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Well done OP for nipping this in the bud. I regained 7kg last year (3rd year after my surgery) and I had to diet for months to lose that again. I am now back to tracking everything. I too got complacent. Alcohol crept in. I wasn't exercising NEARLY as much as I had. No more. It took too much effort to lose, I do not want to have to do that (all) ever again. Far too comfortable at my new weight. So far this year I have maintained by sticking to the surgery rules - protein first, veg second, carbs third by a long way. Everything crossed I can stick to this!

Thank you! I'm know my husband’s favorite Podcaster lovvvves the paleovalley bone broth protein powder, but we haven't got any of the unflavored for me to taste. Anything with flavors (i.e. stevia, monkfruit, sugar alcohols, etc.) makes me ill. I'm just trying to get some things on hand to try after my surgery.

My advice is to make changes to your diet and exercise in the next few months that you feel you can maintain for the rest of your life, as opposed to trying a fad diet (Keto, paleo, etc.) that is likely to be too extreme. Focus on basics like reducing your simple carbs and sugars, increasing your lean protein and veggies. Start measuring your portions to make sure you are not eating more than you think. Start getting your 64oz or more of water every day and cut out any sugar-sweetened drinks that you might drink (and also alcohol) because it's just empty calories. Walking and light weights are really great, but remember that about 80% of your weight loss comes from your diet, and only 20% from exercise, so don't feel like you have to go crazy with joining a gym and working out, especially if you're starting from sedentary. Regular walking every day does amazing things. At this stage, small changes can make a big difference. One thing I did right away was go through my cupboards and get rid of temptations. I stopped buying crackers, pretzels, cookies, and sweets. I would still have a treat when I was out, but I would try not to bring it home. Since I work from home, not having things in the cupboards to tempt me was a huge help. I was not required to lose weight before my surgery, but by making these little changes, plus the strict 2-week liquid diet, I ended up going from 251 lbs to 225 lbs in about 6 months. You can do it!

I know it is hard but try not to let her (and anyone else with a negative attitude) get to you. You have taken a big step and congratulations on starting the journey to a new you. Did the medical team say they wouldn't operate if you didn't reach the 34lb loss? I am sure they don't stop everything if you are just a few pounds short so don't stress if you can help it. You say it is a supervised plan so I presume they are used to helping patients follow it and adapt it to an individuals needs so that should be a help for you. You are so motivated (studying, saving etc) that you will do your best and any loss pre-surgery is a win. I had sleeve surgery and in the months before I tried my best to eat smaller portions so I switched to an appetiser sized bowl and plate for most of my meals. I knew I would be using them after the surgery so figured may as well ease myself into it. I also tried to start eating slower - I am still not great at that but better than before. Food wise don't go so extreme that you then self sabotage at some point out of desperation for a food you love. We all have different reasons for getting to the size we do that needs surgical intervention, for me it was partly not knowing when to stop eating, too much carbs and alcohol and not exercising at all. I didn't have to go on a diet pre-op or do the liver reduction thing a lot of patients have to do but in the weeks before my surgery I went on holiday and ate everything I wanted so actually went up in weight so then when I returned I just cut down on things but still allowed myself an occasional treat, so instead of pastries for breakfast I had Greek or skyr yogurts, shop bought sandwiches etc for lunch were swapped for homemade veg soup, for dinners instead of pizza's, burgers and pasta dishes I tried to have more chicken & veg based meals, cutting back on a lot of carbs. I swapped out rice and pasta for cauliflower rice or lentil pasta. These small changes helped me get back on track before my surgery but as I didn't have to follow a pre-surgery diet plan it was more for me, so as to get into good habits. I am sure there will be plenty of advice and support here for you 💪

Well post sleeve alcohol has absolutely no effect on me. I figured it’s a waste of Callie’s and money and stopped drinking. Post revision I figured why try it now that I’m used to not having it

Definitely not an ideal day, @ShoppGirl! I'll be smarter next time and make sure I test meds before taking them 😭😂 though with that being said, I don't see myself taking cocodamol again! It's definitely a really interesting topic on how our body absorbs things now, and I think @SpartanMaker had a really valid point in that my body is probably absorbing things a lot quicker! It is a conundrum for me, because I fully expected that alcohol would be absorbed quickly post-bypass, and was warned about this by everyone but all it does is give me a headache, no drunk feeling at all! So it's pointless for me 😂

