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I think it depends on the doctor? I was so nervous about mine because I was afraid of what he was going to ask and what not. It went by really easy, didn't even last 10 minutes. My surgeon recommended him because he promotes the lapband. He asked me how I felt when I went to a restaurant like if I felt insecure or what not. History and other things I've tried (weight watchers, atkins, etc). Family history of alcohol/drug abuse and if I use either. If I was ever sexually abused and stuff like that. If anything we talked about where I go to school and how the dorms and everything is more than anything else. He was a really nice and friendly guy who said that I'd make a great candidate for it.

I haven't had a carbonated drink (and I was a 2l a day diet coke addict), nor any alcohol since 1 week pre-op....in Feb. I've considered having a glass of wine at different times, but then just said, hell for the same calories I could have XYZ. I prefer to eat than drink, so wine has lost every time! Not to say that won't change sometime, but so far, no alcohol.

Find a way to get it through their heads. I had the sample situation my entire life but for a different reason. I don't drink, never have. I was never included in any parties that would include alcohol. Good luck

Also think about this. Does anyone ever tell an alcoholic , go ahead 1 drink won't hurt you, ??? If you are an addict, you can't have just one. Sorry for all my post. I am just so passionate about beating this. I thought of going to AA , but realized they serve donuts......

Typically want to avoid alcohol prior to surgery. For one you are attempting to shrink your liver, making it process alcohol, is making it work harder. Alcohol also dehydrates you which is exactly the opposite of what you want to be doing. Even just a glass.. its best to avoid.

I knew it was coming. I knew I hadn’t lost any weight, or not nearly enough to be pleasing to myself. Sure enough, I’d lost a mere 5 pounds in the past six weeks. Despite the reassurances of the nurse taking my weight that almost everyone had the same difficulties due to the weather being so cold, I knew I could do better. My appetite had been on the increase, and consequently, my caloric intake on my FitDay.com report showed a gradual increase. So, I went in today for my visit, determined to have maybe a couple of cc’s just to nip that trend toward weight gain in the bud. Nope! Once these pounds come off, they are not going back on by golly! See ya! Buh-bye! I’d only lost 5 pounds, but about 4.9 of those pounds was pure fat! Now, that’s a reason to Celebrate. I might have lost more, but Dr. Baptista’s nifty machine said I had Water weight issues. Yes, I did, mostly in a swollen left ankle from doing too much this past weekend. Told ya it was a nifty machine. Finally, that incredibly handsome doctor with the soulful brown eyes and the talented hands (Get your minds out of the gutter! I’m talking about his surgical skills, thank you!) appeared. He seemed to agree that I needed a nudge toward the sweet spot. Thoughtful man that he is, he also remembered I’m needle phobic. He took the time to reassure me while swabbing my port area with alcohol. It was somewhat painful, but more weird than uncomfortable. I hate needles. I am a certified needle phobic with a tendency to faint when shown a hypodermic, much less have one coming at me. Sure, it stung. I expected that. I didn’t expect the second stab of pain when he found the port. I think he used a butterfly or something. My tits were in the way, and I have the good sense not to look down in case I do see a needle. (wry grin) Whew! No matter what, I was glad that part was over. Yes, I’d do it again, if necessary. I knew that immediately. It wasn’t THAT bad. He put some saline in. I was okay with it, and I could feel the change in pressure a bit. That was cool. Then doc had me drink some water and tell him when I felt “full” and when I felt the water go away. I never really felt full, and never really felt it go away. He said I needed more restriction. By the time I drank close to 16 oz of liquid, I had a whopping 4 cc’s in the band. Apparently, I needed more restriction than I’d guessed and that explained why I hadn’t lost. All my loss up to now had been low carb diet and habitual dieting, not a restriction. What a shame. I really thought I’d been close to my Sweet Spot. Oh, well. If millions of others can fiddle with their band until they find bliss, so can I. Well, I’m on liquids for the next couple of days. Fine by me. I’ll pop by Wal-Mart and get some more Meal Replacement shakes. It’ll be interesting to see what happens when I’m allowed solids again. I don't feel anything much when I drink a meal replacement shake, but I'm burping like an adolescent boy with a carbonated soda. :laugh:

Hi, I hope to be banded within the next month by Dr. Eric Pinnar out of Reston, VA. Him and his staff are incredible and focus on after care. The psychologist part of the program is important and not so much to see if you are ready for surgery but to discuss possible concerns after the surgery. For instance if you suffer from depression it is important to know that if you have ever been depressed, surgery itself can trigger depression. There were 3 or 4 tests and they included: Questions to see how you see the world or if you are depressed or bi-polar and so on. They are true or false you don't have to think about it. ex: Are you in a happy relationship? Are you tired all the time? Do you feel good? Then they will throw in a weird one like You were on the front cover of Cosmopolitan last month? One test was the alcoholic test to make sure you are not an alcoholic. Then the psychologists evaluation, which were questions at length. Its nothing to be scared of unless you have major psychological problems. She also said I was psychologically strong enough to do a 14 day fast rather then a 7 day one. So, its used for different reasons. It will point out possible concerns and for you to get it on the table. I was approved right away and we are all a bunch of weirdos in my family. :smile2:

Rubbing alcohol!

