I'm new here and I have at least until January until I can get banded. I currently drink pretty heavily. I'm hoping that the band can help me curb the wine drinking as well as it does with foods. Is it possible that the band will restrict how much wine I can drink?

The band does not restrict liquids.

Libby's right. You'll still be able to drink wine. You're not supposed to drink with your meals, and some people experience pain when drinking with a meal, but others don't. So, chances are, you won't get a negative response from it, except for all the additional calories. I'll have to warn you, that if you have a food addiction, some people transfer their food addictions to other addictions like alcoholism. If you think you're possibly a borderline alcoholic or if you exhibit addictive behaviors, you need to seriously address this before surgery. Good luck to you, and I hope it all works out for you.

I can still drink wine no problem. It is one of the things that I am able to drink whilst eating as it tends to be sipped slowly rather than gulped so there is no way that the band will help you to deal with this issue. I agree that it is something you need to address prior to surgery.

I used to drink quite a bit (whatever that means--1 or 2 a day, maybe more on weekends), but have cut down since surgery. I don't have restrictions from my doctor (or the band itself) on alcohol, but I keep in mind the liquid calories! Plus now I'm not really used to drinking as much. I have anywhere from 0 to 3 drinks most weeks; sometimes I want more, but usually the calories keep me from doing it! And even on special occasions, I try not to drink too much; there is NO way I want to drink to the point of getting sick with the band--I cringe when I think of how unpleasant and dangerous that would be.

One thing to keep in mind that I never thought about until now:

I am having issues with my pancreas. I am a drinker and have only been drinking on a regular basis for about 2 years.

Obesity and significant weight loss can bring on gallstones and excessive alcohol consumption can directly affect the gallbladder and the pancreas.

Just something to consider