I had a pretty nasty bout of blood in my stool which put me in the emergency room- I had lost a lot of blood. When the finally got the endoscopy done two days later- no active bleed. But it was depressing to say the least, and I'm no youngster at 70 years. So, I decided to stop alcohol. I've done it before- I was sober for about 35 years before I resumed drinking and went from 1-100 pretty fast. I know I'm an addictive personality, I found a program- outpatient intensive that will accept me-the real trick with this is what is called "after-care." I was never much for AA, but found groups where people can give feedback or respond to be extremely helpful. That will happen as p/o this program but it is short term and I've asked about aftercare options following the "intensive." I think my life will be better without the booze- it certainly was most of my adult life-- I got careless, figured WTF, and wanted something to calm me down. I don't like pot, it makes me paranoid. I used to drink tons of fizzy water. Can't really do carbonated drinks post surgery , I do stay hydrated and use sugar free electrolyte powder in my thermos. (Doesn't everybody have a thermos these days that they carry around? Sure seems like it). Anyway, the best path for me is the simple- abstinence and getting back to a mentality where a drink is out of the question. I gather than gastric bypass patients may be prone to shifting addictions but I already knew this was an issue for me before the surgery. Still working out at the gym-a life saver and seeing a "shrink" have both also helped, as has my internist. I'm hardly a moralist about this- if you can handle drink, fine. It's obvious that I'm in that cohort that cannot. Thanks for listening and for the feedback here. Happy this year to all.

2024 was no my eating friend. I had Surgery 9 years ago and I am just so mad at myself for letting myself go. Soooo.... 2025: Take my Vitamins Drink less alcohol Drink more water Meal prep Take more time for me Actually exercise

I would like to end 2025 at approximately the weight I start it. Not because I am hung up on a certain figure but because it's where I feel best. And where all my new clothes fit best. I did achieve that goal this year, but only after regaining a goodly chunk and then actively having to diet to get it off again. I don't like dieting and I feel like I shouldn't need to any more - if I use my sleeve properly. It still does its thing as soon as I let it. I know where I went wrong - I stopped tracking and then stopped weighing myself when the stopping tracking resulted in regain. I also allowed myself more alcohol than I needed (drinking empty calories is completely idiotic). I've nipped that right in the bud. I'd like to eat well, keep tracking, and MAINTAIN (ish) this year. Good luck to everyone with their goals and I love the reframing from resolutions, where so many of us have set ourselves up to fail for years.

Drink less alcohol (i drink too much, and it really is getting out of hand) Do less exercise (i exercise too much and my body is starting to object...feel like i am hurting in some body part or other like 24/7 these days). Buy less clothes. Eat more often. Read more books. Floss my teeth regularly. Do what i say i'm going to do.

Sorry I have been MIA guys! I was out of town for a long weekend for a friend's 40th birthday celebration this past weekend and work was crazy before that, trying to prepare to be out. @Justarwaxx I hope everything went well with your surgeon. I feel like I have been losing weight slower than most too so I get your pain and feeling of unrealistic expectations put on you. Just remember that your still losing and your journey is exactly that... YOURS and it's yours alone. @ShoppGirl I'm so sorry to hear about your struggles with cancer; I hope the treatments are working and going well! We appreciate you letting us in and sharing your story. It's great that that you are mostly feeling okay. I'm sure it has to be hard balancing managing your health in multiple ways at the same time. I'm glad we have this community to help support you! I went a little overboard with eating this weekend because there was so much food and alcohol; I think I did okay at meals but there was a lot of snacking. I am used to having my husband with me when I go out, because he is willing to split everything thing with me, though I had one friend that would do it sometimes. I didn't gain weight, but I also didn't lose any weight. I am trying to be super good today to help me get back on track and back in my normal eating routine.

I hear the GLP-1/GIP drugs (Ozempic, Wegovy, etc) can drastically reduce cravings for alcohol. If you have that combined with some regain could your surgical team prescribe perhaps?

