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I did low carb/high protein/high healthy fat during my six-month insurance-required diet program and lost 99 pounds pre-op. It was the best thing I ever did for myself. I re-established my relationship with food, and prepared myself mentally and physically for the demands the sleeve would bring post-op. I started at 397 taking in about 2000 calories per day. I whittled down to 1800 then 1500, and finally, 1200 for the last 3 months of it. I cut out alcohol completely, too. On the day of surgery, I weighed 298, and today (10 days post-op), I weigh 284. I hope this helps. Good luck!

Weight Loss Surgery: The Easy Way Out? Are you frustrated with diet and exercise? Feel like it’s too much effort for little to no payoff? Is weight loss surgery something to consider? Probably not. Why? The qualifying criteria for surgery is strict; the lifestyle changes required are extreme, and after surgical healing is complete… a healthy, low calorie diet must be followed. And exercise? That doesn’t go away either. In fact, the recommendation is about an hour every day. Weight loss or bariatric surgery has become more common in the U.S. as surgical techniques and outcomes have improved and most insurance companies are covering it.As a bariatric dietitian, I see patients before, after and many years out from surgery. Sadly, there’s a common misconception that patients who choose to have surgery are taking the easy way out. Short story: going under the knife is copping out. I find this comment uninformed and hurtful. I have never seen a patient who hasn’t carefully considered the risks of surgery or what they will have to incorporate and eliminate from their lives afterward. Proactively choosing a surgical tool, when all other measures have failed, is a courageous example of taking personal responsibility for one’s health…not a stroll down Easy Street. Bariatric surgery is not for those with 10, 25 or even 50 lbs. to lose. Surgeons will only operate on patients with a body mass index or BMI that is 40 or greater. If a patient has a chronic disease as well as obesity, the qualifying BMI drops to 35 since the health urgency is even greater. When an individual meets the BMI minimum and has had no luck with a long series of diet and exercise plans-- weight loss surgery could be the tool helping them regain their health. Ironically, there’s a lot to gain from bariatric surgery but it comes with a high price. I always ask my patients considering surgery if they are prepared to do the following….permanently. · Never drink with meals again · Give up smoking, carbonated drinks and severely restrict if not outright eliminate, alcohol · Exercise an hour per day 6+ days per week · Take a minimum of 5 vitamin/mineral supplements throughout the day · Chew food at least twenty times per bite And there’s little margin for error. If patients push the limits of their new stomachs, they pay for it with intense physical pain including nausea and vomiting. The journey after weight loss surgery is exciting, scary, motivating and hard. As more weight is lost, confidence grows but new challenges appear. Relationships can be tested; self-esteem may soar or sink. It’s no surprise that support during this journey is essential. Research repeatedly shows patients receiving professional, non-judgmental support after surgery lose the most weight and keep it off. Since surgery is only step 1 in the weight management marathon, it’s clear to me, patients choosing this option aren’t slackers at all—more like superheroes.

With good companions, good alcohol, cocktail sauce and crackers, it can be quite delicious.

Umm, as administrator and official "bad guy" because OTR backs off and let's me do all the dirty work, I would say I am the queen of thread killing. And, as I don't see much talk about alcohol, may I add, I am drinking a White Russian while posting this. Which, as per what I mentioned to Laura earlier, I now have to leave or else I may get banned. Sent from my iPad using VST

Crown and Water is my first choice Riesling Chardonnay or white zin if they don't have Riesling Twisted Tea I've had hard cider and Mike's, but had to pour it over ice and let it set awhile. I had a rum and coke the other day, but the coke was VERY flat. Carbonation is the only thing I can't do. Alcohol doesn't affect me any differently postop. I barely get buzzed, so I usually don't drink that much anyways....the calories aren't worth the lack of effect. And I always feel a little dehydrated the next day.

We have been going out or having people in more than usual due to the holidays, plus had a little getaway. I drank both nights on our vacation and here and there for about a week or so. Have not gained but I haven't lost either. I'm pretty sure the alcohol is stalling out my weight loss. Not worth it! I just need to remember that when some one offers me a glass. No thank you! I may need a rule for myself to take me through the season -- one night per week or something like that. As for transference, I am very happy to be planning exercise the way I used to plan eating. Instead of wondering about stopping off somewhere for a treat or thinking about that cheese in the fridge, I find myself worrying over getting another walk in before it's dark. This amazes me.

