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I had VSG because portion control is hard. It's hard to eat only a little, or restricted foods while dieting. You're hungry, and it takes a lot of food to fill you up. But with VSG, I have much reduced hunger. And when I do eat, the quantity is so small, it's max a few hundred calories, and I'm full. I have lost nearly 70 lbs in 5 months, and it has been easier than any diet I've ever been on. You also seem to think that you have to be on a crazy restrictive diet after VSG. I'm certainty not. I eat quite healthfully when I'm home, focusing on protein and otherwise fairly low cal foods. But I don't restrict anything, I eat fruit, bread, protein pasta, cheese, frozen yogurt bars, frozen fruit bars, etc. But for example I don't make fettuccine alfredo or fried chicken at home. So it's balanced and moderate, IMO. I actually eat out multiples time per week for work. I wouldn't recommend eating at as much as I do, because it is harder to make healthy choices, and hard to track restaurant food. But for me it is unavoidable. Sometime I make healthy choices dining out, sometime I don't. I could eat healthier while dining out, but with clients and colleagues it's not appropriate to customize dishes very much. I've seriously eaten just about everything in the last 4 months, including bites of dessert. And most days even with 3 meals out, I'm still under 600 calories because my stomach size is so restricted. But I am very conscience of what I consume, I log everything. So even though I might have biscuits and gravy for breakfast, I'm not off the rails and have a f it attitude, if that makes sense? As far as FOMO, there is only one hard decision I made. I've cut out all alcohol. I didn't have to, it doesn't have an adverse effect when I do have it. I just don't want to add the empty liquid calories to my diet. It was a big deal because of the travel and entertaining I do. I'm in bars multiple times a week, and I'm drinking water, so definitely awkward. But if it was only glass of wine or two a week, I wouldn't have cut it out completely, as that's pretty immaterial in the scheme of things. But for me, many weeks would be 20+ drinks, so it just would have counteracted my WLS too much.

I avoided cheez-its for like, 7.5 months after surgery, but had some 2 weeks ago in an impulsive gas station buy on a road trip It was a 3 serving bag and I got through 2 servings without even realizing it! Never. Again. the cheez-its are BANNED! I was so successful keeping them out of the house (those and other crackers are my "I will devour this whole bag/carton" type foods) and now I have to try harder to eliminate gas station stops--like packing a bag ahead of time for nutrition needs! Did that last roadtrip (after the cheez it meltdown) and was wickedly successful. Protein shake and a yogurt if I needed one or both. Otherwise...I don't think I've had any huge slider screw ups like that. Unless you count alcohol. there are sadly days where I drink my calories from bad things like that instead of eating real people food. #workinprogress anyone?

I haven’t cheated at all food wise but have allowed myself much more alcohol than I should.

I drink beer. I just love all beer. I’m not an alcoholic I just want beer from time to time.

I've def had some FOMO in the beginning stages. Oh, I remember going on a shopping trip that required a road trip with friends. On the way home, I had to find something from the gas station to eat.... They came back with Subway. I came back with a stick of cheese. It was saddening, at the time. When we have a couple party and I serve dessert, it sucks to be the only one not partaking. However, I could make it easier on myself and eat something with them, that is allowed on my plan. I'm getting better at ways to have yummy things that go along with my plan. I think I have FOMO the worst though when other people point things out, sometimes I don't even think about it, until my bestie says "Come over, I've got a bottle of wine with our names on it". While she knows that I'm not regularly partaking in alcohol, it just slips her mind. I haven't slipped on anything pastry or cake-wise because I am afraid to dump. I think the fear alone is keeping me on track. I do eat SF ice cream and ice cream bars, but you can't find those things at restaurants while out with friends (which is when I think about it). Do I think that this will change overtime, and I'll be able to have a bite of cake at a birthday party, maybe? I'm good without it at the moment. I actually don't crave sweets much anymore. My weakness is chips... oh boy, I salivate over some chips. LOL And I eat some from time to time. I buy the little snack size baggies (like the size for kids lunch boxes) and I splurge. But I feel VERY guilty, every single time. I haven't gained from any splurges, but I can tell when my diet isn't fine tuned enough, and I stall out. The first thing to go for me is fruit.