Hi y'all, I am new to this forum and just want to first acknowledge and commend the courage and strength y'all have in utilizing this fortunate tool in your journey to a healthier life. I am at a crossroads. I am a 6'2", 275lb, 39-year-old man with VSG scheduled for Jan. 16, 2025, and I am having serious doubts--some caused by my health practitioners (chiropractor and non-WSL-related psychiatrist). I am on five different maintenance pills for blood pressure and cholesterol. My highest weight was 330lb. I lost 50 lbs in 2022 for a wedding, gained 30 in 2023 and lost 25 lbs from October 31st, 2024 until now (extreme crash diet). The total down is 55. My ideal weight is 210-225, provided that weight encompasses an active lifestyle and dedicated weight training. Here is the rub: I am scared of the surgery, and that fear has really kicked my butt to get healthy. My liver no longer shows NAFLD or alcohol damage with enzymes in the normal range. That is surprising because I was (honestly) an incredible "alcoholic" from 2013-2023. It may be hubris, but I am in no way concerned about addiction transfer as I have fully recovered from alcoholism following a wegovy and booze and supplement mix that caused acute pancreatitis. Blood pressure and cholesterol are under control. Sleep apnea sucks. Mental health is good to great. Banned currently from GLP-1 ( aforementioned acute pancreatitis). I have kicked all the typical vices. Despite all that, I am cleared for surgery, and the surgeon thinks I am an ideal candidate because of the lower risk of chronic pancreatitis following the knife. My surgeon is located in America, and my insurance is on board. Meanwhile, I have had little trouble maintaining a 1600- to 1000-calorie fat-burning diet, especially since a surgery date made it a very, very real concept. My primary motivation for pursuing VSG was for my family and my 2-year-old daughter, coupled with a debilitating (but now manageable) back injury that left me sedentary for nearly 2 years, and, of course, to address my comorbidities. Now that my back is "okay," I can exercise 3 to 5 times weekly. But if I don't lose weight, spinal degradation and likely further stenosis around the sciatic nerve will continue. I was supposed to have surgery earlier in the Spring of 2024 but bailed because of a month-long family holiday to Asia and then a summer of the in-laws staying with us. Also, we are trying to get pregnant again, but my wife's self-imposed window is closing as she soon turns 40. So, what do I do? Given that my ideal weight is approximately 65 lbs away, would you pursue VSG? Would you delay it while trying to conceive (this is a big one)? Am I getting stuck on too many variables? Would VSG make global travel a different experience? Or do I buckle up and charge ahead? Should I try giving the "natural" way a shot for one more year? I have unflinching support from my family and parents to go for it, and I have little doubt that I would excel in a post-op life. But I am worried about travel, a change in taste, and, generally, pain. Pain makes me an unpleasant person at times. But I dread ballooning up to qualify for insurance if the "natural" way fails my goals. None of this was a concern until a surgery date made it real. I appreciate you reading this and thank you in advance for any comments, long or short. A simple "Go" or "No Go" would be appreciated. I am actively planning for the surgery and, regardless, look forward to the two-week pre-op diet challenge. However, I could see myself bailing like two days before. Digital prayers for all! Is anybody ever too young for a midlife crisis?

This sounds so frustrating. Could you track everything you eat, even for one week (on my fitness pal or similar) and get a handle on what you're actually taking in? Do be careful about drinking calories - so easy to do with sweet tea etc. Totally empty. I do that with alcohol sometimes 😟 NickelChip is absolutely right - it might be really helpful to eat more whole and freshly prepared foods. Protein first (it really honestly does fill your sleeve up), veg second and carbs (including coating on chicken, etc) a very long way behind.

Good Evening everyone!!!! Today is Saturday December 14, 2024. I had the Gastric bypass surgery on 10/9/18. I started at 510, pre op weight was 420lbs, and my lowest weight was 261 lbs in october of 2020. I relocated to Upstate NY in August of 2019, to meet the love of my life and we've been together solidly for 5 years. When 2020 hit, of course we all went down. My epilepsy took over along with my depression issues, so I gave up. I have a eating disorder and did not accept it until after surgery. I fell back into my eating disorder, along with drinking alcohol. Fast forward to 2024, February hits and I decided to get back on the journey. I started at 486 lbs and now am down to 344 lbs. I want to continue, until i hit my lowest weight again, of 261 lbs. What I am looking for is an accountability partner. I am wanting someone to talk with daily, someone who will take advice and will give advice also, someone who will accept hard love and encouragement, also provide it. Its just me and my woman, she has her own health matters and is not on the same journey as i am. So, i am alone with this. I dont have friends locally. And ive tried groups on facebook, no success. So, if anyone is interested, let me know please! it will be a judgement free zone and I do understand that everyones journey is different and we all have different goals. 4

Most people say the buzz hits them quick post surgery.but they sober up quicker as well. I can see how it is nice to have a drink with dinner for me it’s just a waste. I never did love the taste of alcohol so if I’m not gonna get a buzz and it doesn’t taste good Why pay the price and why waste the calories. I think I am a totally anomaly though. I’ve been on these boards for a few years now and I’ve never heard of anyone else that has that issue.

