drinking

I need some advice on alcohol. I was "banded" almost 6 weeks ago and wonder how long other people have waited to drink alcohol. I mean a drink or two, not a keg. And what do you recommend drinking when I do try it again? I don't like beer and it's too carbonated, so it's good I don't, but I would like to have something when I go out. Also, any new experiences from drinking after surgery I'd really love to hear! Thanks guys, Suz

Hi Suzanne, This is a really good topic.  I, personally, love to socialize and most of my fun involves food (and/or alcohol).  I know that has to change for me to be successful.  I'm a pre-op, so I don't have first hand experience to share.  I've logged onto OH daily reading old boards just trying to learn as much as possible.  Alcohol is one of the areas where personal opinion leads the way.  The most solid advice I found was that alcohol slows the weight loss, so it should be avoided until you're at goal.  That advice might have been driven by personal opinion.  I don't know.....

what a great topic-- not that we are a bunch of alcoholics... BUT we are in our twenties... i am post op (exactly a week today) -- and i have a big birthday weekend in vegas planned for the end of june... i'm not going for "hammered".. but just a celebratory toast.. if anyone out there can shed some light on this area.. i'd be soo happy :) (see the smile?)

This is a great question, i know once i start to lose weight im going to want to start going out to bars etc.. again..any advice?

I had the RNY back in Feb.  and my doc really stressed not drinking for 4-6 months.  He kinda freaked out a little when I asked about it and kept telling me how much damage it could do.  June will be 4 months and I am getting anxious to go out and have a normal evening with friends.  I know my party drinking will never be the same, but even a nice buzz would do!!!

I know RNY patients have different risks with drinking.  The alcohol hits the system hard and fast.  You can google DUI stories from RNY's that only had one drink.  It's definitely something to be aware of. Maybe this question should be posted on the lap-band forum.  BE WARNED:  You're probably going to get some less than friendly responses.  Not everyone understands the social restraints in your 20's.  Good luck!

Ok iwas banded 5 weeks ago so this is fresh in my mind.  I was 5 days post op when we went out to send off a good friend who is being sent to Iraq.  I got slamed!  But It only took a 1/4 of what is use to take.  becareful you can not tollerate it like before.  I had 4 shots of tequilla.  ( hey I was in Mexico) dont do mixed drinks or carbonated ones

Im not sure with the band how long you should be waiting. If you are going to drink keep in mind its all empty calories so dont make it a habit! I dont see anything wrong with a few drinks now and then but would reccomend waiting as long as possible since you are in the best weight loss period in the beginning. Bewary of mixers - they are loaded with calories/carbs/sugar... sour mix, orange juice, cranberry juice... go for diet soda/seltzer or if you can bring your own mix (I make a killer low carb margartia mix!!)... wine is a good choice.. you can add some ice to it to water it down some. As for the liquor part its just a matter of taste.. even thou barcadi advertises "no sugar no carbs" the body turn alcohol into sugar so its pretty much the same in the end. As for the experience... I had RNY... I get drunk QUICK... two sips of something and I feel it... it also wears off very quickly... I order a drink AND water because I get super dehydrated... I will alternate sips and always end the night with some water. Make sure you have people keeping an eye on you... inhibitions get lowered when drinking so you could go for that good greasy drunk food (mmm) or drink too much too quickly.

My nut said that I could drink after 3 months, so I did and after 3 months I occasionally drink. When I went in for my 6 months post op though, my surgeon said that I should have waited for at least 9 months ot a year. I think every doctor is different because my cousin who had the surgery done said that her doctor said at least 1 year. I don't think that it has really effected my weight loss, although I guess I wouldn't really know since I have been drinking since 3 months post op. I have found that the alcohol hits me much harder much faster, but while others say that it leaves quickly...I don't really find that true for me. But it could be because I hardly have hang-overs when I wake up in the morning. My friends tease me because I always drink the same thing. i drink vodka and ocean spray light cran-grape juice. I use 1-2 shots, then fill up my cup to 3/4 full (like a red cup...LOL...16 oz) and fill the rest with water to break down the sweetness of the juice. Then I am constantly refilling my cup with ice as soon as it melts to consistently water it down. I get pretty buzzed from just one of these drinks. It is low in cals, sugar, and pretty good. Hope that helps. :)

That is soo great! Thanks for posting that.  I have been asking around because I am going into my senior year in college and just turned 21.  I know drinking should be the last thing on my mind, getting healthy is definitely my top priority but I want to still be able to go out socially (especially a little thinner!).  So thank you so much for that info (PS...thats one of my favorite drinks too! Cranberry and Vodka, my friends tease me about that all the time!)