to do 1 thing, which then would keep except use in the front of my mind. Get an Apple Watch or Fitbit, make goals and hit them! What I learned is that we are capable of so much! When you are used to walking around with an additional 100 plus, your body has been working out for a long time. Now when the weight is gone, you still have that strong frame. Put it to work! I made some new friends that are athletic, I try and play Pickleball ( the game kicks ass, combo of tennis, volleyball, & ping pong) instead of cardio... I want to transition to a healthy lifestyle, not a 30 minute gym session that I won't be looking forward to. Think of your weight loss as a super power, but only if you stick to the guidelines. This works for me, and I believe it to be a super power... Let me explain. Since the weight loss, the world has been easier for me. I can go to an amusement park and get on the rides. I can fly on a plane and not need an extension. I can walk into a crowded bar and not start sweating my ass off! I can buy clothes at a normal store, and with actual brand names on them. I can tie my damn shoes, and without holding my breathe! I can sit in any chair, and not just the ones without sides... I can even sit in the plastic ones. Woman treat me so differently! I am no longer just the funny guy... Even though I haven't changed! Life has just become much easier, much better, and much healthier, and I never want to go back, so I will continue to treat it as an addiction and will not look to be able to re introduce "everything" back into my eating habits, but instead I will work to find better foods. The nice thing about eating less, is that you can afford to buy smaller portions allowing for better quality foods. Take advantage of that! I always have almonds in the house, and I love veggie chips, especially the jalepeno, but now I grab a handful and walk away... If I want another handful, I will go get it at 30 cals, per handful, but I am going to force myself to get up and walk to the kitchen to get a handful I feel so lucky to have had this surgery, and if I can help you in anyway let me know! I hope you have found this helpful, I know that writing it has helped me... So thanks! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi, I'm a Registered Psychiatric Nurse from Canada. I didn't think that they used Antabuse anymore. My experience with it professionally was that it was not really that effective in the long term. I've seen patients get it then go out on pass, only to return and be violently ill,(vomitting and wretching severely, not so good for anyone, but so much worse for someone who is banded), and often repeat that scenario over and over. The person I'm thinking about has long since died of liver disease. Alcoholism is such a brutal disease/condition! As a child of alcoholic parents, I would urge anyone to do what they can to stop! The damage done overall, to the alcoholic and the family and friends is so severe , widespread and long-lived that it is imperative that the alcoholic get the treatment they need........NOW! (but I'm certain that you already know that.) All the best to you!

My son receives an injection of long acting naltrexone every month. It has worked wonders for him . . . decreases the desire to drink and prevents the alcohol from having an effect when he does drink. I think the brand name is "vivitrol". It also comes in tablet form that you have to take daily. Good luck to you.

I must be drunk aunty. Alcohol feels exactly the same as it did pre-op

LOL! For those relatively new to this site, every thread here about alcohol turns into a pissing contest. And this thread is well on its way to the same destination. Carry on ....

Can anyone she'd some light on this topic? I'm only a month in and I'm certainly not drinking any alcohol for a whole. I'm asking because I do like a cocktail every so often. What has been your experience? When did you dabble in alcohol again? Thanks. Sent from my SM-G935V using the BariatricPal App

Every program is definitely different! My doc released me to full food at 2 weeks, some programs require liquids for a month post-op. I don't really understand no alcohol for a year, though? Is it for weight loss purposes? Our dietitians are very strict, but they're for guidance in my world, they don't tell me what I can and can't do, only my MD does that. I've been advised by our dietitians to use fake vegetable Protein, to use aspartame, to use only non-fat dairy and on and on. There's also been quite good advice, but I take what makes sense to me and leave the rest. I actually get a lot of advice and support from my case manager, a successful 9-year RnY patient. She's been there, done that on so many situations and is a wealth of info. I cherish her

Has anyone attempted alcohol yet? I had mine on June 27th and I'm not really a drinker and don't mind waiting for months down the road. But today is my moms bday so I was wondering if one cocktail would be a bad idea this soon? Opinions? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

as far as alcohol goes...I stay away from drinks with high calorie additives and also anything carbonated. So..it's mostly wine I drink. I do so sparingly for the most part and this works for me...but I didn't really start drinking wine till I was around six months or so post WLS.

