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@@Malin - Because unlike Chantix, it's cheap. I hate to sound conspiratorial, but if there isn't any money in it, no one is going to pay to advertise it. And it is just so counter to what we think we should do..."oh you have an alcohol problem, take this and in an hour pour yourself a drink." But it only works if you drink. But from what I have read, God help you if you use it for a while and then quit. You will relapse much harder and faster than when you began because the brain increases the number of receptors to make up for the blocking mechanism of Nalterxone. That's the trade off.

I am not sure about the amount. My rule is to eat until I am no longer hungry instead of eating until I am full. The alcohol and carb question would be up to you and how quickly you want to loose. I haven't had alcohol yet because they are empty calaries (Although I plan on having a shot of tequilla to celebrate Onederland shortly I hope ) I had stayed with a low carb diet. I think it has helped me to loose faster than average. Partly because I am impatient and wanted faster results. There are those who eat carbs in moderation. They may loose a little slower, but are still every bit as successful. Hope that helps. Your doing great!

This is my first time posting on here..I had my surgery on December 11th. I started my journey at 417 pounds. The surgery itself went very well. I spent the night in the hospital and went home the next day. I had minimal challenges after the surgery itself. I did the liquid diet for a week, then the blended food, etc. My only difficulty that I have is first thing in the morning I have a hard time drinking Water when I first wake up. Having a C-PAP machine I tend to be quite parched when I wake up. I was told that there is a build up of mucus and it's usually best to drink warm liquid first thing in the morning to break that up. I'm usually not a warm liquid drinker but it's helped. Since the surgery I've had 2 fills. The first fill was challenging in the first week but after that I was eating normally but my intake was a lot less. When I got my second fill last week I've noticed it to be more challenging to eat. I've had more foods getting stuck than in the past. I've learned that I have to make sure I really cut my food smaller. (especially steak) I've been able to tolerate a soda from time to time. I pour it in a cup and stir out the carbonation and I've had no issues with it. I know that I should avoid it not only because of the carbonation but for the sugar as well. Once in a while I've just gotta have one. I'm tolerating alcohol pretty well. I haven't had a beer yet but I've been doing mixed drinks and I haven't had any issues. I haven't really exercised that much other than walking further in the parking lot to the store because I intentionally park further away. So far since I've started I've lost 42 pounds!!! My pants are falling off my butt...shirts are getting big. I'm loving it!! I want to lose another 10-15 pounds before mid May so I can go to Six Flags and hopefully fit on a roller coaster again and ride with my kids!! My goal weight is 260 and I know I can get down to that.