Yesterday was my birthday and my "nutrition" for the day included a protein shake in the morning.....and then alcohol. No food. Because I'm really smart. (not)

1. 1. So yes, we all get the point of the surgery is to lose weight and lead a healthy lifestyle BUT that doesn't mean we can't enjoy ourselves sometimes. My favorite food chain is in LA, In-N-Out Burger. Will I be able to eat a cheeseburger and small fry with like a milkshake? Clearly I won't be opting for this on the daily but we all still need to indulge in our favorites once in a while and I'm not sure how much of it I'll be able to eat I'm assuming maybe like 1/3 or maybe 1/2 of the entire meal. But does anyone have experience with eating cheeseburgers, fries and a milkshake on like a vacation or for just a little "cheat meal"? (Again, I get the point is to NOT eat these types of food but sometimes you have urges especially on vacations). I don't think there is anything wrong with a little indulgence every now and then. I went on vacation at 3 months post op, and I ate a few things I don't normally eat, and it all went fine. I had a couple bites of ice cream, a small pancake with butter, a piece of a cookie, etc... (not all at the same time), but it all went fine for me. Now, I did have a smaller weight loss that week, but I only did it while on the vacation. 2. I absolutely LOVE sparkling Water like La Croix and San Pellegrino, does anyone drink sparkling water on occasion? I haven't had anything sparkling or carbonated yet, and don't really plan to. It can aid in stretching out your new tummy, so I wouldn't recommend it. 3. Cocktails and Wine, I'm not sure about you but being 24 I like to have myself an occasional couple of social beverages, how was your experience with alcohol both mixed drinks (hard liquor) and wine? (Don't worry about beer I don't like it). My doctor's advice on this topic was to wait until 6 months post-op, so I still haven't had a drink since my operation. 4. Not to generalize but I think a lot of people have a sweet tooth, I love the occasional scone, croissant, cookie, French macaron, etc. how has your experience with these types of baked pastries been? I've only had a piece of a cookie, the ice cream I mentioned before, and a little dark chocolate. That is not something that I would recommend that you regularly do, as you'll end up wanting more and more, that's how I would be anyways. I would stick to the sugar free popsicles and sugar free jello. Those help with the sweet cravings with no added sugar. 5. coffee. I'm ADDICTED to coffee and espresso beverages; lattes, macchiatos, cappuccinos, matcha lattes. How have these affected you and do you sweeten them at all or keep it plain? Can you sweeten them with like flavored syrups like a pump of lavender simple Syrup or matcha powder? I've had some coffee post op. I drank it every day before the surgery, and now I have it like once a week or so. I usually go to Dunkin and get an iced coffee with sugar free syrup and a little almond milk, then I add equal to it. Just go for the sugar free options, if you have to have coffee. 6. Now I know the clear answer and feedback I'm going to get on this question but for those who aren't going to just simply says "QUIT!!!" then I'd appreciate an answer, don't answer this is you're going to lecture me on how bad this is in general regardless of VSG, I know it's bad, I'm not stupid but it's an addictive habit I'm trying to quit. Smoking. How have cigarettes or e-cigs like Juul's affected you? Does it bother your stomach or can you smoke without issue? If so how many cigarettes or Juul pods do you go through a day? I know this is the answer you don't want, but you HAVE to quit smoking before the surgery. It could kill you if you continue to smoke. The only near death experience my doctor's office had was with a post op patient who didn't heed the doctor's advice, and they kept smoking. It could kill you. 7. This is hopefully not going to be a struggle but when I eat I like to sip on water or unsweetened iced tea, coffee, etc. I know in the beginning you're supposed to drink like 30 minutes BEFORE consuming food. How soon after can you drink something? Also will there be a time when eventually I can have a beverage while eating a snack or meal? Or will I forever not be able to consume liquidsand solids at the same time? I always liked to drink with my meals too. It's a bit inconvenient, but you'll eventually get used to not drinking while you eat. You should wait, at least, 30 minutes after you eat before you drink anything. It's a forever thing, but, like I said, you'll get used to it.

