<p>I am seriously considering getting banded. I have already done all the testing, except the psychological testing, which I go to next week. I am starting to get a bit anxious. I have also been thinking a lot about my social life. I am no alcoholic, but I like to go out 1-2 times a month and drink beer with my friends and family. I usually drink about 6 beers. Is this something the band will not tolerate?</p>

I don't know Lorsbander... My doc said no carbonated beverages.. but she said it was because they tend to fill you up.... I think everyone has different rules they follow (personal rules, rules from the doc, etc.).. I guess in the end, it's your band to do with you want with it, but if you follow the doc's advice to the letter.. you've got the best chances for optimum results.

I am going to call my doctor tomorrow and ask specifically about beer. I will let you all know what he says!

Hope everyone has a great week!

Well what did he say???

I LOVE this post. I seriously had to think about beer and realized, I didn't drink that many, a few times a month and will miss it, but the feeling of being banded, it doesn't even sound good to me anymore (right now anyhow at 4 weeks post op.

Of course being a good driker I did find a few things I will allow myself when the time comes (I am still not drinking yet as I am still in the healing stage):

If you like Japanese food, sake has NO sugar and is 37 cal per oz. plus no hangover

Wine (I LOVE wine but still can't bring myself to smell it yet)

Vodka with any s/f mix (i.e. the have s/f cranberry juice, crystal light, etc...)

I will not go back to sugar, they kill me on the hangover anyhow more than any liquor...

Sorry about that guys! The carbonation can cause your pouch to expand and lead to band slippage. My doctor does not want us to drink at all. A very small amount of alcohol will have a big effect on you. It can lead to cross-addiction. Apparently he has had a few patients have severe problems with drinking with the band. I know I will have to give beer up for sure. It will be rough. I am working through it, though. I kinda feel like I am grieving. I know the band will be worth it. Hopefully it will happen soon. I'll let ya all know!

I can drink beer without any problem. I am not resticted at all yet though. Had some problems with my port which meant that they could do the fills. Had the port removed but having it put back in on 6/20/07. I hope that I wont be able to tolerate beer but at this point, I can drink as much as I want and eat as much as I want. Its as if I dont even have a band.

I'm pretty restricted and I have one or two Coronas once or twice a week without any problems. Don't chug your beer, the key is to sip and enjoy your brew.

WOW alex, you're the first post I've seen about anyone tolerating bubbles! From what I hear, the pain is so excruciating, you'll think you're having a heart attack. I love beer, I will miss beer. But the thought of pain from a sip of beer and I get scared. I wonder if I'll ever give it a go. I'm probably hard headed enough to someday try it.