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Great topic and lots of helpful things to consider if your weight loss slows down or stops. My doc said from the beginning it is calories in/calories out. The band will help us with portion control but it is up to us what we put in our stomach. That being said, I can tell you that like an alcoholic who takes it "one day at a time", I literally take it "one meal at a time." I basically eat what I want in moderation. Some meals I make really good choices, other meals not so much. The other day I went to Mongolian Bar-b-que for lunch which I think is a healthy choice. Pre-band days I would have had one bowl and gone back and made a second bowl. The other day I made one bowl and ate maybe a 1/4 of what I made and took the rest home. For dinner though I had a couple swedish meatballs with some mashed potatoes -- not such a good choice. Am I 100% perfect?? Not even in my wildest dreams. But I AM 100% better than I was 9 months ago. I don't say I am obsessive about what I eat, but I am conscious of what I eat and I do try and analyze what I could have done differently. For example, as an obese person I think my mentality was to eat until you're stuffed and I unconsciously was eating with my band with the mentality of "how much can I eat to be satisified?" I am trying to change that mental attitude to say "how little can I eat and be satisified?" I'm trying to tell myself that it's okay to not finish all the food on my plate regardless of how much or how little there is on there. The band is a huge tool to help us lose weight but the biggest battle I think is not with our stomachs but with our heads.

Tiff is correct, you need go back to basics. BUT I also want to let you in on a little secret...I do not always eat super healthy. I really try to get my Protein in through food and don't use Protein drinks if I can manage it through food, but this is tough because I also try to watch the amount of calories and carbs, I don't want to be grazing all day long in order to get enough protein. I completely understand that it is a tough time to stay committed to healthy eating, but I've found that if I prioritize: what is coming up this week, which days do I need to cut back on carbs because I know this special thing is coming up? it makes it so much easier. Long before I was even thinking about surgery my grandmother sent me an article that compared thinner/average weight people's habits to overweight/obese people's habits; it discussed how the average person would naturally scale back in areas to compensate for a splurge where an overweight person might just "give up" feeling "I blew it now, I might as well enjoy it." I don't know how scientific this article was, but I'm really trying to live with a different mindset now and train my mind and body to naturally compensate. For example last Friday I had a holiday party to attend. So for all of last week I didn't allow myself many extras...didn't have orange cream bars in the house (my vice), didn't go out to lunch (although I usually only get salad, but with teriyaki sauce), and I don't think I even went out with my husband to dinner, just in preparation. I didn't feel deprived or sad, it was just life. On Friday I was able to snack on appetizers and NOT feel guilty. I did not drink any alcohol or have any of the Desserts because I wanted to snack and chat. It was great! I am in no means trying to make you feel bad for your eating, we all must figure out what works for us. Just trying to maybe give you an idea of the way things are working for me. It's not that I will never have junk food...today I got a bag of chips from Subway with a salad and ate a lot of them on the way home (I'm having cramps), but for dinner that means I have the second half of that salad and probably no evening snack. I'm okay with that because I made the decision (probably not the best one) to have the chips and I'm not going to beat myself up over it. Good luck! You CAN do this...you just need to find your rhythm, the pouch test might be a good way to start.

I agree with Bobo, i do think that you just leave it out for a few weeks whilst you heal and i did find that i got drunk alot more quickly. Other than that i have no probs, i spend less money because i need less alcohol and it takes me twice as long as my friends to finish a drink in the first place. I love wine, in fact i can be described as a bit of a wine snob but i do find that after a few glasses it does cause a bit of acid reflux and throat burning, not sure why this is... vodka and orange etc is fine. I really disagree with all the Dr's who are food and drink nazi's i got the band to be able to think about food etc like a normal person, normal people go out and drink and have the occassional pudding. I find alot of the posts especially in America about Dr's instructions about how to eat with the band too constricting. If i was one of their patients i would have probably found it too hard to stick to like any other diet and then hate myself for slipping up etc or have turned into someone who still has major food issues! Sorry rant over...lol Happy Christmas everyone!

