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I would caution anyone who has struggled with food addiction to be careful with alcohol after surgery. I am 4 years post-op, started drinking 2 years ago, and it has really messed me up. I thought I could handle it, thought I DESERVED it. I have gained 15 pounds back, and lost a lot of evenings that I ended up inebriated. It is NOT worth it for me. I have a friend who also had RNY that is giving me support, and I am going to KICK this addiction to the curb!

I would worry about getting an ulcer drinking alcohol this early after surgery. Things that dont affect you now may in a month or so after all the nerve endings of your new pouch heals. Honestly I think you are playing with fire drinking alcohol and coke this early in to the procedure. You may not be getting sick now but who knows what it is doing to your pouch. Just my two cents. Good luck

Hi all. This may be kind of long, so please bear with me. 13 years ago, due to a nasty divorce, I went on a diet of coffee and Water, and lost somewhere around 100 lbs in a little over 3 months. At that time, I started having major chest pain every time I had my period-to the point where I needed to be hospitalized every month for 4 days. I was throwing up bile and in so much pain every month-it was what I imagine a heart attack would feel like. They did extensive testing on me, and figured out that it was some kind of combination of endometriosis coupled with a strange form of pancreatitis. They decided there was some kind of pancreatitis involved, because during 2 different hospital stays, my amylase levels were way way up, and any surgeries that were consequently done triggered off attacks as bad as the ones I got with my period. They went in looking for the endometriosis, but never found it-although they told me that although they couldnt find it that didnt mean it wasnt there. I should also mention that until then, and after that I was never able to get pregnant, and we did end up adopting 2 beautiful children. I begged my dr to do a full hysterectomy, but he refused because they werent exactly sure what was causing the problem, so therefore they couldnt be sure that would stop it. I should mention that during this time, since they were testing for all kinds of things, they found I had a huge amount of gallstones, and they did a laparoscopy to remove my gall bladder. The surgery went well, however I did have an attack that lasted 4 days after, and the only thing that helped with the pain at that point was shots of dilaudid-(a form of heroin usually only given to cancer patients in their last days.... The doctor finally did put me on Lupron shots to stop my period, and I took them every month for over 5 years. The attacks all stopped, and I havent had a problem since. He did stop the shots 6 months ago, and although I have my period again-very irregularly, very heavy-I havent had an attack-thank goodness. Now, with all the reading I have been doing, I see that one side affect that is listed in the side affects that happen in less then 1% is pancreatitis. I also see that they wont put the lap band in someone who has chronic pancreatitis. Now I should mention that many pancreas problems are due to drinking excessive amounts of alcohol-which I dont do-not now nor ever. Other then maybe a glass of champagne on new years and a beer or 2 in the course of a whole year, I dont touch the stuff. The doctors never felt this was chronic pancreatitis-but they believed that endometriosis may be attached to the pancreas somewhere in my system which is extremely unusual. I guess my question is twofold. I have about 200 lbs to lose, and although I havent had an attack in over 4 years, of course I am scared to death that it will start again-I really cant even describe the kind of pain that was for me....My health is severely deteriorating due to the extra weight. I cant walk far because of my legs, my ankles are always swollen, I wake up short of breath very often, and I am out of breath from walking across the street. I really dont know how long my body can take all these extra pounds, and I have a 4 and a 5 year old to be here for. I am wondering if anyone here has had their pancreas affected by the band at all, and how it happened...If the surgeon is willing to do the lap band surgery, can anyone familiar with pancreas problems give me any suggestions as to what the dr could do to avoid it? Do you think the type of meds they use to put me under could also have something to do with the problems I have had? I know no one here is a dr, I am just wondering if anyone else has had any kind of experience with this sort of thing. I have been reading alot on alot of different message boards, and I havent seen anyone mention anything about it....:help: If youve gotten this far in my messy story, thanks for reading-and thanks to anyone who can offer me any insight. I do have an appointment in early July to start the ball rolling...I know the dr will have his own opinions....I guess I just want to know what others think as well... ~Dawn

I have noticed that I have become a cheap date. I used to be able to drink almost a bottle in a night and now 3 shots and I am good to go. I think it more than likely has something to do with losing fat, the more fat the more alcohol it takes to affect the system. Also you probably (hopefully) eating less so you have less carbs and other food to adsorb the alcohol. Has anyone noticed that way significantly less the day after they drink? I think it is because you lost water and are dehydrated.

