How long is it before you can consume alcohol with the lapband? I'm not talking about getting drunk - just a mixed drink or two. Does the carbonation make a difference? Thanks.

Carbonation? Maybe. I have vodka and tonic with ice. Knocks the bubbles right out ... for me.

I don't know what your doc recommends regarding alcohol. IMO there is nothing wrong with alcohol per se, but it does have a lot of calories. I've been drinking too much during BBQ's this summer and my weight loss stalled. So, just take care. Don't be me. :nervous

I think carbonation varies from person to person. For me, I feel no pain at all and I enjoy a nice cold beer fromt time to time :welldoneclap:. That being said, there are a lot of calories in alcohol so make sure you compensate for them in your calories for the day by cutting back or exercising more to keep from weight gain. I have lost over 70 lbs in the past 6 mos and have had alcohol in my life since the get go and do not plan on giving it up any time soon (I am only 25...) but it really is inidvidual. I have a friend that absolutely cannot stand carbonation, she says it causes intense pain. IMHO anything that causes pain you should avoid but for me there is none so I sip sip sip and i am fine.

~Liz~

03/10/06

241/168/160

5'7''

The Day After Surgery, My Friend Sandy And I Walked All Over Tj. Upon Returning To The Hotel, We Hit The Bar For A Few "clear Liquids, White Wine" :welldoneclap:

Vodka, nor the orange juice cause me any problems. I try to drink healthy, I always add 1/2 a banana and a few strawberries.

It was only on here that I heard the no carbonation rule, my doc never mentioned it. But I was VERY nervous when I had my first drink, since it was almost christmas, it was champagne. I went very carefully, but funny think, the more I had, the more it agreed with me, lol!

I had a few glasses of wine over the Christmas period, just one here or there. Now I'd have a glass two or three times a week. I dont really drink spirits so dont worry about mixers.

I think Dr.'s that advise against alcohol do so primarily because it's just a source of totally empty calories. I choose not to drink primarily because of that, I find it a challenge to eat 1200-1400 calories a day and get really good nutrition in, so I try to make all my calories count health wise. You can't really replace nutritious food choices with supplements. That said, I think enjoying empty calorie treats, alcoholic or otherwise on occassion and in moderation is no big dealie. For me I did the lap-band primarily to improve health and quality of life, so I'm anal about what I put in my body most of the time. I usually avoid drinking calories unless it's v-8 or low fat dairy, for me it's just too easy to take in too many calories in liquid form.