I'm no expert here - only six months out. However, I want to reiterate that you need to follow YOUR nut/surgeon guidelines.

There are many on here that have no problems with straws, soda, coffee, alcohol, etc.and often share this information. Please keep in mind that it doesn't mean you should do the same.

Don't get me wrong, I have plenty of struggles following "the plan". The plan is in place to ensure your success in this journey.

Just my two cents. Best wishes to everyone!

I agree that it is especially critical to follow your surgeon/nutritionist's plan in the early weeks/months. I think down the road, once we are past the initial risks of leaks and whatnot, then it is up to us to explore and find a way to LIVE the rest of our lives. A lot of those early plans are in place to ensure proper healing and coping with your new stomach. But further out, you have to experiment with things that will make your new life sustainable for the long term and find the right balances for yourself.

My nutritionist's plan didn't really extend out this far (I'm almost 14 months post-op) aside from the no eating and drinking at the same time and making sure I get 100 grams of Protein per day. I've found what works for me. I reached goal and I'm maintaining. All my blood work has come back great at regular intervals since my surgery. I'm pretty happy and comfortable with the way I eat now.

I drink coffee every single day. I was allowed it at day 30 post-op and you can bet I had that day marked on my calendar and literally counted down the days! But I did wait the full 30 days.

I was allowed alcohol at 3 months post-op and only have it VERY rarely. I find that I get drunk stupidly fast now. I am a SUPER light-weight.

I haven't tried soda, so I don't know what effect that would have on me at this point. I wasn't big on soda even before surgery, having made the switch to Water years earlier. So I don't really miss it at all. I've had a couple of mildly carbonated alcoholic drinks in the past year and they were fine, though I do try to avoid them.

I've drunk from a straw several times, just by accident mostly. Sometimes a restaurant will bring my drink with a straw already in it and I'll drink from it without even thinking about it. I haven't had any ill consequences from that, but I don't use straws the vast majority of the time.

My nutritionist wanted me to switch away from protein supplements ASAP and get the majority of my protein through real food, but I still eat Protein Bars every day. It's what works for me!

Like I said, it's very important to stick to the guidelines in the beginning and not jeopardize your healing. But you are the one who has to be able to live the rest of your life so only you can know what's going to ultimately work for you for the long haul after you are all healed up.

Well said

@@JamieLogical what are you eating to be able to get in 100 grams of protein a day without shakes?

Agreed. I didn't quite follow my plan and wound up in the ER severely dehydrated and vitamin deficient, that now 10 months post op, I'm still struggling with overcoming. So please please follow your surgeon and nutritionist plan of action. Avoid the mistakes, so you don't end up paying for them later.

@@JamieLogical what are you eating to be able to get in 100 grams of Protein a day without shakes?

I have two protein bars a day, so that really helps. Here's my typical day:

Breakfast: Protein Bar (20 grams)

Morning Snack: String cheese (8 grams)

Lunch: Leftover meat from a previous dinner (16-20 grams)

Afternoon Snack: Dannon Light & Fit Greek Yogurt with granola or Kashi Cereal mixed in (~15 grams)

Dinner: Meat from whatever dinner my husband makes (16-20 grams)

Evening Snack: Protein Bar (20 grams)