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Thank you for posting this. It explains a lot of what has happened to me. I was a functional alcoholic for a few years in my 20s, then a regular drinker after that. Still had extra cravings for alcohol, but I could control it just fine. I was concerned that I might develop a problem with alcohol post op bc it seems to happen for some people. Instead, I want alcohol even less. What a relief! We have enough to go through postop!

"I worked with my medical team. I eat a high protein diet. I cut out pasta, bread, sugar, alcohol and most other carbs pretty much permanently. I exercise at least an hour a day." All of that is true. By the time I get to what I cut out, most people start running because the thought of cutting out all those carbs gives them the shakes. If they ask more pointed questions, I respond with a question - "did you get laid last night?" When they looked shocked, I tell them that I view my medical issues as privately as they view their sex life. And then I change the subject. It usually ends questions.

I've known for many years that I have a problem with food (obviously, I mean you don't become obese without having issues) but I recently came to the realization that I prefer food to pretty much everything. I would choose food over spending time with friends, a concert, shopping, a great movie, a good night's sleep, a vacation, nice clothes, anything. It satisfies me more than anything else. I knew I had a problem but this made me realize that my problem was just as serious of a compulsion as a drug or alcohol addiction. I hope I can defeat this and become healthy, not just physically, but mentally.

Yeah, those of us who've done Atkins in the past know that aisle well Yes, they've always been there (or others like them). But like I said, beware of sugar alcohols. Not everyone can tolerate them.

You can have lots of things. It just depends on how you want to spend your calories. But as an occasional treat, I'm sure these are not the worst choice out there. But beware, Atkins products use a lot of sugar alcohols and a lot of people get dumping with them.

It just means the lining of your stomach in inflamed. You may need to modify your diet and start an antacid or ppis. Stay away from spicy foods, alcohol, acidic foods. I had gastritis and still was able to get my surgery. Sent from my SM-N950U using BariatricPal mobile app

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A year ago I would have said no, weight does not matter. But a year ago I was miserable and trapped and still drinking the kool-aid. I was living with someone I still care about very much...but he had gained so much weight that his knees could no longer support him. He needed to lose weight in order to get bilateral knee replacements. He was completely bedbound and I was his full-time caretaker. I fully admit that I was an enabler. I gave him what he asked for in terms of food. I trusted him when he said he did his physical therapy exercises while I was out of the house. I was blinded by my love for him and it was unhealthy for us both. I gained 60 lbs. while with him. Family and friends begged me to leave him, but I loved him, and I would not give up on someone I loved. I tried giving him healthier food, but he would beg for junk and guilt trip the heck out of me. I would try to get him to do his exercises, but he would have any number of excuses why he couldn't. Finally, I had to admit that he was not doing anything to help himself. He was simply not interested in getting better. For my own menatal, emotional and physical health, I found a care facility for him and moved far enough away that I can't visit him very often (every time I visit he begs for junk food and alcohol). He is doing slightly better in this facility but has not lost much weight, even though his diet is supervised. Weight SHOULD NOT matter in a relationship, unless someone else's weight and unhappiness is directly affecting your own. Now all I want is someone to go swing dancing with.

Mostly splenda/sucralose for the best all around. Works when heated and even for cooking which many don't. It is taste neutral. Stevia has it's own flavor to it so you either like that or you don't. I like it in some things, but can't put it in my coffee ugh. I really like Swerve because it has a granulated version that cooks like sugar--so if you want to carmelize something you can--nuts, fruit, etc. It's sugar alcohol (Erythritol) with some oligosaccharides.

My vote is for Splenda/Sucralose...all the way around. It's not sugar, but it tastes amazingly close to me. No diarrhea, and it won't kill my dog. Would stand to reason that different people experience the taste of different sweeteners different ways, though. Stevia tastes horrifically bitter to me. I get along pretty well with aspertame, but like sucralose better. Saccharin tastes as bad to me as Stevia does. Bleh. That said, I think all of these are safe used in moderation. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/artificial-sweeteners/art-20046936 Will offer one word of caution...if you use sugar alcohols like xylitol KEEP IT AWAY FROM YOUR PETS...it can kill dogs and cats. http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/dog-toxins-poisons/xylitol-poisoning-dogs-a-deadly-sugar-substitue

