I was wondering if anyone out there knew if that affects if you can get the Lap Band, I like to drink, by all means I'm not an alcoholic. I do enjoy drinking beer.

I'm just concerned about not being able to get the lap band because of drinking....

thanks everyone

I think a better question than can I get the band is should you get the band.

Things to think about...

1) Alcoholic drinks are empty liquid calories. You have to be cautious in deducting these calories from your overall daily allotment. However, remember, with the demands of getting high Protein in each day, this can quickly become a problem is a large portion of calories is coming from alchohol

2) Some alcohol may cause increase gas, beer is the #1 culprit. It's like other carbonated beverage (sodas etc) that can result in discomfort and if not exercised with caution can result in band slips

3) Also, some people experience GERD/reflux issues with band. Alcohol is a culprit for increasing stomach acidity. This can result in increased symptoms/ulcers etc

I think most bansters would say that yes you can have an occasional glass. But if you are planning on frequent drinks or back to back nights out etc than the band may not be as effective as you would like it to be.

I just had my band surgery on Tuesday and according to my doctor you don't want a lot of alcohol in your system. It could make your band become erosion and slip. The occasional drink I don't think will hurt but its not something if your out with friends u don't want to drink one after another. Bc it could cause u to throw up and therefore if that happens your stoma is swollen above your band and you won't get anything down for at least 12 hours so then you will be stuck on a liquid diet for 12 hours until ur stoma shrinks back down below the band. If you can have a good time without the alcohol then I say to avoid it. But on a special occasion I don't think one would hurt you.

As with any weight loss journey it's all about lifestyle change. I chose to change my lifestyle 2 & 1/2 years ago. For me my addiction was chocolates and sweets, and I'm a wholesale baker and cake decorator! It was hard but it was worth it, I was down by 176 pounds prior to getting banded. I chose to get a band so I could finish my journey and avoid gaining weight back. It's all about what is important to you, and are you ready for the commitment this requires. Don't get me wrong I'm not saying you are a bad person for drinking, but are you ready for the huge lifestyle change and commitment this requires?

As with any weight loss journey it's all about lifestyle change. I chose to change my lifestyle 2 & 1/2 years ago. For me my addiction was chocolates and sweets, and I'm a wholesale baker and cake decorator! It was hard but it was worth it, I was down by 176 pounds prior to getting banded. I chose to get a band so I could finish my journey and avoid gaining weight back. It's all about what is important to you, and are you ready for the commitment this requires. Don't get me wrong I'm not saying you are a bad person for drinking, but are you ready for the huge lifestyle change and commitment this requires?

very well said and well put

thanks for all the great advice ladies

I am ready for a lifestyle change, and of course ditching my beer is huge factor on why I am ready.

I am willing to do whatever it takes for me to be successful in this journey. I do not plan on drinking beer once I get my Lap band, even though I love it so much, I know it's time to part ways with it

Im sure the occasional glass of wine will be ok once I have surgery

Im very excited & looking forward to my new life journey

Well, it's not just the beer but the carbonation from the beer. If you read through these threads you'll see where people no longer drink carbonated beverages. I believe it is because your pouch can become displayed. An occasional beer I guess could be OK but ask your doctor for sure. I have an occasional alcoholic beverage myself. I don't do it often however but I'm not a beer drinker.

Hang in there!

Sounds like your biggest decision was not about the beer but rather about the decision to become a healthier person.

Your concern is normal. I was afraid to let go of some of the things I really liked too - like an ice cold beer! Would I still be happy and satisfied without some of these things.

Well once the weight started to come off, it was easy to say no to the bad things because I wanted to loose weight more than I wanted that beer.

So just remember, moderation is key.

I do remember going out one night and ordering a tall cold beer and having to give it up less than 1/3 drank because it was so filling. More filling than a fizzy diet pop. So drat, there went even the occasional beer. But what also was gone was 40 lbs!!!

My mom and a friend both have the Lapband and still have some drinks. My mom has said that she can't drink alcohol and eat, you have to do one or the other. My dietician said that carbonated beverages aren't good for the band. She suggested wine as the go to drink which is primarily what drink when I do drink. The thing with Lapband is you have to be willing to adjust your life and habits to it. It won't adjust to yours, so if you aren't willing to do that you will have really think about things before adopting the banded lifestyle.

I'm a drinker and it has actually been great. I can still drink, but I can't do it the way I used to. For one thing, I can't chug anything cold or it hurts. That right there cut my drinking in half. Also I find its hard to eat and drink at the same time. I asked my nutritionist if I could ever have wine with dinner again and she said it was ok on occasion. But I have trouble getting through a whole glass before getting full.

It does seriously stink not to be able to have beer though. THAT I miss. It's maybe the one thing I miss. But oh well. I can deal, and I'd rather be thin.

thanks again everyone!

I'm so excited about getting the Lap Band, I have my first consultation this Tuesday! I really appreciate everyone on here giving great advice

I'm very happy I found this community, since I am going to be a "secret bander"

my man is the only one who knows, I don't have a family that is very supportive of WLS.

Thank you everyone