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They are a sort of artificial form of sugar. They are similar to sucrose, but with an -OH group added to the end (an alcohol group).. This makes them taste similar to sugar but our bodies don't absorb/digest them, really.. so they pretty much go right through you! Unfortunately, this creates some interesting side effects in the bathroom, such as diarrhea, bloating, and major gas issues. You find them in a lot of "low-carb" candy bars or proteins shakes.

First, I think you should take your time deciding. This is something that you don't have to do today, or tomorrow, so make sure you're 90% confident in your decision before you do it (there is always some doubt, even in the highly motivated- that's normal). I don't know if, at 23, I would have been motivated to succeed in the same way that I am now. My life was just very different then-- going out with friends was a much bigger portion of my lifestyle than it is now. That said, I know reverie is a young and successful bandster so you may be more like her than me To address some of your points: Fills-- unless you are truly phobic of needles, I seriously wouldn't worry about it. My doc uses a numbing something or other and the needle feels like pressure- no pain for me at all. I just don't look at it and it doesn't bother me Some people have issues with finding the port, so I know that the experience CAN be worse for some people, however, the no-pain/no-problem fill experience seems to be more common. Band Slippage-- yep, that's scary. But it happens in 5% of cases and it does seem to be associated with band abuse; either being too tight and thus vomiting a lot, or perhaps with continued over-eating after band placement (I'm a little less sure about that one). It could happen. But it's against the odds. Carbonated beverages-- this is the thing I was most upset about pre-surgery. Post-surgery-- it is seriously no big deal. Look, I used to have a major Diet DP addiction and I LOVE beer. But, weighed against obesity, it was no contest. Giving it up ended up being a total piece of cake. I'm really surprised now about how much I cared before. However, that said, I'm 35 and my drinking is almost entirely about taste and enjoyment and is not as much about socializing and social lubricant as it was when I was in my twenties. Not that there is anything wrong with that! But it would have been mentally harder for me then, I do think. Now I drink wine and some liquor (mostly wine). Since wine is my favorite alcoholic beverage anyway, this worked out for me. Not Being Able to Eat Certain Foods-- This one seems to vary greatly. The tighter the band (in general), the more this is an issue. My band is not tight-- it is just enough to allow me to have less hunger and hunger satiation with smaller portions of food but it doesn't STOP me from eating. I can still overeat if I don't put my fork down. So I do have to exercise some self-control, but in trade, I can eat pretty much everything. I've never been stuck. I've never PB'ed, slimed, or vomited. And here's hoping I never do! Excess Skin-- You're young. I bet this would mostly take care of itself. In any case, to me, it's no less attractive than fat and you can hide skin with clothes. I don't love the excess skin. But, it's 1000 times better than where I was before. Failing-- This is where dedication comes in. This is where education about what you TRULY can expect and not expect from the band comes in. This is where educating yourself on what you will have to bring to the table comes in. There are some people who the band doesn't work for. There are more people who don't work the band, and there are the most people who significantly reduce their excess weight and become healthier. I will tell you, though, that 40-60% of excess weight lost is the average. My surgeon was very clear during the education process that if you were going into this expecting to be skinny at the end, you were setting yourself up for disappointment. The odds are, you will not lose all of the weight you want to. The odds are, you might even still be overweight when all is said and done. You should be aware of that, and be ready to accept it as a possibility should you go through with WLS of ANY kind. That said, just as there are some people who don't lose anything, there are some people who lose everything. It's probably a combination of luck and motivation. I've beaten the odds so far-- I've lost 73% of my excess weight and I'm still losing, but I don't know if I'll make it to my goal of "normal BMI". We'll see! But I do believe that I've been pretty lucky because 2 small fills have gotten me to my sweet spot, my body is cooperating me despite my copious wine consumption and relative lack of exercise to this point, and I haven't had complications to struggle with.

The first time I tried alcohol after GB was 2 years post op. I could have after 1 year but chose to hold off. Now, I love having wine when I go out. You must be very careful when you do because following bypass, just a few sips and you can feel it. A whole glass has me at the tipping point. My surgeon actually made me sign a contract that I would not touch the stuff for a minimum of 1 year post op. This is just me but I would be concerned that you are not fully healed yet and would abstain for now. Not sure what the alcohol could do to your new pouch. Most of the wait is because they do not want anyone transferring food addiction to alcohol and it is very very common after WLS. I can honestly say I never used to think about drinking and did it rarely, now I love a glass and sometimes two every time I go out for dinner. I could see how it could become a problem but am watching it closely.

The surgeon and team I had said no more alcohol ever. I'm 7 months out no alcohol at all and don't plan on starting. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G925A using the BariatricPal App

Need some moral support and feedback from some of the older slivers:-). I'm 18 months out and have put on five lbs (coming out of the holidays). Trying to get my head back in the game; however this is bribing up old junk!!! How many calories a day are folks eating and what is the Quality of food? Alcohol? Just need some reality checks so I can refocus...Thanks

I would say my negatives are hair loss, not realizing what rapid weight loss would do to my body (flabbiness), and upper left chest pain (this comes on when I eat too fast and it's very painful). Other inconveniences...having to buy new clothes which can be expensive, having to exercise...lol...drinking expensive protein shakes...and for some reason increased alcohol intake although I don't know why other than I'm happy with my weight loss, can't eat as much so I end up drinking more...idk...but I am very happy with my decision and wouldn't change it for the world!

