Every once in a while, my husband and I get a evening to ourselves to do dinner. When we do, I usually get some sort of drink- like a yummy margarita (don't judge, it's my treat!) and I do still eat a tiny bit. I know you aren't supposed to drink 30 before and 30 after but will it hurt if I do this like once maybe twice a month?

You may be stirring a hornets nest with this post

This is my take. You should follow your doctors orders. But, I spoke to my doctor and his first 30 days post surgery instructions were no alcohol or solids.

A few months out he said non carbonated drinks were OK but be aware they're high in carbs/calories. Just do it in moderation he said. My nut echoed his sentiment.

He also said that he would prefer we not eat or drink 30 before and after but said some of his patients still drink with meals and are still successful. Dr. O'Brien in Australia said there is no problem drinking and eating as long as the patient waits 1 minute between bites to sip some water/wine?

So, my opinion is it's fine once in a while. I do still drink a beer every now and then and maybe a glass of wine too.

tmf

You may be stirring a hornets nest with this post

This is my take. You should follow your doctors orders. But, I spoke to my doctor and his first 30 days post surgery instructions were no alcohol or solids.

A few months out he said non carbonated drinks were OK but be aware they're high in carbs/calories. Just do it in moderation he said. My nut echoed his sentiment.

He also said that he would prefer we not eat or drink 30 before and after but said some of his patients still drink with meals and are still successful. Dr. O'Brien in Australia said there is no problem drinking and eating as long as the patient waits 1 minute between bites to sip some water/wine?

So, my opinion is it's fine once in a while. I do still drink a beer every now and then and maybe a glass of wine too.

tmf

I'm sure I will get lot of opinions.

Ultimately, just seeing how everyone handles times like this. I don't do carbonation- I haven't since pre-op and am too nervous to start up again. I'm not a wine drinker but can't imagine it being different than drinking any alcohol, really.

Thanks for your response! Makes sense.

(I'm 7 months post-op)

Here's just one opinion: This guy is one of THE leading lapband surgeons on the planet. Doesn't mean you should follow his advice but this is his protocol.

Here's just one opinion: This guy is one of THE leading lapband surgeons on the planet. Doesn't mean you should follow his advice but this is his protocol.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZCE8pGJHG4

Good video! Thanks!

Good video! Thanks!

That was VERY HELPFUL!!! THANKS!

Good video! Thanks!

Thanks so much for this, TMF -- I'm going to hunt down the other seven and watch those as well. Nice to be up on everything that's out there research-wise.

KBell, I just had my post-up follow-up meeting with the nutritionist and I asked her the very thing you have inquired about above. I was originally given the 30 minutes before and after rule -- it's in all my hand-outs and was emphasized by the surgeon. Today I asked about alcohol and going out -- saying that I assumed I would finish a glass of wine and let the other person have their appetizer then make sure thirty minutes had elapsed, etc., etc. She said not to worry about it, that it's the no liquids 30 minutes after that matters. Now this Austrailian doctor -- a leading LB surgeon -- is dispelling that science entirely. I guess it's up to me to figure out what works for my body. Moderation is definitely the goal. And I'm looking forward to my first Margarita one of these days, that's for sure! Best wishes to you.....

In all honesty, I've done it "my way" a few times so far but I thought I'd ask anyway. I just didn't want to compromise the hard work I've already put into this but I'd say, I'm understanding what works for me. No issues whatsoever and I'm down 76 lbs in 7 months. No complaints!

Good luck to you as well!!

& when the time comes, enjoy that drink! ????

Just follow your program, as much as you can. I can't guide you away from there...

My doctor told me to wait 30 minutes after I eat to drink anything. He, nor my nutritionist, ever said anything about before. For that I drink what I feel I need before I eat. I'm even at a place where if the food I'm eating is too spicy to not eat without drinking something I don't eat it. When I was newly banded I tried helping my food down by taking a huge gulp, horrible idea almost embarrassed myself in a restraunt. I say after don't drink it's just gluten for punishment, but surely drink before you eat.