I hear that yo yo dieting is straining on the heart and other major organs (can someone confirm, I've never done it). I'd would rather succeed the first time than fail five times just to end up back at the same conclusion two years later that I need surgical help, if you take a look at my post, you can absolutely have a life, everything in moderation. I don't go off the rails and eat whatever. I work everything into my plan with my NUT especially vacation and special occasion foods. I don't eat sugars that are not naturally occurring in foods and those I use sparingly, I use stevia if I must have added sweetness the other sugar alcohols if nothing else is available. You are going to still have to practice portion control and restraint after the procedure. Restriction provided through it does not last forever. What this procedure will do is give you a running start so you can exercise, you can learn to eat less, you can make better choices. Not everyone does and that's why not everyone has the success they hope. In the end it is still all on you. VSG2017 HW 249 SW 238 CW 169

Get help now! Call your surgeon. Transfer addiction is serious! My program requires complete alcohol abstinence for life!!! It is so common and you need to get sober to take back your life. Best wishes to you! Good job reaching out! Sent from my SM-J320R4 using BariatricPal mobile app

My program requires lifelong abstinence from alcohol (risk oftransfer addiction, empty calories, and higher intoxication with less to drink after surgery). Coffee is dehydrates you and is highly acidic. Why not work on finding a better way of becoming more alert? Drink more water, take 20 min nap, walk in the sunlight, do morning yoga, earlier bed time, smell vibrant essential oil, play upbeat music. I totally understand that some people and programs are A-okay with coffee. I'm just wanted to put another perspective out there. Best wishes to you! Sent from my SM-J320R4 using BariatricPal mobile app

Thanks everyone! It does seem like the dehydration is the main concern. I had a cup of real tea today and I felt so much more productive. I’m going to stick with that for another couple of weeks is I can and then switch to coffee. It always did bother my stomach a bit, so I want to be careful. I’m going to try and avoid alcohol for a year if I can. I always eat too much when I drink and the worst foods-chips and crackers and chocolate.

I love this convo! I never had pre-op diet. I also now eat Anything I want , so long it’s counted in my calories. 75% of the time being “ clean” foods. Still haven’t drank alcohol simply because I don’t usually enjoy it- but I smoke pot often... I smile clean dabs from a vape. 1 small Hit and I’m toasted. It does cause major munchies in which I try to control. I don’t drink diet soda because I’m terrified of “ stretching “ my pouch ... afraid to eat and drink more new foods that won’t make me sick- because I’ll crave them all the time. I love water but also drink tea and coffee. Cream and stevia. Yay.

Meal planning will help save on food pre and post op, cooking your own food and freezing instead of wasting will save big time, only drinking filtered water- huge decrease in expenses especially if you pay a deposit fee per bottle/can, less money spent in excess on other self care things such as new hair styles, mani pedi etc all in an effort to mask the one thing you can't change- your weight, less money spent on cold allergy meds because you just won't get that sick as often when you are not straining your immune system, less money spent on indoor activities because you would rather walk hike bike etc, less money spent on alcohol just won't need as much , Less money spent on petro as you may walk more often... It will add up eventually

FWIW - I drink my coffee black. Always have. Partially as a result of that, there was full caffeinated coffee on my tray day after surgery. I had a few sips and was in heaven. My team's approach is if you don't add extra calories to it (e.g. cream and sugar) and you aren't bothered by the acid - have at it but try to keep it to 1 cup a day early on. I'm 23 months out. I drink roughly 32 ounces of black coffee almost every day. Doesn't bother me. Doesn't bother my team. I was told I could experiment with alcohol at 6 months. I waited on the booze, with the exception of sipping some wine at toasts at weddings I had to go to before that point. My rule on alcohol is that I have met all my protein and water goals and I have calories left in my daily allotment, I can have a drink. Again, that has been ok with my team and has worked for me.