Get back to basics. If you have to you can do the 5 day pouch test to help get you back to basics. Below you will find a brief list of the menu for each day. Please click the "Read more" links for further detail and hints and tips that will enable your success with the 5 Day Pouch Test. Days One & Two: liquid Protein low-carb Protein shakes, broth, clear or cream Soups, sugar-free Gelatin and pudding. Read more. Day 3: Soft Protein canned fish (tuna or salmon) eggs, fresh soft fish (tilapia, sole, orange roughy. Read more. Day 4: Firm Protein ground meat (turkey, beef, chicken, lamb), shellfish, scallops, lobster, fresh salmon or halibut. Read more. Day 5: Solid Protein white meat poultry, beef steak, pork, lamb, wild game Read more. You have to be dedicated to the process. Yes, I understand that it's difficult during the holidays, BUT, you are in control of what you choose to put in your mouth. I wasn't even released for alcohol consumption until after 3 months. Alcohol is just wasted/empty calories. It has zero nutritional value, and all you're doing is sabotaging yourself and your sleeve. It's okay to have a "treat" here and there, but overindulging is only going to stall your weight loss, and build your frustration.

Hello: I was sleeved on November 6, since then I've doing OK, I have lost 30 pounds and I've been on stall for more than 2 weeks now!!!!!!! But let be honest with you: Since the third week I've eating solid food, sweets, chips, carbs, and alcohol :thumbup1:!!!!!!!! (small portions) I know, I know is horrible but you know is christmas time and everybody like to eat and drink in this time of the year. I feel so bad because it looks like everybody here is eating healthy food, Protein shakes:thumbdown: and Protein Bars, but I'm notttttt!!!!!! I'm afraid to fail....Please help guys.

I am 2 yrs out with my band, I have 8.8 cc and I still use my cpap. My setting is at 9. I dont take it campng anymore, But I know when I use it I will feel good and rested the next day. I really don't want to give it up. I was recently working a second job at night and came home and was able to get about 6.5 to 7 hrs sleep and still felt great. The gas is probably coming from the extra protein or if you are consuming a high amount of Sugar alcohols, that will give your more gas as well..

Did anyone get the news letter on the below? Alcohol after WLS What You Need To Know by Connie Stapleton, PhD "My surgeon's office repeatedly told us 'No alcohol for a year'," Debbie from NY shared in response to OH Magazine's inquiry about how alcohol affects people after they have WLS. In addition, members were asked how alcohol affected their post-op weight loss. Debbie went on to share her physician's reasons for his recommendation. First, alcohol can irritate the newly created pouch. Secondly, her doctor informs her that alcohol has an exaggerated effect on patients after surgery, noting that one drink has the equivalent effect of four drinks. Finally, alcohol, he teaches, is nothing more than empty calories with no nutritional value. Debbie said, "With all that we are trying to accomplish with weight loss, why take in more than you really need?" Just wanted to say that I went out yesterday and had a few drinks for Christmas and had two glasses of wine and was a bit worried that it would really affect me as stated above and it didn't! I don't think that the odd glass of wine really does much harm. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? Katy

Glad you liked the cat Riley - so sorry bout #1, I mean #0 - how disappointing but i think the former #2, now known as #1 put a hex on it. have a good night and don't let the bed bugs bite LMFAO! Monique - how did you get the apt with Doc Who? I was told there was nothing available - guess I need to call back in the a.m. Heather - love that the best part of the trip was the plane seat belt - hahaha Lee - you're a cougar - woo hoo! I think I would be too if I was single Ok, so like, 3 of you have less than 10lbs to go - is that right? I've been watching Robin Williams, at home ALONE and I just actually laughed OUT LOUD uncontrolably - he was talking about the stupid crap alcoholics say when they think they're cool - RE: pick up line: "are your parents retarded cause you sure are special" OMG, no he didn't!

It is time to blog. I have been away far too long. Let talk about my band. My band is perfect. I have restriction (or whatever you want to call the perfect adjustment) I get full quickly. My hunger is controled. So now you get to hear about what happens if you don't do your part. You gain weight! I have gained. I don't know how much. I don't want to step on my Wii Fit to find out. So here is the perfect example of why you have to work the band. It doesn't do all the work for you. I have only been hitting the gym about twice a week. I have been eating unhealthy food and I have been eating when I am not hungry. I haven't been keeping track on what I am eating. I know that I can come here and no one will judge me, but I also know that I need to start blogging again and getting back to the rules. -Keep track of what I eat (on sparkpeople) -Cardio at least 3 times a week -Don't eat unless I am hungry -Solid protien first then a health side until I am full I have heard plenty of storied of people that say that the band doesn't work. Well I lost 115 lbs in one year. The band works for me, but I know if I don't work at it I will fail. The band helps. It makes it easier, but if I don't want it bad enough I will gain the weight back. I can lose more weight and all I have to do is follow the rules. I have found that since I have given up almost all bread, pasta, rice and potatoes that I have developed a killer sweet tooth. I have to get that stuff out of my system. I am really looking forward to the New Year to jump start my loss, but I am starting right now! I also have to admit and face the fact that I am an emotional eater. I have been banded over a year and lost over 100 lbs and I am STILL and emotional eater. We are looking at putting our 16 year old daughter in a Christian based residential program because of her bad choices and everytime I think about it and have to deal iwth it I want to eat. I feel it like an alcoholic looking for a drink. I am looking to pick up a part time job to make an extra $2000 a month to put her in this 15 month program. I work Monday through Friday days and now I may have to work Friday and Saturday nights (RN). I worry about working more and working out less and emotional eating. I guess every day is a new set of challenges. I know blogging with help and I am so glad that I have this place to come!

