I have my surgery 3/12/13. I'm wondering if its ok to have an occasional drink if you are banded? I have a vacation planned for September (6 months post opp) and I'd like to indulge of a drink here or there? Any thoughts?

My doctor suggests a year without drinking at all. I personally have followed the rules regarding alcohol. I dont know what your doc recommends. I would stick with their plan. Im down 35 lbs and was banded Nov 5. Its not always easy,but its worth it when you see results! I wish you the best！

I drink wine. I count it in my tracker, and I don't indulge in any other type of 'sweets', ie no 'cheating'. I think the biggest issue is that it might allow you to make poor choices in what and how much you eat. Given all the ground rules, I think everyone has to adjust to allow a lifetime of good behaviors. I think by September you'll have an excellent handle on what works for you.

Count the calories and, if they fit, what the heck? I don't think this experience has to be like prison though time may prove me wrong.

I'm allowed alcohol, of course in moderation. I've never been a drinker except for a good wine when out and socializing. My nutritionist and surgeon have said if you want a glass of wine a few times per week that's fine, they did specifically say red as apparently it has some health benefits. I don't like reds, I prefer white wine and I've had it a few times and been fine but just be careful because we are eating so little it can go straight to your head so much quicker.

As others have said, enjoy and count it in to your daily calories, portions.

Cheers!

You will get responses here... of NO but because it's not in the "diet" plan and its' that why you got the band?

But know that having a drink or two will NOT hurt your band or destroy your life. I was banded in Oct and have had a total of 3 glasses of wine.. to be honest... I get full easy and it's just not as good any more. I have not tried beer due to the carbonation.. and pre surgery... I LOVED BEER! My first time to try will be when I have my first crawfish of the season (LOL).

I agree, I would count it in my calories BUT if you know on VACATION you are doing to be drinking more than normal... still eat! Don't just drink ALL your calories! Have fun and be safe!

Thanks everyone! I'm not a heavy drinker by any means I just have a few on the weekend! To me it wouldn't be a vacation without being able to have a few cocktails on the beach!!!!!!

The risks related to alcohol are that we are told not to drink our calories and if you drink too much and get sick, you risk slipping your band.

My doc didn't ban alcohol...he just said stay away from the carbonated beverages like beer and champagne because it can stretch the pouch, gas, bloating, etc. and count those liquid calories because too many of them and you will be starving and not losing weight. I'm not much of a drinker either, but I do like to bust out a Daily's frozen pomegranate margarita pouch during the summer sometimes. :-)

I have a few glasses of beer or wine every week. It's empty calories but I'm in this for the long haul so if it takes me a few months longer to get to my goal, I'm OK with it.

You should run it by your doctor of course.

Here's what one doc says:

I'm kinda shocked at that video, he not only says its fine to have a drink or two a day of alcohol, but to have a glass of water with your meals, which I thought was a no-no?!?!?!? I'm scheduled for surgery on 3/12, and I don't have my 4 hour class on everything until 2/12, so I'm trying to piece together the do's and dont's for now....hhmmmm. Kinda confused now!!!!

I'm kinda shocked at that video' date=' he not only says its fine to have a drink or two a day of alcohol, but to have a glass of Water with your meals, which I thought was a no-no?!?!?!? I'm scheduled for surgery on 3/12, and I don't have my 4 hour class on everything until 2/12, so I'm trying to piece together the do's and dont's for now....hhmmmm. Kinda confused now!!!![/quote']

Don't be surprised with all the different info/rules you come across regarding the lapband and guidelines. If you search through this forum we all get given different rules to follow. In the end it's important to follow the rules you have been given by your surgeon and if there is any confusion you seek out answers with him/ her also.

The professor in that video is my surgeon, he is a leading lapband pioneer here in Australia and also on the board there in Texas. He has a centre at a top university here and they are always conducting studies which leads to new and revised info re the band.

You'll find people jumping up and down about not drinking whilst eating, I have been doing it since day one as instructed by my surgeon and nutritionist and I've never had problems provided I follow the one or two min rule between bites of food. In saying that others that have been given the go ahead to drink with meals find they can't.

Just remember this forum is great for support and info BUT in the end you need to follow your teams rules.