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some people become lactose intolerant - at least temporarily (although sometimes permanently) after WLS, and some people can't tolerate sugar alcohols (the artificial sweeteners they put in a lot of those things). SO maybe one of those??

I don't think it's about the calories or the stomach stretching as much as it is about the addiction. Diet or Regular I think it's a slippery slope for many of us (not all). I have known several people who went back to "just a sip or two", "I'll limit myself to one can a day" or whatever. It just gradually creeps back up. I was sleeved 5 months ago and still battle with this almost everyday. Especially if I'm eating something I used to always have a Pepsi with (pizza, Chinese). Pepsi was sooo my go to comfort item. Almost daily I have the desire for just one! But I know me-and it might be just one today but it wouldn't take long for that one to become two and so on. I also agree with the write above who said that even drinking diet soda was making her crave more sweets and carbs (that actually has been proven by MANY studies. Everyone has to chose for themselves and maybe it would never be a problem for some (just like not everyone who drinks alcohol becomes an alcoholic), but if it was a problem before surgery-It will most likely be a problem after surgery if you start up again.

Plenty of us are in therapy, myself included. The extra weight is often just a symptom of deeper issues. It's just that we can't hide it like other types of issues. It takes longer for people to realize someone has an alcohol or drug problem. For us, it's out there for all to see.

I honestly wouldn't even do 1 a night, GOOD LORD, they're like 300-500 calories each on a cruise ship -- which is like half your daily calorie intake, I dare say! Of course you're an adult, who can make your own decisions, and usually I'm one of those people who's very flexible on taking little breaks (I love a square of chocolate in the evening) but....these are just a terrible idea. They're everything we're not supposed to do: high sugar/carb, no nutritional value AT ALL, liquid calories.... seriously, you're better off just drinking actual alcohol.

You may want to consider starting to change some of your habits as soon as you can, like reducing/eliminating alcohol, sugar, caffiene, nicotine or anything prohibited in the prep for surgery so you are ready, willing and able to transition. Studies show it takes an average of 66 days to build new habits, and it's often a bell curve. Get feedback from the Team you choose and follow their instructions. Safe Journey 🎈 Lally, P., van Jaarsveld, C. H. M., Potts, H. W. W., & Wardle, J. (2010). How are habits formed: Modelling habit formation in the real world. European Journal of Social Psychology, 40, 998-1009. (http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ejsp.674/abstract)

I was advised not to drink alcohol for at least eight weeks, and I followed that direction. Now, at well over three years out, I do enjoy my White Russians without any issues or guilt. Sent from my iPad using VST

JP do you think the the FDA would allow alcohol to be legal if it was to strip off paint it is a different alcohol it is just like DON'T swallow gum cause it will stick you stomach together it is wives tale

I smell a muddy troll... No doctor in their right mind would sleeve someone with only 20# to lose, and at two weeks out your sleeve can barely tolerate water and protein shakes, let alone alcohol. If this is what you do for entertainment is start drama on a site intended to support those who need it I feel sorry for you.

My doctor forbidden me any types of carbonated sodas ( coke,beer red bull and so on..... ) it's not good for sure becouse in time it will expand your stomach!! honestly i was addicted to coke and my favorite alcohol drink was vodka and red bull but now i simply can't drink it ( doctors orders ) i replaced it with orange juice and so far it's going pretty good ! i am one month post op lost 27 pounds my bmi was at 35.6 i started eating normal food ( mashed patatoes,rice , pita bread , i tried all types of vegetables so far and no problem ) i am really not attracted by junk food anymore ! i am actualy discusted it's becouse of that type of food that i had my surgery it made me the way i was ! the only thing i really miss is drinking whine and eating in the same time cant do it anymore but heck if that's the cost of being healthy and to get to my weight objective i can manage !! Mary i wish you good luck and try to cut those things your forbidden to eat ! replace the bread by pita and cut out the sodas you will see it will get much better ! mednar Congratulations !!! a real acomplishment ! best of luck to you all !!!

