tamg26k

I am, in no way a heavy drinker, but I like to go out from time to time and have a few cocktails. I had a trip planned about 1 month after surgery and I asked my Dr. about drinking alcohol. My Dr. said just not to go overboard and see how you feel. I went to NYC and had a few cocktails. I do know that one drink over several hours was plenty. Since then I have a drink every now and then when I'm out and about - vodka and Water in a tall glass that I mix with a Water Enhancer - no carbs and about 80 calories for 1 1/2 oz (not too bad!) I agree, some alcohol is completely off the table for me now.
We don't want to replace one addiction (food) with another (alcohol). This is why consuming alcohol is not recommended during the first year. If you think this will become a problem then definitely don't drink.

I am, in no way a heavy drinker, but I like to go out from time to time and have a few cocktails. I had a trip planned about 1 month after surgery and I asked my Dr. about drinking alcohol. My Dr. said just not to go overboard and see how you feel. I went to NYC and had a few cocktails. I do know that one drink over several hours was plenty. Since then I have a drink every now and then when I'm out and about - vodka and Water in a tall glass that I mix with a Water Enhancer - no carbs and about 80 calories for 1 1/2 oz (not too bad!) I agree, some alcohol is completely off the table for me now.
We don't want to replace one addiction (food) with another (alcohol). This is why consuming alcohol is not recommended during the first year. If you think this will become a problem then definitely don't drink.

I am, in no way a heavy drinker, but I like to go out from time to time and have a few cocktails. I had a trip planned about 1 month after surgery and I asked my Dr. about drinking alcohol. My Dr. said just not to go overboard and see how you feel. I went to NYC and had a few cocktails. I do know that one drink over several hours was plenty. Since then I have a drink every now and then when I'm out and about - vodka and Water in a tall glass that I mix with a Water Enhancer - no carbs and about 80 calories for 1 1/2 oz (not too bad!) I agree, some alcohol is completely off the table for me now.
We don't want to replace one addiction (food) with another (alcohol). This is why consuming alcohol is not recommended during the first year. If you think this will become a problem then definitely don't drink.

Here is the most updated "before" and "during" picture I have.
7 months post RNY down 133 lbs.

Here is the most updated "before" and "during" picture I have.
7 months post RNY down 133 lbs.

Here is the most updated "before" and "during" picture I have.
7 months post RNY down 133 lbs.

Here is the most updated "before" and "during" picture I have.
7 months post RNY down 133 lbs.

Weight loss surgery can be a godsend. Getting the surgery could be the best decision you ever make. It can give you your life back and help you become healthier than you have been in years – or ever before. But what you need to do to stick to your new lifestyle isn’t so different from what other healthy people need to do. If you want to be thin and fit, you need to think and act like a thin and fit person.


Bariatric Surgery: Necessary But Not Sufficient
Weight loss surgery is a significant part of the solution to surgery. If you can’t lose weight without it, it’s necessary. But, on its own, it’s not sufficient for weight loss. As every weight loss surgery patient knows, weight loss surgery only works when you add other components, like a healthier lifestyle, to lose weight permanently.
Don’t Give Up
It’s easy to start feeling sorry for yourself when regular diets don’t work for you. You may feel that your doctor’s recommendation to get weight loss surgery is official recognition that your obesity is out of your control. After weight loss surgery, it can seem like you’re still working harder than the “skinny” people, and you may feel like giving up. There’s no point in feeling doomed to obesity. Don’t bother resenting your “bad luck” with obesity. The truth is that most fit and healthy people need to work hard at it, just like you do.
Have a Plan
Don’t leave things up to chance. Skinny people may not have as many dietary restrictions and requirements as you, but you can bet many of them think carefully about what they eat. They plan what they’ll order at a restaurant, and you should, too. They’ll also compensate for oversized meals by exercising a little extra or eating a little less at the next meal.
Be Honest
Are you really acting like a skinny person? Their behaviors are the same as many of the rules you’re supposed to be following on your weight loss diet. If you’re not losing weight like you think you should be, look carefully at your habits.
Are you ending your meal when you’re barely full, or eating for another reason, such as eating to keep everyone else company while they eat?
Are you driving straight home, or passing through the drive-thru?
Are you drinking only water between planned meals and snacks, or are you getting in calories from juice and sweetened coffee drinks?
Are you eating only at the table, or are you nibbling while standing?

