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So here is something I just discovered after going to an AA meeting. The way non-WLS alcoholics talk about craving alcohol all the time is how I felt about food pre-op. However, that's not at all how I react to alcohol post-op. Since I stopped drinking last week, I have not craved alcohol once. I've found other ways to deal w/ my anxiety, and I'm also on additional anti-anxiety meds right now. I'm really thinking that the alcohol has to do with my previous anxiety meds not being at full strength due to malabsorption. Fortunately, I found a psychologist who works w/ bariatric patients with alcohol and anxiety issues. And I'm meeting with my doctor Friday to try to straighten out my anxiety meds.

Hi everyone, I'm having a hard time finding a chewable/liquid/ez-melt calcium/D3 vitamin that's (1) vegetarian or vegan and (2) with no added sugar OR sugar alcohol (fructose is OK). I haven't considered vitamin patches - but I have an allergy to adhesive (tape, bandaids), so that complicates things! I figured I'd ask here in case someone has any good calcium products they can recommend. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE! xxx

The type of carb matters when looking at the label (fiber, added sugar, sugar alcohols, etc.) 5g was my teams rec to stay under for sugar alone

I, too, became an alcoholic post-RNY. I am five days into my second detox. I went to an AA meeting today and realized they way they talk about craving alcohol is exactly how I used to crave food. I don't crave alcohol in the same way. I wouldn't even call it a crave. I use it to self medicate when I have anxiety, just as I used to use food. After I stabilize, my doc and I are going to look at changing my anti-anxiety meds because, clearly, the ones I'm on now are not doing the trick. Until then, I am keeping very busy with my hobbies and work to keep my anxiety down. I'm going to have a fantastic garden this year. 🙂

Anything without sugar, like a martini or tequila on the rocks should be okay if you drink it slowly with a lot of water on the side. Only issues I have had with alcohol are when I drank sweetened (prickly pear margarita) or carbonated (prosecco) drinks, but others do not have the same issues. Try a few things before you go so you dont get sick and have a fantastic cruise.

Hi, I'm almost 4 months VSG. I'm going on a cruise in 2 weeks. Can anyone suggest a keto friendly drink? (Alcoholic) Sent from my Moto Z3 Play using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm preparing myself for admission to a 45-day rehab for alcohol addiction post RNY gastric bypass. This is not the first round of treatment. I had my gatric bypass 10/1999 in San Diego CA at the facility operated by Drs Clark and Wittgrove. By nine months post op I lost 106 pounds and maintained that loss through 2008. However, during that time I also began experiencing and struggling with a dependence on alcohol. Dr Clark explained that once I physically adapted to my new physiology, I could re-introduce various other foods and drinks, determining whether they would compel the infamous "dumping syndrome". Sugar was a definite "no consume", but when I went to my family's traditional Sunday brunch several months post op and slaked my thirst with a flute of champagne, I did not experience dumping syndrome. All I felt was a "super high" from the sip I took. After that, the game was on. My addiction began in earnest. Dumping Syndrome I was warned about. There were no flags waved before me about the possibilities of alcoholism and alcohol addiction. I am waving those flags now! I first went into treatment April of 2008. I did not complete the relapse segment of treatment because I had scheduled reconstructive surgery for a work related injury. The surgery schedule overlapped that final stage of rehab. I think God walked with me through those years because I remained sober until my mother began dying in late 2016. It was then I began drinking volumes of wine that increased to the equivalent, on average, of 4 bottles of wine a day. Occasionally, I thought drinking vodka a better alternative than drinking wine. Don't ask me why. The mind of an addict. I returned to wine. Drug of choice. Drug of self-destruction. One day I decided to try and find out why and and how my "take it or leave it " attitude toward alcohol became a "can't live without it " condition. On the internet, I discovered that, as gastric bypass patients, we are unique. In the same way that we each do not necessarily experience dumping syndrome, we do not experience the effects of alcohol the same. Post gastric bypass, my physiology became hyper receptive to the effects of alcohol, particularly the initial high produced from its consumption. I believe there is no way on this planet that I am unique in this experience. I want others to know, as I now seek treatment a second time on June 13, 2019, that if this is happening to you, don't wait, don't blame yourself, it's your body reacting to the changes made. Be totally honest with those treating you. Only then, hopefully armed with what I'm writing here, can you get the medical help, psychological treatment and ongoing care that will make you whole. Sent from my SM-G975U1 using BariatricPal mobile app

I've only had alcohol twice since my surgery four years ago, and it goes right into my blood stream - as in I'm feeling it badly after just one or two glasses of wine. I can't remember if I felt sick afterwards or not, but I stay away now. Could be the alcohol, or as the above poster suggested, it could be the sugar you're reacting to, too

I don't drink alcohol, so I can't comment on not feeling well, but my surgeon doesn't recommend that bariatric patients drink alcohol for that very reason. We metabolize the alcohol very quickly. Sent from my SM-N960U using BariatricPal mobile app

I had my surgery about 5 years ago and now when I drink alcohol it seems like I go straight from tipsy to not feeling well. Anyone else feel that way?