This might be the wrong place to post this??? Hi All, Welp I am almost 1 yr post op (Jan 17th) and I hit my goal. The reason I am writing is to find out if anyone in the Lake Stevens, WA area would like to get together? I feel really silly putting this out there...it's kinda lame I know... It would be wonderful to get together and share a plate somewhere. I am 37 and very happily married. I work for Boeing. I have 3 kids (19, 18 and 10). I have been told I am normal and I love to laugh. I would just like to meet a friend that has had WLS and who understands meals of string cheese and having absolutely no alcohol tolorance. Please let me know...

Over what period did you gain the 15 ish lbs.? Are you tracking your food and drinking your water? Are you following your doctor's plan? 15 is significant enough that I would stop drinking again. Not so much for the empty calories in alcohol, but the mixers and accidental snacking that can go with it. Can you call your dietician?

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 am a medical marijuana patient that is post op 3 months. I still get the munchies but it helps that it's a mental rather than physical feeling so I can usually get by with liquids. I have seen no change in my tolerance for marijuana though I have seen a change in tolerance for alcohol. I always smoke it. I can't do edibles since I had a rather unfortunate overdose that led to extreme vomiting. I generally have a puff or two to relax and maybe a couple of more to sleep. Typically I mix a high-cbd strain with a pinch of high THC strain 4 pain management. I recently tried dabbing and that knocked me on my butt. Though a dab of CBD meds works really well. HW 385 SW 359 CW 305 Sleeved 10/5/16

Meal planning will help save on food pre and post op, cooking your own food and freezing instead of wasting will save big time, only drinking filtered water- huge decrease in expenses especially if you pay a deposit fee per bottle/can, less money spent in excess on other self care things such as new hair styles, mani pedi etc all in an effort to mask the one thing you can't change- your weight, less money spent on cold allergy meds because you just won't get that sick as often when you are not straining your immune system, less money spent on indoor activities because you would rather walk hike bike etc, less money spent on alcohol just won't need as much , Less money spent on petro as you may walk more often... It will add up eventually

Hey all, Quick background, had surgery April 2nd 2018. At the time I was 471lbs. I'm currently weighing 359lbs. The other night I was out with a friend and she ordered 2 shots of liquor, I stupidly took it. It felt like my insides were on fire. However it seemed to melt away the stress like food used to do for me. Now it's all I can think about or want whenever I feel stressed. I've caved once and did a couple shots. I did call my Dr and he set me up for a scope just in case and an appointment with the social worker. Has anyone else here struggled with that? It's tough, food used to be my go-to if I was angry, sad, stressed, etc. Now I have this void I need to fill and I CANNOT let it be filled with alcohol. Any suggestions, ideas, or anything?? I did see a counselor until I lost my insurance.

@italianlady13: We are all different. Some people have craving foods that they can eat moderately. Personally, I have never known an obese person that can. Most of my downfall in the past is the belief that I can "have just a little." Next thing I know, I am eating them regularly, and have gained another 20 lbs. It is like alcohol for me (never been an alcoholic, but, believe me, I can relate!) It is about willpower (I hate that word! Many skinny friends say "Oh just use your willpower and eat less, exercise more!) I knew when I embarked on this journey that there are many foods that I can't have ever again, and I mourn the loss. If I label them "addicted to," then I have to walk away, especially when they have no nutritional value. But, again, let me emphasize, that everyone is different. For me, It is a slippery slope. I CAN'T rely on willpower when it comes to food. If I could, then I wouldn't have needed WLS.

I'm 10 months out and have been able to tolerate whatever I like in small quantities since about month 5. I eat bread, rice, fruit skins, chocolate, popcorn and on occasion drink alcohol. For me, there are no "forbidden" foods. I am painfully aware that if I get complacent I can fail at this so I still weigh and measure and keep a meticulous food journal so I know what's going in\burning off. I exercise 5x per week and wear a pedometer. All the exercise\steps synch their calories into MFP so I know whether I'm over or under. I focus on the traditional bariatric diet of Protein first, but if I want a treat with less nutrition, work it into my day. For example, I get a Weight Watchers ice cream almost daily. Today I am a bit below goal and trying to figure out maintenance. I was able to manage my weight loss eating what I like with the addition of exercise and consistent food logging. It will have to be a lifetime commitment if I hope to maintain my weight loss.

