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How would one liquid be more likely to stretch your sleeve than any other, say.... Water?That's preposterous. I heard the same thing in support but I never bought that jive. Alcohol and soda and crap will put weight on a person but actually stretching a sleeve is, from what I've read, nonsense. It's the swelling going down; rarely it's due to some sort of dilation. Anyway ultimately it's what goes into our mouths. Corrrrrrrrrect!

Hey guys they are talking about alcohol on another thread! That's where I'll be!

I haven't had one yet and I'm 3 months out. Talk with your surgeon. I believe alcohol can be irritating to a new sleeve.

Another possible and very serious problem with drinking (if you are under a year post-op) is liver damage or failure. In the first year when your body is burning the most fat your liver is working overtime to process the toxins released from the fat. Alcohol at this time is VERY dangerous and can seriously damage your liver or cause it to fail. Please seek some help for your need to drink.

My class went really well yesterday. I had a pre-admission appointment as well. They did blood work and an EKG. I also received a bottle of soap to wash my abdomen the night before and the morning of surgery. The class I wish I had taken earlier. It was very informative and gastric bypass specific. I finally learned what my DR expected as far as straws, caffeine, alcohol, etc. I am not going to lie. I am a little nervous about not being able to drink alcohol for a year.

I'm now in Maintenance. I'm using a combination of daily regiments. When I weigh in below my goal weight, I allow GREEN days; where I do my best, but don't log my foods. When I drift above my goal, I snap back to my month 3 diet and log everything (no alcohol). So far this is working well, but mostly due to the sleeve restriction that kicks in regularly on green days. No matter what color my days are, I'm getting in 70,000+ steps a week.

Maybe they were talking about alcohol? Because you do tend to get drunk faster. If not alcohol, I'm not sure why they would make that one of the big rules. I drink coffee, tea, water ...... all the time when I drive. I also live in a very rural area and do a lot of driving. It's nice to have something to drink on the way.

I was a diet coke addict and couldn't imagine my life without them. I reduced the qty before my preop diet and that was rough. It was rough through the preop diet. The changes immediately after the surgery, though, are like hitting a wall. I think it must be like rehab for drug and alcohol addicts. Since my surgery, I haven't missed diet coke on bit. Five and a half months out, I'm thrilled with the changes to my body and health (normal blood pressure) but, honestly, I'm especially happy not obsessing over food and drink anymore.

Hello All! I'm Carol, and I'll be sleeved at the OCC on Friday, April 4th. So I'll be coming in Thursday and leaving the next Monday, April 7th. Just took the obligatory before photo, though most of my photos lately have been before photos. I wish Flickr had instead of a delete option, a "tear up, burn and bury the ashes" option, because that's how I feel about my reflection right now. I've been doing the research I believe we've all been doing. I decided on the sleeve but was denied by the psychologist who works for my insurer. She said, in a somewhat condescending, whispery talking-to-a-child voice, that my history of depression and past use of alcohol make me a bad candidate for the procedure. I take Effexor for my depression/anxiety, and it works well for my anxiety and for the bulk of my depression, but I don't think it will ever go away completely. And I have had bouts of excessive drinking, but for the most part I've had that under control for years now. I know exactly why it would be a bad idea to drink with the sleeve, and I know I wouldn't put myself in that position-but how would I prove that to her? To her I'm a statistic, she says I have a higher chance of "suicidality", which apparently is a word, because my brother died that way. When in reality, I would never commit suicide, because I know exactly what it does to a family, and how it's a permanent solution to a temporary problem. I appreciate life all the more for having been close to someone who gave theirs away. I understand that statistically that's not the case. But I'm not a statistic, I'm a person; a nice person with quirks but also a logical mind, a person who has learned from her flawed but nonetheless valid journey of self-discovery. I've gone from being a young single mother with a high school diploma all the way through graduate school to where I can now support my little family. I shook my demons off one by one, but I can't shake off this weight. I've tried and sometimes succeeded for a time, but it always comes back, plus 20% more. Now my back and feet hurt, even my fat clothes aren't fitting right, and I'm having trouble appreciating all the things I've worked so hard to achieve. I won't let Kaiser tell me what I can't do. I will take their reasoning into consideration however, that if I drink with the sleeve, the alcohol will be absorbed faster because of my smaller stomach, increasing my blood/alcohol levels and putting additional stress on my kidneys, pancreas and liver. I know that people have destroyed their health by drinking too much after WLS, and I don't want that for myself. I don't think I'm ever going to fit into their mold though. I can't change my family history, so I'm going down to Mexico. Who else is coming?

@@ankinray rules about wine etc. vary depending on your surgeon. My plan calls for no alcohol until you reach maintenance, and then to exercise caution due to 1) liquid calories; 2) high rate of transfer addictions with wls patients; and 3) rapid absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream for post wls patients, which can make it easy to over-drink very fast.

