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Drinking and Gastric Bypass

jfkoenig
jfkoenig Posts: 3 Member
edited January 3 in Social Groups
I am about 1 month into my 6 month pre-op lifestyle program. I am 6'-3" and 329 lbs (I have actually lost 13lbs. since 10/18 since I started tracking what I eat with MFP) I have lost and regained 60 or more lbs. 3 times over the past 12 years. I have been reccomended and approved for GBS by my PCP and am using this 6 month pre-op period at the very least as a kick start to permanent lifestyle changes and then will decide if the surgery is for me. I am a social drinker and enjoy tailgating and social events etc. where alcohol is usually present. If I choose to have the surgery I know you can't drink at all for at least a year. My question is will I never be able to have a beer or glass of wine again...ever? I would appreciate any input on drinking and Gastric Bypass Surgery. Thanks...

Replies

  • I was told to watch what you drink and limit it to maybe 1 or 2 because it can put you on your (excuse me) *kitten* pretty fast if you don't watch it.
  • sadiegirl32
    sadiegirl32 Posts: 181 Member
    I can't wait to hear the answers on this one. I love my wine and martinis. But will be willing to give them up forever if need be. I am only 2 months post op from RNY so have a while to go before I can even attempt this one.
  • healthybabs
    healthybabs Posts: 589 Member
    When I met with my NUT a couple of weeks ago we had a discussion about alcohol. She indicated that when you are out quite a ways you could probably have a 6 oz glass of wine occasionally if you really wanted to. The problem with the alcohol is in large part due to the amount of sugar which is something you definately would want to limit. Many folks can't tolerate any alcohol while others can.
  • ragslittle
    ragslittle Posts: 176 Member
    While you can drink alcohol, it is absorbed more quickly after bypass and there is a higher rate of alcohol abuse and addiction among bypassers due to the fact that we trade one addiction for another - we dont eat enough to absorb the alcohol and we tend to drink instead of eat. It doesn't mean that we can't drink, you just have to be more aware of how much you consume.
  • imakimm
    imakimm Posts: 839
    Yes you will be able to drink a few glasses of wine, beer or alcohol again after surgery. It will just effect you much differently and faster.
  • miss_erynn
    miss_erynn Posts: 140 Member
    I had my first drink post-bypass after 3 months. I was drunk after 1 drink - and likely before I even finished that drink.

    I don't drink much now - when out with friends who are drinking, I'll have 1 drink (maybbbeeeeeeee 2 if I'm with them for hours and hours), but I sip it very slowly. I usually get hungry when I drink and I can't eat and drink at the same time as I get very sick.

    The alcohol does NOT bother my tummy/pouch at all, except for getting right sh!tfaced! LOL. I'm a cheap date now, ahahaha.

    Think of how much money you'll save not drinking.... and, consequently, not eating all the greasy calorie-ridden foods that go along with drinking!!!
  • jfkoenig
    jfkoenig Posts: 3 Member
    Thanks so much for everyones imput. I appreciate it.
  • MrsB123111
    MrsB123111 Posts: 535 Member
    I try not to drink very often... Empty calories, low tolerance, blah blah blah, etc. My biggest complaint is that my hang overs are FAR worse than before surgery! I am pretty much worthless the day after I get drunk. I hate feeling that way, so I limit myself to 1 or 2 cocktails every now and then. I try to stick with clear liquors with club soda or white wines.
  • karen_golfs
    karen_golfs Posts: 377 Member
    This was one of my questions. I am scheduled for gastric sleeve on December 10, 2012. I rarely drink anyway but would still like to have an occasional Bloody Mary.
  • minkakross
    minkakross Posts: 687 Member
    As was said above alcohol has 2 problems post surgery 1. it absorbs faster and 2. there are VERY high rates of alcoholism among surgery patients. I was not a food addict and thus have a low risk of trading one addiction for another, I had my first glass of wine about 3 months post surgery and was drunk to tipsy for about 1 hour. My husband home brews so I have a few sips of beer to taste but in truth even if I happen to like one I don't drink it because of the bubbles. Carbonation may never be my friend again so while I may someday have a drink more than 1-2 times a month it won't be beer. I suppose you can make the new stomach get use to anything and thus get over the carbonation effect but I'm in no hurry to undo my hard work.
  • Susann1963
    Susann1963 Posts: 126 Member
    Alcohol is absorbed much faster in bypass patients, my doc said 80% vs 20%. So every ounce i drink, I mentally multiply by 5. I now use a shot glass if drinking wine at home so I am sure to be sure if its one ounce or two etc.
  • ErinShannon
    ErinShannon Posts: 158 Member
    I have never been a big drinker - the program I went through, there is to be no alcohol as well as no soda every again. I am ok with that - I am too scared to mess up my tool to even think of trying something carbonated or alcoholic.
  • annwyatt69
    annwyatt69 Posts: 727 Member
    I have never been a big drinker - the program I went through, there is to be no alcohol as well as no soda every again. I am ok with that - I am too scared to mess up my tool to even think of trying something carbonated or alcoholic.

    I have never been a drinker, but was definitely a diet soda-holic! If there is anything I miss, it would be diet sodas. Not a big fan of colas or dr. pepper, but carbonated free and clear drinks or orange soda will be missed. At least I can add Crystal Light to my water when I want a treat. And I agree--I am terrified of messing up this tool I have been given. It was too long of a process getting here and I am very blessed to have had it done.
This discussion has been closed.