I had the Bypass and was told no alcohol for 6 months, I don't think there was a duration for coffee, I'm drinking 1 cup daily at this point now and I started not long after my 3 month mark. Just aim for some low acid coffee and make sure to add some milk to allow the caffeine to bind to it, since high acid content and caffeine binding to calcium is some of the reasons we don't want to be consuming coffee too soon.

Hi there, We all seem to have very different guidelines for what we should eat and when. My program says no coffee for 6 months and no alcohol for 1 year. I’m doing ok with no carbs and no drinking. I am really struggling with no coffee and I feel it is actually affecting my focus and productivity at work. What does your program say about coffee? Thanks! (Not in Seattle, but couldn’t resist the title!)

I breastfed all my kids into toddlerhood and served mainly whole foods - always vegetables with the main course and homemade treats - oatmeal cookies, homemade pizza too. I was a poor military wife and on food stamps - but I learned better nutrition from La Leche League, I made all my own bread for years and years. My kids were not fat, thought yogurt was an amazing 'treat'. They all like most vegetables and eat nearly anything to this day. I used portion control with treats. I was devastated when the 2 middle kids of the 4 developed type 1 diabetes, I was totally devastated. Of course it was no one's fault - and there are no family members that have type 1 other than these two. Anyway....at least adapting to eating like diabetics was not difficult for the family. My bio sisters/brothers are/were not obese, my bio mother was not obese, nor my bio father. I was not raised by them. My paternal aunt and husband raised me from infancy and produced mega self-esteem issues in me. I used food for major comfort, was only slightly chubby all through school, weighed 135 in high school. Fast forward - I continued to eat for comfort in my alcoholic marriage for 18 years...piled on the pounds. And so on......but I still celebrate with food, food is meant to be enjoyed within reason. I think food at family functions is an important aspect that I am not going to give up. (But there are no chips in my house unless a non-resident brings them over) We eat too much processed food and took home-ec out of schools, need to require nutrition, how to shop for food, and cooking classes with those SNAP benefits. They actually did that for people on food stamps in Hawaii through the home extension programs. We also need to move more, some states don't require gym class either..we need balance.

Will drinking alcohol make you fail a sleep study test

I've never smoked, and I rarely drank (though for five years now I've had zero alcohol). I have nothing to offer except that it might be good to find some alternative behaviors that move you away from putting things in your mouth so you don't end up mindlessly eating. I wish you all the best.

I don't know about the commercial laxatives but I often use a sugar substitute ( sugar alcohols, stevia etc) which consumed in higher amount act as a laxative. This gives the stool a looser texture and no pain as it is excreted. Please anyone chime in if the other stuff does the same. Sent from my Coolpad 3622A using BariatricPal mobile app

@Ylime probably a bit more prone to scratching as it doesn't have the flush face, I got the rose gold and lavender special edition and when the band gets dingy I can just scrub it with soap and a nail brush and get it new looking. I have gotten it muddy gardening and just cleaned the back off with alcohol wipes and it was fine.

I just caught my husband cheating on me this past weekend and I moved him out of the house..... dumb me I made too quick of a decision I should have went along with it and played like I didn't know until I could get better prepared financially but I know in the long run I will be okay we may have to struggle. ( my kids and I) but may be going through this weight loss journey and if I lose weight enough to where I could have someone even take a second look at me maybe it's for the best we have lived in the pits of hell for the last 3 years and honestly I don't want to live like that anymore and I don't want to put my kids through it it was a constant battle and struggle everyday he is nothing but an alcoholic and cheater so now with him gone I can focus on me and my weight loss I need this time for me anyways even though it hurts I will be a Survivor along with you guys in this weight loss journey and a survivor getting over a bad marriage Sent from my SM-J327T1 using BariatricPal mobile app