So here's something that I wouldn't necessarily advise for others but it was what my surgeon advised for me after 11 days when I was so weak I couldn't hardly stand and they couldn't even get a blood pressure reading on me. He said "go home and eat ice cream". So I bought those little Haagan Das little cups and it took me 4 sittings to eat just one but after doing that Friday night, Saturday and Sunday I actually woke up on Monday morning feeling normal again. He told me that my body could not take the lack of carbs. Everyone is different. I suggest that we all listen to our surgeons and go by what they are telling us - they are trained to adjust when necessary and that is what he had to do for me. I would have never done that on my own and honestly was shocked when he suggested it but it was, as they say, "just what the doctor ordered". And this is a surgeon in SoCal that does thousands of these procedures and there is a waiting list to get in to him. Everyone's body is different and that is why we have medical professionals gudiing us through this process. We have people in our support group that can't stop losing weight and are eating donuts and drinking alcohol and then there are others like me who stick to a plan for the most part and end up and very long stalls. We are all different and our bodies react differently. But again, please defer to your surgeon for guidance on what my work for your particular biochemistry. Don' t take chances with a surgery like this one - leave it up to the experts. But trust me, we have ALL eaten something at least once that was probably not the smartest move and we paid the price :-(

I'm an opera singer... and no... opera singers can no longer be famous when they are larger- take Deborah Voigt for example- she had to have GB because she was fired from an opera house because she didn't look pretty in a little dress... I went to Juilliard for my undergrad and am now at Manhattan School of Music. I don't think its too hard to be a bandster in NYC because everyone has their vice there... alcohol, drugs, food, shopping, sex, you name it. All of my friends know about the surgery and are supportive so thats all that matters. You guys are rocking it! Happy Friday... I have a Sushi/picnic date planned for tomorrow. haha- weird combo, but whatever. its different.

Cheri... I agree with so much of your post! I have a wonderful doctor myself, who is very well respected in my area... like your doctor he did tell me to make sure to EAT the Protein... not to rely on the protein drinks-- that they would stall your weight loss or you would lose slower. The only time I ever did Protein drinks was in the beginning before I could eat food. As for nuts, my doctor didnt tell me about the nuts, but I did keep a journal of my food and would compare it to how much I lost for the week. I immediately noticed that the weeks I ate nuts... no weight loss and sometimes I would even gain! I cut those out quick and did just fine. So I couldnt agree more- for my body nuts were just not good! The only difference I have in what you have stated is my doctor said that with the lapband he would get 80% of the weight off - the rest was up to me. He told me this since the first time that I met with him. Set those expectations from the beginning. I was determined to hit my goal and I knew that most of the weight loss would happen in the first 6 -9 months... he told me get the weight off during the first year. So I went on and ate just like he told me too- got my protein in thru eating a solid piece of protein first every meal and then ate veggies if I had room. I cut out nuts, Pasta, bread, rice, sweets and alcohol. I found that if I stuck to the simple rule of eat my solid protein first when hungry-- I never had room for the other crap. I hit my goal 9 months and 1 week after surgery.. 108lb down! I went from 242 to 134. I am currently going for 130 just because I have found that I have a 5 lb flucuation and I want to always stay at my goal weight. I am also back at the gym again... doing weight training to tone up. I really appreciate my doctor telling me the things he did and being realistic with me- by doing that he was the key to my success. Also, when I hit my 80% mark he said- step it up -- the rest is up to you! This has been a great journey - I have learned so much about myself and ways to better myself.

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?

At 67 I am no longer allowing myself to be kicked in the arse. I think I would have relished growing up a military brat rather than the timid child of an alcoholic who has found my way. But no matter what, I am kind, caring, and have compassion for everyone. I applaud you RJ. Keep up the good leadership and guidance here.

Here is my pre-op instructions verbatim. From Pre-admitance test until day of surgery: Do not take any asprin, anti-inflammatories, herbal suppliments or Vitam E. Do not Smoke. Do not drink alcohol. Day before surgery From the time you wake up in the morning drink Clear liquids only. Take 2 Dulcolax tablets at 10am. Stop all liquids at midnight. No gum, hard candy or mints.

Well I think we all drink a pretty good amount hell we can't eat much might as well ...I just started drinking again I went for a few yrs with out a drop alcohol poisoning will do that to ya..