Hello girls! I haven't heard from any of you in a while. I hope all is well. I have to admit I've been slacking a bit. Haven't weighed myself since I went for my last fill. Eventhough, I did tell myself I would only weigh myself at the doctor's office visits anyway. But right now its more out of fear. Lol I'm afraid I probably haven't lost any weight since my last visit. I haven't been monitoring my eating too much. Not that I've been eating too poorly, but I know it could be healthier as it was in the beginning. And I've been partying. I know not good. Too much unnecessary calories wasted on alcohol. I've tried to have the less caloric drinks, but I know its still a bit foolish. I also went to Jamaica last weekend for 4 days. All-inclusive. I think that says it all. Lol. I do have to commend myself on my eaiting, however. For all-inclusive I definitely ate A LOT less than I used to on my previous trips. I wasn't choosing fatty foods. And even my boyfriend was proud that I wasn't over doing it. I was supposed to go in on Monday for another fill but my doc won't be in the office. So I have to go in on the 16th. I'm going to try my hardest to work my ass of till then. DEFINITELY don't want to embarrass myself in front of my doctor but not haven't lost anything, and worst of all, by gaining some back. Well, sorry for rambling. Hope every one had a great holiday and is keeping up a lot better than I have. LOL

Hi everyone--so far I am staying on track, now that I am finally back to exercising. The cough will not go away, I sure do wish it would, I am very ready to breath normally again!!! Yesterday, we went out and cut 3 trees for the Christmas party at DH's work. We walked out in the hills for miles it seemed!!! But it was great fun, the weather was cool and clear, and we saw HUGE jackrabbits, and several deer, and a coyote. We found the trees we wanted, and then the work began!!! DH was insistant I would learn how to chop these trees!!! Let me add, the area we went to get the trees is on BLM (Bureau of Land Management) and it was tagged. You could only cut tagged trees, because they were being thinned, and culled for burn protection. So if people didn't cut them for Christmas, they were going to be removed, and debranched in January/February. They remove all branches under 8" and leave the trunks in piles, for people to gather as fire wood. The branches are mulched back into the ground. So anyway we cut 3 trees, and it was WORK!!!! Then we had to carry them back to the truck. We had a wonderful time!! I had been worried about DH, we had been at odds, and I was worried he was dealing with some depression, but he was his old self yesterday---what a relief!!! We were gone all day, it literally took hours to get the trees carried back. We had stopped and got Subway (I know.....) to take out with us, and we had several jugs of water. He has a winter emergency kit in the truck, with canned goods, candles etc. I know I got my exercise in yesterday!! Today I will use my energy trying to remove the sap from my hands!!! Not really, but I bathed them in alcohol yesterday getting it off. Today he and the guys will get them in stands, and the party staff will take over. At first I was kinda irritated that he had to be the one to go out and get them. Seems like he always gets the extra things to do....but afterwards, I am VERY glad he did---it was a great day!!! Today I have been to Curves, and am heading out to buy 3 things...and then I am done. Well I have baking and junk to do, but that is it---Bring it on Christmas, I am ready!!! Hope everyone has a great day!!!! And if you stop in Heather (K@t) !!!!HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!! Hope your day is special! Kat

I stumbled on this support section on the forum last night and feel it was for a reason... I need some help . I am feeling like presently I am not only using food but alcohol as well to numb me and stuff everything down. I have had some complications and have been basically unrestricted and going crazy eating since May... I gained like 35 back now.... I also have been drinking as well all along and even when I was close to goal for the past four years... I am at a point emotionally where I realize I need professional help for my head and that I really need to sort out the baggage. It can't be pushed down anymore if I am using food and alcohol as my only source of comfort. Even when it was only a three ounce piece of salmon and pureed vegtables it was my source of focus and soothing always with an "expensive" glass of wine or more...Going "out" to a nice place was a n entire experience for me to make myself feel better... Is this so wrrong? I guess when you can'e control your eating and drinking it is... I am considering a 12 step...I have been to AA before a few years back but of course decided that I really did not have a problem ... I also had trouble finding a group I felt comfortable with. The person I asked to be my sponsor flaked out and I was scared off. I have been to Food Addicts for awhile. I have never tried OA . I just need some advice and connection with someone on here. I am banded ,,,soon to be re-banded and not your average case. I am feeling awful right now.

