Hello Everyone! I am really enjoying this website. Lots of useful information. I was banded April 26th. I have been feeling great and following the diet to a T! I just have one question. I have a super busy summer coming up. Lots of wedding and graduation parties. Although I am not really a big drinkier I do like to have a couple when and where appropriate. I know alcohol is just empty calories. Just wondering what other peoples reactions are about it. Does it effect you diffently ect......

I have an adult beverage now and then. I just can not drink beer or anything with bubbles/carbonation.

On a special occasion I might have a glass of wine. I just make sure I drink it before any food goes in.

I also use caution because if I have 2 glasses of wine I am very drunk after being banded.

I stopped drinking before getting banded so I don't know if it effects you differently. Just the fact that you are eating less food may cause the alcohol to have a greater impact. I would be cautious for sure. And you are right, it's empty calories. Try to factor a drink or 2 into your calories for the day. Of course, this is not something you should do on a regular basis. Have fun!

Because we have to drink on a empty stomach, you'll probably notice that you get drunk faster. After I have two small glasses of wine I'm ready for bed, so I don't do it often.

I can tell you, the alcohol doesnt affect me any differently than before, BUT it definitely makes you say "to hell with this diet" and eat things you arent supposed to. Thats what I did last night and after going out drinking I stopped at Jack in The Box and binged on things Im not supposed to eat. Especially since I got my fill on Monday and am supposed to be only on full liquids for a week...so be careful!

You'll have to make your own choice about whether or not to drink. I usually don't get any alcohol, but will sip from my husband's. YMMV.

I thought I'd share this post from another band site discussing alcohol and it's effect on weight loss.

Alcohol inhibits the hormones that make you feel full, promotes the hormones

that make you hungry, and lowers your inhibitions. Yes, people tend to eat more

when they drink. Plus alcohol is basically a toxin that your liver has to

process and it doesn't process food in the same way while it's process alcohol.

It takes about 3 days to get rid of the alcohol completely. So for every day you

have a drink you'll generally go 3 days without losing weight. That doesn't seem

like a good trade off. One can get by with a few sips of wine before dinner but a

5 ounce serving of red is about 130 calories. When one is trying to eat 1200 calories

there's not a lot of room to spend a 10th of the daily allotment on alcohol.

I drink cranberry/vodka with no problem. I try to stay away from beer, but I have been able to have one occassionally.

I drink wine fairly regularly and also have the occasional non-carbonated mixed drink.

I drink vodka/cran as well and did notice that the alcohol has more of an effect on me. So, I don't drink as much and try to eat 30 minutes before I drink.

Julia

I love me some margaritas! And I have noticed that it doesnt take much alcohol these days before I am tipsy and a tad drunk.

I haven't had any problem with skinny mojitos or wine. I just had my first beer a week ago and poured it in a glass and let it sit. I don't like beer anyway, but no problems. It is true that if you are drunk you can and will make bad food choices or at least that is what happens to me So I do it in moderation or count the calories into my day.

I am enjoying an Adult beverage daily, but I make sure I have it 1/2 hour before I eat or at least 1 hour after I eat. Usually a glass of wine or Bloody Mary and sometimes a Margarita. I have a beer once in a while, but not too often as it is too bubbley.

I enjoy a few drinks here and there and it hasn't killed me. Yes it is empty calories but if you up your gyming or lower your calories or eat super well I am sure it won't hurt you. Just don't over do it because you will be a lightweight.

Also be careful of wines. For some bandsters it makes you tighter.