My Birthday, & I Want Alcohol. Had Lap Band Surgery 11/21/11

[DLEMA 1]

Is it ok if I have a drink or 2? How many have drank after getting banded. Please help!!!

[larpens 2]

I did have a couple of drinks and I was banded on 9/8. Just be careful because I am a beer drinker but now I can't drink it so I've been drinking wine and it's much more concentrated with alcohol. It only takes me a couple of glasses to feel it. Sip it slowly. Happy Birthday and use your best judgement...

[Phranp 46]

First, what did your doc say about drinking alcohol? If he/she said "yay", go for it; if "nay" you will have to decide if you want to be a rebel. I haven't had any ill effects, but I am not much of a drinker either. Even before banding alcohol just didn't agree with my stomach.

Now, before you hear all the "drinking is empty calories, why would you do that so early in your journey", let me just say this ... you're birthday comes once a year (although some would argue it also comes "every" year), if you want to have a drink, do so. That said, be careful because the consensus is that it takes less to "feel it" once you have the band. That has been my experience as well. Also, don't over do it. This is a good time start being conscious about what you eat/drink. Lastly, if you decide to get "blasted" (being your birthday and all), don't freak out when you don't like the numbers on the scale next week. In fact, don't weigh for a week or so. Give yourself time to get back on track and make up for your "celebration". If you are able to immediately get back on track and move forward on your journey, you're golden. If, on the other hand, you find yourself struggling to get back into the groove it will be a good lesson for the next time your friends want you to go drinking. Starting out it is trial and error for some of us. Others are able to walk the straight and narrow from the start. As long as you know which type you are and can live with it, you'll be just fine.

Oh and ... HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Enjoy!

My birthday is Friday and I will probably have at least 1 glass of wine.

[whitetiger011680 11]

I know I'm going to get lectured from everyone for tell you this, but I have been drinking beer alot lately since AL football has been great this season and I have not had ANY problems with beer. It affects me the same as before being banded meaning I don't get drunk immediately from just a few and I have not gained any weight from it, in fact I am still losing. So if you are planning on this being a once in a blue moon deal for your birthday then I say by all means enjoy yourself and get a designated driver. Your birthday only comes once a year.

[cheryl2586 3,053]

Well let me just tell you my experience I was banded two years ago on the 14th of december and decided new years eve I would have a drink. My stomach hurt like hell for that feat so soon after surgery. If you want to try it then do it but if you have an ill effect from it then dont complain. I would say just because your birthday comes once a year what is more important? Sticking to your diet since it is so early in the game or having a drink and thinking oh well it didnt hurt I will keep drinking and then you are drinking empty calories its not worth it. I dont drink and dont miss it for sure they are calories I could have something else with but the ultimate decision is yours

[xavier 153]

I am an old bander from way back and I have a cocktail or a glass or two of wine almost every night...it keeps me from the evening snacking and also I am French and was raised that way...

[cheryl2586 3,053]

okay I had to come back to this thread. You havent even been banded a month yet are you even eating solid food yet? Is drinking for your birthday that important? Why didnt you wait to have surgery after you got banded? I dont think drinking this soon after surgery would be a good reccomendation maybe in six months but not at three weeks post op

[vlp1968 83]

You need to consider that it could really set your weightloss back. Alcohol has lots of calories, and it may reduce your inhibitions enough that you eat things not on your plan. I would tread carefully. You don't want to ruin a whole weeks work in one night.

[Lollicatt 36]

O lord people, didn't you read her post and request to not reply with the criticism about it being so early in her journey? To the poster, have your self a drink, dear and enjoy your birthday. If your stomach isn't liking it, im sure it'll let you know and stop. I had a girls night about this time after my surgery, which included several glasses of wine. Didn't hit me any faster than preband, my band didn't fall off, and I'm still losing weight. One day of alcohol isn't going to hurt you IMO. I hope you have a fabulous birthday.

[YngGram 73]

Make sure you have eaten, it will hit you hard and it won't take much at all!

[Violet953 46]

I'm surprised nobody has said this yet seriously...

But the reason they tell you not to drink alcohol after surgery is because of the pain medication...if you drink while on the pain meds it could be a deadly combination. So, if you are done with the pain meds then by all means, drink on your birthday, but if you aren't done with the pain meds, just don't take them that day...and have fun...as you already read, people still drink after surgery, just not in excess...so it doesn't effect you calorie-wise. Oh yeah and Happy Birthday!

Edited December 15, 2011 by Violet953