Watch your skinny coworkers and even housemates carefully, and you may start to notice some of their good habits. They may be lucky enough have those habits formed naturally while you need to work a little harder on them, but you can do it.
Ask Away
Yes, you’ll see a lot of skinny people doing a lot of things you wouldn’t dare try because you’d be afraid of gaining weight. They may pack away a hot dog, an ice cream sandwich, and a few beers at a baseball game, or munch their way through a bag of potato chips with dip while watching television.
Ask them how they get away with it if it’s your friend or someone in your family and you feel comfortable enough. You may get a frustrating answer (“I eat whatever I want and don’t worry about it.”), but you may get something helpful (“I eat very carefully six days a week so I can veg out and eat chips on Sunday” or “I knew I wanted to relax and enjoy myself at the game, so I worked out for an extra hour this morning to burn a few extra calories”).
These tips can reinforce the strategies you already know and add to your collection of strategies. They can also help you realize that everyone works hard at staying fit and thin – weight loss surgery or not. You may not be allowed to eat an ice cream sandwich and drink beer on your weight loss surgery diet, but you can exercise ahead of time as a strategy against
If You Can’t Beat ‘Em, Join ‘Em
Until you hit goal weight, you may be most self-conscious about your weight when you’re at the gym. You’re likely to be surrounded by fit people with strong-looking and lean bodies. Don’t just think of these people as another species. Instead, use them to your advantage.
Strike up a conversation with them, being careful not to interrupt their workouts. Catch them while you’re both on the elliptical, bike, or treadmill, or when they’re done with their workout.
Some people will let you know that they’re not interested in making friends at the gym. Don’t take it personally – it has nothing to do with your fitness level, weight, or personality. Some people just go to the gym because they want to feel alone.
Other people will be delighted to talk to you. Most people love talking about themselves, including their workout schedule and goals. They’ll be happy to give you pointers. You can learn what they do to stay in shape, and how often they hit the gym. Possibly most inspirational of all is what you’ll learn about their dedication to their health. They had to get up just as early as you, they’re just as busy as you, and they worry about their diets just as much as you – and they make it a priority to get to the gym almost every day.
It Comes Down to Attitude
So much of your weight loss journey success depends on your attitude. When you feel like you’re working harder than everyone else, you may be tempted to stop trying. Once you realize that everyone needs to work hard to be fit and healthy, you’re more likely to stay committed. Act skinny, and you’ll hit your goal weight.

Here is the most updated "before" and "during" picture I have.
7 months post RNY down 133 lbs.

Here is the most updated "before" and "during" picture I have.
7 months post RNY down 133 lbs.

Here is the most updated "before" and "during" picture I have.
7 months post RNY down 133 lbs.

Here is the most updated "before" and "during" picture I have.
7 months post RNY down 133 lbs.

Here is the most updated "before" and "during" picture I have.
7 months post RNY down 133 lbs.

Here is the most updated "before" and "during" picture I have.
7 months post RNY down 133 lbs.

Great tips.
I hosted a holiday party last week where food and cocktails are the key features. The appetizers I made were a huge hit! I did have to give up my wine.lol I made one cocktail (vodka and Water w/flavoring) last the entire night. Yes, I know cocktails are not recommended the first year, but I don't think one will hurt me.
I'll re-read this before the next party!

I had a pair of wireless workout headphones on my Christmas gift for using at the gym. I jumped the gun and bought them for myself. lol
I put a crock pot on my list this year. Since surgery in July I have been using my crockpot like crazy but it is too small so a new one went on the list. Clothing gift cards are a great idea.

I had a pair of wireless workout headphones on my Christmas gift for using at the gym. I jumped the gun and bought them for myself. lol
I put a crock pot on my list this year. Since surgery in July I have been using my crockpot like crazy but it is too small so a new one went on the list. Clothing gift cards are a great idea.

I had a pair of wireless workout headphones on my Christmas gift for using at the gym. I jumped the gun and bought them for myself. lol
I put a crock pot on my list this year. Since surgery in July I have been using my crockpot like crazy but it is too small so a new one went on the list. Clothing gift cards are a great idea.

My Thanksgiving went perfectly. I had a great work out in the morning followed by a high Protein Breakfast. We usually have our meal around 1:30-2. My meal was perfect - 3 oz. of turkey breast and steamed green Beans ( I had to bring my own since the rest of the family had green bean casserole). I was fine not having any stuffing, rolls, casseroles, or cranberry salad. I didn't feel like I was missing a thing. For dessert, I brought a serving of my butterscotch protein pudding.

Great article! I'm ready to tackle the holidays on my terms!!

I only told my family and just a few close friends that I was having bypass prior to surgery. Once the surgery was over I pretty much shared with everyone that comments on my weight loss. I want to be completely up front with everyone. I'm not ashamed nor embarrassed that I had the surgery. I know over the last 4 months I have worked really hard and am so proud of my lifestyle change. Everyone is really supportive!

I gave up caffeine back in April. Never much of a coffee drinker, but I could put away a few Diet Cokes! I was told the carbonation could stretch out my pouch.
I don't even miss it!

I gave up caffeine back in April. Never much of a coffee drinker, but I could put away a few Diet Cokes! I was told the carbonation could stretch out my pouch.
I don't even miss it!