My doctor actually recommends not drinking for a year after being sleeved. He says that your body absorbs the alcohol a lot faster and it takes very little to get you very drunk--making alcohol poisoning a definite possibility. He pleads with his patients that if they do decide to drink alcohol, to do it in extreme moderation, and DEFINITELY NO DRIVING!

1. Depends on the type of work you do - I went back 10 days post-op with no problems, and my days consisted of a 3+ hour commute (total) and meetings, meetings meetings. Since you're a teacher, just know that two weeks out you'll still be exhausted easily...but keep up your Protein, liquid & Vitamins and you'll soon get back into the habit! (As a side note, I went back to teaching after 10 days of "recovery" after my LapBand surgery - piece of cake...I'm just not a teacher anymore!) 2. Losing happens in the kitchen - fitness happens in exercise. Get some kind of activity in and you'll be just fine! 3. I wouldn't have needed help - my surgery was relatively easy and my recovery was quick...only sleepiness and low energy were my enemies! You DO need someone to drive you home from the hospital, so make sure you have that! If you clean your house ahead of time and stock up on liquids, you'll be fine! My boyfriend lives with me and wanted to take care of me and, honestly, he was bummed I didn't "need" him more! I let him make me smoothies/protein shakes 4. Follow your doctor's rules and listen to your body - my rules were no carbonation until 30 days post-op and no alcohol until 6 months post-op. Even after those timelines, I'll go slow and see how my body reacts!

I am 8 months out and i low carb it for the most part. I have learned the trick is to have some carbs.... that way ur body doesnt freak and go into fat holding mode when you eat them. I dont have many but once a week i have a meal where i eat what i want and have dessert even..this helps me not to pig out during the week. That below 20 carbs is for the birds..and if i could do that i'd not have had to have lapband for the assistance!! lol i have under 60 usually and that works for me. I avoid bread and rice and potato of course... no alcohol. My snacks if i have them are nuts or South Beach. Dont beat urself up about it... you can and will do it... Good Luck!

My brother passed away exactly this time last year after a long struggle with alcohol. He was only 47. I took it very hard and gained even more weight doing my version of "coping" and was feeling horrible. Then in August my health problems started. I was diagnosed with PCOS and put on metformin for my blood sugar and was taking 4-5 birth control pills per day. I knew the day I was prescribed all of those pills that it was time! I look at it like I am conquering the addiction that I have allowed to control me. My brother would be proud I think. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I eat breads sometimes........ pizza sometimes. I miss my diet Pepsi sometimes but I drank waaaaay to much of it before. I think I waited 2 months before drinking alcohol. Sometimes I do drink beer.

I see the sugar alcohol content listed but what does it mean in terms of an ingredient Sent from my SM-G965U using BariatricPal mobile app

I have had luck with some sugar free candies. You have to look at the sugar alcohol content and gauge it. I started with sugar free life savers and did ok. Some Russel Stover's sf chocolates are fine, others make me feel yucky. I'd avoid sugar free licorice, gummy bears, and Reese's. I'm 10 months out and don't have these items at all anymore. 1) because I don't want to really on artificial sweeteners for sweets so I fruit instead, and 2) because they seem to make me constipated and that's a tricky balance at my phase. Good luck, dear!

i really didnt know you could be addicted anything else then drugs.. alcohol or sex untill 2 days ago.. im in love with diet coke!! yes i FREAKIN LOVE IT..but with the carbonation cant have it!! i was at my grandparents and bam... there was like what seemed like a frickin mountain of diet coke... i just looked at it and looked the other way and wondered what it would do if i drank one... i didnt but i still thought about it for atleast 2 hrs.. i swear i had the shakes like i was fiening for crack lol!!