I would be WAY too scared to drink THAT soon... Cant it cause a leak? I would imagine it could since some alcohols can strip paint.. What would that do to a healing stomach? Its your body, but I would just be careful. Complications of any sort are no fun. Not worth having a drink to me.

So for all of you with this "Alcohol causes leaks and liver damage, and ulcers, Just got back from the dr.s for my 2 week check up . I asked him about every single concern and risks that people were saying. He said it is no different than how alcohol affects a regular liver. And started laughing when i was concerned that it would cause a leak!!! I dont know where these people get this info from. I have googled this topic, researched and came up with exactly what my doc told me. High calorie intake, and more affects of the alcohol due to ur low tolerance. My doc is one of the top leading surgeons in the Orange County area and i take his advice over anyones in this forum. Sorry to burst your bubbles. he gave clearance of 3 weeks !! So all that crap talk about leaks and things is NONSENSE from alcohol!!!!!!!! THANK YOU DOC!!!!!

As a recovering addict/alcoholic, with over 15 years clean... I can say its very simple, not easy at all, but simple: when you get sick and tired of being sick and tired, the pain is greater than even the tiniest pleasure or comfort you get from food(or whatever it is we use to 'feel better')... you have the shame, guilt that adds another 100lbs onto your spirit... You want to go to bed and not wake up tomorrow....you have that moment you look in the mirror and don't recognize yourself, dont like what you see....but know deep down where that shred of hope and belief in yourself...that somehow the person on the inside who you believe in, you once were, you dreamed of becoming is still in there, and is crying out for one more chance at change, wants out of the self made prison.... THATS WHEN YOU KNOW YOU ARE READY, and you will be willing to do whatever it takes to change. Whether its food, cigarettes, drugs, overspending, booze, sex, co dependency.... Addiction is addiction....period. Sure, drinking oneself to death or smoking crack, doing pills etc is more obvious, more harmful...way lower bottoms to hit. But, I have found that focusing on the substance, or the "what" we are addicted to is irrelevant... Its addiction. We are powerless over the ADDICTION , & it makes life unmanageable. Addiction is not limited to drugs, cigs, food, booze, etc.... We can always trade one for another, and unless we grasp what addiction or having an addictive personality is about, that will make life unmanageable too. Its emotional, spiritual, physical.and mental. For me, the 12 steps in the "A" programs work (oa, na, aa, etc).. The principles in the steps WORK. Never been to OA...not always thrilled with my own fellowship... My experience with those (incl me long ago) that have said this isnt for me usually werent entirely ready or thought they could do it on their own, or control it. But the same steps and principles, support, meetings, etc I have learned from and practiced for the last 15 yrs that have successfully kept me from using/relapsing....and gave me another shot at life... Are working for me in this journey too.... Rehab was a tool to start me off on the right track 15=yrs ago. It was up to me to continue to do what i needed to do to stay on that path, change, grow, heal...let go of past crap, live differently, make new habits etc.. Change people, places, things....even now. This surgery is a tool for me to get on the right track...because I know and accept I cant do it on my own...like you said food is everywhere, we need it to live...and its easier to.cheat or "relapse" on a cupcake.(or 10) than it is on a drink or drug. Not as much to lose.... Or is there???? Why OA is kinda unrealistic, imho. However, support groups, or a 12 step group that doesnt focus on specific substance, etc are essential, for me. Self sufficiency is a lie. We need each other, people who "get" it...the real it ... Addiction is a feelings disease. I can empathize with someone who shared about pretending to order food for a couple people in the drivethru, when in reality it was all for them... I never did that, but I can look at the behavior, the shame, guilt, feeling of degradation and despair it caused, and relate 100%.. I never thought I was a food addict, but the reality is that I am.. I like and want whatever makes me feel good, takes me out of whatever reality I dont wanna deal with, or need to numb. I usually eat well, yet if over emotional, stressed, etc...i tend to say "f" it, and eat whatever. I wont trade my clean time/sobriety for anything....but you can be sure Id break an eating plan or goal for a box of HoHos or pizza/wings in a second.... Until I realized that was keeping me trapped in a cycle of failure.....just like i was using. I ended up losing myself again, in a fetal position, crying every day... Once again looking in the mirror, saying WTF are you doing ??? You got clean, did all this work on your self with the steps, therapy, go to meetings drinking crappy coffee...have changed your life, in so many ways... To stay stuck again...to hide the beautiful person you are behind all this fat?? Settle again for just enough to get by, not being all you want to be?? (Thats my key...hiding behind the weight, more afraid of success than failure... Something inside still not feeling worthy...) And that was my "bottom" that led to this... So approaching it just like i did the drugs/booze and getting "clean". A lot of recovering people get this surgery...i have at least 6 friends in my network, and met another 5 or 6 at the NA world convention .."randomly" a few wks ago....and its not random. I got my approval on 8/29 while at that convention.... My HP (God for me) put people in my path all weekend that had had WLS, and where it came up in conversation....out of 18000 peeps there... My friend i was there with doesnt get it, questions my decision...and it was affecting me a bit....but BAM, there were peeps who got "it", lived it, were in the process who I just met that built me back up... So, there is something to giving it over to some power greater than ourselves, regardless of who or what that is. Sorry....long. Addiction is just something i understand all too well... Luckily, I also am continuing to learn what recovery, change, growth, etc is even better. thats my two cents....or ten cents, lol.