hahaha, Julie...that's funny! That is how I feel, having been seemingly forever stuck where I am. Even with NO nutrition the scale has not budged, but normal fluctuations. But now with an unfill, my weight is still stable. That is a good thing. Dawn, you are a great motivator for me to get up and run. When I think of complaining, I think of you in the negative double-digit weather. Amourette, don't give "snarky" a second thought. First of all, it WAS insensitive of me to create a conversation over romance. It didn't even occur to me how everyone in this group would take it. I just really feel for Betty and wanted to write something cute. My mother-in-law loves it when I tease them about their affectionate relationship. But it wasn't appropriate for this thread. So to anyone who didn't appreciate it, I am sorry. Fear of flying: I suppose evryone on that plane is going through the same thing you are, Amourette. I had to fly out of NY immediately after a plane went down over Long Island in '96? (which the cause has never been sufficiently explained) The tension on the plane was palpable, passengers suspect of each other, not uttering a word the entire flight. The moment the plane touched down in L.A., there was spontaneous, jubilant applause. On that flight, I remember looking to the FA's for reassurance. They helped me to stay calm inside. YOU were a blessing to your passengers! You held it together and gave them hope. You put on a good face for the airline, but more importantly, for the sake of lifting others. That is why you were led to your job. Not only do you love adventure and travel, but you are a giving, kind person. OF COURSE you would want to hide under the duvet! I used to suffer from a panic disorder of flying, but through relaxation and self-talk, I have managed to overcome it...(but I also understand why they sell alcohol on planes.) We have to have faith, even in the ugly face of fearful events! Go get a massage or something that will nurture your body and soul. And you are right, we do need to tell our loved ones what they mean to us. In light of that, thank you, MY FRIENDS!! You help me tremendously. Especially since I am a closet bandster. My friends and most of my family know nothing of what I have done. There is no one that I can share with or learn from. So you are my bandster buddies! Take care everyone. Our anniversaries are approaching!

I can't speak from personal experience but is it possible to cut one or two out everyday until you're off completely. I'll pray you'll be able to quit. I thought about one more thing. I used to drink alcohol a lot that it became an addiction. I just went cold turkey because my husband asked me to. Is there someone that you can be a reason you'll quit?

I could only drink sips of red wine at first. Im 10 months post op now and I can rarely finish a full 5oz glass...unless I nurse it over a few hours. I have red wine maybe 1-2 times a week. Normally, I can also drink 1oz servings of straight gin occasionally (like once a week maybe, if that). Now, when on vacation or during holidays, different rules apply, lol I usually stick to the same red wine and gin, but will add skinny mojitos and tequila shots to the mix. I generally stay away from mixed drinks (too much sugar). And beer (I don’t like it). I do get affected by the alcohol relatively quickly, but said effects wear off quickly as well (compared to pre-op). And I definitely drink much, much less than I did before.

Make yourself some low sugar sangria with dry red wine and diet orange soda. The bubbles from the orange soda are minimal to non-existent when mixed with the wine. I like about 60-40 wine to soda mix, but adjust to suit your tastes. This was just my go to while camping over the 4th. Alcohol hits me way harder these days, so use caution.

I used to have a large glass of wine every night. I loved gin & scotch & champagne & a good martini. Since surgery I only have a drink about once a month. I don’t miss it at all. My friends all enjoy a drink or several but it doesn’t stop me socialising with them at all. I spend time with them to spend time with them not to drink. I take ages to drink a glass of alcohol now & often don’t finish it all. Sometimes I agree to a glass but only have a sip or two & really just hold the glass. I had my first drink at about 6 weeks post surgery - my cousin’s 40th. It took me hours to drink that gin & tonic - at least the tonic became super flat. My taste buds have changed & a lot of alcohol is too sweet now - even non sweet alcohol. Honestly I don’t enjoy it in the same way. I don’t enjoy champagne much anymore - the shock the horror! I haven’t had a martini in two years. I find gin & tonic best because of the bitterness of the tonic I think. I had my first scotch last month (I always drink it neat) & it was ok.

That's my thoughts too. My unhealthy relationship with food. I'm a recovering alcoholic/addict and apparently I suck at moderation. It's all our nothing. I have a huge network of support and the closer I get to my day, the more excited I am. We got this!! Sent from my Z983 using BariatricPal mobile app

I personally won't drink a drop of alcohol until I know my liver issues are completely resolved first. Another criteria I'm imposing is to be my bottomed-out weight, so I don't have to worry about stalls that will result. Like others here have shown with their planning, it makes 100% sense to go at it from a logical perspective.. just be careful if you're doing any sort of exercise or prolonged standing. Keep hydrated and fed.

It sounds like part of the problem is that on the weekends you have more time on your hand to think about food. Find a new hobby...something that keeps your hands busy. I find that I need to keep my hands busy even when I'm watching tv or they (my hands) want to go into the kitchen and find food to shove into my face. Also, does an alcoholic feel they must keep the bottle in their house to prove they've overcome their addiction and that they have willpower? Nope. They recognize that it's a temptation best avoided. If at all possible, clean out the temptations in your own house. That way, in order to give in, you actually have to go to the store and that requires more effort and time to talk yourself out of it...and time for the willpower to kick in. Be patient with yourself. It takes time to change the relationship you have with food...but you can do it. .

One thing that I have not seen mentioned is alcohol. When I revealed how much I drank, the social worker made me go to AA. I even had to get a form filled out (like when people get DUIs and have to present a form to the courts). I knew I would have to quit for the surgery and at least a year after. I was very pissed that the social worker was forcing me into AA. But now that I have gone for a little over 3 months, I'm glad she did it. I don't think I could have quit by myself after all. This of course delayed my surgery a few weeks, but I'm grateful to be sober too and can't wait for my surgery!

