10 Weeks out...major question need help fast

Hello...I'm 10 weeks out of surgery and down an amazing 65 pounds. I started at an amazing 411 pounds and have reached my first goal of 346 pounds. My first goal was just to be at 350 pounds so I would be able to jump on a regular scale and I can do this now. I've probably lost a few more pounds but as of May 9, 2005 I am weighing 346 pounds. I am amazed. Now for my question, I am celebrating my 4 year wedding anniversary on May 25, 2005. My husband is such a romantic and I know he is planning some surprise party for me...there will be alcohol some champagne, wine coolers, mixed drinks, beer, when is it ok to have a drink? Not to get drunk but to be able to toast with all my friends and family or even just with my husband. If anyone else has had a drink yet what have you had? I'm afraid there will be too much sugar, ugh times like this I get so frustrated. But No regrets I am so excited about my weight loss and am excited about my summer vacation. I will be spending 6 weeks doing nothing but swimming, exercising, eatting right, and relaxing. It will be a well deserved vacation. Please respond soon. thanks to all. Hope you are all doing as well as I am.

I have asked this question before on the boards and got some pretty emphatic answers! My research indicates that this rapid weight loss (GREAT JOB by the way!) makes our livers work overtime, therefore alcohol is not a good idea, especially this soon after surgery. If you consume it, be prepared as just a tiny bit will make you drunk. It no longer sits in our stomachs, but goes immediately to our intestines where it is absorbed into our blood. That being said, my surgeon has told me that if I want to have a glass of wine, I can have one. I haven't tried anything yet, just haven't wanted to, but you could probably have a small glass of wine with your celebration. Personnally, I don't like to try anything "new" (food or beverage) in public as I don't know how I am going to react to it and don't want to get sick. You don't want to get sick during your party, so if you want to have a glass of wine, you may want to try one in the days before so you can see how you handle it. I would stay away from the hard stuff for awhile though. Hope this helps and congratulations on your anniversary and your fantastic progress so far! Chris S.

I don't try anything new in public either. LOL Just don't want to be caught with my pants down or needing to have them down quickly. I went to a dinner meting the other night and salad was served. I haven't tried lettuce yet and wasn't about to find out that my pouch doesn't like lettuce in the middle of a restaurant. Terri

My understanding is that raw vegetables are hard to disgest in the early stages so they should be avoided. Some say for 3 months, some say for longer.

That's definitely a heated topic. My surgeon says to wait 3 months, and even then to drink only very minimally (i.e. special occasions****il after your weight has stabilized b/c it could cause liver damage. Our livers are working overtime (and yours must be a workaholic b/c 65 lbs. is AWESOME, congrats!) and alcohol is an added strain. Personally, if my anniversary were coming up and I were 2.5 months out, I would have a single glass of dry champagne for the toast, but only after testing it at home first. Keep in mind the sugar content of most alcoholic beverages--your best bets are going to be dry wines. I found a very good article explaining exactly why alcohol isn't good for our bodies right now: (add the http://www.) beyondchange-obesity.com/obResearch/precautionsUsingAlcohol.html

I did have a bloody mary with friends one day. It was a waste of money because I couldn't drink it all. I had maybe 5 sips. I didn't want to drink too much before my meal and I was also afraid of the effects. I did have to run to the bathroom after I ate. I didn't throw up just a BM. I don't know if it was the drink or not. I say have your toast and congradulations!

Congrats on the weight loss! Continued success on that and your Marriage! What I would do is just take a taste. But then again I am not an avid alcohol drinker. Maybe you might luck out and someone would have juice there that you could drink instead if there will be mixed drinks. Congrats again!

I think one sip of champagne or wine (a little sip!) would be okay, but no more than that, for the reasons stated above. Our surgeon and hospital nutrition department (Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia) say no alcohol for one year, postop. Be sure to explain to your hubby the reasons beforehand.

I agree that it's best to avoid alcohol completely for at least a year -- and even then I would be very careful for all the reasons cited. Every Sunday I receive communion. My priest gives me a tiny, tiny piece of the bread and when it comes time to take the wine, I do not sip. My lips are closed on the chalice and I let the wine touch my lips. So, I get a tiny taste.

I have heard alot but the one that made the I have heard most is remember that alcohol is almost always made from number one ingredient is sugar and we all know sugar is a no no so be careful. Barry -72 lbs 03-14-02