Oh I just thought of a negative - I hate it when you get stuck while you're out, and find you need a toilet quick smart to PB, and your mouth is filling up with saliva like crazy, and you can't get there fast enough. It's happened to me twice - once I didn't quite make it to the toilet. Suffice to say - embarrasing! Another negative (or maybe it's a positive) - if I am getting 'full' my nose starts to drip. Anyone who's close to me sees me start to sniff and they all look at me like 'ok, stop eating NOW'. Oh and I can't get falling down drunk coz trust me, you don't want to get alcoholic poisoning with the band. Puking from the bottom of your tummy is NOT fun. It can lead to needing an emergency unfill. Again, not sure that's not really a positive though...

1000 calories is pretty high at 3 months. I am 5 months out and average about 800/day. Try lowering your calories abs experiment with your diet. Certain foods inhibit weight loss in certain people. Artificial sweeteners, chemicals in processed foods, caffeine, alcohol etc. Stick with it and try different approaches. You can do this

Use an alcohol pad before you apply if you moisturize so they stick well! Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using the BariatricPal App

Proud of you Laura! I know you were depressed about eating bad and then losing, but I want to mention that alcohol is a diuretic, so that may have contributed to weight loss after a night out. Or maybe you body finally took the hint that you want to be smaller! I'm happier with my two lb. bounce range. I don't feel like I will get as out of control with the snacking. Lynda

I have to agree. I may not want to drink alcohol again ever. I know I won't drink beer as I gave it up about 2 weeks before surgery due to the carbonation. I tried white wine. Acid reflux city. I really wasn't a wine person anyway. I really liked vodka and light rum with juices or cyrstal light. That will be my next try but I am waiting a couple of months. If that is a no go then alcohol will be eliminated from the diet.

Reading your post, I find myself relating to your story… I was thin till I was about 30/31 years old… so for the last 10 years I have put on weight for one reason or another – but I too didn’t match what I saw in the mirror… now 8months post op and a 100lbs lighter, I look back at pictures and have no idea who that person was for the last 10 years… I always knew there was a “skinny girl within” so when people who didn’t know me before I gained weight say “omg you look so different” I just smile and say well I am still the same on the inside… or a simple “Thank you.. I think..” and then normally they realize that they kind of crossed that invisible line of offending you with a compliment… and then they kind of back tract… Most of my coworkers know that I had this surgery, I just couldn’t really hide it… there are just too many big mouths and there was just no point in trying to lie about it… HOWEVER – in my life outside of work, only close family & friends know. It’s not something I post, blog or brag about… I have had a lot of people that are not in my everyday life ask me what I am doing, and I tell them I cut all pork, Pasta, rice, breads & alcohol… (which is the truth – I just have left out the part where they took out 90% of my stomach) I do feel bad, but half the time I just feel like they are being nosey.

I had my gastric bypass on 4/16 as well. My roughest obstacle has been the muscle stitch and trying to get out of bed or a deep chair. Coughing was agony! But today, 4/21 is much much better. I walked and walked and walked and I think that it helped me progress. I did not take any prescribed pain medication either. I am a recovering alcoholic (3yrs[emoji5]) and in rehab they caution against any addictive substances so I declined. I did take adult liquid Tylenol when I got home Wednesday night and Thursday through the day. Yesterday I walked through the pain and feel so great today I have not had any issues with getting liquids down, it just takes forever[emoji13]. I have had lots of (TMI ALERT) watery dark bowel movements. The Dr. office said to call if they look like tar. They don’t so I’m not worried about it. One last comment, I have experienced a huge change in my energy. I was always so tired every morning before I had surgery, and was expecting to be very tired while recovering. The opposite is true. I find that I have lots of energy! This is good and bad....... we are getting possession of another home we purchased tomorrow and there are sooooo many things that need to be done, and I cannot do any of it. I want to, and feel like I can, but I know I am asking for a surgery if I start lifting or moving. We had our procedures done on the same day and I will look for your posts to see how you are coming along and cheer on your successes. Good luck! My weight day before surgery was 245. I am 5’7. I am not going to weigh myself until Monday. 1 week out. I know I could get crazy watching the scale and a don’t want to get fixated on numbers.

Let me ask you. What is your diet like? What do you typically eat in a day over a few days. Please list the good and the bad. Reason being? IF you are eating carby, fatty foods, or even if you're eating bread/grains/pasta/rice/tortillas/corn products/sugar/fats/dairy (cheese especially)/tomatoes/alcohol of any kind, your GERD will be through the roof to the moon, Alice. Some people (every member of my fam) who have GERD go on Whole 30 and drop all the above foods and every single one had relief from GERD. My sis was on 3 meds for it, so was my nephew... Just a thought for you!