It is time to blog. I have been away far too long. Let talk about my band. My band is perfect. I have restriction (or whatever you want to call the perfect adjustment) I get full quickly. My hunger is controled. So now you get to hear about what happens if you don't do your part. You gain weight! I have gained. I don't know how much. I don't want to step on my Wii Fit to find out. So here is the perfect example of why you have to work the band. It doesn't do all the work for you. I have only been hitting the gym about twice a week. I have been eating unhealthy food and I have been eating when I am not hungry. I haven't been keeping track on what I am eating. I know that I can come here and no one will judge me, but I also know that I need to start blogging again and getting back to the rules. -Keep track of what I eat (on sparkpeople) -Cardio at least 3 times a week -Don't eat unless I am hungry -Solid protien first then a health side until I am full I have heard plenty of storied of people that say that the band doesn't work. Well I lost 115 lbs in one year. The band works for me, but I know if I don't work at it I will fail. The band helps. It makes it easier, but if I don't want it bad enough I will gain the weight back. I can lose more weight and all I have to do is follow the rules. I have found that since I have given up almost all bread, pasta, rice and potatoes that I have developed a killer sweet tooth. I have to get that stuff out of my system. I am really looking forward to the New Year to jump start my loss, but I am starting right now! I also have to admit and face the fact that I am an emotional eater. I have been banded over a year and lost over 100 lbs and I am STILL and emotional eater. We are looking at putting our 16 year old daughter in a Christian based residential program because of her bad choices and everytime I think about it and have to deal iwth it I want to eat. I feel it like an alcoholic looking for a drink. I am looking to pick up a part time job to make an extra $2000 a month to put her in this 15 month program. I work Monday through Friday days and now I may have to work Friday and Saturday nights (RN). I worry about working more and working out less and emotional eating. I guess every day is a new set of challenges. I know blogging with help and I am so glad that I have this place to come!

I find it goes both ways with friends. Most are happy but, some have turned quite jealous. I get the back handed compliments, which make me very uncomfortable. These are usually my more chubbier friends. I never mention how much wt I have lost or bring up my new & improved food habits, but the conversation never fails to arrive there. In fact, I usually take the opposite tact and try to take the focus off me. I guess they think (and maybe I am) not as much fun because i don't indulge in desserts or alcohol. I can't discuss the best dessert at the party or get buzzed off drinks like the rest of the crowd. I am amazed how much of our conversations & social interactions have revolved around food. If truth were told, I find myself getting bored going out. Of course I am not complaining. The best part of losing weight is having to decide what to wear beforehand and having many choices. I used to have my "go to" dress (aka tent) and this is so much nicer.

Donna - I was cleared for wine late August, so I was about 3.5 months to 4 months post-op. My surgeon advised me to steer clear of red wines. I didn't ask why, but I'm sure he has his thought process. I like very few red wines, and prefer a nice Reisling or Pinot. I would just use caution to see how your body reacts. I had read where others experienced pain/burning, I did not, others said they got drunk quick, I did not, others said they got drunk then sobered up quickly, I never got a true buzz feeling. I used to be a big weekend drinker, and I drank to get drunk. After meeting my husband in 2006, my drinking/partying subsided. I was strictly a social drinker, and only enjoyed a few rum and cokes. When I had my band, I enjoyed wine frequently, and an occasional mojito. I'm not sure about that article about alcohol consumption from OH. I could see a RNY patient having those type of issues, but since our stomachs are full-functioning, with no re-routing or malabsorption, I can't see alcohol effecting us that heavily. Again, that's just my experience. I'm definitely not a drinker as this was my first attempt since my revision in June. But, knowing now that I can handle a glass of wine is very comforting, and quite enjoyable.

