Sugar/Alcohol

[losingwait 1]

Hi, everybody! I just met with the dietician today and am now a little apprehensive about my upcoming sleeve surgery. I was told by others that I could have the occasional cookie or sweet thing and now my dietician is telling me I won't be able to without getting sick I was told by others that I could pretty much eat what I want just in very small portions (at least after 90 days or so). Also, will I be able to go out with my friends and have a couple glasses of wine?? I 'm worried about my nights out with the girls!

[ybnormal 21]

uhm...the fast answer is: cookie yes. Wine no.

The long answer is I understand a bite of a cookie once in a while or something sweet, but don't let it become a habit because after all, you're doing this surgery to lose weight, right? Why put crap into your body at this point? Wait until you're at the maintenance stage of the game, then worry about Cookies LOL Sleeve patients don't experience "dumping syndrome" like the DS or the RNY so it won't make you sick.

Wine or any alcohol is going to be really hard because you'll have a very small tummy and so you may absorb alcohol (and medications) at a faster rate. They advise you not to drive after even a SIP of alcohol because of this. It's not worth the risk. If you're home and not driving? Try a glass of wine. The worst that can happen is you're crocked and your hubby takes advantage of the situation LOL

Renee`

[Tiffykins 673]

Some people can't tolerate sugar, but the majority of sleeve patients suffer no ill-effects from having occasional indulgences. I'm a very social drinker (well before pregnancy), and I've been drinking since I hit goal without issue. My alcohol tolerance is the same it was pre-op. The first time I drank 1 glass of wine, it hit me hard and fast, but it had been over 8-9 months since I had consumed any alcohol. That's a pretty typical reaction to alcohol when you remove it from your intake.

It's the same as fried foods, or carby junk. When I first added in other indulgences, I didn't feel the greatest. I was sick per se, but I didn't feel myself, just a little lethargic and needed to sleep off the carb overload.

I have found that a lot of surgeons and nutritionist use scare tactics to keep people from falling off the proverbial diet wagon. BUT, then there are other doctors and nutritionist that promote a life of moderation and better decision-making processes when it come to food choices. I didn't eat just whatever I wanted in small portions until I got into maintenance, and have kept that habit for over a year now.

[SKCUNNINGHAM 298]

Just to add my two cents - I tried alcohol twice recently. I am 3 months out from surgery, so it was really too soon to try it. But I wanted to know. The first time, I drank 1/4 cup of beer - slowly - sipping it with little baby sips. After the 1/4 cup, I had a buzz like I had just downed a couple of shots of tequila (back when I was young and stupid). No ill effects the next day - and I had allowed for the carbs in my daily carb allotment. The next week, I tried 2 tablespoons of a fine tequila. Again, I sipped it with hummingbird sips - and got a distinct glow from it. No ill effects again, and I had allowed for the carbs and calories. Experiments complete. I don't plan on having any more alcohol until I hit goal.

I think it would be GREAT if sugar made me sick. I had that reaction to it after I was without it for over a year when dieting several years ago. That response makes it easier for me to leave the sweet stuff alone.

[losingwait 1]

Hi, Tiff:

Thanks for the reply. I am encouraged! I don't mind giving up but total abstinence forever is tough to hear. I think you are right about the scare tactic piece. Since yesterday, I have talked myself out of backing out of my surgery on Tuesday although I am still VERY nervous!! I am looking forward to a couple of weeks from now!

By the way, congrats! You look fabulous. 145 lb loss is just amazing!

Some people can't tolerate sugar, but the majority of sleeve patients suffer no ill-effects from having occasional indulgences. I'm a very social drinker (well before pregnancy), and I've been drinking since I hit goal without issue. My alcohol tolerance is the same it was pre-op. The first time I drank 1 glass of wine, it hit me hard and fast, but it had been over 8-9 months since I had consumed any alcohol. That's a pretty typical reaction to alcohol when you remove it from your intake.

It's the same as fried foods, or carby junk. When I first added in other indulgences, I didn't feel the greatest. I was sick per se, but I didn't feel myself, just a little lethargic and needed to sleep off the carb overload.

I have found that a lot of surgeons and nutritionist use scare tactics to keep people from falling off the proverbial diet wagon. BUT, then there are other doctors and nutritionist that promote a life of moderation and better decision-making processes when it come to food choices. I didn't eat just whatever I wanted in small portions until I got into maintenance, and have kept that habit for over a year now.