I was really surprised when I read the Quest label that my favorites have 17 grams of fiber!! That is a HUGE plus for me. Also, the new flavors don't have those sugar alcohols that are in the first-round flavors--the new flavors are the strawberry Cheesecake, Cinnamon Bun, Coconut Cashew (my new obsession), and--oh, phooey, I can't remember. But they're also sweetened with Stevia. And like others have noted, they are a little more expensive, but since Sleevie can tolerate them and I actually look forward to eating them, I consider them a bargain. One bar equals two mini-meals for me because they fill me up so well.

I love the Oh Yeah, and I absolutely love Power Crunch. Both are the lowest carb I have found and taste really good. I can't have sugar alcohol because it gives me extreme gas and those have no sugar alcohol. Most of the ones that taste good have a lot of sugar alcohol.

My surgeon said no alcohol until a year after surgery, as well. Interesting.

i personally think the whole alcoholic thing is 2 fold, one if you have food issues i think its easier to swoop one addiction for another using booze as the thing you now use. Say if you were an emotional eater food is no longer the pick me up booze is and becomes a issue. Also my second theory on this is if you are a very social person going out to eat has issues its hard to deal with, costly for what you can eat, you might puke, there may be pain etc etc etc so you have drinks instead. which can become a hell of alot if its always drinking. thats my take on it anyway

My surgeon says none for six weeks and then to take it slow until you know how you will be effected. Apparently some people get flat drunk on one drink and others don't notice a difference. Of course, alcohol is empty calories so he cautions to save it for special occasions. I'm not a huge drinker but it is nice to know I will be able to have an occasional glass of wine.

First, I would say don't beat yourself up. You really do have it in you to do this.... We all do! Second, stop drinking alcohol on the weekends. Especially 4-5 drinks. That is a lot of empty calories and heavy guilt. I completely understand the stressful job. I started carrying a cooler with me that has P3 Protein Snacks, Greek yogurt, Water and Protein shakes. If I get stuck or have forgotten to eat I have something healthy to fall back on. No matter the job, everyone is allowed breaks and meals. Is there a gym nearby you can join? Can you walk some steps or walk around the parking lot? Definitely log your food. I am absolutely overwhelmed with learning to eat a balanced diet, but like I said above, we can do this! We have it in us. The only other suggestion I can make is start over with a week of Clear liquids. Life is all about do-overs. I read somewhere once that we can't let failure define us, let getting back up and starting again and again and again and not giving up define us.

I enjoyed various wines, beers, Hennessey, Crown Royal as well as other "adult beverages" prior to my surgery. I was a "social" drinker and could put back about 4-5 mixed drinks or glasses of wine before feeling REALLY good... My surgery was April 16th and tried my first drink which was wine at about 8 weeks out.. It BURNED my throat and didn't sit well at all. I tried a Crown n Ginger at about 12 weeks and still... not good.. the only drink I have tried that went down okay was Ciroc and pineapple with a splash of sprite. It took me about 2 hours to drink it but at this point I can honestly say that I don't even desire alcohol anymore.. Once you are sleeved you will notice that your tastes change when it comes to drinks or food.. Some of the foods and drinks that I enjoyed prior to my surgery I don't like at all now.. Not a big deal for me personally.... My boyfriend loves it!! I'm a cheap date AND the designated driver!!! LOL

@home alcohol & stress free kiss are grown ,husband on call 24/7 til Sunday plus I been working 7days a wknd since returning to work in September so a day of rest is in order for this girl.. plus I don't drink anymore

I’ve decided not to tell anyone else for now (I’m preop). A big part is because of how my mom and sister reacted. I have a couple friends I have discussed it with and the rest of my close family who are very supportive. We just had family vacation and my mom made a point of pointing out all the things I was doing she thought I wouldn’t be “able” to do after surgery. Drink alcohol (I had 1-2 drinks a day) and have ice cream. Yep. Will I explain to people later? Maybe

You're not alone- I was honestly frustrated when posing the alcohol question prior to starting this thread (with lots of helpful responses, thanks everyone!) because the unanimous response was the "it's empty calories!" or people simply chiming in that they lost the taste for alcohol after surgery. I think it's the sort of thing to be enjoyed occasionally and not as a very regular thing, if you have a tendency to gain weight it's obviously not smart to indulge in something like alcohol regularly. I've always detested soda, and I'm not a fan of candy (except dark chocolate) so perhaps thats why I have gotten away with it for now.

Since I've posted this topic, I've been (honestly, I know I'll get some ridicule for this) having drinks 2-3 evenings a week since my 30 day mark. I do not drink mixed drinks, just hard alcohol on the rocks- no tummy troubles here, but everyone is different! I am also the same weight I was at age 13....13!!! I am aware of the empty calories etc. etc., and this month has been filled with Christmas parties, family in town, and my husbands 30th birthday- I don't intend to keep it up at this rate. I also am "good" about my eating aside from alcohol. I do intend to drink once a week or so.