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I feel your pain. The agony of the unknown is horrible. Almost worse than the reality. I have been a big time Diet Coke junkie (and I mean junkie) for a long time maybe 20 years! Yikes that makes me so old. I loved it! Probably some what like an alcoholic. Well I drank it like normall right up unil 48 hours before surgery. I suffered for at least a week with horrible headaches ( I think it was caffeine) but I don't really know. Could have been stress, no nicotine too. I am pretty proud of myself. However I have had some pretty bad moments. Where I just want to eat, drink coke and smoke and I feel crazy. I feel as if I have taken it one day and some times one hour at a time. I feel as if I am living on air. And since I quit smoking and had surgery I have had this horrible cough. I don't know if it is chest cold or all the toxins from the nicotine coming out. Well any how I would wean my self off of the pepsi now and deal with the headaches now if you can. But I doubt I could have until they said you have surgery you can never have it agian. That is probably the only reason I gave it up. But I am feeling better about it all. So far I have stayed away from people eating, drinking coke or smoking. I don't think I am quite ready to deal with it in my face. I am in hiding. Good Luck!

The sugar alcohol in this is erythritol which per Wikipedia has less of a laxative side effect than some of the other sugar alcohols. Sugar alcohols like mannitol and lactitol are actually used as laxatives.

Eating is a survival behavior. We must eat or we will die. We are therefore hard-wired to find pleasure in food. It's the same reason we find pleasure in sex and find babies and children irresistibly cute - survival of the the species. The things that keep us alive and perpetuate the species are designed to be pleasurable so we will do them. Please don't try to overcome the love of food and pleasure you find in food. Abstinence works for drugs and alcohol because we don't need those things to survive. You will not be able to stop loving food - nor should you!!! If you don't find a way to enjoy your new life, you will either fail miserably, or succeed more miserably. Continue to enjoy cooking and healthy food. That's what we are supposed to do. All that junk food and unhealthy food we fed those cravings never satisfied because our bodies were really screaming for nutrition. When you find ways to give your body the nutrients it needs - that you can also enjoy - you will finally satisfy those cravings for good!!! I'm a foodie for life!!! Shelly

Believe it or not all of these have one thing in common! I was banded 7/11 so 23 days ago.. since day 5 post surgery I have been able to burp (thank goodness because when my stomach is empty, I burp, a lot..) I am really not a big fan of hard alcohol or wine. I enjoy a beer or two every once in a blue moon, have read several previous threads with mixed responses and a lot of them warn against beer due to carbonation, but if I am able to burp without any problem does that make it different? Oh only have 5 oz in my band if that makes any difference... dr said ok but expect swelling but surgeons heavily warn against any alcohol due to erosion potential

Yeah, the holidays are a killer. I've gained 4 pounds since Thanksgiving. UGH...... I have to say, the sodium seems to be a part of it. I haven't gotten up in the morning with swollen fingers in MANY months. Have several times since Thanksgiving. Alcohol seems to be my pit fall. Spiced rum, and extra wine will get you every time. I've been good about limiting the Christmas cookies. But stuff like potatoes and gravy???? Hard to resist. Slacked off on the exercise as well. I know where I'll be next week!!! LOL

Another good sugar substitute is Xylitol. Xylitol is a naturally occuring sweetener that is extracted from Birch Bark. It is a sugar alcohol, but does not have the side affects that most sugar alcohol has (cramping, diarrhea, gas, bloating). It is also known to kill bad bacteria on your teeth, and some dentists actually recommend toothpaste and mouthwash containing Xylitol. It has very little glycemic impact to your body. It can be expensive, and there aren't really any products on the market that use it exclusively, but if you want it to sweeten coffee or tea, or to bake with (it browns like sugar does, so is suitable for baking, Aspartame looses all of it's sweetnedd when heated, and sucralose has no bulking or browning capability... like sugar) it is a good choice. It is almost impossible to find in stores, but you can likely find it online. When baking a low-sugar treat, I use a combination of Xylitol, Splenda or Stevia (depending on the taste I am going for... stevia actually has a little of a licorice aftertaste). Just another alternative. I'm gone folks, leaving for vacation... see you all next week!:heh:

Interesting. I never had indigestion or Reflux before surgery, even though I had a hiatal hernia (never knew I had one!) which was repaired during surgery. My stomach now is greatly irritated by any amount of alcohol (thankfully I rarely imbibe!), and I find myself popping a tums more and more often, even while avoiding irritants. I guess my question was whether the band itself causes more acid in your tummy and whether we should all be taking acid blockers. It will be a question I ask the doc on my next visit in November! Thank you for the replies, and any other input would be welcome! :-)

Not absurd at all, the lap band can be very dangerous if rules are not followed, some people vomit their food EVERY SINGLE DAY, never follow rules, drink alcohol daily, carbonated drinks, never follow up when they have problems, keep the band dangerously too tight, etc... Usually when the band erodes, some surgeons will revise the patient to the Sleeve, Bypass or DS, but usually NOT at the same time, sometimes some surgeons will remove most of the stomach after a bad erosion and create a Sleeve like stomach. However, no one really know why band erosion occur, some surgeons speculate it can be caused by several things below: 1. The LapBand around the stomach gradually erodes into the stomach wall over time, and goes into the gastric lumen, as we have seen with other intrabdominal devices. 2.The stomach damage done during the LapBand procedure debilitates the layers of the stomach wall, resulting in erosion at a later time. 3.The sutures were placed too deep and trespassed all the wall layers of the stomach, causing micro perforations that generate leaking, infection and later erosion. 4.Events that happens inside the stomach, such as frequent vomiting, medications, ingestion of irritants as spicy or hot food, alcohol, etc. as well as a large adjustment to the band system, will produce an ulcer that penetrates toward the balloon of the band. http://arturorodriguezmd.com/lapband-erosion/

LAP-BAND AND ALCOHOL: CAN YOU DRINK AFTER LAP-BAND SURGERY? Thursday, 15 December 2011 11:54 You may have heard conflicting information about your ability to drink alcohol after Lap-Band surgery, or even horror stories about WLS surgery patients who have had a dangerously high blood alcohol content after just one drink. Some doctors may warn you that you can never drink alcohol again - ever - after being banded, because of the risk of damaging your liver. Others say that it's fine to begin drinking moderately six months after surgery, but to exercise caution. So why the difference in opinion? WLS AND ALCOHOL The warnings about WLS and blood alcohol content apply mainly to patients who have undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (RNY). Because of the changes to the digestive system that occur with RNY, alcohol passes directly into the intestines, where it is rapidly absorbed. This can cause patients to become dangerously intoxicated from small amounts of alcohol. Gastric bypass patients should use extreme caution when drinking, and should never drink and drive. Lap-Band patients do not undergo the same changes in anatomy and therefore do not experience the same rapid absorption of alcohol as RNY patients. However, that doesn't mean that Lap-Band patients don't experience some risks related to alcohol consumption. There are some important considerations to take into account when deciding whether or not to pick up a beer or pour yourself a glass of wine. ALCOHOL MAY STILL AFFECT YOU DIFFERENTLY You're losing weight and eating less, which means that you may feel the effects of alcohol more strongly, especially if you drink on an empty stomach. If you do decide to drink, do so in a safe environment, and never drink and drive. Sip slowly and keep your alcohol consumption low until you know how it will affect you. ALCOHOL CONTAINS A LOT OF CALORIES Many doctors prefer that their Lap-Band patients don't drink because of the empty calories in alcohol. Mixed drinks such as margaritas, mai tais, pina coladas, and long island iced teas contain a lot of sugar and as much as 600 calories. Always factors in calories when drinking, and opt for low-cal drinks such as dry wine, vodka mixed with Crystal Light, or light beer - if you can tolerate the carbonation. Some Lap-Band patients find beer easier to drink than soda, but it may take some experimentation to find out what works for you. If champagne is your drink of choice, you may need to open it well in advance and let it go a little flat. SOME WLS PATIENTS STRUGGLE WITH ADDICTIONS Your doctor may prefer that you err on the side of caution as many WLS patients experience a phenomenon known as addiction transference. Because they are no longer able to overeat, they may turn to other unhealthy behaviors for dealing with stress and emotions. If you have a history of alcohol abuse, it's best to avoid it completely. If you want to continue enjoying an occasional drink after Lap-Band surgery, consult your medical team and follow their recommendations as closely. They may advise you to wait six months following surgery to give yourself time to heal and adjust to your new diet. http://www.malleysurgical.com/news/lap-band-and-alcohol-can-you-drink-after-lap-band-surgery.html