Cfincham: Here's a great post that has been posted elsewhere, about how to know when you need a fill.... HowtoTellWhenYouArePerfectlyAdjusted: You are losing 1-2 pounds per week. If you are not losing 1-2 pounds per week: A. You may need an eating adjustment 1. Are you eating 60 grams of Protein a day? 2. Are you eating 25 grams of Fiber? 3. Are you avoiding all liquid calories? a. Soup can be sign of soft calorie syndrome b. Alcohol contains a lot of calories 7 calories per gram.(It's also a stomach irritant). c. fruit juice is just sugar Water 4. Are you making healthy food choices from a wide variety of foods? a. Are you avoiding soft foods b. You can't just eat what's easy c. cheese is glorified fat 5. Are you drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day between meals? 6. Are you eating too much junk? a. chips, chocolate, nuts, ice cream, Cookies and other highly processed junk foods are too calorically dense to be regular parts of a healthy diet. But don't avoid them completely to the point where you feel deprived. b. Stay out of fast food places 7. Are you getting in two servings of Calcium daily? 8. Do you always eat the protein first? 9. Then the vegetables or fruits a. Five servings a day b. Potatoes are NOT a vegetable 10. Is your portion size appropriate? a. meat or fish (3 ounces the size of a deck of cards) b. Vegetables (½ cup the size of your fist) c. Starch (If you eat the protein and the vegetables first you don't need much - Avoid: rice, potatoes, pasta) 11. You might try avoiding artificial sweeteners a. Some people think that artificial sweeteners stimulate the appetite b. They are HUNDREDS of times sweeter than sugar c. They teach you to like things too sweet d. There is no evidence that people who use them are any thinner than people who don’t 12. Avoid most diet foods a. Real food usually tastes better b. Real food is more satisfying than low calorie substitutes c. When you are only eating a tiny bit the caloric savings is not that great (Use a teaspoon of real butter instead of a tablespoon of diet margarine. d. The body has no way to break down artificial fats). a. They may go into permanent storage b. Some people think liposuction is the only way to remove hydrolyzed fats from the body B. You may need a behavior adjustment 1. Are you eating only when you are hungry? a. If you're not sure drink 8 ounces of water and wait 2. Are you eating three meals a day? a. With maybe 1 or 2 small Snacks 3. Are you sitting down to eat? 4. Are you eating consciously? a. No distractions, turn off the TV, put the book or newspaper away, pay attention to your food and your companions 5. Are you eating slowly? a. Put the fork down between bites b. Take 20 to 30 minutes to finish a meal c. Taking longer might cause the pouch to begin emptying 6. Are you taking small bites? a. Tiny spoon, chopsticks, cocktail fork 7. Are you chewing well? 8. Are you drinking with your meals or too soon after your meals? a. Practice water loading between meals b. You won't be thirsty if you are well hydrated before the meal 9. Are you stopping at the first sign of fullness? a. Sometimes it's a whisper: not hungry, had enough b. Hard stop versus soft stop 10. Do not eat between meals. Stop grazing. 11. Do not eat when you are not hungry C. You may need an activity adjustment 1. Are you getting in 30 minutes of physical activity at least 3 times a week? a. Over and above what you would do in the usual course of your day b. Could you make it 4 or 5 times a week? c. Could you make it 45 or 60 minutes? 2. Are you taking advantage of opportunities to increase your physical activity? a. Taking the stairs instead of the elevators or escalators b. Walking on the escalators instead of riding c. Parking your car further away from the entrance d. Getting out of the car instead of using the drive through e. Getting off the bus one stop before your destination f. Washing you car by hand instead of the car wash g. Playing with your kids D. You may need an attitude adjustment 1. Are you committed to your weight loss journey? 2. Are you totally honest with yourself about how much you are eating and exercising? a. Log your food and activity on ww.fitday.com for 3 days 3. Are you using food inappropriately to deal with emotional issues? a. Have you identified what the emotions are that drive your eating? b. Can you think of more appropriate ways to deal with those emotions? c. Are you willing to seek help from a qualified counselor? 4. Are you attending and participating in support group meetings? 5. Have you drummed up some support from your family and friends? 6. Have you dealt with saboteurs realistically? 7. Do you have realistic expectations about the weight loss journey? 8. Are you still obsessing about food, weight, dieting, eating? a. Obsessive compulsive thoughts (Obsess about something else) b. Perfectionism (All or none, black and white thinking) c. Patience with the pace of healthy weight loss 9. Are you acknowledging your successes with non-food rewards? 10. Have you learned how to take a compliment? 11. Are you giving up diet mentality? a. Stop weighing yourself several times a day or every day b. Stop dieting c. Stop depriving yourself d. Stop defining food as good and bad e. Stop rewarding and punishing yourself with food 12. How do you feel about all the changes taking place? E. You may need a band adjustment 1. You feel like you are making healthy food choices in appropriate portion sizes but getting hungry between meals? 2. You can still eat white bread, fibrous vegetables and large portions. 3. You are having to struggle to lose 4. You are gaining weight in spite of eating right, exercising and having a good mind set. F. You may need your band loosened 1. There are times when you can’t get fluids down 2. You are vomiting too much a. How much is too much? 3. Do you have frequent reflux or heartburn at night? a. Do not lie flat or bend over soon after eating b. Do not eat late at night or just before bedtime c. Rinse your pouch with a glass or water an hour before bedtime d. Certain foods or drinks are more likely to cause reflux: (1) Rich, spicy, fatty and fried foods (2) Chocolate (3) Caffeine (4) Alcohol (5) Some fruits and vegetables (6) Oranges, lemons, tomatoes, peppers (7) Peppermint (8) Baking soda toothpaste (9) Carbonated drinks e. Eat slowly and do not eat big meals f. If you smoke, quit smoking g. Reduce stress h. Exercise promotes digestion i. Raise the head of your bed j. Wear loose fitting clothing around your waist k. Stress increases reflux l. Take estrogen containing medications in the morning m. Avoid aspirin, Aleve and ibuprofen at bedtime (Tylenol is OK) n. Take an antacid (Pepcid complete) before retiring o. Try other over-the-counter heartburn medications p. See your health care provider

