What about... ALCOHOL

[julie92]

So, I have read here that yes, sometimes an addiction to food can turn over to an alcohol addiction. However, with that aside, I am curious about just general once-in-awhile drinking. My surgery is set for March 1st, and I feel more than ready, but I do worry about me not ever being able to have a beer or 2 on a Friday night again. Can YOU still drink? If so, what can/can't you drink? What did your surgeon say about alcohol after the sleeve?

Thanks so much!!

[Canuimagine]

Hi! I can't help you with your question since I don't drink (I already have an alcohol addiction, LOL!) but wanted to say hello because our surgery is scheduled for the same date, 3/1! The countdown is here!!!

[LaffeyTaffey]

If you wanted a few ounces of a alcoholic drink that isn't carbonated, you could. But even that will cause you to slowly gain your weight back after surgery (around year 1 or 2 post op) if you drink often.

We're supposed to stay away from bubbly drinks as they aren't good for our small tiny stomachs. I've read a bunch of times about people gaining 10, 20 pounds back and not knowing why since they exercise regularly and don't usually eat carb-filled foods. But then they mention they drink a few times a week or so and it's either a AHA! moment or denial for some that I know personally.

I'll give you two examples of people I know and would see often when I lived in NY and not CO:
-They both started out at 300 pounds-
Person #1 exercises intensely on a regular basis and consistently chooses healthy protein-packed foods.
Person #2 well, I've noticed that person likes to drink with friends and eats foods that are not a good idea. Like last month this person tried convincing me that we can still eat stuff like ramen noodles. I had to give her the talk lol. Which is, after a year post op or sometimes even by 10 months post op, our body adapts to eating so little and it becomes the norm for us. Yes it sucks.
Back to these two ladies. Person #1 made it to her goal and is SO healthy looking it's awesome. Person #2 made it halfway to her goal and that's it. She's still obese technically
Person #1 is 2 years post op and drinks a small amount of wine most nights and even though she exercises, she's gained a few pounds back. But we've gone over everything she does so she knows it's the wine that's the culprit.
That's my 2¢ for anyone who reads this. I hope it helps! I say, drink a small noncarbonated drink maybe once a week tops. 1 drink, 1x a week is a good compromise compared to too often and gaining weight or not at all and missing it. Good luck!

[garrison36]

I have a drink every blue moon cause I don't go out much and it's ok, the only thing is you wont be able to eat if you drink because you will get full too fast. I think surgeons say don't drink pop or alcohol because they just didn't know enough about the after affects of the sleeve surgery.
I have whatever I want and when it's just in moderation.

[Kodi's Mom]

This question was posed by a woman who was in my pre-surgery class. The NP simply stated that if you want to drink do not have the surgery.

She then went on to say to wait for the first year as it takes you a full year to completely heal from the surgery.

Alcohol provides you with empty calories, can cause cross-addiction, can lead to less inhibitions and therefore less healthy food choices.

Beer is carbonated and can cause pain as it will cause your stomach/pouch to temporarily expand.

I would discuss this with your surgical center to make sure you are on the same page as they are so that you can work your program and be as successful as possible.

Personally, alcoholism runs in my family on one side and addictive personalities can be found on both sides. I had this surgery to recover my health so I have opted not to drink. (I actually decided this 30 yrs ago when I started working for the Post Office and had weird, long hours and good money and didn't want to tempt fate.)

[Aydensmomma]

I'm 13 months out. I tried a sip of soda because I wanted to see how I felt with it. I felt the bubbles in my stomach and while it didn't make me feel sick or anything it was wierd. And the soda was gross. I used to love soda.
Anyway......I've been told no drinking.....
I went to a bridal shower at 7mo post op. I literally had 2 sips of wine and started getting that buzzed feeling. Literally TWO SIPS! So I won't be drinking because I can't handle it. I have a friend who is 2 years out and she drinks every weekend. She also drinks like 4 cups of coffee while eating breakfast so she isn't exactly a good role model.