And I am following this thread with baited breath and a modicum of apprehension. You see I start my own prediet August 1st,and I ACTUALLY chose this length. My Bariatric program at the OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY gave me a choice of 2, 3, or 4 weeks. Why did I choose the longest? Better Healing Smoother Surgery To make it less stressful on ME Smaller Liver Size You see, although I have lost close to 40 pounds I am climbing on that surgery cart with a weight still over 300 pounds. On a 5ft8in 72 year old body that IS NOT a cool state of affairs. I undoubtedly have NASH, are you ready for his full name and easy description? Okay Here it goes Non Alcoholic Steato -Hepatitis. all it mean is "like my body, my liver is FAT" NOW my surgeon Dr Bradley J Needleman MD, uber-smart man,super skillful surgeon, and the chief of Bariatric Surgery/Metabolic Weight Loss at my hospital has a choice of a big fat blubbery liver or a nice sleek smooth happy slender liver to lift out of the way to get to my stomach, which would he and I prefer? I believe choice #2! Now the dietary plan, compared with many I have heard on here, is not SO BAD. Weird how every surgeon, be it a he or she surgeon, has their own take on things and their own path to get there. One lady I remember was on skim cow's milk and a gangoozel (one of my favorite words for a lot) of vitamins and minerals, there are some who don't even believe in a prediet and a bunch in between. Now mine, although it isn't as much fun as eating Willy-nilly is pretty Okay. So Frustr8 is signing on for a month of Dietary Purgatory, just like the Real Purgatory it takes a lot of prayer to get out of there! So while all you others are celebrating yours being over and surgery right around the corner, ME, the Brave Little Engine Who Could, will be chugging along in Central Ohio making her way towards a September 5th surgery, hopefully dropping pounds along the way. Vitamins, minerals, K-chlor, Lasix and Wellbutrin in my pill tote and Hope in My❤. Ah Folks, I'm going to make it, Yes I Am! Any dimishment of appetite, Glory Hallelujah! I'll Take It! ☕💊🍝🍶

I think it’s most definitely an issue, or could be rather. I met my husband at 220 lbs. at 5’ 2” and he was a 180 (tops) at 6’1”. We were both attracted to one another the way we were. We have always had silly “what if” conversations and we had a what if I ballooned to 400+ pounds....let’s just say, we would be divorced if change didn’t occur and one didn’t seek help. I would not stay in an unhealthy relationship. Whether it be a food addiction, drug, alcohol etc. And neither would my husband

I’m approved guys annnnd now the urge to drink is setting in darn those alcoholic genes in me welp August 28th here I come

I found this very interesting. It talks about Ghrelin and how it affects both food and alcohol cravings https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-human-hunger-hormone-might-cure-alcoholism-3?via=newsletter&source=DDMorning

My homemade cheesecakes are also QUITE low in sugar as we like them to be nice and tart and just put fresh fruit on top. I think if you're trying to eat lower carbs then there are MANY worse "cheats" than a cheesecake, the higher fat and protein to carb content (assuming it's lower sugar of course) make it a much better option than, say, a piece of chocolate cake. If you guys do want to indulge with a cheesecake dessert, it is one of the EASIEST things to make keto. I don't do sugar alcohols though, so mine will also just be .. not AS bad, haha.