Globe and Mail - Tues March 13th, 2007 There's a downside to obesity surgery SHERYL UBELACKER Canadian Press TORONTO — When people with obesity have surgery to help them lose weight, they can also lose something else — the ability to properly absorb certain nutrients, in particular Vitamin B1. And that deficiency can potentially lead to permanent brain damage if left untreated, researchers say. In a review of the medical literature, researchers at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine found 32 cases of bariatric surgery patients who developed symptoms of Wernicke encephalopathy, a condition marked by memory loss and confusion, an inability to co-ordinate movements and rapid eye movement. Wernicke's is caused by a deficiency in vitamin B1, also called thiamine, and these classic symptoms are usually seen in alcoholics, said lead author Dr. Sonal Singh, an internal medicine specialist at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C. “But interesting to our study, we found that these people also had other symptoms, like hearing loss, convulsions and tingling and numbness of the arms and legs — symptoms that have not been previously described with Wernicke's,” Dr. Singh said in an interview. That made the researchers wonder if these bariatric surgery patients were suffering from more than just a B1 deficiency and may have been experiencing a deficit of other critical nutrients or had developed immunological problems. Strangely, almost half of the patients with the neurological symptoms showed no brain lesions when given an MRI scan, said Dr. Singh, whose study is published Tuesday in the journal Neurology. Of the 32 patients — who had one of four weight-loss surgeries, including gastric bypass and gastric banding — 13 made a full recovery. Eighteen others were left with various levels of dysfunction and one patient, a 33-year-old woman, died. Most had experienced vomiting prior to onset of the neurological symptoms, said Dr. Singh, noting that patients ranged in age from 23 to 55, and 27 of the 32 were women. (In the United States, 75 per cent of bariatric surgery patients are women, he said.) The vomiting could have been caused by any of several factors, including the anatomical changes created by the surgery; blockages caused by swelling around the surgical area; and ulcerations or other erosions of the stomach developed following the operation. “When people who have had weight-loss surgery start experiencing any of these symptoms, they need to see a doctor right away,” stressed Dr. Singh. “Doctors should consider vitamin B1 deficiency and Wernicke encephalopathy when they see patients with these types of neurological complications after weight-loss surgery. If treated promptly, the outlook is usually good.” The average point at which patients began exhibiting Wernicke's symptoms was four to 12 weeks after surgery, although one patient developed problems two weeks after the operation and another 18 months later. Dr. Singh said his study could not determine how common Wernicke's encephalopathy is among people who have surgery to help them lose weight, and he said studies that follow patients are needed to establish how often it occurs. While some doctors prescribe thiamine supplementation after bariatric surgery as a matter of course, Dr. Singh believes national standards should be set for physicians to follow. “This is an emerging risk which is going to become more important in the future as more people get surgery,” he said.

Nyquil has alcohol. My surgeon said no Nyquil. But please feel better soon.

Thanks all, for sharing in my (my mental thesaurus is failing me, the best I've got at the moment is...)chagrin... Better (perhaps "more effective" would be more accurate than "better") than any laxative I've tried to date! Including the old standby Fleet enema! Splenda is a component of the "sugar substitute mix" of these. If I had a package at hand (Oh yes of course I have more, I bought a case online... because pooping one's drawers should never be limited to "just once"!), I would list more info, but you can probably look it up online pretty quickly if you are interested. Okay, grabbed a package because it really wasn't that quick to find the info online... Maltitol (a sugar alcohol) and Maltitol syrup are the first 2 ingredients on the ingredient list (ChihuahuaMom, stay far, far, away from these!!!), so that's where the beloved "laxative effect" comes from. Most definitely, there is the carb issue. They're about 37g carbs/serving w/8g Fiber, so that's what, like 2 carb servings I think? Pre-sleeve, I'd always bounced back and forth with my personal "sugar philosophy". Is it better to just have a little sugar or is it better to go with a substitute. Fortunately, I've never had an A1c or fasting glucose test that was high (though my docs kept poking me because my "fat" square peg didn't fit in their "must be diabetic" round hole...), so I've had the flexibility to have the choice. MIJourney: I would guess one bad sugar free candy experience would make you suspicious of them all. To which I would say "Good call!" Thanks all for having a laugh with me! What good is a "I Just Pooped Myself" story if you can't share it, right?!?! And it sounds like I'm in good company!!!