Wagyu is expensive steak; so I had my 1 oz and I was good for meat pretty much. The cocktail went okay. I definitely think alcohol hits me more, but I don't know if that's the sleeve or that I haven't drank in 5 months. I didn't drink the whole cocktail, but it was nice to go for dinner and drinks, because I feel like that was something I was missing out on, not being able to drink while I'm eating.

The sugar alcohol mentioned above is a very likely Culprit but I’d that not it, Perhaps you are not highly allergic but sensitive to a certain type of milk and drinking it all day you are noticing it more than if you just had a glass a day. Or the type of protein too they make lots of different shakes with different proteins and soy alternative and all of that. A good way to try a variety is to check a large convenience store. Although I am not sure how many of the alternative styles of shakes they will have. Worth a shot though instead of buying multipacks of something you can’t drink.

Check to see if your shakes have sugar alcohols (those that end in ‘ol’ like arthritis, sorbitol, xylitol, etc.). They can cause bloating, gas and diarrhoea. Worth checking & if they do ask your team for an alternative shake that uses another sweetener. All the best with your surgery.

This is one thing I look out for all the time. I am 3.5 years into recovery and not had a drink of alcohol since 8/11/2018 but california sober got me for awhile. Got really real and I am worried about this but learned during pre surgery **** that it happens, and is real so I stay very diligent. Keep up the good work, the first step is always the hardest.

@Todd_196 Thank you for being brave and sharing this. As another guy that who has ups and downs in this area, I appreciate it. Alcohol is so tricky after these surgeries. I am very proud of you!

Good job! I'm not going to say the hardest part is over, because it's not addiction for a lot of people is a continual struggle. What I will say is that alcohol is a depressant, so by giving it up it could effect your life in so many ways for the better. Less depression means more happiness, more willingness to interact with people, more ability to workout and want to take care of yourself. All things to help in your sobriety and with your weight loss journey. Good luck to you in this time of change; change is never easy, but it's worth it.

I'm sorry you're going through this, but I'm proud of you for being able to admit this and make the decision to change it. I worry about those that drink daily and don't moderate their alcohol consumption after the surgery. It's one thing to enjoy an occasional drink, it's another to drink daily (or multiple times per day). I really am impressed with your ability for self reflection and honesty. I really hope you're able to work through this. You took the first step today. Keep going, and good luck!!!

Todd, you have admitted that you are an alcoholic which is the first step. Hallelujah for you being able to do that. God bless you on your journey. My husband drank over 50 years. We just celebrated year 3 of his sobriety. It can be done. We are rooting and praying for you. Love, Teresa in Virginia

First and foremost, I'm not going to preach abstinence, we are all adults and can make our own decisions. For me, apparently, I'm not an adult enough to be responsible. I've let alcohol take over, I drink daily and I've gained weight back. My spiral started around 4 years ago and has progressed steadily. Until recently, I was in control. I could drink and be ok. I would get drunk and know what happened the next day. Now however, I will get drunk and can't remember a thing. The next day I have massive brain fog, can't concentrate, can't orate correctly, I feel like crap, have the shakes etc. To be clear, I never leave my house and drive. I worry however that it could come to that. My weight is making my back problem even more painful. My clothes are tight, I'm depressed, and it's just awful. I feel like it's groundhogs day every day. I say I'm going to stop and I last a few days and then I slip back. However today I've made a decision to stop drinking entirely. I'm done. I'm not drinking ever again. I clearly can't control my self. I'm an addict with food and now alcohol. Much like food did, booze will ruin my life if I continue. I'm going to join AA and clean my life up yet again. Writing this is a first step for me. I'm not looking for pity, or to be chastised. I need to be self shamed and admit what I am. I'm an alcoholic. However, I can change this, I will change this. I will be healthier soon, it will be hard but I'm going to get there. So please, be careful with alcohol. We all spent a lot of time and money to say nothing of the physical and mental pain we've been through, don't throw it away. Sent from my Pixel 7 Pro using BariatricPal mobile app