I guess we are like former Alcoholic's, if you've ever been around them you will know what I mean. They are fanatical because they know the hell they have been through, and if by being overt about alcoholism can possible help someone realize they have a problem,then they feel it's a victory. I think when we've "crossed over" from MO to normal by the lapband or other WLS we want to spare others the pain we went through and sometimes it just comes out the wrong way, not meaning to Hurt that person but wanting them to know that it can be done....but how many have the opportunity to get the WLS, some may never be able to afford or because of other medical problems be qualified...therefore, exercise in caution before we act is what is needed. I too, share this same problem as everyone else. I just had a photo taken of me and I was disgusted at the sight of myself, the camera NEVER LIES!!!! I think we start looking at ourselves from the neck up, forgetting how we look. I can honestly say, I dont remember a time I really looked at the full mirror and when I do I about die! It's easy to "fog" the image of ourselves, to forget we too are that big and that others look at us as we look at others. I am having my surgery in Jan, and I will be taking photos of myself in different outfits, with friends/family to make a book to never forget. Although, I hope to lose enough weight to become healthy, I will always be MO in my mind...too many years of being obese is up in there stored away, but I will take that mindset and focus on helping others reach their goal whether through WLS or diet and exercise. Try being on a campus where you are 1 of 20 MO people, on the ENTIRE CAMPUS!!!! It's a real eye opener! I along with some friends look to reviving a group on campus that has WLS patients, but I also want to invite those wanting to lose weight without surgery...I feel if nothing else we can share compassion towards each other's plight! I think the best thing to help people is to let them know you are in the same boat with them, and when they get tired of rowing you'll be there to lend a hand. I never want to forget who I was prior to the surgery, that I have struggled against many obstacles...too many to begin, but it's who I am inside that counts weight loss or no weight loss. I hate my weight but not myself!

Day 9 of pre-op shakes. 3 Protein shakes a day. I am tired and going to bed earlier, but I have stepped up my exercise. I'm doing 2 hours of Gazelle and walking 1-1/2 miles a day. Something that has picked me up a bit is a cup of decaff peppermint tea. Day 3 & 4 were the hardest for me, but I kept busy. I think one of the worst things you can do before surgery is to become sedentary. You know how when you exercise every single day and then you quit for a few days it gets hard to start back up? Well, when you have surgery you will be required to just walk the halls. You need to keep up the stamina, while you can, to make that go a little better. As you hit day 5, you may hit ketosis and the breath thing becomes an issue. I rinse my mouth out with non-alcohol based mouth wash (Biotene) and brush my teeth & floss a lot. I would never eat right after flossing, so it's also a good tool to use. Eager, I had a headache that lasted about 2 days, I promise you it will get better. Up your Water and make sure you are getting 64 ounces at the minimum. The busier you are the easier it is. Hopefully you will get to bed and fall asleep quicker because you kept busy and are tired out then. I'm a bit sleepy today but I'm going to have my shake, do a little more gazelle and then go for a walk and hop into bed and sleep and get up and do it again tomorrow. Good Luck, again I promise it does get easier!

SOMEONE PINCH ME CUZ I MUST BE DREAMIN!!!!! I just don't know how i lived as a fat kid for so long... I have energy like you wouldn't believe!!!!! I am at the gym every other day and the days that im not at the gym im running outside! My only day off is Sunday and i dont mind it one bit! I honestly thought that me being in ONEderland was a fluke, but nope its hear to stay.. as of this morning I am officially 195.6.... HECK TO THE FREAKING YEAH!!!!!!! Ok so that was my happy dance..lol. These past few weeks I have been on one hell of a ride. gaining, losing, pretend stalling, lol.. but i know no matter what is goin on that week that the weight will countinue to fall off because im workin hard to make that happen! Im not perfect. I eat things i probably shouldn't, i drink alcohol, and in all reality, i need to stop that. But the best part of all this is i know i screw up sometimes, but that i do my best to get back on track. Before I had the mind set oh i screwed up well i guess i will wallow in my guilt and keep messing up.. now i just go well hell it happens now let me fix it! I know i normally start with stats but i just wanted to get my piece in. so here are the stats 5'7" HW: 265 CW: 195.6 GW: 150 and of course this blog wouldn't be complete without pics..lol the first pic..i wore that dress back in 2008 when my best friend got married.. it fits again! the second pic-- i know you have seen the dress before but that was me on valentines day!

This is a good question since I see the dietician on Monday and will have a few questions on this. My issue is I can't use artificial sweeteners (no sugar alcohols at all - sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, etc., no aspartame, etc. (badly affects my lower intestine and causes near instant diarrhea). I have to say I'm concerned about what I'll be able to use. I'm also lactose intolerant! *sigh* I feel I may get stuck with some disgusting no flavour Protein Powder and I'll be dying to find something to flavour them. I was thinking real vanilla (like the pods). I wonder if it's o.k. to scrape natural vanilla into a shake?