I think there is some merit to alcohol affecting you differently after surgery. I know it did me. Rightfully there is much concern for addiction transfer but also alcohol is pretty harsh on a tender tummy. That first 6 months could be particularly sensitive. Considering that, I am a wine maker. I make berry wine from wild Alaska berries and I could not imagine missing out on that. I made a dryer (less sugar) wine with a lower alcohol content and it is so yummy. I spoke with my surgeon about my winemaking hobby and he did not seem at all concerned. There is no doubt that I can't hold my alcohol like I used to. I feel the buzz very quickly. Oh and I'm nearly 8 months out.

@Jessica9091 Your husband sounds like my boyfriend minus the weight. I'm actually with someone who's underweight, but he was an alcoholic for several years, so I supported him through his time of need, as I still do. I honestly think he may need counseling. I also work for a big corp. My boss knew about my surgery. I was terrified to tell her, but I felt so much better after I did. My problem is with 2 other chicks. I don't understand why they still have a job. It can be so unprofessional at times. I always turn to food for comfort too, but I haven't been able to do that lately, so I'm always out and walking around. It seems to work. I joined a gym too. Haven't been in a couple weeks, but I'm there as soon as I have energy when I get off from work.

I can chime in on ths discussion. I went on a cruise in May and drank alcohol just about everyday, usually with dinner or at the pool. I don't drink wine, so usually had one of those fruity drinks or my standard amaretto & 7-up. Thr carbonation in the mxer was a bit uncomfortable sometimes, but a burp usually took care of that. I did feel the liquor a bit sooner than before the VSG, but not too much. It probably affects people differently. Other than on the cruise, I am lucky if I have 2-3 drinks a month. And as for the weight gain - I actually lost 2 pounds while on the cruise!

Hi all, <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p> I’m not banded yet. I’ve been researching and researching and thinking and thinking. My insurance won’t cover it so I’ve been looking into having it done in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Mexico</st1:place></st1:country-region>. I read these boards all the time and just love it. Everyone here is so supportive and honest. I feel more comfortable on these boards, even though I haven’t been banded, than I do any other weight loss/related boards. <o:p></o:p> My biggest fear is that something will go wrong, I will have complications. The kind of complications that are worse than slippage or erosion that couldn’t be fixed by having the band removed and then I would be buried in medical bills for the rest of my life. My second fear is that if it slipped or eroded and I had to have the band removed I would have to pay for that. So even if I had it installed and removed in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Mexico</st1:country-region>, aftercare and fills, etc. in the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">US</st1:place></st1:country-region>, travel expenses, etc. I would still be looking at around 15,000 to 17,000. My third fear is that it won’t work for me. I won’t be able to stick to the rules and I will eat around it. I don’t think I would, but I didn’t think I would ever end up 290lbs either. My fourth fear is that I lose all my weight, things are great and then something happens and I have to have it removed and then I gain all of my weight back. My fifth fear is that if I don’t do something to change my eating and my weight I’m going to die. If I’m lucky I will have a heart attack and die instantly. If not, my health problems and complications from those health problems, will slowly get worse and I will linger around and slowly deteriorate for another 20 years. At least my insurance would pay for that though. <o:p></o:p> Has anyone heard about The Solution by Laurel Mellin? I think she hits the nail on the head as far as the “why” and “what” needs to happen to turn off that drive to overeat. I love her program but it’s really hard to do on my own. When I am able to do the work I do feel better, more at peace, and emotionally stronger. But most of the time I feel like an alcoholic or drug addict trying to work a self-help recovery program, by myself, while still drinking/using. It just doesn’t work. I thought that if I get banded, I would be able to work this program and hopefully, hopefully, if anything happened and I had to have my band removed I wouldn’t gain the weight back and my drive to overeat would be gone. Or would I just rely on the band to lose weight, be on such an emotional high from the weight loss and not do the emotional work? Just trying to imagine living life without a constant drive to overeat and the constant worry about my weight and eating, it sounds like a fantasy. <o:p></o:p> Sorry about the long post. I’m just thinking, thinking, thinking. <o:p></o:p> PS