The rules from my nutritionist are that any non carbonated, non caffeinated, non alcoholic and non caloric beverage counts toward your total. That basically leaves decaffeinated coffee and tea, herbal tea, Crystal Light (or equivalent), and Water.

Take it very easy on the food. . And take the alcohol totally in moderation. .. 6 week s is early. Try half a glass of wine or half a shot of spirit absolutely drowned in non fizzy mixer. As long as its not fizzy or acidic you should be able to enjoy :0)

I am drinking crystal light through a straw as I type this. I haven't had a problem w/ using straws. I tend to drink more w/ a straw which is a good thing when I am trying to make sure I drink enough water. (it may be a bad things w/ alcohol...just depends if you have a driver and the calories to spare :thumbup:

Ok so I had my first fill today. Not sure how Im suppose to feel but according to most people my fill must be small. Im only up to 2cc. Does this sound right? IDK No solids for 2 days. I wish I would have known I would have eaten a little more and not prepared Mojito chicken(no alcohol) Damm How is everyone doing?

I have completed all of my pre-approval testing as of last week (Mamo, pap, ultrasound on liver and gallbladder, echocardiogram, nutritional class 1, psych eval, visit with cardiologist) and got flying colors on all of them. I also have a statement from my orthopedic guy that I need to lose 100 pounds before I can have my knee replacement (we are all hoping losing the weight will mean I won't have to have the knee replacement for a much longer period of time). Now waiting for the insurance company to do their thing (Tricare Prime) and approve the RnY surgery (apparently the only bariatric surgery they cover). I was hoping for the surgery in mid to late October, but we may not have the insurance okay until then, then we have to schedule the surgery, so I'm hoping early November. I have a large and important event scheduled at work the week of Thanksgiving and must be back to work before then. Surgeon has me starting a pre-op diet now to get used to what the post-op diet will be like (primarily Protein with veggies). We live too far from a gym (and it's too expensive anyway), so hubby and I are going for a home fitness gym and I have nine acres property I can walk everyday (as well as miles of country road). I've been caffeine free for three weeks, sugar and alcohol free for two weeks, bubbly diet soda free for three weeks... working on learning to chew.... having time to practice the new habits and give up the bad ones is good, but not sure how long I can really hold out with out the help of the surgery. ​ I'm worried the insurance people are going to drag their feet or worse yet, deny me. I started out 120 pounds over my ideal weight of 128. I've lost a couple of pounds in the last week thanks to the Post-op diet (but feel like I'm starving and craving sugar something fierce). Surgeon tells me I have no worries about being approved even though I am healthy despite my weight. My weight alone should be enough she says. Any experience with Tricare Prime?

I used a q-tip with alcohol on them and they came off easily - just dont use too much

Hello, I too was banded by him on Feb 13th & no complications either. He is such a sweet caring doctor. Iv'e lost 14 lbs which isn't as good as I could have so on tues when I got another fill he asked me to keep a food journal & stop drinking alcohol so frequently & wants to see me again in two weeks, also he suggested calling the Beverly Hills office to make appt for the support group. I told him I have issues in my personal life so i think he wants me to deal with things that may be interferring with my weight loss. I recommend him to anyone looking for a great lap band surgeon he actually cares about his patients unlike some places that just want your money.

I am in need of recommendations for proper sugar free popsicle brands. You know the ones without the sugar or sugar alcohols? I have a friend shopping for me and it's hard to find the "right" sugar free as directed by my surgeon and nutritionist. Sent from my SM-N910P using BariatricPal mobile app

I think the hard part about stopping soda is the fact that besides water (usually only at the gym) and wyler's (bascially tha same as crystal light, but I like the taste better)raspberry flavor, it is the only thing I drink. I don't like ice tea, or stuff and I don't drink alcohol, yeah, so it will only leave 2 things I drink and basically only one, since I only drink plain water at the gym.

Beer. I don't miss it yet, but I am in mourning for it already. :grouphug: I love beer like a wine afficionado loves wine. I'm a stout/red/amber/black/micro-brew fan, but there's nothing like an ice cold domestic light brew on a hot day at the river... And since it has carbonation, it's on the band no-no list. :puke: My surgeon recommends no alcohol for a year, mostly due to the calories and the potential for addiction transferance. Once I do drink again, it's dirty martinis for me. Good thing I love good vodka too! :hurray:

I used to enjoy bourbon before my surgery. If your doctor cleared you for booze - enjoy. Just be careful when you first start. My first experience with alcohol after surgery was not great. It felt like a roller coaster ride.

