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I was allowed wine since six weeks post-op (well, alcohol in general, but for me that's mostly just wine). I don't have any problems drinking it, doesn't make my stomach hurt -- but it DOES make me drunk way faster and I get worse hangovers than I ever got before and from far less alcohol. Good luck!

I've found the question of alcohol consumption and vsg posed before on here, but most of the responses were lectures on empty calories or "I don't even like alcohol since the sleeve"- good for you! But I'm not interested in hearing from non-drinkers or about the empty calories. I have dinner with my European family every week, and wine is a huge part of it. Can your stomach tolerate alcohol on the sleeve? Is it painful? When in your journey (how many weeks) were you ok to have alcohol? I have no intention of abusing alcohol, but I would like to have a glass of red wine with my dinner once or twice a week, and occasionally have a vodka martini when I'm out. I do not enjoy sweets or soda, alcohol is my only empty calorie thing I want to enjoy. I don't mean to sound hostile about people that proudly have not had a drop of alcohol since VSG, I think it's great to abstain from something that can become easily unhealthy. However, I want to have some answers about alcohol and VSG!

Im 7 mths post opt and alcohol has never been an issue for me. im a social drinker. i have a drink @ least once a week. the only problem i have is that my alcohol absorption rate sucks now. I feel tipsy after a glass of wine. thats the only problem i have ever had with alcohol and my sleeve. so I say have your wine :smile1:

I'm getting mine on the 17th. I'm so disappointed on myself. I cheated yesterday with alcohol on my pre op diet

I must say that I am almost a year out and had my first drinks about 3 weeks ago. Never has alcohol hot me so hard. I've never been a big drinker. Maybe a beer once every 6 months. Well needless to say I went out with some friends after a funeral and after my third beer I don't remember much. I thought ok if I do it again I'll be able to just drink a couple...but again I drank more than I knew and as well blacked out. I've learned that if I am going to go out which will be fairly rare I need to make sure I have a friend with me to make sure I stop or ask the bartender to cut me off. This was never a problem for me before but after much stress lately I found it relaxing. Bad habit I need to break.

Thanks for sharing. I love wine and I can't wait to have my wine back in May 2014. Coming from a family of alcoholics I don't drink much - 5 out of 7 of us are alcoholics and three are dead because of it. My biggest fear is to become one myself. I do love my two glasses of wine on a Saturday night! I'm a cheap date - I have a very low tolerance to alcohol even before surgery. I hear it'll be even worse so my two glasses of wine may have to be cut to one. I only drink at home so I'll be safe enough there. If we go out I'm the designated driver. :-)

Kate the NP here- once it opens up a little like that it is not a good idea to try to close it with steri-strips. As someone said above, it Ned's to heal from the inside out. Rinse it with peroxide and than make sure it is dry ( alcohol wipes will help that) then try to keep it as dry as possible - covered lightly with a gauze pad. If the drainage turns a nasty color it is infected. It's hard to tell from this picture but it looks very superficial. Of course, your PCP should be your primary source of advise, but this doesn't look, from a picture anyway, that is is anything near dehiscense.

Yes, Gas Ex Chewables. A nurse at the hospital tried the alcohol wipes on me and it made me gag and feel naseaus.

I'm not a big drinker (maybe one beer/mo)...after VSG, are you able to drink any type of alcohol again? And i mean like 6mos down the road kind of deal? Thanks!

I've had a beer or two on a few special occasions. I've found that in order to be able to drink it at all I need to pour it into a glass and let it foam up well. That releases enough carbonation that I can drink it. Otherwise a couple of sips and I hit a wall with the carbonation. To your point, though, alcohol of any variety is generally not recommended because it is empty calories and doesn't create fullness like food does. I used to drink a good amount of beer several times a week, now it is only maybe one or two on a very special occasion. I try to remind myself that I earned a lot of the fat I'm burning off by drinking beer; that seems to help.

we have had good luck with taking cabs to most ports. I don't recall how far the Munoz airport is from the cruise terminal. we stayed overnight at the inter continental right on the beach. we watched the planes land, so it couldn't have been too far. but the cab from the hotel to the pier was very quick. you don't need to pay attention to the time listed as boarding time. we will typically go 2 hrs before the published time. seldom ever are there more than a few people there. be prepared to wait several hours for your bags. prepare your carry on from the plane with the clothes/bathing suit you will want when you get on the ship. the advice about the drink cards, and to beware the cost of the alcohol is right on. make sure to do that. And the avice to do and see everything, and to register for your excursions, if you have any opportunity is also right on.

You will just love cruising. I have been on about 8 cruises and the one you mentioned. Today's cruising is getting less formal than before. The ports you are visiting are very carribean and shorts and capris are the way to go. Formal nights are less now than prior times so you can get away with a cocktail dress, long skirt and top, or go all out. I've seen it all. I find a good charge card is the best to have. Some of the lines, Princess being one of them, now will charge all your tips to your card as an onboard charge. If not, follow the guidelines for tipping, and bring at least that amount. Most say $3/day for waiter and cabin steward, $2/day for busboy. Some tip the maitre dee. When buying alcohol on board the tip is automatically added to your bill. Most people register a credit card with the ship and all charges go on it, alcohol, tours, gift items, etc. Some ships now have Anytime dining which allows you to dine when you want. If not, you will be assigned a table at one of two seatings - early or late. Look at your port times to decide if late seating will work better so you have more time in port. You can find cruise clothes just about year round. You might have to go online to find them - Land's end and Coldwater creek come to mind. However, at Christmas time you should find some places as that starts the peak of cruising. Hope this helps.