All I have to say is Girl thank you!!! You hit me right in my face. I'm two years out and still haven't hit my goal and noticed I had gained 10 pounds ( that's a no no) The alcohol is a big thing for me and I so know that this was so meant for me to see. I thank you and know this I believe you can do it. We are struggle at some point but having read this from you has really helped me. Thank you for being brave enough to share your story.

I'm not sure how I would feel about this, but I was also told you could take a shot of hard liquor. I know when I drink alcohol it relaxes the band somewhat. I've never tried a shot when stuck though.

1. My doc says no Protein shakes/drinks AT all. Do you agree? ( because i don't at all, nor does anyone i talked with ) 2. Two weeks of broth & juice ( no milk,..ect ) 3.Do you have the stitches removed or do they dissolve? 4. Should i be taking any Vitamins or something? I'm getting at most 500 cals a day. 5. What did you eat the first week, second week & then finally at a month? 6. Can you take Gas EX? The first week, 1.5 to 2 quarts of clear fluids each day. Caffeine free, non-alcoholic, non-carbonated. Second goal is protein intake of 50 to 60 grams per day of liquid portein from sugar free low fat yogurt, Boot Glucose Control or Boost Diabetic, Carnation Instant Breafast 0 Sugar Added or Slim Fast High Protein Chewable multi vitamins were recommended, later added calcimun, B6 & B12, Biotin for my hair...it will break off after about 3 months. Once they made sure I could keep Water down in the hospital I was allowed popcisles, then some broth that night. The next morning started the protein shakes. Surgery was Mon. and I strated mushies on Sun. for another week. I could have one meal of solids for 3 days to make sure I could tolorate it. Gas was a BIG deal for me, Gax X instant disolve was my best friend. It woke me in the middle of night. I walked through the house every 30 min. or so to keep in moving. I was able to go out the day I was discharged and the next two nights. My doc was really good about answering my questions, he is with a Center of Excellence and had done many of these. His PA is great and I was very happy with the care. Good Luck

Eating till you're satisfied is an interesting point, I've been focussing on this with a psychologist I'm seeing for post cancer issues - having my band unfilled, losing so much weight (and liking being ultra ultra skinny) and having trouble getting good restriction back has really messed with my head. Just like some people quip without thinking "Oh, I'm a food addict", I would probably say "I'm a binge eater". Yet, I might get a huge desire for sugar, and begin eating and eat what I consider to be WAY too much of that food (a packet of Cookies for example). However, in reality it might be seven or eight cookies - nowhere near what really constitutes a "binge". I've never eaten from the garbage can, never eaten one food after another in an hours long episode, I have a specific desire and I indulge it. And once I'm satisfied - which unfortunately only comes after 700 or 800 calories have been ingested - that desire simply switches off and I dont think about food again till I'm hungry. That's not a binge eater and that's not a food addict - although I sure do have a real problem with cookies. They're a trigger food and I absolutely cannot and never have been able to eat one or two. I can feel like a Big Mac once or twice a year and have it, enjoy it and not think about it again for another six months. Its just sugar - cookies, muffins, cakes etc. There's a definite pay off, I can literally feel sugar hit my bloodstream and soothe me. In analysing it with my psycyhologist, it is absolutely definitely triggered by tiredness and general daily stress. It has been worsened by the anxiety and depression I've battled with from time to time this year and improved out of sight by starting hormone replacement therapy. It also tends to happen because I exercise to a point where I need a balanced 2000 calorie a day diet, but have a lapband and dont eat that much. You can prevent hunger, but you cant fool your body with a band, it finds ways to get what it "thinks" it needs. My body often cries out for energy in the form of another little sugar "binge". I've learned the mental association, since that need could be fulfilled with chicken and carrots. Its in my head, not my body. So that's a trigger food situation - a food that has a physical effect on your body that you like, a food you turn to when your body is in a particular physical state, a food that you've learned to associate with feeling a certain way and so turn to in particular situations. I dont think that's quite the same as alcoholism or drug addiction although its similar, I think there's a bit more of a mental dependence and not a physical one.

