Alcohol And The Band?

[futuresize8 7]

soo I will be turning 21 on the 21st of October and I will be getting banded on the 1st of October . am I allowed to drink alcohol? around the three week mark? my surgeon didn't really go over this, nor did my nutritionist when were discussing my diet . my health is wayyyyy more important than being able to have my first drink , I just wanted to know

[donna12 742]

I've always been told no more alcohol. sorry.

[Randi Cartmill 23]

My Dr advised no drinking the first six weeks and suggests no alcohol at all due to empty calories and carbonation in beer and champagne but didn't say its banned all together.. I'd ask your Dr directly about this though!

[♕ajtexas♕ 3,771]

Every doctor is different and so you will get all sort of answers. I suggest asking your doctor.

Keep in mind alcohol is empty calories. I drink wine every night, I have worked it into my diet by counting the calories. And yes I had it at 3 weeks post op. My doctor knows I drink wine and says if it's working fir you ok. I'm down 60 lbs in 7 months, I think it's working.

Good luck and happy 21st birthday!

[SageTracey 608]

I was on liquids at the three week mark so alcohol would not have been a good idea. Ask your surgeon

[ElleG 394]

I will have a drink on special occasions. I don't drink often because I never have, but if I go out I will have a cocktail. Just remember your drinking calories and I would much rather eat them! Happy Soon to be B Day!!!! I was pregnant on my 21st so no drinking and I survived!

[scottscottf 0]

Ive been banded since March 28th of this year. Having a cocktail is a fun experience. I order 1 vodka and cranberry and im completly buzzed. I do not drink beer or soda since being banded.

[Carolinegee 11]

I'm 21 and I drink socially almost every weekend I just don't drink soda or anything carbonated. I can drink and take shots and and all is good and I'm losing regardless of empty calories 92 pounds in 9 months. So have fun but take it easy because you're still going to be freshly banded.

[TexasDy 53]

My biggest advice - banded or not - take it slow and eat before you go out. Your first big drinking experience will kick your butt if you go too fast.

At 3 weeks, you will most likely still be on your post op diet. Ea something heavy to help soak up the alcohol. If you're on mushies, tuna would be good. If still on liquids, I recommend only 3 drinks all night so you don't get wasted. You do not want to throw up as it can dislodge your band.

Definitely talk to your doctor. Mine didn't say anything about alcohol specifically, just to watch empty liquid calories.

Good luck and happy birthday!!

[Toddy 758]

My doctor said two months. I come from a wine family, my father had a vineyard and was a vintner, so wine has pretty much always been a staple at dinner. I don't think I waited the full two months, but I do count and allow for the calories. I also don't touch anything with carbonation.

[FLORIDAYS 3,040]

That may be a little soon to be testing out alcohol.. You are still in the healing mode. May be you should Celebrate without alcohol the month then in a few months have a party to Celebrate your first drink and how much weight you will have lost.

Enjoy"

[knewland 14]

Why no carbonation? Should we not be drinking soda? I switched from regular soda to diet soda before I was banded. Should I give that up too? My doc was the one who suggested going from regular to diet.

[Nette Fosters 41]

Why no carbonation? Should we not be drinking soda? I switched from regular soda to diet soda before I was banded. Should I give that up too? My doc was the one who suggested going from regular to diet.

Going from regular soda to diet is good for weight loss and getting that ball rolling in a healthier direction. I don't know if others share this experience but since my own banding years ago, I almost never drank soda, sparkling Water, beer or champagne again. I might have a sip to make a toast or if someone says "youve GOT to taste this new drink!" But I wouldn't choose a bubbly drink on my own any more. Carbonation just feels ... weird...since the banding, not sure how to describe it. I'd feel unpleasantly full (bloated, I guess) if I drank a whole soda nowadays and if I'm going to feel full, I'd rather actually have solid, nutritious food in there making me feel full than a fizzy drink.

Once was I at a poorly planned corporate picnic and sodas (Coke and Diet Coke) were the ONLY drinks available. I just poured a soda in a cup and let it sit a while till it lost some of its carbonation. I was able to drink it down but mostly I resolved to remember to always have a water bottle with me, just in case.

[jingleboob 5]

My band has made my stomach very sensitive to irritants... acidic drinks, coffee, alcohol etc irritate my band area and make it hard to eat or drink at all (I learned this after a weekend of lemonade). I'd be hesitant to drink something potentially harsh before that band is fully healed! And... Happy Band day today! Hope the surgery went well!

[Baba Wawa 543]

The biggest risk with alcohol is that you might overdo it and get sick to your stomach. Early out, that is just asking for a complication, such as a slip, gastritis, etc. IF you drink, make it one or two and call it done. Don't risk another surgery for a 21st birthday celebration.