This is an interesting topoic, which points to a larger problem - we don't know who asked "can I cheat/eat something not on program" akin to one that I hear often with alcohol etc. I have seen videos of WLS failures who obviously went back to potato chips and high fat food. I think much of the touch love and goal shaming I see is a reminder to lurkers that "no you can't eat crap all the time." Yes we said "occasionally" but some of us think others are going to hear "it's OK, eat crap." I don't blame the people on these boards who offer cautionary advise, it is a important reminder. One that often can't be echoed enough. But for the most part I have found the people here to be very forthcoming about their struggles, their successes and very encouraging. We have a nice mix of caring nurturing types and tough love types. Between the two I think the message gets out to those who need to hear it. At least I hear it and appreciate it.

Lisa, I am fairly new to the boards, but I can so relate to your story. I am about 3 mos post op and deal with the *head* hunger thing daily..and a lot of times, I fail and self-sabotage myself. It is a constant struggle..and some days it is difficult to think you are the only one going through this, because your not. I am going through it too. There must be an underlying reason why we are doing this to ourselves..I do have a history some molestation as a child, not extreme, but after it happened, I put on a winter coat and couldn't take it off, it was my *protection* and as soon as I was forced to give it up (it smelled..if you can imagine that) I gained 30 lbs.. I have also done the counseling thing and I know psychologically why I do it, but it is still something that I struggle with. Later in life, every time I lost weight and guys found me attractive, and started hitting on me, I would cave in and think they really liked me, only to find it just physical, my heart broken after it was over. But, now I am 52, that part of my life is over, and I have grown much wiser and stronger..but still, old ways of dealing with pain are hard to let go of. Everybody has demons to fight..we all got to our highest weight due to something other than just overeating..I believe..it was our drug, our way of dealing with problems. And, I agree, drug addicts seem to have it easier, because they can be completely abstinent..And the media gives a lot of attention to celebrities with drug problems in our society..it seem glamorized in a way. While obesity is very much a terrible stimga. I believe that obese people suffer the most discrimination and get the least amount of real help for their disorder. We have to practically pay for everything out of pocket..I have yet to find a bariatric coach. I have had counselors tell me, just accept yourself and love yourself. Well, even if I did all that, obesity is not healthy and will kill you sooner than anything else. That counselor gave bum advice. They would never tell a drug addict or alcoholic to just love themselves. That would be malpractice. They would be referred to rehab, even live in a rehab center for months..Why can't they do that for us? I think we would have all be fairly successful if we lived in the *Biggest Loser* type of setting, sans the yelling and degredation from Jillian. That is another thing that irks me. If you had a bunch of drug addicts and alcoholic on TV and called it the *Biggest Loser* and they yelled and demeaned them, there would be lawsuits..but obese people? Oh, yeah, that is acceptable, even considered entertainment. It is sickening. They put tempting food in their face and see how long it takes before they give in. Could you imagine a tv show where they put crack in front of an addict and see who could hold out the longest? No, because that would be inhumane. There are a lot of things I agree with you on Lisa. I wish I had better advice, but I just want you to know you are not alone. Keep trying, never give up on you.