Yes, each visit I have with Dr. Castro the more respect I have for the man. I told him I wanted whomever decided to use the betadine written up for it because the rash has been horrible. He looked at my rash and I told him I noticed when I got home the rash and a fake tan look to my entire abdominal area. He said most of the preps they use these days are alcohol based because there are more and more people with questionable iodine allergies and alcohol based preps are just as good if not better than iodine based preps. He also said the preps they use do have a fake tan look to them. I have no doubt he will have an answer for me by the time I go back in 3 weeks for my next follow up. Best of luck to you in your soon to be surgery!

Dave, i was also scared about the surgery and it being "too good to be true". To be blunt, whoever said this is the easy way out was on crack. This is not easy. This is only a tool to help you get what you want. If you don't do the work, (changing habits, stop emotionally eating, becoming an active individual etc) then it will not work as per your expectations. For example, my dad is 6'9" and pushing 550 lbs. He got the gastric bypass surgery. Did great for 2 years. Dropped all the way to 250 lbs. then he became an alcoholic and is now as big or bigger than he ever was. It it was my biggest fear doing the surgery to be like my dad. To sabotage myself and not let the tool work with me to be successful and let me tell you, this is a whole brand new life for me. A whole new way of trying to deal and make better habits. Some days I make progress and some days I don't. i think your family will be more supportive than you may imagine. If there are individuals who are not supportive or detract from your goals, choose to spend your time with those that are supportive of you. You are are choosing to make a change in your life. Don't let fear stop you. Megan

I started smoking a cigar and having a drink with it after 5 weeks. I don't drink a lot just enough to go with my cigar and I smoke a cigar about 3 or 4 times a week. I had my surgery September 6th, haven't had any problems or issues. I talked to my doctor about the drink and all they told me was I would feel the alcohol a lot earlier and get drunk very easily. Maybe I don't drink enough because I haven't gotten drunk, just a little tipsy. I have lost 60 lbs so far and am so glad I had the procedure.

I still eat out, Usually at least once a week with friends or family. I can find something to eat on just about every menu ( i usually look at the kids menu but at most places everything on the kids menu if fried or pasta). I always come home with a lot of leftovers. Only thing i miss is going out for drinks, but my surgeon recommends no alcohol for 1 year.

It really sounds as if you are having trouble making the lifestyle changes that have to be made for the surgery to work. We all know how hard it is so don't fear our judgment! Just work on your head. Then work some more. Sugar has always and will always be my demon. I didn't eat fast food, chips, dips, alcohol and so many other fattening things. Just sugar. And here it is in my first post-op holiday season, and candy and Cookies and such are lying around everywhere at work. My eyes are drawn to it every time I pass. My arm actually moves to reach toward it. I will NOT let that damn sugar undo me! I will allow myself ONE piece of candy per day from now through Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day I will drink nog with my man. Then NO MORE. I have been successful, in my eyes, because I do not deny myself everything, but I absolutely CONTROL the exceptions to my normal dietary plan.

Thanks for the advice... I'm finding it hard to get in enough liquids... Everything has a terrible taste to me, pre surgery I loved the taste of Water and diet Snapple, and crystal light! Now they all taste like quinine or rubbing alcohol! The Dr. office says that's because I'm dehydrated!! Well how do I get hydrated??? ?

I had my sleeve a week before you. Since being allowed solid foods 2 weeks ago I have tried chicken, fish, shrimp, and deli ham. It will be a while before I try red meat since so many have issues with it. I am not a wine drinker but I have tried alcohol (Crown Royal/water and tequila) on a few occasions with no negative effects. I personally would not go to a restaurant and try a couple of new things for the first time since surgery because I would be humiliated getting sick in a restaurant but that is just me. Proceed with caution would be my advice.

I am 12 weeks post op and had steak for the first time last night. It went down ok, but not as easy as chicken or fish. I definitely could not eat as much as other foods. I think if the steak has been more tender, it would have definitely helped. As for alcohol, I doubt a small glass of wine will hurt you. I’ve had a couple of small drinks by the pool this summer. I just stick with one small one, and I am just fine. We are heading to the beach in three weeks so I wanted to experiment with alcohol before I went, lol.