I am curious as to what's everyone's thoughts on Alcohol with band.

Obviously I know that alcohol has many empty calories and sugar and beer has carbonation that isn't well either.

But I am curious as to when you first started to introduce alcoholic beverages into your life again. What have your Doctors told you regarding alcohol?

Does anyone have a healthier drink of choice?

But I am curious as to when you first started to introduce alcoholic beverages into your life again. What have your Doctors told you regarding alcohol?

Does anyone have a healthier drink of choice?

My doc said alcohol was ok after I was back on solid foods. I don't drink alcohol but I would guess that if you're eating only 1/2-1 cup of food at a meal, the alcohol could hit you faster.

I am almost 3 months post-op and I have a few drinks one maybe two nights a week. I used to be a very heavy (no pun intended) beer drinker. Now my drink of choice is sugar free cranberry juice and vodka.

I drink red wine but I have given up beer forever, not a single sip ever again (I am scared of stretching my pouch). Before I can have wine I have to look at my daily calories and protein and see if it "fits" in. If I am under on calories and have all my protein then I can have a 5 oz glass of wine.

I will be 1 month post-op when I go on vacation to an all-inclusive resort in Mexico. Needless to say, I worry about if alchol will have an affect on me. I plan to try to stick to vodka with juice. I rarely drink, so I don't want to put out the wrong impression here, but I do want to be able to have a couple of drinks and not feel guilty.

Anyone else try alchol only a month post-op?

I drink red wine. It is empty calories though, so be careful. I was able to drink as soon as I went back to solid food but didn't until about 4 weeks out. I know this summer I will miss having a beer every once in a while, but I don't want to stretch my pouch either. So no way, Jose!!! Won't touch soda ever again either. No bubbles!!!

Well, I am sure it is frowned upon, but I had an alcoholic drink less than a week post op. No harm. I am not losing as fast as I could, but I still get to go out w/ my friends and enjoy life. I do an extra workout on Friday and a really long workout on Saturdays to try and make up for the extra calories I consume in alcohol on the weekends, but it is crazy how fast it adds up. I track it on Lose It and it is almost makes it not worth it when you realize how long you have to work out to have a couple drinks!

(not to encourage beer, but my sister had lap-band 4 years ago and drinks beer several times a week and hasn't had a problem...but everyone is different)

Edited February 9, 201016 yr by arthukd

(not to encourage beer, but my sister had lap-band® 4 years ago and drinks beer several times a week and hasn't had a problem...but everyone is different)

Very interesting!!! I thought I would never have a beer ever again. I think before I try anything I will lose the weight first...but who would of thunk...lol

I had about three big sips of red wine the other night. Then the food came and I forgot all about the wine!

I drink beer or wine almost every weekend. My doc says the carbonation thing is a LB Myth as far as stretching anything (he says the burping is what makes some not like the carbonation and of course empty calories). I was allowed these after 12 weeks (healing time).

Wow! Band Groupie your ticker is amazing and you drink beer. I really thought I'd never have beer again and on a hot summer day there's nothing like a Coor's light!!! Thanks for showing me that it can be done!!! Not that I'll drink that much. But just knowing that I can drink it (occasionally) and not be fat is amazing!!!

I had my first beer or tried to have my first beer 2 months post banding.....I had about 3 small drinks and thought that it was going to come back up...I was so full feeling very uncomfortable....I have since tried Diet Coke and Rum and have had no problem with just one drink...I think as long as it is occassionally and not excessive you should treat yourself every now and again!

My alcohol habits really havent changed, with the exception of not drinking them with my meals now.

I will have 1-2 glasses of wine, or martinis, or mojitos, or whatever about once a week, maybe twice a week.

I understand it is high calorie, but right now I can afford the extra calories. I can afford the extra calories because I am making really good food choice right now.

If my weight loss starts to stall or plateau, I will reevaluate. Until then, bottoms up! :rolleyes2:

My doctor's rule is to wait a year before drinking...yea, right! I have had beer without any problems, but I did only have one. I was afraid to have any more. I now drink Crystal Lite with vodka. It does affect me faster than before I was banded. My husband tells me I'm a cheap date now, I don't eat and can only handle a few drinks!

Just thought I'd post an update as I've been seeing lots of posts about alcohol and carbonation, so I addressed both of these in today's (2/11/10) blog:

THE SWEET SPOT