I agree with everything @AshAsh1 said, especially "it doesn't sound like you are in the right mind frame to have this surgery. These are questions I wouldn't be concerned with if I was ready to change my life. ......You are concerned about not having to change your lifestyle. These questions don't sound like they are from someone who has hit their rock bottom and wants to have life changing surgery to lose weight. Just saying...." I agree that WLS surgery is a lifestyle change. Your sleeve isn't going to change anything in your mind. You can totally defeat this surgery by eating the wrong foods, eating too much and eating too frequently. Here are my experiences/opinions, 5 months post op 1. Will I be able to eat a cheeseburger and small fry with like a milkshake? Clearly I won't be opting for this on the daily but we all still need to indulge in our favorites once in a while and I'm not sure how much of it I'll be able to eat I'm assuming maybe like 1/3 or maybe 1/2 of the entire meal. But does anyone have experience with eating cheeseburgers, fries and a milkshake on like a vacation or for just a little "cheat meal"? I live in LA, so I have had In-n-Out post surgery. I can eat about 1/3 of a hamburger, protein style, no room for anything else. I actually prefer In-n-Out burgers protein style, since the buns are nothing special. I get it protein & animal style, hold the Thousand Island (mustard grilled patty & grilled onions, wrapped in lettuce). Their fries seriously suck, don't waste any stomach room on them. Have a sip or two of a milkshake if you must. But milkshakes are pure sabotage, so be careful. I don't think there is anything inherently wrong about eating local specialties on vacation, and being flexible for a week. But you have to be absolutely certain you can get back on plan once you get home. 2. I absolutely LOVE sparkling Water like La Croix and San Pellegrino, does anyone drink sparkling water on occasion? I have no issues w carbonation, as long as I don't drink out of a can. Over ice takes away some of the fizz, and doesn't bother me. 3. Cocktails and Wine, I'm not sure about you but being 24 I like to have myself an occasional couple of social beverages, how was your experience with alcohol both mixed drinks (hard liquor) and wine? (Don't worry about beer I don't like it). I have no issues with how alcohol effects me. But I have almost completely given up alcohol, because they are liquid calories with no nutritional value. I have worked way too hard and had too much success to undue it with a few drinks. A mixed cocktail has as many or more calories than I consume in a day. If you are serious about WLS you will come to the same conclusion that drinks, except on rare occasion aren't worth it. I may not be 24, but this was a BIG adjustment for me, as my job centers around entertaining and wining and dining. 4. Not to generalize but I think a lot of people have a sweet tooth, I love the occasional scone, croissant, cookie, French macaron, etc. how has your experience with these types of baked pastries been? This is the biggest worry about your post. Can you occasionally have these, yes, of course. But the fact you are worried about this pre op makes me think you are too attached, and occasional will be far too often. 5. coffee. I'm ADDICTED to coffee and espresso beverages; lattes, macchiatos, cappuccinos, matcha lattes. How have these affected you and do you sweeten them at all or keep it plain? Can you sweeten them with like flavored syrups like a pump of lavender simple Syrup or matcha powder? Ugh, lavender simple syrup, pure liquid calories again, as are most coffee drinks. Try out coffee at home with Premier Protein Caramel or Fairlifemilk and sf syrup. 7. Also will there be a time when eventually I can have a beverage while eating a snack or meal? Or will I forever not be able to consume liquids and solids at the same time? Nope, at 5 months I usually have to wait more than 1/2 hr to drink after a meal. I feel full, I feel my restriction working. I don't want to defeat it, push the food out of my stomach, and make myself hungry again. It's not a big deal for me at all. I do wish you luck, but think hard if you are ready for the lifestyle changes that successful WLS requires

and my doctor said 3 months... big difference eh? The point is that everyone's program is different. The only consistent thing is eventually they do allow alcohol again.