Hi! I haven't posted in several years. I'm 5.5 years out from my sleeve surgery, and maintaining at about 10 lbs above my "perfect weight" goal. Still down 105, though, and trying to exercise the ten pounds back off. So I consider my journey thus far to be a major success. I eat everything I want EXCEPT sugar and white stuff. Period. That's my secret. No refined sugar, ice cream, fruit juices, alcohol, bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, and rarely fruit, corn and peas. Other than that, I eat whatever I want. So here's my best tip: If you decide that you will NEVER eat any of the foods listed above, then you never have to decide whether or not to eat something. If it's on that list, it's a NO. If it's not, it's a YES. Every food decision is pre-made. How simple is that? And once you leave those foods behind for a while, you don't miss them anymore. As long as you don't ever open that door, the boogeyman can't tempt you. Two other tips: Get your 64+ ounces of fluids in every single day, and ALWAYS HAVE A PLAN whenever you're away from home. I never go to a party, get-together, or even a long drive without bringing my Crystal Lite iced tea and a bag of almonds. Those two items can carry me through any situation. (And they have, many times!) So that's my system. It's worked for over 5 years with excellent results, so I don't see any reason to change it. Good luck to all in maintenance!!!

We have a lot to ponder upon. A lot of the research I have done lately points to the fact that this is a tool not a cure. Meaning we will get a jump start on weight loss but only for a little bit (6 months according to another Bariatric doctor I saw) after that is up to you and how well you count your calories. The human body is so adaptable and will learn to cope with the new starvation status quo after surgery 1. Metabolism will slow down 2. The 2/3 intestine remaining will become more efficient with food absorption 3. The new pouch will stretch very gradually with time if we eat too much and will hold more food 4. Hunger will cause many to regain weight because even though your pouch is small you can eat all day long if you eat slowly and take breaks. 10 little meals a day are possible. Over 1,500 calories a day is totally possible. Also, high calorie foods and drinks will still be in this world too. In other words, it will still be a head game, just as it right now before bypass. The hope is those 6 months we will be enough time to reprogram our eating habits and reform. It kind of works like rehab, as I understand it. I don't have substance abuse but I imagine you go to rehab for a period of time to learn to cope without the substance you crave, lets say alcohol. You can't have it because it's not available at first. Same with food after bypass. The only not so little problem is you can live your live without alcohol but you can't without food. It will likely be - being an alcoholic who has to drink 3 drinks per day but no more. Are we going to be ale to stop at 3 drinks? This is what keeps me up at night in this decision process. We may well be in a situation where this is the only choice but we need to go to battle in full knowledge of what we are dealing with, don't you think?

I try to drink more than 64 oz of fluid (including coffee and tea because it's a myth that caffeine dehydrates; in truth only alcohol dehydrate), 60-80g protein, less than 80 g carbs with including very little added sugar (fruit and veggie sugar okay by me), less than 40g fat (although I often eat a lot of cheese and nuts, so this goes over frequently). I'm 4.5 months out. I count my calories on myfitnesspal and eat about 900-1300 calories a day. I am not trying to do ultra low carb because I want to be able to sustain this. I eat crackers or pretzels or sweets occasionally in very small amounts, and I eat out all the time because I travel for work. Good luck!