Hello All - I am super excited to get banded on April 29th. (scared as well). Here is what I need your help with. I have a weddiing on Mother's Day, which is May 11th. At that time I will still be on Phase I which is Clear liquids. Now I how can I go to this darn wedding??? The problem is I really have to though..... No eating, no drinking alcoholic beverages & I still might be soar so I am not going to be cutting up the dance floor like I normally would. What can I say though?? I have no intentions of telling any of these people at this point in time. I hate putting myself in this type of position, but my health and my life come first. Should I tell a white lie ??? Not go??? This is a big fancy sit down wedding. HELP!!!:biggrin:

I'm not an alcoholic, but several of my OA friends that are also in AA have told me that they thought they could do OA using their AA meetings and sponsor, but found they really needed an OA sponsor and meetings to handle their food addiction. Good luck to you getting the support you need! Tricia

I haven't - yet. But, I've mostly dealt with my past trauma. It's current (and future) issues that I need help with. Many of us use food as a coping mechanism for emotional pain - the same way an alcoholic uses alcohol, or a drug addict uses drugs. If you take away a person's drug of choice - ours often being food - then it stands to reason that we will have to deal with the issues that we've been masking with the use of food. Well, we either have to deal with the issues or we get to look forward to transfer addiction (or regaining our weight in a year). I knew that I had issues with food and that I used food as a coping mechanism. So, about 2 months before surgery, I started therapy. If you have unresolved trauma that is coming up (or that you're worried will come up) I would suggest speaking to a counselor. The surgeon works on our stomach - not our brain. And if our reason for overeating was mental, then the surgery will only help us in the short term. Eventually, our tummies will heal and we'll be able to eat large amounts of food again. And if we aren't careful, and we make poor choices, then we will regain our weight. We really need to be taking advantage of this first year after surgery, to change our relationship with food.

So I want to share my whole story as well as post my progress here. I guess after having issues with my weight for so long it's time to be honest as to why and how I get here. JUST A KID ages 10-16 I have always been a bigger person as a child by the time I was in 5th grade I already weighed 100 pounds, I know this because at a party with friends one of my friends said I had a Dream we all went out to party, and Shanqiua u we're skinny in my dream, that hurt. I become queen of disappearing to advoid ppl picking on me. It didn't always work I still got called fat, the ugly sister and if you were small you would be pretty. I learned to live in a made up world to not deal with reality. I would read a lot and made myself a character in my book. This lasted till 14 when I had my first kiss, that lead to first sexual experience than a baby. So adding to my issues I made myself a teen mom. It was very depressing. I balloon to 280@16 and stay this for a long time. I was in a bad space in my life. Teen Years age16-21 With a baby I still managed to excel in school graduating with honors and divorcing my parents so I could be my own legal guardian. I learned early on that what I did with my life was my choice, and I felt I could not control my weight so I control my life by ensuring I wasn't another teen mom who did nothing with her life. Went to school, college for BA , Grad school for MSW. But I was making bad men and food choices and I think the men choices I made was to please them because I believed no one would want me. THE HEALTH ISSUES age 19-25 I was a dibetic and didn't know it. I was 19 when I lost a ton of weight I went from 280 to 200 in three months, I was thristy all the time pee smelled like fruit and I was lossing my vision. I thought I was lossing weight because I had changed eating habits and started working out, this help but it wasn't the only reason I was lossing. I was so happy about the Weight lost that I didn't bother to go to a doctor till I could not feel my leg... This scared me went in and sugars we're 400. I was put on insulin, which cause the new found weight lost to stop, so I stop taking the insulin dumb yes. I did this back and forward with the medication for a long time till my doctor told me I did not care about my life, I did care but was so scared of going back to 280. I change eating habits for good and started working out which allowed me to stay between 200-210 MEDICATION age 25-26 I started my medication the insulin and did not get back to 280 but was hovering BTW 220 for a while. I was in a very toxic relationship and more drama than ever food and alcohol become my safe haven. After a DV situation with my now ex husband I decided to take my life back and I joined weight watchers, and the gym, my doctor put me on a diet pill as we'll . It worked wonders getting my weight to 185 lowest I have ever been since 16, with this new found confidence life was good but I started not taking the meds again plus the pill was giving me racing heart, depressing thoughts all the side effects. Stop the pill gained all the weight back and than some getting to 215. NEW START age 27-28 At this point I had two kids hated where I lived and was feeling like **** about my life, I took the 3k I saved packed my car and moved from MI to TX with my kids. Found a new doctor got back on my meds and hit the gym and boxing. Because of the yoyo diet, refusing to get on the diet pill again I was not lossing weight like before . My doctor talked to me about the wls and I was not on board i was 5'1 215 and was thinking im not that big, but reality was I was that big and knew I had to do something especially to get my sugars under control..i talk to my therpist about it and she was supportive. We went over the pros and cons as well as how relationships would be if I did go through with this. (We had been working through my relationships with ppl due to poor relationships with family, friends and men back home). After the talk and research I went in for a seminar. SEMINAR age 28 Went on 8/25/2015 Started process the following week. I did not like the first surgeron I went to and switch on 10/1/2015. Here is how the progress went: 10/7 Appointment met with surgeon, Nut(psy evaluation done that day), dietien. Was given requirements from doctor which was: Don't gain weight 216 Keep sugars below 150 10/12 Went to get blood work done Xrays done My insurance required six month diet, but I already met the requirements for this from past diets (the pill and weight watchers) 11/7 submited to insurance 11/8 approved 11/18- pre opt appointment (weight 213) 11/23 surgery date @10am