Texas---In 2003 Gov. Perry pushed through most of a 6% biennial cut in the Medicaid budget ($1.5 billion, counting in lost federal matching funds). The state has barebones eligibility coverage to begin with: Only SSI recipients, nursing home and home and community-based waiver cases under $1656 monthly, parents under 133% of the TANF level and children under 200% of poverty are covered; and only parents and children whose original incomes are too high—but not childless disabled or aged---can spend down to get Medicaid. On June 2, 2003, the legislature enacted the Governor’s budget to ---among other cuts--- eliminate CHIP coverage of prostheses, physical therapy and private duty nursing; tighten CHIP asset eligibility rules; impose $10 to $20 copays for CHIP doctor visits and prescriptions; raise CHIP enrollment premiums to prohibitive levels; count income for CHIP more strictly; impose a 90 day waiting period for newly-eligible CHIP patients; reduce Medicaid home health coverage for the aged and disabled; end the Medicaid medically needy spend down for families and children (the childless aged and disabled never could spend down in Texas); reduce the pregnant women’s Medicaid income level enough to drop 8,300 women monthly; and terminate Medicaid coverage of eyeglasses, hearing aids, chiropractic services, podiatry and some mental health care for adults. Even though all this caused over 100,000 children to lose health coverage by January, 2004, in March the Medicaid agency proposed additional cuts, including limits of $5,000 for liquid assets and $15,000 for a car’s value (with 2nd cars worth up to about $4600 allowed) for CHIP. By March 28, 2004, premiums for over 25,000 of the remaining 325,000 CHIP patients were late and the state threatened to remove them from the rolls. In June, 2004, a federal judge permanently enjoined enforcement of the state’s so-called “personal responsibility” law that denied Medicaid to parents who abuse drugs or alcohol or whose children are truant or miss immunizations or medical or dental checkups. About the same time, news reports said that Texas CHIP had, in the first quarter, already consumed two-thirds of its annual drug budget, even with the cutbacks, and the Health and Human Services Commissioner conceded that Medicaid and CHP still faced a $575 million annual shortfall. At the same time the state health department proposed raising the pregnant women’s Medicaid level back up to 185% from 158%, which would cover at least 8,000 more women monthly. In August, 2004, Governor Perry said he’d consider a delay in dropping children whose parents have become delinquent in paying newly-imposed or -raised premiums from S-CHIP. Source: State Medicaid Eligibility Cutbacks & Exclusions-Proposed & Recently-Enacted, 2001-04* By Thomas P. McCormack [draft # 19 August 13, 2004; please discard any earlier version] * State eligibility policy decisions listed are for Medicaid optional coverage groups or liberalized rules authorized by Sections 1902(a)(10), 1902®(2), 1905, 1931 and 1115 (including coverage expansion, HIFA and Pharmacy Plus waivers); for the State Children’s’ Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and its waivers authorized under title XXI; and for state-funds-only pharmacy, medical assistance, health and health insurance subsidy programs.

I have a question for all of you vets (although anyone with experience or thoughts on this topic are most welcome). I am completely at peace with the food restrictions but I am very anxious about the drinking experience (I don't mean alcohol). There are few things more satisfying to me than chugging a nice cold beverage after a day in the sun or after a workout. I know small sips are the norm post-op but for how long? Will I ever be able to down Water when thirsty without getting sick? I am really afraid I'll miss this.

I had my fill today - Not a big deal AT ALL! ANyway, she (Dory Ferraro--very experienced LapBand NP) said that I should be able to drink alcohol no problem -- even tonight. Of course she warned about the empty calories but still, good to know I can celebrate St Paddy's!

Terry I was (and am again) drinking one glass of wine before dinner - more days than not. But just to be clear, I did not drink wine (or anything alcoholic) until one year post-op. I was diagnosed with the ulcer at about 13 months post-op. So, did the wine have anything to do with it? I really don't know. The doctors were aware that I was drinking wine and they didn't know either. Some doctors advise their patients not to have alcohol for a period of six months following the surgery. So one year would appear to be on the conservative side. The anastomosis (which is where the ulcer was) should have been completely healed after that period of time. I was slightly anemic and a stool test picked up a little blood. There was never any pain or any other symptoms, just the anemia. Following the endoscopy and the diagnosis, my surgeon increased my Prevacid from one capsule (30mg) to two a day. That was it. No other treatment. A second endoscopy about three to four months later showed that the ulcer was completely healed. I went back to my glass of wine and blood work was spot on at my 18 month check-up. Sunday will be my two year anniversary and I have an appointment with my surgeon on Tuesday. Lab work is already done so I'll know the results on Tuesday. Ulcers are one of the more common complications following bypass and are usually the result of bacterial infection (H. pylori) as opposed to food (or drink) related causes. But that doesn't mean that alcohol is not an irritant and was not/could not be a contributing factor. It appears to be a difficult question to answer except in extreme cases such as alcoholism or family history of ulcers.

So last week I turned thirty and celebrated by drinking and eating all week. For the most part I was eating a little more than normal. However the alcohol seems to have speed up my weight gain to six lbs. I pretty much only worked out twice last week. Point I'm trying to make is I thought since I hadnt gained weight I was good. Served as a wake up call that this is a lifestyle change I must make and adhere to otherwise it'd be easy to gain it back. Oh we'll back to the gym and healthy eating =-)

You looked great!!!! That looks sooo fun! How did the alcohol do on your tummy???? I'm frightened of it, but I would love to have a drink again soon lol.