Wow Tiffy, you are actually living your life and enjoying food proportionately! This is something I want so badly--this is the "normal" I hope to aspire to. I am not a drinker per se but on occasion enjoy a little wine or a fancy frozen tropical drink. I'm now 3 months out so like Stoongal am wondering if it is still to early to sip on anything alcoholic.

A bit long but very funny! FROM: Patricia Harris, Human Resources Director TO: All Employees DATE: 4th DECEMBER RE: Christmas Party I'm happy to inform you that the company Christmas Party will take place on December 23rd, starting at noon in the private function room at the Grill House. There will be a cash bar and plenty of drinks! We'll have a small band playing traditional carols...please feel free to sing along. And don't be surprised if the Managing Director shows up dressed as Santa Claus! A Christmas tree will be lit at 1.00 p.m. Exchange of gifts among employees can be done at that time; however, no gift should be over 10.00 to make the giving of gifts easy for everyone's pockets. This gathering is only for employees! The Managing Director will make a special announcement at the Party. Merry Christmas to you and your Family Patricia ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FROM: Patricia Harris, Human Resources Director TO: All Employees DATE: 5th December RE: Holiday Party In no way was yesterday's memo intended to exclude our Jewish employees. We recognize that Chanukah is an important holiday, which often coincides with Christmas, though unfortunately not this year. However, from now on we're calling it our ' Holiday Party.' The same policy applies to any other employees who are not Christians. There will be no Christmas tree or Christmas carols sung. We will have other types of music for your enjoyment. Happy now? Happy Holidays to you and your family, Patricia. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FROM; Patricia Harris, Human Resources Director TO: All Employees DATE : 6th December RE: Holiday Party Regarding the note I received from a member of Alcoholics Anonymous requesting a non-drinking table...you didn't sign your name. I'm happy to accommodate this request, but if I put a sign on a table that reads, "AA Only," you wouldn't be anonymous anymore!!!! How am I supposed to handle this? Somebody? Forget about the gift exchange, no gift exchange allowed now since the Union Officials feel that 10.00 is too much money and Management believe 10.00 is a little cheap. NO GIFT EXCHANGE WILL BE ALLOWED. Patricia. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FROM: Patricia Harris, Human Resources Director TO: All Employees DATE: 7th December RE: Holiday Party What a diverse group we are! I had no idea that December 20th begins the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which forbids eating and drinking during day l i ght hours. There goes the party! Seriously, we can appreciate how a luncheon at this time of year does not accommodate our Muslim employees' beliefs, perhaps the Grill House can hold off on serving your meal until the end of the party - or else package everything up for you to take home in a little foil doggy bag. Will that work? Meanwhile, I've arranged for members of Weight Watchers to sit farthest from the dessert buffet and pregnant women will get the table closest to the toilets, Gays are allowed to sit with each other, Lesbians do not have to sit with gay men, each will have their own table. Yes, there will be flower arrangements for the gay men's table, too. To the person asking permission to cross dress - no cross dressing allowed. And No, no blow-up sheep. We will have booster seats for short people. Low fat food will be available for those on a diet. We cannot control the salt used in the food. We suggest those people with high blood pressure taste the food first. There will be fresh fruits as dessert for Diabetics, the restaurant cannot supply "No Sugar" Desserts. Sorry! Did I miss anything?!?!?!?!?! Patricia. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FROM: Patricia Harris , Human Resources Director TO: All F*****G Employees DATE: 8th December RE: The ******** Holiday Party. Vegetarian pricks I've had it with you people!!! We're going to keep this party at the Grill House whether you like it or not, so you can sit quietly at the table furthest from the "grill of death", as you so quaintly put it. You'll get your f****** salad bar, including organic tomatoes, but you know tomatoes have feeling, too. They scream when you slice them. I've heard them scream. I'm hearing them scream right NOW!! Hope you all have a rotten holiday * drink, drive, and die! The Bitch from HELL!!!!!!!! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ FROM: John Bishop - Acting Human Resources Director DATE: 12th December RE: Patricia Harris and Holiday Party I'm sure I speak for all of us in wishing Patricia a speedy recovery, and I'll continue to forward your cards to her. In the meantime, Management has decided to cancel our Holiday Party and instead, give everyone the afternoon of the 23rd December off with full pay.