If your a beer drinker......I wouldn't try a sip for a year.....it's a long time but I would give your stomach as long as you can to let it heal before putting the bubbles in there. Carbination makes some people throw up. And if you decide to have a beer once in a while, make sure it's only once in a while or it will make loosing weight harder.

[Ann2]

I do drink and am a social drinker ... which means no more than one drink a day or seven drinks a week. I drink wine and single malt scotch.

I had my first post-op drink 6 months out. No problems that I know of.

And nobody on my surgical team said anything as remotely stupid as "If you want to drink don't have the surgery." Comments like that are flat-out ignorant.

Yes, you shouldn't spend a lot of empty calories on alcohol during the weight losing phases. But in maintenance you have to craft a lifestyle and habits that are not only healthy but enjoyable. If you don't abuse alcohol you can find a way to include it in your life. Just continue to notice how it affects your health and weight and modify your alcohol intake appropriately.

[garrison36]

Well said Ann2. I agree

[tomigyrl]

I was given clearance for one glass of wine two weeks post op (it was 4th of July), which I did. Nothing bad happened. I've had wine, and or scotch/whiskey on a semi-regular basis since. I've lost weight (SOOOO close to goal), not gained. (A few empty calories here and there isn't a big deal if you're following the protein/water intake recommendations.) I've not become an alcoholic. I have had beer, but must drink it very slowly, in small quantities (half pint max.) Non-carbonated alcohol is easy - 5oz is about as much as I want/can tolerate.

It all depends on the person.

There is no one-size-fits-all statement. (Except for that one right there to the left.)

[sraebaer]

I drink, but obviously I can't drink as much as a regular person with my little tummy. Alcohol doesn't bother me a bit as long as I know my limits. I had my surgery over 2 years ago, lost my weight, and kept it off.

[Glo18]

Hi,
My Dr. told me 3 months i have to wait, then I can have Alcohol. And depends on how much liquid your body can consume at one time. For instance I can drink about 6 oz of water at one time, milk only 4 oz cause its thicker. Hope this helps!

[DBarringer58]

To can't answer your question because I am only 8 days out. But my surgeon said no alcohol and no carbonated drinks. Now I know we are not suppose to have soda ever but not sure about the alcohol. But that's not a problem for me because I don't drink. Thanks!

[Palmilla]

I am 10 years post op. *70 years old* I just joined again today because of complications, but your question was very relevant to my complications.

The answer to your question is YES>>> but that being said , you will regret it. I never had problem drinking, wine or hard liquor post op. .. I drank one or two drinks for years but after 10 years of up's and downs of weight loss and gains, I attributed most of my weight gain to alcohol and it's mixers. Trust me your body doesn't need those extra calories.

[Ann2]

Palmilla,

Would you mind sharing with us what your "complications" are that are related to alcohol intake? I'm asking out of curiosity, but also because it could be relevant to some member's or lurker's current issues.

And if you'd rather not share, of course, don't.

Welcome, by the way.

[Palmilla]

Thank you Ann2.

My complications to intake of Alcohol and there are two right now. First I've gained 3 dress sizes since February. I went into a deep depression following the death of my sister last February. Although, I use hard liquor and wine, it increased to help the sadness but it also help increase the dress sizes. Also, started on Effexor for depression and that has a weight gain side affect.

I vomited blood last week and I have a doctors appointment next Tuesday. As I have read on the internet that alcohol causes irritation of a hernia. And because I over indulged the past few months my hernia it has become inflamed.

History: I had blood clots last August (not related to my Sleeve) and became intolerant to milk products. The food selection of how to start a new weight loss program is hard. Such as: Coumadin for thinning the blood is blocked by green foods and I could get another blood clot.
Milk product will cause major diarrhea. But beer would lesson the pain in my stomach.

Please let me know if you was to know anything else.
Blessing to you