Ms. Vicki, your story is just one of the sweetest and most life affirming that I have ever heard. Indianlight, perhaps it would be best if you would tell your new friend what you have told us. It makes sense, you know. You are seriously at work on conquering your own weight issues and while you are nuts about his personality you don't want to get serious about an individual who still is in a place that you have now left. A reformed alcoholic or smoker will turn down a heavy drinker or smoker as a mate for exactly the same reasons, you know. You might also explain to him that you want a serious relationship and this has got to be with a man who is not compromising his health and indeed his life. By explaining it this way the looks issue is never brought up, and it is strange how this is the issue that hurts us all the most even when it is sometimes the least important.

The sugar alcohols used in many artificial sweeteners cause problems for many people: diarrhoea, bloating, discomfort, … Personally I try to avoid or reduce as many artificial sweeteners, sugar alternatives & sugar as I can. It’s hard because it’s in almost everything you buy. I did it to kill my sugar craving - it has. (Artificial sweeteners & sugar alternatives still feed your desire for sweet.). Also there is a lot of research being done into how artificial sweeteners still lead to weight gain, affect your immune system, etc. But this has been a personal choice for me. Generally if I want something sweet I’ll eat some fruit. But again it’s been my choice to do this. I have made chia seed pudding & used vanilla extract as flavour. There is natural & added sugar in it but it’s very little. Also added milk powder which gave some sweetness (& extra protein) & a natural sugar. What about a fruit crumble? Cook up apple, berries, rhubarb or other fruit & sprinkle the top with a mix of rolled oats, coconut, nuts, a little plain flour, cinnamon a little butter & bake until golden. Use a little monk fruit for a touch of sweetness if the fruit is a little tart & in the crumble topping. Congratulations on your daughter’s weight loss. So wonderful she’s been inspired by you to make changes in her life too.

One of the sugar alcohols gives me horrible diarrhea but I forget which one. The rest just give me gas which I can live with. I think everybody's different

That is a tough situation. I have loved bar hopping and going out since I turned 21 in college. (I'm 40 now.) Alcohol and food have been the centerpiece of my social life for almost 20 years. I started my six-month pre-op diet March 21. Three times over the next month we had company come to or through New Orleans and visited us and each required "going out" in one way or the other. By the third one (mid-April), I was trying to save the calories for the boozing so that I would still come out to about 1500 calories (my daily goal at the time). Not only did I get sloppy really quick because I had nothing in me, but the hangover was beyond hellacious and I had no way to combat it (no carb heavy foods, no grease, no hair-of-the-dog -- no nothing). So, I made the decision to cut alcohol out on that horrible April morning, and I am here almost six months later and still haven't had any. And I lost 100 pounds pre-op. Am I going to give it up forever? No. I hope to be able to integrate the occasional drink back into my life around mid-December. But during this time, I have tweaked my social life where alcohol is not at the center of it all. We've been out dozens of times to concerts, shows, bars, Bourbon Street (unfortunately), you name it. I've enjoyed the people and the company and haven't let my temporary-alcohol-free-status keep me from having a good time. You are an adult and can do what you please. This is only my experience. I HAD to let it go to move me toward my goals. But for an ex-man child, fraternity guy who lives in New Orleans' French Quarter, if I can do it, anyone can.

I think only real sugar can cause true dumping syndrome (in some people, anyway - the majority don't dump) - HOWEVER, a lot of people have issues with certain artificial sweeteners, esp sugar alcohols (those with names ending in "-itol", like xylitol). They can cause cramping and diarrhea in people who are sensitive to them.

I don't know that porn CAUSES sexual violence, but I think it is certainly a component of the problem. This isn't a perfect analogy, but I can't come up with another one at this late hour: alcohol doesn't CAUSE drunk driving, but all incidents of drunk driving involve alcohol. That being said, the speaker's statement was that there are no documented cases of sexual violence for which porn was not involved. I guess the way to disprove it would be to find someone who committed an act of sexual violence and didn't use porn. I think that'd be pretty tough to do. From what I've read and all sexually violent offenders I know about, all in-depth conversations with them have uncovered porn in their backgrounds, and they have often said it's the porn that escalated their perversion. I believe that violent movies and video games escalate all types of violence, not just gun violence. Just as in the case of the sex offender, it's not the trigger that CAUSES the offense, but rather the offeder's propensity to offend that is enhanced by the trigger. In other words, do I believe we should outlaw porn to stop sexual violence? No, I am extremely opposed to porn but I also believe in free speech. Should we outlaw guns to stop gun violence? I think you know my response to that. Do I believe we should stop violent people from harming others whether they use sex, guns, a baseball bat, or a Buick? Absolutely. Am I horribly discouraged and saddened by porn AND gun violence? Very much so. There is no justification for either. If we could raise a generation of children with positive moral values, a sense of family and community, and a committment to virtue, we might be able to overcome both. Sadly, I believe we are headed in the opposite direction.