After a good 10 years dealing with life and alcoholism I finally gave it up and once my mind was clear of alcohol I noticed geez I'm in my 30s and over 300lbs.. I don't want to still be fat and unhealthy at 40.. I need to make a change and I found surgery will help me greatly in getting my life back on track...

Hey all the December sleevers. I wanted to share a diet I am starting today! I have 20 pounds to go and am only losing 1 pound a week on 1000 calories and 5 days of exercise for 1 hour at the gym. So to speed things along I have decided to do the Mayo clinic diet. It says you will lose 20 in 2 weeks. how convenient thats how much I have left to lose If anyone would like to join me or try this diet I have included the menue and rules. I think my body has become used to what I have been doing so im gonna try this for the next 2 weeks and hope to God that these last 20 pounds fall off Mayo clinic diet Diet for 2 weeks only Abstain from anything not included in the diet and be sure to eat what is assigned rather than do without. NO EATING BETWEEN MEALS!!! Breakfast is the same everyday 1 or 2 eggs,grapefruit or a cup of grapefruit juice + coffee/tea no sugar or cream. Monday lunch: 2 eggs, grapefruit/juice Dinner:2 eggs ,grapefruit/juice,combination salad,1 piece dry toast,coffee black Tuesday lunch:2 eggs , tomatoes, coffee dinner:steak,tomatoes,cucumber,lettuce,olives,coffee Wednesday lunch:2 eggs , spinach,coffee dinner:2 lamb chops,celery,cucumber,tomatoes,tea Thursday lunch:2 eggs,spinach,coffee dinner:2 eggs, cottage cheese, 1 toast, cabbage Friday lunch:2 eggs , spinach, coffee dinner: fish, combination salad,dry toast, grapefruit/juice Saturday lunch:fruit salad(put in any fruit you want) eat as much as you can dinner: plenty of steak,celery , cucumber,tomatoes , coffee Sunday lunch:chicken,tomatoes,carrots,cabbage,grapefruit/juice, coffee dinner:Cold chicken, tomatoes, grapefruit/juice Warning: do not stay on this diet for more than two weeks Weight loss should be about 20 pounds in 2 weeks, basis of diet is chemical and maintains normal energy while reducing weight. quantities are only important were indicated. whiskey may be taken on days when meat is eaten, otherwise NO Alcohol So, I got this diet from my sister. today's day one. if anyone wants to give it a go and test it out let me know how you do . My weight today is 170 I'll check back and let you all know how I did have a nice day

I had at 55. Lost 80 in first year. Now at 14 months and starting to gain. Want a tip...don’t rush to add back in alcohol. It only increases your desire to eat carbs.

At the end of the day, you have to decide. I don't think you'll find a doctor that would say you were at low risk for all sorts of morbidities with a BMI of 35. When I started the process of getting approved, I only had mild hypertension and was 36. However, every time I went for a physical, I was terrified I was going to be told I had developed Type II diabetes. Every time, the doctor told me I was at high risk for it. I too had tried most diets: Atkins, medifast, nutrisystem, normal and regular dieting. All worked in the short term but eventually I regained my losses plus more to the point I had a BMI of 47. All without having anything that a low level blood pressure medicine couldn't take care of. After my last physical in which I was terrified of being diagnosed with diabetes and having gone through another post-diet regain, I decided enough was enough. I couldn't let my fear of diabetes motivate me to lose and keep off any weight and I was tired of letting my size be the first thing people noticed about me. I started looking at lap band and quickly realized sleeve was the better option for me. One of the big draws for me was that I was not a snacker or grazer; I liked large meals. And looking at many posts here and seeing what other sleevers eat in person, I don't think it would be a big deal socially. Many guys eat a 4-6 ounces at a meal, which would be a decent dent in a plate at a meal. It is tough for the first couple months as we ease back into normal foods and getting to the 4-6 ounces we can eat at a meal. I'm still in that process right now and it is still odd. The other night, I went to dinner with friends, ordered some bisque and ate about 3 ounces of the liquid. Same thing at lunch last week. I'm only 13 days postop though. I'm realizing that socializing and eating huge meals are completely independent on each other. In fact, I have enjoyed it more as I am less focused on devouring the huge plate in front of me and more on chatting up friends. I too am very social. In fact, my very first post on these forums was in the Man Room asking about socializing after the sleeve. I love going out to bars, clubs, concerts, sporting events, etc. I do it all still without any issues. I haven't started back on any alcohol yet and likely won't for a while because in my mind, if I made this huge decision, I'm doing it right. I enjoy alcohol like most of us, but I've enjoyed it plenty on my way to a high BMI. Many, many sleevers drink and I will again eventually. But I still go out and have fun at bars and whatnot. At the end of the day you have to decide whether you want it or not. It's a hell of a decision and one that everyone naturally questions during the process. Socializing is one that I think you will find ends up not being an issue folks worry about.