I am in MA. I am having mine done at Brigham and Womens. I have a two week pre-diet. Pre-Operative Diet The preoperative diet is required for all patients before weight loss surgery. This diet will help to make your liver smaller which makes it safer and easier for your surgeon to perform surgery. Start this diet 2 weeks before your surgery date. Every day during the pre-op diet, you will do these 2 things: Follow the instructions in each box. For boxes A, B, C, and D, choose 1 item to eat or drink during the day. For Box E, consume 1 meal. Drink at least 64 ounces of sugar-free beverages (water, Crystal Light, Fruit2O, etc.). With 1 item from each box, you will have 5 eating events per day. Box A Choose one protein shake: SlimFast Advanced Nutrition (RTD shake only, not powder) Pure Protein (35 gm can) Premier Protein Atkins EAS Advantedge Unjury (in water) Syntrax Nectar (in water) Syntrax Matrix (in water) Designer Whey (in water) Quest Protein (in water) + Box B Choose one protein shake: Syntrax Matrix (in milk*) Unjury (in milk*) Glucerna Hunger Smart Core Power Light EAS Myoplex Lite Boost Glucose Control Boost Calorie Smart Designer Whey (in milk*) Quest Protein (in milk*) + Box C Choose one snack: 1 cup non-starchy vegetables + 2 Tb salad dressing or guacamole ¼ cup unsalted nuts ¾ cup low-fat cottage cheese, ricotta cheese 6 oz Plain Greek yogurt 2 eggs (any style) 2 oz turkey + 1 string cheese 1 protein shake from Box A + Box D Choose one snack: Nature Valley Protein Bar Pure Protein Bar (190-200 calories) Detour Whey Protein Bar (170 calories) Fiber One Protein Bar 1 serving fruit + 1 TBSP nut butter 1 protein shake from Box B + Box E Eat one meal: Meal should contain: 4 servings of protein 3 servings of non-starchy vegetables 2 servings of fat *Can choose skim (fat-free) or 1% milk, lactaid milk, or plain soy milk. Please choose only the items listed on this sheet. Bread, rice, pasta, starchy vegetables, and alcohol are not allowed on the pre-op diet. Important Notes: Use the Serving Size section starting on page 20 of the diet guidelines book to remind you which foods are in each food group (protein, non-starchy vegetables, and fat) for your 1 meal in Box E. Eating every 3-4 hours and drinking plenty of fluids in between can help to prevent hunger. You choose the order of your items. Sample Pre-Op Meal Plans Remember to drink at least 64 ounces of sugar-free fluids throughout the day. Example Day 1 Breakfast (Box C) 2 hardboiled eggs Snack (Box A) Pure Protein Shake (35 gm protein – can) Lunch (Box D) Nature Valley Protein Bar Snack (Box EAS Myoplex Lite Protein Shake Dinner (Box E) 4 ounces baked haddock, 1 ½ cups cooked vegetables (green beans, broccoli, cauliflower), 2 Tb light margarine Example Day 2 Breakfast (Box A) Premier Protein Shake Lunch (Box E) 4 ounces grilled chicken, 3 cups salad (lettuce, tomato, onions, cucumber), 1 Tb + 1 tsp creamy salad dressing Snack (Box Core Power Light Protein Shake Dinner (Box D) Pure Protein bar Snack (Box C) ¾ cup low-fat Greek yogurt) Example Day 3 Breakfast (Box E) 1 ¼ cup egg beaters, 1 ½ cups cooked vegetables (peppers, onions, tomatoes), 1 Tb avocado, 1 Tb light margarine Snack (Box A) Syntrax Nectar Protein Powder with water Lunch (Box C 2 ounces turkey + 1 string cheese Dinner (Box D) 1 small apple + 1 Tb peanut butter Snack (Box Unjury Protein Powder with 8 ounces milk – frozen into ‘ice cream’ Example Day 4 Breakfast (Box A) EAS Advantedge Protein Shake Snack (Box C) Atkins Protein Shake Lunch (Box Boost Glucose Control Protein Shake Dinner (Box E) Chili: 4 ounces cooked ground turkey, 1 cup tomato sauce, ½ cup cooked onions & peppers, 1 Tb avocado, 1 Tb sour cream Snack (Box D) Syntrax Matrix Protein Powder with 8 ounces milk

My co-workers made me a bag of goodies for the hospital and one of the best things in it is a product called Quease Ease. It's a little smelly thing you peel the lid off of and inhale to relieve nausea. It's the same premise as the alcohol pads (which also works great and nurses have done this for years!). They are a great smell--very minty! You can order them off of Amazon.

Putting an alcohol prep pad on my nose helped me with nausea after surgery. If you don't have those, maybe put a little alcohol gel hand sanitizer on???

1. Health...already off BP meds, would like to get off CPAP soon, both parents had type 2 diabetes hoping I dodged that bullet... 2. Mobility...getting in and out of my car one leg at at a time like the old days and hiking... 3. Longevity...adding years to your life with decreased risk of illness and healthier lifestyle 4. Active vacations with family... 5. Looks...getting back into my clothes that looked good on me and not having to buy anymore bigger sizes! My Mom had bypass back in the 90's she never reached goal weight, and I realize now she basically followed no rules. She actually drank meat tenderizer before eating so she could eat more (people have died from doing this it burns through your esophagus). She ate whatever, ice cream, Kentucky Fried Chicken, alcohol, carbonated beverages etc. She was always burping and threw up a lot, I thought weight loss surgery was equal to self induced bulimia. It wasn't until I had friends that had the surgery that I realized my Mom was not the weight loss surgery norm. She also got super wrinkly and saggy to the point where people thought she was my Dad's Mom (they were both born in 39). I still thought I might wrinkle up like her, but I was willing to take the risk for 1-3. I have no plastic surgery plans, I am no where near goal yet, but I think if I keep up the strength training I might not get super saggy or wrinkly. I can also eat without burping out loud and stopping when full prevents vomiting. For those that are curious Mom had RNY, I had the sleeve 6 weeks ago.

