How along after surgery are you able to drink Alcohol again?

What about alcohol during pre op diet? I know the big issue would be the sugars in the drinks but my big 30th birthday party is about 9 days before surgery. I am skipping Christmas dinner (2 days before) and not having cake on my birthday (13 days before) but I figured a drink or two as long as it's not beer (carbs) or some super sugary drink may be okay...? Just need some opinions...

I thought the most important thing about the pre-op diet was to eliminate fat so that the liver isn't in the way. I was on a five day pre-op diet because my bmi was low to begin with. I don't think they really cared that I lost 6 pounds, but the idea was to have a fat free liver.

I say "bottoms up"!

Maybe try to stick to lower cal, less sugary drinks.

When I was banded the first time I waited a few weeks and then slowly drank just little amounts of alcohol like wine. I would drink it and Water at the same time ( not mixing)

The second band around I drank a glass of wine a week after being banded and couldnt even drink half a glass it hit me hard.

I think its better to wait a while ( guess I should take my own advice:P )

But of course ask your doctor first. My doctor says small amounts of alcohol is ok.

My nutritionist gave me the okay to Celebrate my birthday with a few drinks. She said she's a firm believer that this is life and in life we're allowed times to no be so strict on ourselves. Of course she did say to stay within limits. But i did good and am back to the grind. Surgery in 8 days...

My nutritionist kind of scared me on the whole alcohol thing; she pretty much told us expect it hit you harder faster and because I have such a low tolerance already that would be a REALLY bad thing for me. That being said, I know I won't give it up forever but I will definately make sure to have only 1 glass at a time (if even that)... But to answer your question, yeah, I think I'd probably wait a few months just to make sure everything's had a chance to heal.

My book says alcohol causes gastric irritation and can cause liver damage. During periods of rapid weight loss the liver becomes especially vulnerable to toxins such as alcohol. Also says they recommend complete abstinence from alcohol for six months after surgery and avoid frequent consumption thereafter.

Be very careful about alcohol.

This is coming from someone who loves a nice cold drink frequently.

One good thing I have done since being banded is that I have not had any carbonation at all...not a drop.

My drink of choice before LB was rum & diet Coke.

Since LB I love vodka with diet Snapple iced tea. When I drink I find that my weight loss virtually stops and my inhibitions are lowered and I start to snack on nuts and other Snacks I shouldn't have.

Not losing weight after surgery is devastating for me so I had to make a decision to stop drinking on the weekend.

Since I stopped that my weight loss has started to pick up again.

I know that when I go on vacation or have a special occasion I will probably have a drink again but just drinking casually on too many occasions is not worth it . If you just have to have it maybe we need to seek other help.

Think about all the reasons you got banded to start with and all you had to do to get banded.

I was banded only a month ago and I know I should not, but I am 21 and enjoyed getting buzzed after taking my finals. I stuck to wine for a while but needed a couple of shots. I would recommend spending a little extra so there is not much affect from the cheap stuff.

I have about two drink a month. I can not drink any alcohal though unless it is extremely watered down, it gives me heartburn. My favorite is a little bit of fruity vodka mixed with a squirt of lemon or lime and lot of water and ice mixed. Plus there is only 30 calories per drink enjoy!!!

I'm right there with BeachBabe! Sometimes I think I would rather have some wine than food. I know that's not good but old habits are hard to break sometimes. As for margaritas I found a low cal recipe called the Skinny Girl Margarita. It is good but very strong so you will be a cheap drunk if you're not careful. I have also discovered that once your banded alcohol can effect you differently each time you drink. Well at least that is the case for me! Crystal Light and vodka is a low cal option too.