I can eat carbs with no issue.” Bad” carbs it depends on quantity , when they are eaten and the day of the week. If I want cake I try to choose one that has whole meal or almond flour and nuts or fruit rather than a big sugary confection. I have had a small ice cream ( whilst on holiday) with no issue but I was extremely nervous when I ate it. Small quantities of chocolate don’t seem to affect me but then there are days where I have a small quantity of something or eat a healthy food like oats and the body decides no. The result is palpitations, shakes, a funny taste in my mouth and generally feeling yuck. As for alcohol I am now a very cheap drunk. Had 1 glass of sparkling wine last night and had to go to bed as it went straight to my head. Being too scared to try these kind of foods is probably a good approach.

Thanks guys! the only thing I'm not fully getting in is the exercise due to my setback and then i had a severe constpation issue, I started the C25K but I will have to restart that next week after my (TMI) butt soreness has gone away and i can walk better. I haven't been able to consume alot as i get full really fast, I'm now beginning to hit my water goals. i have been getting in the protein thanks to the shakes but my doc told me to increase my food intake which seems like a difficult task but I'm trying. It's just so depressing that i feel im doing everything in my power to do this right and i don't feel it's working. I've stepped back from te scale everyday and now I'm on it maybe every 2 days. I'll try to stay away from it. btw, the only thing I've ever drank was water, i don't drink alcohol nor sodas and here lately, I've been drinking diet snapple which is on my list from the doc.

Wow. Sorry you are struggling. Don't know who told you 3-500cals. That might have been true at 3-4 weeks? But I think the biggest majority of us have cals during the losing mode of 600-850cals/day--very loose average. Maintenance for me is around 1000cals. Even at 900cals my loss if painfully slow negligible. But, we are all different and have different TEE (Total Energy Expenditure). It could be so many things: hormones, medications, genetics, nutritional components, calories, sleep, stress, physical activity/exercise, age, alcohol/caloric drink consumption. You've lost 17 pound in about 12 weeks. That's about 1.4lbs/week which is a little on the low side. The average weekly weight loss is 2-4lbs in the early losing phases. Are you maximizing everything YOU can contribute to this journey? (ie everything within your control) What does your doctor say about your progress/situation?

some people become lactose intolerant after surgery (sometimes temporarily, sometimes permanently). Others can't tolerate artificial sweeteners, especially sugar alcohols (names of sugar alcohols end in "-ol", like xylitol). Maybe one/both of these??

I guess it would hit your intestines too fast since the liquid will immediately wash the food out of your stomach (because the pyloric valve has been bypassed. There's just a hole there now that goes into the intestines). But the only things I can think of that would make you sick because of that is sugar (for people who dump, anyway) and alcohol. Although I'm not a doctor, so... I've read and heard that's it's more because when the food washes out of your stomach right away, you get hungry again. If it sits in there for awhile, you don't.

Im 9 weekd post op and I tried a small sip of wine and i had a burning sensation on my stomach almost instantly. Has this happened to anyone? And do you know what that feeling is? Sent from my VS995 using BariatricPal mobile app

From what I remember, I arrived at the hospital, toting a small overnight bag and my CPAP machine. After signing in (I had pre-registered) I had about a 10-15 minute wait before they took me back. They weighed me, took me to a room where I changed into a hospital gown and they started an IV and asked questions and took vital signs. Then they let my husband come back to the room. After a short while the anesthesiologist came in to ask questions and started something in my line. I must have fallen asleep because I don't remember saying goodbye to my husband or being wheeled into the operating room. Next thing I know I was waking up in the recovery room with 2 or 3 nurses around telling me I was okay and giving me rubbing alcohol-soaked sheets for the nausea. I had nausea as soon as I woke up. After maybe 15 minutes or so they let my husband come back and one of the nurses showed me her before/after photos of her WLS. Then they wheeled me to my room, husband in tow. I was nauseas for the whole first day and half of the second day. Never had any pain.

Thanks, Gotta. You are right: I stuck to protein and the only cheating was some high-fat food--no sugar, no alcohol, and minimal carbs. And the good thing is that I didn't feel particularly deprived. I learned that I can sit with others at dinner and enjoy my shrimp cocktail while everyone else is eating a full meal.