1. So yes, we all get the point of the surgery is to lose weight and lead a healthy lifestyle BUT that doesn't mean we can't enjoy ourselves sometimes. My favorite food chain is in LA, In-N-Out Burger. Will I be able to eat a cheeseburger and small fry with like a milkshake? Clearly I won't be opting for this on the daily but we all still need to indulge in our favorites once in a while and I'm not sure how much of it I'll be able to eat I'm assuming maybe like 1/3 or maybe 1/2 of the entire meal. But does anyone have experience with eating cheeseburgers, fries and a milkshake on like a vacation or for just a little "cheat meal"? (Again, I get the point is to NOT eat these types of food but sometimes you have urges especially on vacations). Maybe I over read what surgery you are having, but its a little different for a sleever or someone who's had RNY. I cannot eat regular ice cream. It has way too much sugar and I would dump. Occasionally I will eat sugar free ice cream from the grocery store. But you are hard pressed to find sugar free options at restaurants. Also, I would NEVER be able to eat a burger (never with a bun), fries, and a milk shake. I wouldn't have enough room. Let me give you an example, I was at Chili's this past weekend and I ordered shrimp tacos and fries as my side. I had 3-4 fries and one single taco (I was stuffed!). I did partake in a couple chips with salsa prior to the meal, and I can do that as long as its long enough before our meal comes out. Eating out is not fun for me anymore, and its almost frustrating because I waste so much food. By the time I start to enjoy something, I'm already full. Don't get me started on the cost factor. 2. I absolutely LOVE sparkling Water like La Croix and San Pellegrino, does anyone drink sparkling water on occasion? I drink carbonated beverages on occasion. This is not against my program. However, this is a mixed review in the WLS community. I would consult your surgeon to see if they allow carbonation after surgery. I also weighted until 3 months post op to make sure my staple line was completely healed. The important part is that you are drinking CALORIE FREE liquids. 3. Cocktails and Wine, I'm not sure about you but being 24 I like to have myself an occasional couple of social beverages, how was your experience with alcohol both mixed drinks (hard liquor) and wine? (Don't worry about beer I don't like it). I have drank hard alchohol on two occasions since surgery and I did just fine. I did half of a shot of vodka to one small can of sugar free Red Bull. I was cleared for alcohol 3 mons post op. 4. Not to generalize but I think a lot of people have a sweet tooth, I love the occasional scone, croissant, cookie, French macaron, etc. how has your experience with these types of baked pastries been? I don't eat baked goods at all. There is too much added sugar, and white processed flour. The only thing I indulge in is the SF ice cream on special occasions or really hot days. I stay away from most processed foods and things with added sugar. There are plenty of recipes you can make on your own at home that can satisfy your sweet tooth. This one below is for a protein brownie. But you will be hard pressed to find things at the store (already made) that are bariatric friendly. The common trend is make it yourself. Cooking, meal prepping, healthy shopping...ect. https://www.bariatriccookery.com/simply-gorgeous-protein-brownies 7. This is hopefully not going to be a struggle but when I eat I like to sip on water or unsweetened iced tea, coffee, etc. I know in the beginning you're supposed to drink like 30 minutes BEFORE consuming food. How soon after can you drink something? Also will there be a time when eventually I can have a beverage while eating a snack or meal? Or will I forever not be able to consume liquids and solids at the same time? The answer is you will forever have to withhold from drinking for the 30 mins before/after rule. The only time this does not apply is when you are in liquid stages of post op. This important for 2 reasons. The first being is that liquids will allow food to pass through your pouch quicker, making you able to eat more. The second, is it could cause your pouch to stretch. My program specifies the 30 minute after rule, but not before. Check with your surgeon to see what your program suggests. So I gave you very honest answers to most of your questions.... but let me say this, it doesn't sound like you are in the right mind frame to have this surgery. These are questions I wouldn't be concerned with if I was ready to change my life. There is a difference between concerned about post op recovery, types of vitamins, or protein sources. You are concerned about not having to change your lifestyle. These questions don't sound like they are from someone who has hit their rock bottom and wants to have life changing surgery to lose weight. Just saying.... Remember this, this surgery is 80% mind, and 20% body. You will have to overcome the mental aspects. Are you ready? Can you do it?