[losingwait 1]

Thanks, SK! By the way, you are doing great! That's a big weight loss for only 3 months out. I hope I can even come close. My surgery is next week. BTW, how do you like Dr. Nick?

Just to add my two cents - I tried alcohol twice recently. I am 3 months out from surgery, so it was really too soon to try it. But I wanted to know. The first time, I drank 1/4 cup of beer - slowly - sipping it with little baby sips. After the 1/4 cup, I had a buzz like I had just downed a couple of shots of tequila (back when I was young and stupid). No ill effects the next day - and I had allowed for the carbs in my daily carb allotment. The next week, I tried 2 tablespoons of a fine tequila. Again, I sipped it with hummingbird sips - and got a distinct glow from it. No ill effects again, and I had allowed for the carbs and calories. Experiments complete. I don't plan on having any more alcohol until I hit goal.

I think it would be GREAT if sugar made me sick. I had that reaction to it after I was without it for over a year when dieting several years ago. That response makes it easier for me to leave the sweet stuff alone.

[sunnyd 32]

I'm about 3 months out and I talked with my nutritionist about alcohol. She told me it would be ok but not to make it a regular habit and to make sure an calculate in with my daily calories and carbs. Like you I wanted to have something while out with the girls. I had a skinny girl margarita first and yes it hit me fast but also the buzz wore off fast too. The second time I had vodka cranberry and it was the same fast buzz but then quickly went away. Both times I felt fine the next day but I didn't over induldge. I agree with doctors using the scare tactic. I understand where they're coming from but I agree more with having everything in moderation. I think that is easier for us to take in as well and not think it will be off limits forever.

[losingwait 1]

Hi, Sunnyd:

Thanks for your reply, it is encouraging. It is not that I want to overindulge but to be told NEVER by the nutritionist was a little startling and started making me question my decision. My surgery is on Tuesday and I am getting so nervous! I guess that's normal???!!!

[weho 103]

I am told not to eat anymore than 10 grams of sugar per serving at a time to help avoid "dumping". As far as wine, I have already indulged in a few ounces a few times and did not have any problems. Sorry, but the "you're never gonna have alcohol again" doesn't fly with me. But that being said, I am going to put weight loss over wine any day, considering I just had 85% of my stomach cut out

Good luck to you!

[KellyL 173]

I guess its their job to discourage us from picking up bad habit again.. And they must think cuz we let ourselves become obese, that once we try things again we'll lose control. I think it's fine as long as your 2-3 months out so your tummy is good and healed. And as others said, just a little til you know how it's gonna hit you. The tip to try it at home first is an excellent tip. I don't want to do my experimenting in a public setting lol.

[dlflightgirl 2]

I have to add my thoughts to this one. I'm 4 months out and have lost 80 pounds ( stalling right now due to TOM). I do have an occasional sweet usually mini reeses cup me and my hubby keep in the freezer. Im also part of a wine club and love to drink wine. I go about once a month to a wine tasting and my husband and I usually have a glass of red for dinner. I don't count calories and just listen to my body what it needs food wise. I do find that since I eat so little I do make much better food choices. I eat more fish since it has more Protein and always make sure to drink plenty of Water. If I drink wine I have extra water to make up for the alcohol. This surgery is the best decision I've ever made for myself and as a self pay the money I spent was well worth it. I've never felt better and since I'm eating so much healthier my husband has also lost 40 pounds since I've inspired him. Make sure you do plenty of your own research and don't blindly follow the advice of a NUT. I've picked up books to read and like to make my own decisions based on a wide range of facts. Best of luck to ya!

[losingwait 1]

thanks for the words of encouragement!

[sunnyd 32]

totally normal to be nervous. Hang in there and think positive thoughts!

Good luck to you on Tuesday!

[GreginMI 76]

I've been curious of how the carbonation of beer works on our new stomachs. Any sleever out there an occasional beer drinker?

[Tiffykins 673]

I've been curious of how the carbonation of beer works on our new stomachs. Any sleever out there an occasional beer drinker?

I'm not a beer drinker, but I drink soda. I waited until I was at goal to drink it. My sleeve had relaxed, and I would burp and the liquid would pass. I know there are a couple of the other guys on the forum that enjoy beer now. I'm a rum/coke drinker, and haven't had any issues with having carbonation plus alcohol.

I wouldn't do it early out if you have really great restriction still because it can be very uncomfortable. Flat beer sucks so I wouldn't recommend letting it go flat like a lot suggest for soda consumption.