I understood the point you were making. Sadly, it come off as Jerkish! Lolol I completely understand. Food is an addiction just like all others. When someone is changing their life they are encouraged to stay away from their addiction. Drugs, alcohol, Unhealthy food. So yes I understand needing to stay away from someone with bad habits that can sabotage your "Recovery." Just remember this is not Drugs or alcohol, this is food. If you keep finding women who are living an unhealthy lifestyle, then the problem is not them, it's you. You are still subconsciously seeking these women out. You still have "Obesity Brain." Get yourself involved in activities and social groups, that the focus is healthy living. Once there you will have to deal with your addiction and your insecurities about "Relapse." (For lack of better term.) I applaud you for getting healthy and recognizing the things to avoid. But now it is time to live. And that includes meeting real people, with real lives, real issues and don't have time to isolate from their family functions, events, etc because you are projecting your fears. You are not ready for them. Good luck on your journey! Sent from my LG-H918 using BariatricPal mobile app

So I had my surgery 5 month ago...lost about 54 pounds. Last week I went on a cruise for 5days and I drank alcohol and over ate. .infact I even drank and ate at the same time...so I started back on my diet and my stomach began to hurt so bad..I almost went to the hospital .. I worried I did damage and stretched my stomach... is there anything I could do? Sent from my SM-G892A using BariatricPal mobile app

I've pretty much been drinking nonstop. (Sadly no alcohol.) My surgery is the 7th. I get into the office and have all my beverages lined up -- tea, crystal light, protein shake. If I'm in the bathroom every 5 minutes, I can't kill anyone. LOL Hang in there, Stitches! Sent from my SM-G970U using BariatricPal mobile app

Start keeping a list to keep your sanity! Like the bumper sticker KILL THEM ALL; GOD CAN SORT THEM OUT LATER! Keep muttering This Too Shall Pass! And it will! I knew I had NASH, let's see, non alcoholic Steatohepatitis, is what it really means, in lay terms a Fat Liver, so I did a Liver-shrink the entire month of August 2018, for every week you do it your liver shrinks 4%, so mine was between 12-16% smaller for my surgery. It worked, it worked, and my surgeon complimented me on my mini-liver, told me it was as smooth, small and healthy as a new-born calf, once I was certain he didn't plan to sell me for veal, I was complimented for my hard work. But you do turn into a Stormin' Norma foe awhile. Tomkitten, my son, said like the lepers in the Bible he should have been in front of me carrying a sign" DANGER-STARVING MAMA-BEWARE EVERYONE! But it worked, I lost 15 pounds, felt I had done something to be prepared, and it ended well on Surgery Day! And those are lofty goals.

So very sorry for your loss. It's awesome that you realized food is not the answer. Just don't be like me and turn to alcohol like I did when my mother passed a few years ago. It is truly a hard thing to go through life without finding some way to numb the pain. We just have to remind ourselves that they are in a better place and no matter how much it hurts we still have a life to live. Very good that you are not tempted by their junk food, I don't think I could handle that. So glad to live alone. Good luck and keep your head up. I won't say the pain will go away but it does fade with time.

Thank you. How was drinking alcohol for you post op? Sent from my VS995 using BariatricPal mobile app

I have just got back from a months holiday overseas and am really pleased that in spite of not eating very healthily I still lost weight. Down approx. 1.8kg and almost at goal. The main reason for the not eating as healthily as I should have should have is that for most of the holiday we were staying with other people so restaurants were selected that suited the larger group. We started off in California where we ate mainly Mexican or burger/ribs. I have to say that I like the fact that your restaurants allow and encourage meal sharing as it meant I could have some of hubby's food instead of having to order a huge plate of my own. I know the US has a reputation for huge meals but some of them are so oversized its not surprising so many people struggle with their weight, 4 sliders is not a starter and a sandwich is supposed to be 2 slices of bread not 4 plus chips! It was great to be able to eat ribs without spending the rest of the night in the toilet throwing up which is something that happened to me on countless occasions when I had my band. Then it was onto the UK home of the pub and pub meals. They are fine the first or second time but pubs are like Mexican restaurants - all the same once you get to no 3! We also ate a lot of lunches at store and stately home canteen style cafes. So I was sharing sandwiches with hubby and also sharing cake! One place I loved in both the UK and Hong Kong was Pret a Manger - they had lovely quick easy healthy options like Bircher muesli, yogurt with fruit, sandwiches etc. Our final destination was Hong Kong. This was the only part of the holiday where hubby and I were on our own. We should have had lots of lovely Asian food but we were so busy we mainly ate on the run. The "pasteis de nata" in Macau probably weren't the healthiest breakfast choice but they were fabulous. So essentially I ate a small portion of whatever I wanted without worrying about weight gain. Poor hubby did have lots of leftovers to eat and his relatives in the UK kept commenting on how little I ate although I thought I was eating heaps! I drank alcohol but not in huge quantities. The serves of wine and cider in the UK are huge, they would never allow that much to be served in 1 glass in Aus. I ate cake and I ate chocolate and even had an icecream. I ate that very cautiously as I was terrified I would dump but luckily I didn't. I did have 1 or 2 minor episodes of dumping ( nausea, shakes and palpitations) but that was when I deserved it for doing something stupid like eating chocolate first thing in the morning! Prior to my op I was very concerned as I kept reading about people that had accidents post op.I had visions of having to always carry spare undies or wear adult diapers. Luckily that hasn't been an issue although when I need to go I need to go - sometimes I had to find a loo in a hurry and the hardest place to do that was Hong Kong. Travelling with the bypass has been so much easier than travelling with a band and the variety of food I eat is so much greater and healthier.