Gosh. I don't even know where to start. I'm seriously concerned for you and your well being. Not just from the drinking your calorie part, but as much the alcohol (and juice) combo. Did you receive any pre-op education? Do you have a post-op dietary guideline from your doc or RD? The first place to start if you CANNOT do this on your own by accessing and applying your personal responsibility would be to see your doc, your RD and ask for a counselor PDQ. Your surgery is a tool. It's a "nail", but you are the hammer. Without your actions (repetitive and applied force), the nail does not do its job. And even then, there are MANY nails that will need to be employed to lose and maintain your weight. Not just the one nail from the surgery. Think about it. It takes multiple nails to hold up a house! WL Nails: Healthy Diet Plan WLS Exercise Relaxation Exercises and Deep Breathing Re or Balancing Your Once Toxic Relationship with Eating for Comfort or Eating Emotionally Re or Balancing Your Once Toxic Relationship With Food (making healthy choices over eating crap) Re or Balancing Your Once Toxic Relationship With Family/Friends Balancing Work Schedules and I could go on and on with the number of nails you need to act upon as the hammer, in order to keep your house level!

I was wondering if anyone have tried alcohol? I am almost 7 months out from surgery and have not had one drop of alcohol. I am wanting to have a drink Tuesday night since it is my last day at my current job of 15 years. I am moving on to bigger and better things. I am scared that I might get sick or how it will affect me. I know for sure I wont be having carbonnation OK can't spell. Haha. I tried a sparkling water once and it made me instantly sick. So maybe a margratria. What have other people tried?

Aafter the doc gets the rash cleared up you can use bath and body works spray ( mostly alcohol) in all of the crease areas 2x a day. It keeps bacteria at bay plus you smell good.

I am a recent lap-bander - Nov. 7th. I go to the doctor for my 1st post-op visit on Tues (18th). He allowed soft foods on Friday 14th. Very small amounts of food. So far things are going pretty good. I'm not very hungry, no nausea, the pain is better from gas and incisions, etc. But, I have been home the whole time - I haven't been around other people, except my husband since I came home. I am starting to get a little hungrier, but I didn't go through this whole thing to blow it. How do you handle being around people, food, all the t.v. ads, alcohol, the grocery store with holiday stuff piled to the rafters, etc. ? I know I cannot have very much food during the holidays which I am fine with, BUT. . . . I also don't want to struggle with the sense of deprivation I used to have on diets in the past, even when it is just psychological in nature. I also do not want to be "on exhibit" when with others who know about the lap-band. Any suggestions?? Thanks

My doctor and the nutritionist have both referred to me as a "restrictor." Guess that's a label for those of us who have dieted like crazy and find it difficult to let go of those restrictions. Pre-band I have been no dairy, no wheat, no sugar, no caffeine, no alcohol -- a lot of no-nos. So I'm trying to embrace all of it and just have those very small amounts of what it is my body is asking for. It wants dairy so I'm having some. Have not tried wheat yet and think I may not. My husband is celiac so we already have a wheat-free house. That is restrition of another kind, however, not that mental "can't have" game I have played so well the last two decades. Even though I'm so incredibly good at it, I was still unable to lose weight with that approach.

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.

Reading the thread on the person that had to unfill and is now beating up on themselves brings back so many difficult memories. We need to remember that our problem/drug/ or whateve you want to call it is food. it is our comfort nurturer and excitement. To be angry at yourself for wanting food because now you can eat it is like getting mad at an alcoholic for being in a bar with a pint of beer in front of him. I really really think that so many of us have internalized all the negative cultural and other stereotypes towards fat and obesity that when we have ANY kind of slip we are crueler to ourselves than anyone else would be. Finally, we have a medical intervention to a medical problem (included in that are all the psychological elements) and we still beat up on ourselves if that medical solution is removed. Would a diabetic be yelling at themselves if insulin became unavailable? I am looking forward to my surgery in Sept on the 16th would love to hear from fellow bandsters scheduled in Sept and on that day toooooo at NYU ALL THE BEST TO US. Maybe we can be treated like everyone else with a medical problem...just hoping. Rosie in NYC:thumbup:

My work out of choice is swimming. After swimming I am Starving! My mother on the other hand does not get hungry from swimming. Soooo I exercise before dinner. I measure my meals out and that's what I have no seconds. I recently had my fourth fill which may be restriction (or close to it) but time will tell. You may want to find preplanned Snacks. When I don't have a plan and get hungry is when I'm in trouble. I like hummus and baby carrots, instant hot cider (non alcoholic) 15 cal., suger free hot chocolate about 60 cal., and hot coffee with splendra/and or suger free flavored syrup no calories. I'm in NE and it's starting to be winter. It can really calm me down to have a hot coffee.

You need to change ur protein drink I have IBD (inflammatory bowl disease) and u are having a reaction to the protein shake. I shop at GNC it’s a 30 day guarantee. If it dose not work my stomach I return it. I have to stay away from sugar alcohols (which is a lot of artificial sweetener) and anything lactose. I find I handle the vegan protein much better. I don’t have surgery tell Tuesday but I been trying out tons of protein shakes to figure out which works and dose not. I am trying isopure next they are sugar free gluten free and lactose free and 50 grams of protein a serving. Vegan ones are so expensive. But if I have to stick to it I will. I can’t help u with the hunger except when u get hungry get up and move. Serotonin helps hunger cravings and u get that natural release when u exercise

I can have any food I want to at this point- I have no food issues after surgery. However, I choose not to drink any carbonated beverages or alcoholic beverages, and I choose not to eat gluten which eliminates a bunch of the "naughty" foods like bread, pasta, cookies, cake, etc., and I also choose not to eat dairy products. I am physically able to eat them, and I definitely enjoy eating them, but I have decided to follow a Paleo diet for health reasons, and it is working really well for me.

I struggled with alcoholism in my early twenties... I have a few minor in possessions, I have a DWI but should've had many more, I've done a lot of hurtful things mainly to myself all because of alcohol. I know for a fact that I never want to go back to that lifestyle so cross addiction to me is completely out of the picture. To me, getting alcohol out of my life was a big head game. And so is this. It's hard and it's going to be harder than I could imagine I'm sure. But just remember that you are doing this to better yourself. Don't take two steps back by starting to drink or get involved with any kind of drug. let's make our new addictions gym time and healthy foods

I appreciate ur great thoughts!! I dont drink now very rarely; jus worried that since i cant stuff my face that i may turn to alcohol or something else... I have abest friend who only had a tummy tuck and she is so scared to get fat again thaat she now is drinking vodka almost everyday . I tried talking to her but no avail..scared that will be me. I have two Very young children and dont want to become the thing i abhor so much...

I'm not a huge drinker but I usually have a beer if I'm in a social setting. Is that off limits forever once I'm banded? I know it's not recommended but would it kill me?

I'm curious about the gin and tonic (as that was one of my main pre-op drinks.) I would think the tonic Water would have a ton of carbonation? Glad to hear it doesn't affect you that much. I hope it's the same for me. A month out and just experimented with alcohol for the first time this past weekend. We had a tailgate event with a bunch of friends. Over a period of 5 hours, I had 3 drinks. I had a glass of red wine with dinner, a screwdriver, and a Moscow Mule after. I was a little worried about the Moscow Mule since there is a little Ginger Beer in there. However, it went down fine. I drank all of the drinks very slow compared to how I drank pre-op. I might have had a little buzz after the screwdriver, but, nothing major. Overall, I was very glad to see that I could socialize like normal and not have the alcohol majorily affect me. However, I will say that I had been losing around 1.5 lbs every other day prior to drinking. And I was same weight for 2 days after. It definitely affects the weight-loss part.

I plan to get more details when I have my post-op appointment tomorrow. It's hard to watch the game with no beer! Not to mention going out with friends who LOVE to drink. Wife and I are going to cut the sodas (plenty other beverage options). I haven't touched any alcohol yet. Too soon..only 1 week post-op!! Again, I had the surgery to change my life and get healthy. That having been said, I'm not trying to be miserable either! I think less frequency & consuming in moderation is the key!

I have lost interest in alcoholic beverages. I use to drink a lot every weekend before surgery im so glad i dont even have the urge to do it now