@@coco86 - In general, it is more that the fat surrounding the liver(and all your organs for that matter), which causes fatty liver, is what your body will use first. A diet which causes your body to break down fats into the sugars your body needs will generally shrink the liver due to that fat being used first. So, your liver shrinks because you are putting less sugar into your body. You can read up on NASH (Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis) When I had my testing done my ultrasound showed that I had "fatty liver". If it is to fat then the surgeon cannot get in and see the stomach very well in order to do the surgery. So, my putting you on a high Protein, no sugar, low carb diet it can help shrink the liver. For my own decision, I would rather do and help put my mind into play about starting this new life change, and also I don't want the surgeon to go in and then can't perform the surgery because they can't see my stomach. I have heard stories of that happening, where surgeons have gone in and the liver was so large they had to come out and do the surgery another time.

I am not sure if anyone goes on Obesityhelp.com but I posted something there and I thought I would share it with my Texas family(lapbandtalk.com). It is quite long so grab a 32oz. bottle of Water, get comfortable and start reading. I believe alot of people will relate to this testimony of mine but for my mind I had to write this. food ADDICTION JODI’S LIFE STORY (MY BATTLE WITH FOOD) THIS IS WRITTEN FOR MY MAINTENANCE I am 41 years of age and I can’t believe I finally figured out the meaning, and the importance of food. Growing up in my home, food was plentiful. During my time as a child, it was so important to eat everything on your plate because of all the starving children of the third world countries. We didn’t know how fortunate we were and how unfortunate other children were because we didn’t understand the differences. I must say though that my addiction has never been and never will be my mother’s doing. She didn’t stuff the food in my mouth. In fact, she was a very healthy cook. She always made sure we had the five food groups like we are supposed to. I ate everything under the sun behind her back. I wasn’t going to allow anyone to disrupt my favorite (unhealthy) foods. For a while though I thought it was a lot of her fault and at this time I want to apologize to her for even having those thoughts. To give you a little background on this, I remember in second grade my mother noticed I was having a weight problem. She brought me to a doctor who put me, I believe, on a diet. The only thing I can truly remember is diet sodas and skim milk. Candy was allowed during Halloween in which we broke the bank in our neighborhood. They gave out big bars, not the bite size or fun size like they do now. With that said we were allowed one piece a day. Of course I didn’t listen. I had the candy underneath my bed and enjoyed every morsel. Our Easter basket hunt my mother had panties, socks, trinkets, fruit and jelly Beans. Till this day I HATE JELLY BEANS. I can say at that time I hated her for this. It was so unfair. As of today, I was so unfair to think that of her. I love her with all my heart and can’t thank her enough for everything that she has done for me and all the care, love and understanding she has given me all of my life. Even during this time when I am struggling with my food addiction she is supporting me 100% and has always been worried about me only for health reasons. She loves me unconditionally for who I am and is not disgusted by the way I had looked. My mother has always been my rock. My husband is an unbelievable man. What he has put up with in his lifetime with me, I believe any man would have left their wife. There are many other reasons besides my weight problem but this is what I need to write about. I thank God on my knees for bringing him in my life. He is caring, loving, understanding, most of the time, and no one has more patience than him. I love him so much too and unfortunately I don’t tell him enough. I will be letting him read this and I want him to understand from this letter that I was never much for I love you, hugs and kisses. I want him to ask my family what a cold person I used to be. They know. I hated myself so much and I was so stand offish. I was just a hateful child even as an adult because of my weight issues. I realize now it was because I hated myself. I was very unhappy with myself. The more I hated, the more I ate. Who me? I eat fruits and vegetables, right? I was only getting bigger and bigger. Who in the hell was I kidding………………………………… I was just killing myself inside. Probably in my lifetime I have lost close to 1000 pounds. Up and down, up and down. I have tried Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, Adkins Diet, Cabbage Soup diet, starvation diet, that was one salad a day and fried chicken on Fridays only and if I couldn’t stand the hunger I used to eat some popcorn. I even took 8 Exlax chocolates a day to get rid of my food. At that time I was losing my hair so I went to GNC to ask why I could be losing my hair. There was a doctor there and he put one finger on my upper chest area and he said, you are taking Exlax and you better get off it. I didn’t say a word to him and I turned around and left. I did stop taking them. I was fine medically for the moment but then once I got to 254 pounds I started noticing my knees hurting. I walk my dog daily and every time