Congratulations Lisa.
And Thank You so Much for sharing your experience.
If one person is spared from fighting your same struggles
Because they got this message,
Then you have saved a Life with this post.
Best to you and your new life.

DxE

I so very much can relate to your post and share similar struggles. Congratulations on 18 months! That's so great and you should be very proud!

You are right! Not the easy way out at all. I am glad that I did it after much apprehension before surgery. Glad you had great support!

After WLS in 2007, I was having B-12 shots monthly up until 1 year ago, when my new doctor just has me taking an over the counter B-12 supplement. My hair is thinner, but I think this is just because I'm pushing 60.

I would definitely find a new primary care doctor, and ask about B-12.

My best to you!

Hi everyone. I was going to reply to a number of questions and decided to just post my story and my journey after WLS.

I am a recovering alcoholic. WLS 2007, in recovery since 2012. I didn't listen when they told me to not pick up that first drink after surgery. I thought, "I can handle it."

I do NOT regret my WLS. It has saved my life. Alcohol nearly took my life NUMEROUS times, and that is not an exaggeration in any way.

*This is my story and my opinions only. Take what you can and leave the rest, as they say.

I should have realized I had a drinking problem 40 years ago. I wasn't honest with myself. Alcoholism ran in my family, I had been around it my entire life. I now believe that alcoholism is a disease and I metabolize it different than non alcoholics. Once alcohol hits my system, I can't stop. When I had WLS, I was in total denial, and it started coming to a head in 2012.

I was a functioning alcoholic/social drinker up to that point.

I was holding a high level position in the Corporate Travel Industry, raising a family, owned a home, managed the home front when my husband (now my ex) was deployed several times. I was in total control of everything in my life, until I wasn't.

Whether you drink or not after WLS, is YOUR decision. I chose to pick up and my results were disastrous. I lost my career, my family, my home, my health and nearly lost my life, again, on numerous occasions.

Update:I have been trying to get/stay sober since 2012, and recently celebrated 18 months of sobriety, and have never been happier. I actually have a relationship with my 2 adult boys, and am living a happier, healthier life than I ever have in the past.

I'm sure there are many people who post on this site have been able to drink normally after WLS, that is not me. I can't give you any advice on that.

I wish you all the best on your Weight Loss Journey.

Lisa