Since a lot of people, pre-op and post-op, ask about alcohol consumption, I thought I'd throw out my experience. Last night, we attended John's squadron Christmas party. I wanted to try a glass of wine. They had a decent assortment, and I chose a Kendall Jackson Reisling. I drank about 1/2 the glass before our meal while socializing, zero issues, no burning, pain, or discomfort. Then, ate, 3 bites of prime rib, 3 bites of the stuffed chicken, about 4oz of mashed potatoes with gravy, and 3 or 4 broccoli florets. After dinner, I had a few sips of coffee, then finished the glass of wine. I also took 3 small bites of cheesecake, and John ate the rest. Everything tasted very good, and around 9:30, I decided to have another glass of wine. Again, no ill effects, no burning, no pain, and I never caught a "buzz". Just a normal little relaxed feeling that I got pre-op from wine. I was really hesitant to try anything alcoholic, but am happy to report that I was able to enjoy a couple glasses of wine without issues.

Wow, I have the Realize band too. I was banded Sept 22 and started out at 239. Now I'm at 227 but have lost inches galore. I have been hitting the gym really hard. 45 minutes of cardio, and weights. I try to burn about 500-600 calories. I don't really have any restriction yet, and I have an 11 cc band, and it's filled to 7 cc. I know EXACTLY what you mean about taking a few bites, being full and then going back to eating or not losing weight at all. I am trying to "keep the faith". It's a struggle, but hang in there. I have a "buddy" on this forum, and so thankful for her. The last two weeks have been a struggle, and I think I put on a couple lbs. I cut out alcohol almost entirely. Maybe a couple glasses of wine in the last few months. No coffee, caffiene free....and looking for things that are "ok" to eat, and good for us. I've found when I keep up with my vitmans, and Calcium I feel like a million bucks.. I was am weighing myself every other day, which I hear is horrible. Don't forget to incorporate PMS weight, and so forth. I didn't realize that personally I put on about 5 lbs of Water weight, so cutting down on sodium is key for me. The best advice (which I need to follow better) has been GET OUT OF THE HOUSE, and keep moving...and keep talking to your friends on this website. People are here to help and it's fantastic!

"Luck" Riley - can't wait to hear the details! I understand about not losing any weight even though you haven't eaten anything - that's been happening to me! Tamra - when Bev called on the gal who drank the alcohol she said she was callling on her at that time because she had to leave early - so I don't think it was out of shame. I put a little alarm on my phone to go off the day before the meeting so I'll txt you when i get it. I really need to try to get back on my eating schedule. since I've only been eating like once a day I haven't lost anything - when I eat something small every 3-4 hours I lose fast. Problem with that is when I start to eat is when I have the problem because i don't want to stop. So much easier just not to start Oh, riley - I got some frozen edamame and i was wondering what the best way is to prepare them? I've never made them before - more like peas or beans??? Vegetarian rookie over here.

Hi Ladies, tamra & Jes - congrats on the weight loss - you too Riley Jane - and even if I was single i couldn't manage that many men one time - so not coordinated like that. ash - sleeve shmeeve - we love ya so stick around! I mighta done the sleeve if it was an option last September! Lee & bee soo glad I got to meet you ladies last night - I love having a face to go with the name - so much more personable. Capt Mo & Pat - I am bummed that I didn't get to meet you both - Monique - I would be home eating too if I wasn't at the meeting so get to the meetings! Pat - A hug trumps all! 30lbs is awsome! heather - glad you're having fun girl - can't wait to see the pics Analynn - You need to stay on the board and get to the meetings - it will definately help keep you motivated. Donna- Hi Honey! Pammie - where are you my love? Ok, my sometimers is kickin in - there was so much I wanted to say after reading 3 pages to catch up and now I can't remember any of it LOL. guess I'll have to start keeping notes. One thing I will say about the band is that it really makes an appearence when you are stressed out - I've had this sharp pain in the right side of my chest for about a week now - suddenly, today - it's gone HMMM? Here is my deal with this thing - I can't eat as much as I use to but I don't think it's the band because when I get full I feel it in the bottom of my stomech just like I use to before the band - but my tummy has definately shrunk. I did try to call again today to reschedule the appt I mised on tuesday and Bev said there are ZERO appts available and to call back in a few days. I was bummed because I really wanted to see what his scale says now - Im down to 186.8 but that will probably change tomorrow - up/down every day! Grrrrrr. I really have no desire to eat these days. I haven't been thinking about food at all - which is really a strange twist for me because it use to be ALL I thought about. So I've been making sure that I eat a decent lunch/dinner - I eat around 4:00 - the last 3 days I've only had 2 meals - coffee for b-fast & whatever is around at 4:00 hahaha - but I'm not losing any weight - I've been power walking on my treadmill - just can't get into my C25K for some reason. Maybe I need to get rid of the treadmill and get a tread climber - just one more thing to hang my laundry on (jk!) So, back to what i was saying - for about an hour after my 4:00 meal i can't stop thinking about food -life just seems to be so much easier if I don't eat anything at all - I've come to the conclusion that I'm a binger. Oh, Jes, (BTW - I really do love your hair cut!) you are right about the alcohol deal - Bev was directing that to the RNYers - their food processing isn't the same anymore and their bodies can't process the alcohol like it use to - we can still drink but they just worry about transferrence of addiction - from food to alcohol. So, Maria - have that drink if you so choose to - just try to keep it to a minimum and the lower cal drinks and enjoy. - Salute!