I went up a few steps my knees were hurting. I just dealt with it because on the outside I was just accepting myself for being obese because I truly believed there was no hope for me. I have been through the ringer with dieting, losing and gaining. I was in a lot of pain mentally though with myself. I am a pro at fake smiles. I soon was turning 41 years old, at this time my knees were burning going up those stairs to walk my dog and I thought, what am I doing to myself, I have to stop allowing this food to run my life. It is slowly killing me, I thought. I finally said to myself I have to do something about this but then I was afraid. I didn’t know what to do. One day at work, God must have spoke to my friend Jalinda because she came one day to me and told me about a weight loss procedure she knew about. It is called Lap Band. It is a Laparoscopic Banding procedure and it is a minimally invasive procedure. I thought that was perfect for me. I went to a seminar one Saturday to learn about it and that is when my new life began. I went to see Dr. Snow with the appt. that I had made from the seminar. It was two weeks after the seminar and I was over anxious to get the preliminaries over with. I wasn’t even sure if the insurance would cover this much less approve me. I was severely obese according to my BMI reading. I believe I was approved by my insurance 3 weeks later. My surgery was scheduled for November 10, 2005. Five days prior to the surgery I had to go on a liquid diet. I told my crew at work that if I am crabby, I am sorry for that. What a starvation diet this was going to be. It wasn’t bad at all probably because I was still able to drink my coffee. During that time I lost 12 pounds and that was a hell of a jump start for me to keep me motivated, even though that was just water weight I’m sure. On the day of surgery I remember Dr. Snow coming to see me before he performed the procedure. He said, with percentages possibly being wrong, it is 20% the band and 80% you’re doing. I truly took that to heart. I believe at that moment I was hooked on changing my lifestyle. I am not going to live to eat anymore. I am going to eat to live. I am on the road to becoming healthy and enjoying it too. Today is my 7 month band anniversary and I have lost a total of 103 pounds. I have 3 more pounds to go to get to my goal weight and I am excited to get there. My struggles now are not losing the weight. I have proven that to myself. I am now terrified to be able to keep it off. Maintenance has always been an issue with me. Once I get to my goal weight I have to figure out how to stop losing weight. Then I have to figure out how the scale is going to stay at 145 lbs. People have said to me that there is no way you would ever be able to gain that weight back. They don’t know about my history though so there isn’t much baring on what they said. I am a food addict. To be more specific, I am a fast food junkie. Till this day it still bothers me to smell deep fried food cooking. I used to say if I could just lick a French fry it would satisfy me but I know that I am just fooling myself. I would have grabbed the bag of fries, run into the bathroom and eat them. I am a very good closet eater and I was a pro at eating in my car. I will never do that again unless I have no choice but my food choice will be extremely different. I don’t crave that food at all but smelling it is a different story. I know that I am able to see Dr. Snow if I start falling off the band wagon. He would be able to give me an adjustment to help with restriction but I haven’t needed that so far and I would like to say that I have conquered my food addiction some day and I never would have to be restricted; if the need arises though I will run to his office to get help. Food can be very addictive. For some, it is a drug. We need to understand what food is for. We need to fuel our system to survive. It is not to be taken advantage of. I don’t understand what happened in this country and the food intake. It isn’t the amount that you put in your system that makes it better; it is the taste of the food that satisfies you. We need to listen to our stomachs that is telling us, “Hey you are stuffing me” and you have had enough. STOP EATING when your stomach is satisfied. Be thankful for what we have. There are so many starving people in our country as well as in other countries. If you are plentiful, give to the ones who really need to eat it. The restaurants put enough food on our plates to feed two people. We need to be realistic about our food intake. Take your time eating your meal and realize how lucky you are to be able to eat. I am in dire need for a lot of support now. I made a lifestyle change and I still do not trust myself. I am hoping I can make it this time. The struggle is all in my mind and not in my stomach. I still see myself as obese. Not in the sense of looking at myself but my mind. I will go to support group meetings just like an alcoholic would to AA. They are considered, I believe, an alcoholic the rest of their life and I consider myself a food addict all my life. Hopefully I am on the road to recovery but it will be a life long struggle for me. To my husband, all of my family members, Jalinda, and Dr. Robert Snow I want to Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the support you have given me thus far. My journey is not finished yet though. It has only just begun…………………… With Loving Thoughts Josephine (Jodi) Darugar June 10, 2006