Well I had the sleeve done - This is the story. Left for Vegas on Tuesday got off the plane and headed for my appointment for Pre-surgery - everything was a go. So my wife and I hit the strip and I played black jack and won.... not much but still won. We ate normal and I did not drink alcohol. Went to bed on time for a 7:00am surgery at a surgery center. We had signed up on one of those package deals where the hotel is included. So we were up and headed to the center (by the way rent a car it is better to have the freedom to go) I went in and filled out some more forms and headed to the prep room. Met the anesthesiologist he went through a few items and the nurses were wonderful. Then I saw my Doctor (Thomas Umbach ) not long after that I was being wheeled to the surgery room. I was give something that made me feel very sleepy but could understand everyone. Then told to breath deeply two breaths and I don?t remember anything except being woke up saying surgery went fine and it is done. This was about 10:30 or so I think. Surgery was about an hour and recovery 2 . I took some pill for pain and they started me walking. It did not hurt to walk so I kept going after hearing everyone on this site telling me how walking really helped. Dr Umbach also installed a pain drip system that hung around my neck and had some small tubes planted around where the surgery took place, with a big ball that would dissipate in 3 days, this provided a pain free experience. I was released at noon to go back to my hotel which I walked and slept and drank water (very very very small sips) the fist night I had some small discomfort felt like acid reflux so I called the doc on his cell phone which was nice about 10pm and he said I could get some pepto or any over the counter acid reducer I wanted. My wife drove out to get it and also got liquid Tylenol which I recommend very much. I burped a lot and had to raise my arms when drinking water to get it down. The doc said for the first day my stomach would be swollen and until it went down it would be a bit tough. It was, but by the end of the next day it eased up. Sleeping and walking is the trick and the Tylenol made everything right as rain. On Friday we went back for a follow up with the doctor, and everything was perfect so we said our good bys and we headed for the Hoover Damn wanted to see it. I even drove ? I don?t feel the surgery hardly at all it is the drinking that lets me know it is there. So we got back from there and got our flight out back to Kansas City ? Because I have traveled so much we both were in first class so that was nice, bigger seats if you know what I mean. This is the first day back home and since the 2 weeks prior with the protein shakes to today I am down 27 lbs. I am just starting to feel hungry this whole time prior I have not had a desire to eat. I have force the drinking because I know that is good for me. I hope this helps with those who have not taken the plunge yet. I plan to keep you up to date on the progress. My doctor told me to walk everyday so my wife and I are headed to the gym in a little while, course I will be on slow mo for a while. Thanks for listening and hope it helps someone else.

My brother was 429lbs before surgery. He is now 165lbs and needless to say his life has changed dramatically. One big thing I've noticed is his increase in alcohol consumption. HE NEVER drank as much as he does today. After work...its nothing for him to grab a 6 pack (a night) and finish his appraisal work on the computer with drinking. 2-6 beers (a night) is a typical range for him now....with the average being around 3-4 beers a night. Being that I have a behavioral background, my theory is he now has this increased desire to be social(because of his new found self image and overall zest for life from being alot thinner). Being that the American Lifestyle involves drinking when socializing.....he now drinks more..... (they go hand in hand). People with Weight Loss Surgery typically have been "in the closet for many years" (in terms of being very social). My theory is (because of this) they tend to overcompensate their social desires by going out ALOT more (especially when the weight loss has come off). Going out alot more....(in an American Culture) definately means alot more alcohol tendencies and temptations. P.S. Another theory is he is missing the mental stimulation (i.e. endorphins) that he used to get from food. His body still craves these endorphins....so he gravitates towards alcohol because he can't get that from eating a mass amount of food anymore.....alcohol is a very easy thing to replace and get these much needed endorphins. Just my theory