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.

Hi Blix..welcome to your new life! I was banded in Feb of this year and I've lost 39 pounds so far. I have had 2 fills and could have had 3 but I think I'm real close to my sweet spot! So I asked my doc if we could wait a month before we put any more in. When you start getting your fills ask your doc what size of band you have and how much he puts in. I find it very helpful to know what I have and how much is going in. It just keeps me focused on what is happening in my new life. I have several co-morbidity factors, High BP, High Cholesterol, Metabolic Syndrome, border line diabetes, Non alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver, sleep apnea, over 100 pounds overweight..I think that's all of them! Now the good side of what has happened since I've been banded. In March my heart doc reduced my blood pressure meds in half because my BP dropped to less than 100 on the top side and I always ran 140 with meds before the band. I have had a visit with my digestive disease doc and am happy to let you know that my liver panels came back excellent. My liver is no longer storing the fatty deposits that gave me my cirrhosis problem to begin with. He is also weaning me off my cholesterol meds and by my 6 month check up we'll know how my cholesterol is doing! My diabetes was just borderline but I checked it all the time and now it is well below the minimum and all these factor into the metabolic syndrome I suffer from, so everything is looking great for me. I wasn't worried about how I looked so much but when my health got so bad that I was headed for a donor list with my liver I decided with the help of 5 doctors to have this surgery. I am very happy but it's coming off alot faster than I can tighten my skin up! HA! But I keep working it and eventually it will slow down to where all the exercising I'm doing will pay off in my toning! :scared2: I know this is a bit of info but I think this site is loaded with lots of info and more nice and friendly people you'll never meet! The ones I have had the privilege of writing to are fun, witty, and truly good people! I hope you will enjoy this site as much as I have! Good luck on your travels with your new band and let us know how you are doing! :thumbup:

I was sleeved 12 years ago, and never had dumping. I still am sensitive to high fats, lactose or fake sugar (sugar alcohols like xylitol) where I poop my brains out if I eat or drink those things.

For about a year after surgery I counted total carbs. I did that because anything that didn't count as a net carb, (fiber and sugar alcohol) was likely to screw with my stomach and I wanted to avoid it anyway. Now that I am in maintenance mode, (2.5 years post op) I watch the total carb count, but only count net carbs. Whether I am counting it or not, I still like to know exactly what I'm eating.

I like your attitude! I think a lot of people lump cigarette smoking and cigar smoking together. One is dangerous habit and while the other is rather benign. I belong to a social club and smoke cigars with several medical professionals. None smoke cigarettes. I look forward to the day when I can have a drink too. Life is to be enjoyed. I used to smoke cigarettes, 2 packs a day for over 30 years..... Along with a lit of things, I quit for good. I am now a cigar aficionado. Yes, I smoke cigars, drink coffee, double espressos, consume alcohol, enjoy ice cream and other delights, At 63 soon to be 64, I am enjoying life more now than I ever have. I can now appreciate the things life offers, rather than being a glutton and sitting on the sidelines as a spectator. Of course, listen to your Dr. and gauge your results/successes against your new lifestyle.

I've heard that about the sugar alcohols.

This got me to think, I would say my root cause to my obesity is both genetic and that I am addicted to food. Ever since I was little I have been the big kid. I come from a family who was obese. My grandpa was 500 pound man, my mom was overweight, and multiple other family members as well. Also addiction runs in my family, so the whole addiction part is what gets me today. I love food like an alcoholic loves liquor. It has always been that way up till now. Addiction runs in my family as well with many different vices. My vice and my downfall is food. It is a comfort in all of its glory. I saw my grandpa with the same addiction tragically lost his battle back when I was a sophomore in high school because of his obesity. I thought I was ready to change my life outa high school and had the lap band put in place. Then life happened and that addiction came back stronger than ever. It took me five years of soul searching to finally tell myself "hey, its time" and get healthy. I fight this addiction and the obesity factor everyday. What keeps me going on this path of my new healthy self is knowing that in the future when I have kids I will be around for them, I will be able to live longer than my grandfather, also I am finally happier than I was 100 pounds ago.

I really need for someone to please tell me if sugar alcohols are allowed in pre- op. No one can tell me. My sugar free protein bars have them in them and I just realized it and it's after hours

I'm worried as well. My husband is even heavier than me...although very supportive so far. I fear though. It's a little bit like alcoholism. When both people drink and one stops or cuts back....how can that not create tension. Even with best intentions, the one who still drinks has loss of their partner in crime....and the one who gets clean watches the other one continue to make poor choices....whether there is judgement on either side or not, there would be perception of judgement. You have to do what it takes to get yourself heathy and on track and worry about yourself first. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Would these be allowed during a clear liquid diet as long as you do not chew and swallow the hard candy? After surgery, your mouth is dry, throat is sore and stomach is queasy....seems like a good option to address all issues. The only objectionable factor I foresee, might be the sugar alcohols causing more gas but one or two pieces shouldn't contribute unless a person is highly sensitive to sugar alcohols. Any experience or opinions would be appreciated.