It's things with no nutritional value but high in calories. Things like alcohol, Cookies, pies, cakes, chips and crap like that. When I think of all the soda's that are sold each day and all that money spent on them and the calories and absolutely no nutritional value at all, none.

VEGAS is alcohol and bad food decision central. I'm going with my girlfriends and will be six months out. I'll have a cocktail or two, but won't go insane.

So 11 months post op and yes I drink.. Red wine tastes like crap and I used to love it, I only like white now.. But what is really strange... is the 'phases' I have gone thru... for a while I was CRAVING Bloody Mary's. It probably wasn't the alcohol but something in the tomato juice, although I made them with low sodium V8. The next phase was Red Grapefruit Juice and vodka... again I couldn't get enough Grapefruit! I was even buying the pre peeled Grapefruit in the produce section, it's chilled in jars.. and eating it. Now it it Cran-Raspberry juice and vodka...Ocean Spray makes a Light version, and raspberry flavoring in my Water daily.. So just wondering if my body is craving the acid or the Vitamin C in all these mixers and I am just making the situation bad b adding the alcohol?

Have your first alcoholic drink and what was it?

before I had my gastric bypass I drank often. After surgery when I drank again i got drunk much faster. I soon discovered that I was an alcoholic and stopped drinking any alchohol of any kind. I discovered when in alchohol treatment several other people that also had a bypass done. Be careful and be aware when you drink the amts you drink and reasons for drinking. For me food was not my only addiction.

It varies by surgeon, they all have a set of guidelines that they know will work for their patients. I was never told I couldn't use straws, just to be careful and drink slowly. The same goes for coffee and alcohol. My doc never said I couldn't ever have coffee or alcohol again, but some doctors do forbid those items to their patients. Everyone is different and is going to respond to straws, coffee, and alcohol differently. So my approach is to be very careful when trying something new. If in doubt, I always call my doctor or nutritionist.

My doctor has recommended no straws due to gas from sucking n the straw. I use a Water bottle instead and it works great. In restaurants I never order anything to drink because of the 30 minutes before and after rule. I carry my water bottle everywhere I go including in my house so I have a constant reminder to drink my water. Alcohol is a no no for at least the first year and then with caution after that. Caffeinetted beverages actually dehydrates you. I was told I could have it if I wanted after month 3. I simply don't because it gives me migraines if I drink too much of it. I am a water girl all the way but honestly had been drinking only water for the last 3 years. Or milk.

Well good news is, I've felt much better the last two days, almost normal. I'm out in the real world for an out of state work event this week. I was super anxious about going, I wasn't sure how I would hold up. I'm LOVING my sleeve. These past two days I've had all this amazing food available to me. I'm not hungry, so that has helped making smart choices easier (egg white omelette vs. hash browns at the breakfast buffet). Last night I was at a set dinner, 8 course meal. I had a couple of bites out of about 1/2 of the courses, and I was FULL. I've also apparently lost my taste for alcohol, at least for now. I've let a beer and 2 cocktails go warm and half finished after nursing them. And nothing seems to bother my sleeve. I've had lots of different proteins the last couple of days, and everything has gone fine. I've stayed away from any straight carbs or veggies/salad. Fibrous or raw veggies are the only thing that scare me. The only bad thing is my small portions and lack of alcohol consumption are super obvious to my boss, whom I'm with all week, I've had to invent a story about digestive issues. He's mostly just upset he's lost his drinking buddy.