The directions I received state 1. After surgery day 1 & 2 clear liquids, 2. 2 days - 2 weeks full liquids protein supplements skin milk or 1% milk low fat or light yogurts without fruit nuts or seeds strained cream soup broth, water fruit juice (limit to 8oz per day) sugar free jello sugar free popsicles AVOID REGULAR AND DIET SODA AND ALCOHOLIC BEVGS, & chewing Gum and regular solid foods.... 3. week 2-3-4 blended foods cut your food into very small pieces about the size of a nickel, put into a blender or food processor add enough liquid to cover the blender blades mix until there are no lumps Hope this helps...

The best reassurance I can give you is that anesthesiologists who are associated with bariatric groups generally have extensive experience with obese patients and are probably your best bet for a safe anesthesia episode. If you share ever aspect of your health with them, being 100% truthful about the good, bad and ugly, they can do the job they need to do. They need to know if you have sleep apnea or suspect sleep apnea, your drug/alcohol usage (both prescribed and OTC drugs as well as any herbal/vitamins/etc), your activity level, and so on and so forth. There's no guarantee for any of us, but we can up the odds we'll get through surgery safely but being honest and trusting our caregivers with all of our information. Good luck to you!

I had the exact problem. I was banded on 6.22.11 and the day after it was 8pm and I had not tinkled all day. I called my surgeon and he suggested that I pour rubbing alcohol in the toliet. Apparently, the vapors from the alcohol pulls the urine out. At the time, I felt it was a bit odd, but I was desperate....I did it and it worked like a champ!!!! Wishing you the best of luck!!!

Awesome fluffyjewel. And Thanks NewSetOfCurves. I made the dicision to stay away from the sweets and instead of grabbing something sweet grab a pickle or a slice of turkey. The choice is mine and I need to make better ones definitely and choose better for myself so that my new clothes keep fitting me. I refuse to get bigger but make myself smaller. How are you with alcoholic beverages? I have a drink on Friday and 1 is always enough but that is really hard to say no to.

@@throckmorton, I do not drink carbonated alcoholic beverages, but I do consume mixed drinks. If I am out with my husband and friends, I will order vodka and water and add the squirt flavored drink mixes. Taste great, saves on calories and makes for a good time !

Yeah I was using Zofran for a few days post surgery. I also was using/sniffing rubbing alcohol. It was what my nurse at the hospital was using on me to help combate the nausea. It actually worked. When I was feeling like I was about to puke, I would sniff the cotton ball with Alcohol and be able to stop myself. Hugs to you, as this will get better. Also, if you start puking and can't stop, get to the hospital. The quickest was to suffer from sever dehydration is by unstoppable vomiting. Sent from my SM-N910P using the BariatricPal App

Drinking postop is wild. For me, I would get exceedingly drunk off half of a drink...and then mentally sober up just as quickly, which I could keep drinking through and not feel drunk anymore. Obviously, I'd still be drunk, but didn't feel it at all. It started very innocently this way for me, and quickly led to a couple years of alcoholic behaviours. These days, I can control it, but I had to take about 9 months away from alcohol altogether. I limit myself to 1 drink and if I'm with people who can't fathom that, I just won't drink with them at all. Additionally, I am convinced that it completely derailed my weight loss.

I am a convert to the church and a recovering Alcoholic. For years I felt uncomfortable in church, rarely speaking to anyone, always the first out the door. I felt like I didn't fit in and that no one made an effort to get to know me. I always had the feeling that I wasn't good enough to belong to this organization. Well somewhere along the way I made the decision to try the opposite, to put my self out there, to seek out friends, and it worked! I move around a lot too, and I have found that there is always at least someone who you can identify and become friends with. I also enjoy church so much more now. I found I wasn't being judged nearly as much as I thought I was. I know how you feel about the the people who try to appear to be the perfect mormon, but they are struggling through life just as we are, and I think it's all just the way we look at things. Anyway, that's my experience.