Ok, so I have a question for all you who have been banded and like to go out. I love going out with friends. I go to bars and parties or where ever we can have a good time. When I go out I do enjoy the occasional drink but am mostly there for the social environment. I am ok with giving up the alcohol, but I was wondering how you felt post-band about going out or if you had any negative/positive experiences with it. All comments and advice are welcomed.

i was banded on 11/27 and went on a cruise 15 days later. I was able to drink and eat what i wanted just in moderation and with better decision making skills.

I work in a bar and am surrounded by that lifestyle. since being banded I have not had any issues with being social or spending time with my friends. going out to eat with my pals is more annoying for them than me. since I have the smallest bill.

I've had mine done for 2 1/2 weeks and I went clubbin friday. I have lost weight and feel alot better about myself and I had alot more energy!! And you don't have to give up alcohol all together with the lap band just carbonated like beer and bubbly. You can have liquor and wine. in fact they say that having a glass of wine a day will promote better health! I am too young to drink but when I get their I will surely take heed to this lol

You don't need to give up alcohol with the band. Some opt to, because of the calories, but if you tolerated it pre-op you're probably going to be able to tolerate it post-op. Just keep in mind that after meal drinks may be a little more potent, since you'll have a lot less food in your stomach. :eek:

negative/positive experiences -- just be careful not to drink too soon after eating, and be careful what/how you eat. And try to know where the bathrooms are, just in case.

I don't know how heavily you plan on drinking but you do have to be careful because it is possible for you to get really really drunk to the point where your body would normally get sick to get rid of this alcohol, but your body may not be able to. So, just be careful and you shouldn't have any problems.

I love going out now. I feel amazing. I get much more attention from guys (not that it matters because I am married but damn what and ego boost). I don't feel embarrassed to be out there dancing. I have fun now because I focus on that and not on how I am the biggest person in the room. What you drink depends on how your body responds to it. I can drink beer and mixed drinks with soda. It does not bother my stomach as long as I am not chugging them. I can also do small shot but larger ones (like jager bombs) take me 2-3 swigs before I can get them down.

I was so excited when I ran across this thread, because I have been wondering about going out after I get my band

I like wine alot better now....it just tastes awesome and I crave it....its cool!! haha I haven't tried anything else yet but I will later.

I wonder how the band tolerates tequilla (sp?) shots.....

I'm sure it'd be fine...lol they said nothing with carbonation and I have found no carbonation in jose' haha

I miss beer! I was never a wine or hard liquor drinker, they bring out my evil side. I could always handle beer much better. I don't go out that often but when I do(once a month at most), I'd really like to have beer. Will this really stretch out my pouch????

um they say you can have a little...I wouldn't drink but like a few sips...a day. I had a sonic sunrise earlier only because the orange juice separates the carbonation in the sprite...so I dunno what you can do to beer cause I don't drink it lol I've always been a liquor or wine kinda gal...I don't think a little would hurt but if you drink too much it will stretch your pouch

Or maybe you could try like a Mike's Hard Lemonade or my fav the Cranberry one I don't thnk they are carbonated (but I'm not sure) or maybe even a wine cooler.

I drink like every other weekend. To tell you the truth since being banded I have never had a hang over. It it so crazy, I use to get hung over pretty often but dunno why I don't anymore. I drink what I want, but I am not a beer person. There is this carbonated drink I buy in the can that is like a entergy drink with alcohol in it that the beer company makes and I really like that but you don't need more than 2 cans. oh and I drink it on ice.

I really havent given up anything, its more about learning to do everything in moderation. You can still go out and enjoy a drink! It would have been harder when I was younger and did want to drink to the point of being drunk, nowadays I rarely do that but the occasional splurge doesnt hurt you.

TO be fair though, I'm more into maintenance these days, to actively lose yes, I would cut down on alcohol. But you dont have to give it up forever, just choose wisely and abstain more often than you indulge. Maintenance is a lot easier and you get to enjoy a few more of those things within reason.

I wonder how the band tolerates tequilla (sp?) shots.....

mine went down just fine last weekend, just had to split the shot into two swallows. and boy, did i feel it a lot faster!