Now that I have started mentioning my work towards a band I have had a few ask questions that I really didnt have the answer for.

One coworker is about 250, admits to drinking too much beer. When he has stopped drinking, along with watching his calories he only dropped about 40lb and nothing more. He slipped back into drinking and has maintained his weight.

I can agree that alcohol is a wasted calorie, but what do I say to the fact he stopped drinking for 3 months, dieted and lost no weight?

Just trying to find something constructive to tell him, besides just telling him to stop drinking totally.

Drinking isn't the only reason to GAIN weight and not drinking the only reason to lose it. There are tens of thousands of people who are overweight and don't drink. Apparently alcohol isn't the only reason the coworker is obese. Plus MANY people hit plateaus. Perhaps after 40 pounds he hit one.

Just because we are getting the band doesn't mean we are diet experts (although I've done so many different diets I often feel like an expert LOL)

If he's interested in the band, he needs a check up and then to go to a seminar or two, discuss his concerns with a surgeon.

Weight management is only about calories in v calories out, obviously alchohol contributed to his daily intake of calories but he also eats too much for his energy needs. Simple. Regardless of what somenone else can eat, we all know those people who do no exercise and eat like a horse and are skinny, your own personal balance is what you have to find.

You could gain weight eating apples if you ate enough of them and you can lose weight eating nothing but cream cakes. Health and weight loss are not necessarily strongly related.

energy in v energy out is all it is.

I can attest to the beer situation..since I can no longer drink soda w/ the band beer has been a "safe" altnerative. However, I find that (1) I tend to drink too much and (2) unable to let go of my normal 1-2 lbs per week. I haven't posted this before but wasn't sure others may have be affected by the same issue until I stumbled on this thread. I have told myself this is the LAST 6-pack of Michelob Ultra Lime Cactus that I'm going to buy....bought a bunch of Crystal Light instead.

Hopefully, your friend is watching all of their other food intake and is exercising. I can't agree more on the calories in / calories burned theory. All the best to you all!

If he stopped drinking did he pick up another habit that he hasn't fully realised is sabotaging his weight loss? If instead of holding the beer bottle has he moved to some pop or cheetos? Some people just need something to keep their hands busy while watching TV. Teach him to knit. Maybe that will work. Seriously. If it doesn't work, well then, he still learns a new skill!

Why would beer be a safer alternative than pop/soda? It's still carbonated.. which from my understanding meant it was off limits? No?

I believe you are correct - beer is just as carbonated and has more calories than Diet Coke, which is off limits.