Am I the ONLY one who wasn’t given a diet plan?? I was given a rough caloric intake count and that’s IT. I’m still stuck at 145- but yes I eat mostly anything I want in tiny amounts- except alcohol of course. I always thought people gained weight from alcohol or maybe over stuffing them self? After gastric bypass- so far, there’s no way of eating enough to gain more than 1 lb of water weight... I know this can change in 5 years?? Also- to break plateau I was thinking of All liquid protein and some chicken and lettuce? I cannot go without all sugars and carbs... it makes me crazy ... however I do eat sugar from berries. Now sure what else to try. I can’t digest most animal meats still- so anything Keto just won’t work... too much cheese won’t work either. Too bad people have to be so mean to each other and take things with such a heavy heart... 🤷🏻‍♀️😐💜💜💜

Hey all, Quick background, had surgery April 2nd 2018. At the time I was 471lbs. I'm currently weighing 359lbs. The other night I was out with a friend and she ordered 2 shots of liquor, I stupidly took it. It felt like my insides were on fire. However it seemed to melt away the stress like food used to do for me. Now it's all I can think about or want whenever I feel stressed. I've caved once and did a couple shots. I did call my Dr and he set me up for a scope just in case and an appointment with the social worker. Has anyone else here struggled with that? It's tough, food used to be my go-to if I was angry, sad, stressed, etc. Now I have this void I need to fill and I CANNOT let it be filled with alcohol. Any suggestions, ideas, or anything?? I did see a counselor until I lost my insurance.

We just got back from the beach and we had a good trip. I wasnt very diligent about my food choices, but I am ok with that. I weighed in with a gain on 1 pound this morning, which is probably water weight. We ate some fried foods (shrimp) and I had more alcohol than I planned. Lol and let me say, I am a cheap date now! One frozen margarita had me feeling pretty good. Anyhow, I am going to rest today and get back to it tomorrow. I am 21 pounds to my personal goal weight, and 31 to my doctor's goal weight for me. My goal is to be there by November. Depending on what I do with my knee, we want to start trying for our second baby as soon as I am at my goal weight, so hopefully we will have an exciting update by the new year. [emoji3][emoji3] Sent from my SM-G960U using BariatricPal mobile app

Yep - how many threads have been started by post-ops a couple of weeks out wanting to know when they can start drinking alcohol again (as if their program didn't give them some instructions in that area)? Then it's just "you're a bunch of nannies....)

Good luck! I'm about four months into my journey, but I had to change surgeons so I really started with the current surgeon on June 29th and I'm down 25.2 pounds as of last Friday. I've been able to follow what the nutritionist is saying, cutting out fried foods, starchy veggies, fast food, and alcohol. It has been a major adjustment but I'm finally ready for the change.

Most Important Luck/Skill of the Surgeon - I have very little hunger and it seems more restriction than most at this stage. Least Important Supportive home environment - I live alone, so there is that. But I spend a lot of otherwise personal time working. Of course no ones knows of my WLS, but that environment is not conducive to a healthy diet, lots of alcohol and rich meals. I've had wine poured for me, shots bought for me, and lots of pressure to eat more and have a drink/s. Exercise - This is terrible to admit, but aside from walking on days I'm home, I don't exercise. Unknown Mental Health/Emotional Stability - I'm a pretty level headed person. No mental health issues. I think what is helpful in this journey is having some perspective. For me, WLS hasn't been hard in any real way. Easiest weight I have ever lost. Although stalls annoy me, I know they are inevitable, and it's only a matter of time and I'll start losing again. Don't many people on here have a lot of success, but still seem to think the sky is falling at times Diet - I know that my food logs would give some people on here fits, mostly due to how much dining out I do, and that I'm not usually ordering the grilled chicken. But I do keep my calories really low, but that of course gives other people fits . But I'm able to keep my calories low due to my restriction and lack of hunger, so back to #1. Will to Succeed - I want to believe this is a factor. But if I didn't have the lack of hunger, restriction and such fast and visible results, would I have been discouraged and fallen off he wagon like all the times in the past?