I know this is a no-no....but....

I have not had any alcohol just never really liked it. but, I am guilty on the gum! I have been chewing gum since the 2nd week out. But I chew it for a while say 1 hour and then get rid of it. This way I won't swallow it.

only communion.....other then that, not a drop!

I'm just at Communion too, but I only let the wine touch my lips and then I lick them. I was talking to several people who are more than 2 years out and they told me that the alcohol will hit us a lot faster because of the operation, so they avoid it. One woman had a glass of wine. She used to be "able to hold her liquor." She said she was drunk before she finished the glass. So, I'd better avoid liquor. Pre-surgery I used to tipsy with one glass, so I think a sip might knock me on the floor.

my surgeon says a little on a special occasion is ok after 3 months, but it's best to avoid it entirely until your weight has stabilized. i'll probably have some champagne when my husband returns from the desert, (not until october) and i'm highly tempted to have a sip on my 3 month surgery anniversary just for the hell of it. but i certainly can't drink every other weekend like i used to, and i've come to terms with that. our livers are working hard during the period of active weight loss, and don't need the extra stress. plus it's empty calories. here is a link to a very good article, it explains the science behind why we should avoid alcohol post-op: www.beyondchange-obesity.com/obResearch/precautionsUsingAlcohol.html

I was told to wait 6 months on the alcohol. So another three months or so and I fully intend to have one! Of course, I've yet to try carbonated drinks either so not exactly sure what I would be able to drink anyways. Kerri

I have had a couple of glasses of crystal light with a little shot of vodka and a lot of ice. It is something that I would do in moderation. I also drin**** water with my drinks because alcohol does dehydrate you.

Although I have craved a good fuzzy navel or even a pina colada...the only alcohol I had was what was in the Tylenol nighttime meds...and let me tell you...I was drunk in 15 mins after taking it. I took 30 ml as the usual dose, and guess what???? I couldnt even move. I did get information after I was discharged from the hospital that IF we drink, that we are more easy to get drunk and have a higher alcohol level because alcohol is not absorbed in the stomach, but the intestines and since our pouches were so small...our blood alcohol level will jump with only one drink. The suggestion was to eat before you drank do give the alcohol something to be absorbed in before passing into the intestines. Hope this helps. D'Lynn 232/186

OK, I will be the guinea pig. Last weekend I drank several glasses of wine over the course of the evening. I had no trouble, didn't get sick or anything, but did get quite a buzz off it. I suffered no ill effects and made sure the next day I drank a lot of fluids in case I got dehydrated. Cheers! Chris S.

Becky, No but I did have a virgin frozen lime margarita at a party a few weeks ago-it lasted all night and it was yummy and I did not feel deprived. Terri

I've had a glass of wine with dinner just two times, and each time I could not finish the glass because I started to feel sickish. I think it's the suger in the wine. Prior to surgery I had wine every night with dinner, and I really miss it! But I can't handle getting sick, so I'll have to avoid wine. Barbara Wood