Maria - they had a big scolding last night at the meeting about alcohol...its a major no no...yet my friend who had the RNY does still drink once in a while....I dunnooooo....

what are your thoughts on alcohol with the band? My husband wants to take me out this weekend after some hoilday shopping for a a drink and a movie. Can I drink wine or cranberry vodka? I imagine 1 will be my limit. We arent going to party or anything but I dont want to be embarrsed or regretting the glass of wine later. How did you all feel after a cocktail since the band?

Well tonight is my first party of the season and a little nervous about the whole drinking thing. But I will drink some tonight. Today I celebrate 8 weeks post op. Down 31 pounds today (all post op weight). My doctor said to wait about 8 weeks, well today is it :tt1: So my question is, does anyone have some low calorie beverage choices. I used to drink captain morgan spiced rum with diet coke...mmmmm. But obviously that is out . So what shall I do. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Happy holidays!

Recovering from last night, I got so drunk at the xmas party last night, I can't remember last time I was drunk like that.. I don't normally drink enough to get drunk!!! But boy I was.. eeeeeeh. Ended up heavin in the toilet when I got home, and Russ stood there rubbing my neck <3 Got my fill of drunkness for the next 2-3 years. I'll forget again by then. Amidst all the alcohol, I ended up with me & russ' xmas bonus, and a gift card to walmart. Woowoo! I'm going to try that casserole this weekend, it sounds yummy.. right up my alley! Since the turkey & waffles didn't do it for me, still looking for our own personal Christmas morning food.

While I agree w/most of what you said, I don't agree with the alcohol, and what I mean by that is this.... EVERY Surgeon is different.. My surgeon says no alcohol for a year.. some say, 1 month, etc... so in regards to the alcohol, you are best off asking YOUR surgeon and following what he says, not what other's did or say....same thing goes for smoking, pre-op/post op diets, etc... follow what your surgeon tells you.. not what others tell you...good luck and congrats on making the decision to begin this journey....

Drinking....never hear the two year thing....OMG. I had surgery on 2/10/09. Went on my annual Parrot Head Cruise 5 weeks later and, yeah, I drank. I'm not a heavy drinker, but I do enjoy it. Empty calories are the one issue. I'd been a rum drinker for years -- rum and Diet Coke is about 60 calories per drink. The no soda thing doesn't really apply to this because once you add alcohol, the carbonation fizzes out in a hurry. I just don't drink it as soon as the bartender hands it to me. Smoking can make the healing part take longer and you don't want that. And, frankly, if you quit for 4 weeks, you're past the worst so just don't start again. Your PCP can help you quit. There are prescriptions that help, the Nicoderm thing has helped a couple of my friends quit....just think of it as an investment in your now brighter future!

Different doctors have different views on how long to wait before having alcohol after having lap band surgery. As far as I remember, my doctor never told me a set time to wait, but I never asked either, because I've never been a big drinker. The most I heard about alcohol consumption was in support group (and there might have been a mention there of waiting three months), and the doctor said to be cautious of the fact that many people feel the affects of alcohol much quicker after banding, and of course, the fact that it's empty calories. That holds true for me, it goes straight to my head, but it doesn't make me sick. I'm sure part of the reason is that I weigh less now, but I also think it's because I eat such a small amount of food. I don't drink more than one glass of wine or one mixed drink on those rare occasions I have a drink. Most bandsters can't tolerate beer because of the carbonation, which causes discomfort, and some doctors, but not all, warn that drinks with carbonation might stretch the pouch. As far as smoking. I don't, but I do know it was required that smokers quit for a period of time prior to surgery. I don't think my doctor gave any wiggle room there.