I have no regrets and would do it again in a heart beat!! I am seven months post surgery, down 130 pounds and have reached my initial goal but I am continuing to adhere to the program as there is more to loose. My medical issues are gone and I feel and look better than I have in decades. That being said, the concerns expressed in this thread were my concerns as well in the beginning. I really enjoyed food and the social engagement around food and alcohol. Specifically my biggest issues were volume of food eaten and proper choices. As a result of the sleeve operation I am better equipped, physically and mentally, to deal with food issues now than at other times in my life. The initial post op journey is my commitment to a better me. I want to do it so I can continue to enjoy the things that are important to me and my loved ones. I regularly go to dinner with my wife, attend business dinners and functions and participate in all family outings. The sleeve has changed my life for the better! At seven months post op I can eat anything I want but choose to be on the program. I can still eat a great Tuna steak, or cheeseburger, just not all of it. I can still socialize, but need to manage the temptations. For me, it's about choice. The sleeve has helped me physically, limiting the amount food I can eat. The strong will to be successful and stay with the program has helped me manage choices. I think sometime we rely on the physical changes, i.e. sleeve or band, etc, and less on the mental readiness for what is to come. It could very well be the toughest part of the entire change in our bodies.

I'm only five days post-op and I don't regret it. I do freak out realizing I can't eat an entire pizza ever again. Lucky for me i know this addiction journey. I gave up alcohol 3 years ago, at first I was in disbelief I had really given it up. Then I went through the envy phase - why can everyone else drink and control themselves and I can not. It took a long time to not stare at others drinking or feel awkward going out in drinking environment. I just have to be patient knowing that I will soon enter my envy stage and it will take time before my mind stops craving the food and I move on.

Just watch out for the sugar alcohols in a lot of the frankenfood on the market labeled sugar free. These can cause dumping in anyone with or without surgery. For some hilarious reading on Amazon look up sugar free gummy bears. I use liquid splenda and liquid stevia with no problems.

I am curious about sugar free products such as jellies jams and desserts for diabetics, and what it means when It lists sugar alcohol levels does that raise your sugar? for a lapband patient would those things be okay as a treat in small amounts?

yes i think alcohol is a billion times worse. it's the only ingestible thing that is poisonous to every single cell in your body. that's crazy, eh? i dont drink. i never have even sipped alcohol honestly but i will probably always smoke. even my family overseas smoke and they live in a muslim country. i think it's just natural and okay. i also have a prescription for it so it's fine for me

yes, yes it can! I feel a bit like an alcoholic in a steel cage placed in a bar!!! When that feeling happens, I drink water - take some deep breaths, and move on..... I know it gets better with time.

So I'm sat writing this update whilst having a coffee, with my legs crossed :-) these nsv's really are just as satisfying as the scale victories:-) Speaking of which, 12 weeks today and another 4lbs off! Wasn't expecting that this week as it was my best friend's mums funeral this week so we all had a few drinks, I stuck to low cal/carb and non fizzy but it was still alcohol, and I slackened the reins a bit on food that day too, but got straight back to it the next day and it seems that helped damage limitation :-) Incidentally, the alcohol went down fine, I took it easy and drank Water too. I'm not much of a drinker but it's nice to know if there's an occasion I do want a drink it won't be a big problem. hair loss is in full swing :-( trying not to freak out but it's not easy! I've been here before when I did a vlcd and I didn't go completely bald so I'm hoping this time I don't either! And hoping it passes quick but time will tell. Already thinking about cutting my hair off into a short bob. I wear my hair up all the time as it makes me hot if I leave it down, but as I lose weight that's less of a problem so I think by the end of the summer I'll cut it off. One thing that has happened this week is I've started catching sight of my reflection, and liking what I see :-) I've always been very aware of how big I am (was!!) but I tried to dress well and take care of my appearance, and in some ways I think that led to me have a vision of myself in my head that wasn't quite accurate, so if I saw my reflection I'd be bit shocked/disappointed/disgusted by how large I was! Now I think I've reached the point where my vision in my head matches reality, so yes I'm still big (I'm still bigger than where some people are before surgery!) but body and mind are in sync! What's going to be interesting is how that works as I lose more weight. I just can't imagine myself slim so I imagine as my reflection continues to shrink I'll get back to being surprised by what I see...but in a good way!! Loose skin is starting to show. I was resigned to that from the outset though, and plan to get surgery to fix it when the time is right. My only real concern is my calf's as the skin there is starting to appear a bit loose and that's not an area easy to fix or to his unless I live the rest of my life in trousers! @@chrisredjeep I got Biotin from Amazon, take 10,000mg a day and I do have lots of baby hairs so it's worth a try! Sounds like you are doing really well, well done! I bet your surgeon was pleased. You are doing a lot of steps! I am getting a Garmin vivofit today actually to try and encourage me to up my steps. I've signed up for my personal training to start 1 sept, I'm looking forward to it!