I didn't really try drinking any alcohol until I was 6 months post-op. I found I got roaring drunk from half a vodka cooler! I didn't like the feeling and it left me quite dehydrated. So I didn't drink after that until we went to an all-inclusive resort in January (9 months post-op).

By that point I had lost more than 100 lbs, was eating closer to 800-900 calories per day and exercising regularly (3-4 times per week at the gym, plus daily 4-5K walks). I found I tolerated the alcohol much better during our 2 week vacation.

But it's not something that is part of my normal daily life. I will have a social drink (just 1) during special events, but I haven't drank anything since returning home from vacation (over a month now) and I don't miss it in the least.

I was not much of a drinker before surgery, so this is pretty close to my normal drinking pattern pre-op as well.

It is said that VSG patients must be extra careful to monitor their alcohol use post-op as there is a risk of "cross-addiction". We give up our addiction to food, and substitute it with an addiction to alcohol! Very dangerous and easily done!

If you're going to have a social drink, try just part of one drink at first to see how you do, but I would certainly wait until you're at least 6 months post-op. You need to be solidly into a normal eating routine and above all, make sure you hydrate well before and after the drink, make sure your'e in a safe environment if you get drunk (it may not take much!) and of course, no driving.

Follow your surgeon and NUT's guidelines regarding alcohol consumption post-op and you will be fine.

Alcohol...

#1) Skinny people get drunk a LOT faster than fat people and with less alcohol

#2) Cross-addiction is no joke ... and I became a raging alcoholic within 4-5 years after losing 125#.

I was barely a drinker at all before I had my surgery but later found out that once I was unable to self-medicate with food after the surgery, my brain found another addiction for me and within a very short time (following some major Life events/traumas) I was drinking 4 bottles of wine a DAY... EVERY day... for over a year. Addiction comes in many forms.

Does this mean that as a post-op patient that you're going to have addiction issues? Who knows... I just know that until I spent 3 months last year in an inpatient rehab facility for my drinking I had NO idea just how deep my EMOTIONAL issues were ... and realized that I had used the many addictions as a way to "numb-out" and not have to feel anything. Those emotional issues led me down the path of many addictions through my life .... food... love....alcohol.... but once I was able to take care of the emotional reasons and remove the CAUSE of the addictions, it has been much easier to deal with living in the moment and free of the need to self-medicate.

I'm happy to report that I now have over a year of sobriety and have still maintained the weight loss... still don't want to drink or use ... and can really enjoy Life as it comes. :-)

This is just my story.... but I hope it can help prevent someone else from making the mistakes I did.

I have had a drink or two starting at four months out. White wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon blanc) is my drink of choice. I am usually tipsy without getting sloppy after two glasses.

Before the people on here get all judgey and stuff...We are human and enjoying a glass or two of wine with friends while out to dinner is NORMAL! We get the SLEEVE to be NORMAL, right? -- I just have to get that out there. I have read forums where people start berating for asking the question about alcohol and get all soap boxy about surgery and weight loss...blah blah blah...

Anyhoo...I think you are in the safe zone about four months out, but take it easy. SIP SIP SIP!!! YOU WILL GET TIPSY QUITE QUICKLY...so stay ahead of getting drunk!!!! NURSE YOUR DRINKS...until you know what you can handle with your little stomach!

Alcohol...

#1) Skinny people get drunk a LOT faster than fat people and with less alcohol

#2) Cross-addiction is no joke ... and I became a raging alcoholic within 4-5 years after losing 125#.

I was barely a drinker at all before I had my surgery but later found out that once I was unable to self-medicate with food after the surgery, my brain found another addiction for me and within a very short time (following some major Life events/traumas) I was drinking 4 bottles of wine a DAY... EVERY day... for over a year. Addiction comes in many forms.

Does this mean that as a post-op patient that you're going to have addiction issues? Who knows... I just know that until I spent 3 months last year in an inpatient rehab facility for my drinking I had NO idea just how deep my EMOTIONAL issues were ... and realized that I had used the many addictions as a way to "numb-out" and not have to feel anything. Those emotional issues led me down the path of many addictions through my life .... food... love....alcohol.... but once I was able to take care of the emotional reasons and remove the CAUSE of the addictions, it has been much easier to deal with living in the moment and free of the need to self-medicate.

I'm happy to report that I now have over a year of sobriety and have still maintained the weight loss... still don't want to drink or use ... and can really enjoy Life as it comes. :-)

This is just my story.... but I hope it can help prevent someone else from making the mistakes I did.

GOOD FOR YOU!!! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!!

I just want to let you know that my soapbox comment was not about you at all. I commend you for being open and honest about your addiction and tackling it!

This is a different journey for all of us and you seem strong in mind and spirit! Keep up the good work!

I am quite interested in everyone's response. I have had the same question. I am 2.5 mos post-op and supposed to have a "girls weekend" in about a month. We usually have a few drinks each day while together. (although we are in a hotel room together scrapbooking so we aren't out driving)

I am pre-op (in liquid phase) and my Dr. insists on no alcohol for a year. I don't plan on touching a drop until that time and then it will be very moderate. Alcohol has so much sugar in it in all forms. Not for this chick for all the money sunk into this surgery. (smile)

furrychef----You told my story to a T. minus the rehab. Boy the pull to drink everyday is so strong. I even want a cigarette. I quit smoking in 1996. Last drink 3 weeks ago. This is a tough dependance. I hope I don't need rehab. Good Luck all

I believe I was 3 months post-op at a 4th July party and I had a couple of sips of wine and took a sip of cognac! I could had my liquor prior to surgery but not anymore! My eyes got very low very quickly! LOL It depends on the person they don't recommend it but....

PJ please know that I'm not judging you at all. I was a pretty solid drinker in my day. But I never felt that I had to drink to be normal. A lot of times, I went out with friends and didn't drink, just wasn't into it. Other times not so much. But before this surgery, I made a commitment to my self that if I was going to crawl up on that table and let them cut out 85% of my stomach, I was going to do my part and get my body and mind in a place that I could be as healthy as possible. I wanted to eliminate a lot of my demons from my past so that they would not be part of my future. Drink was part of that. I used the opportunity that I was given to make the kind of lifestyle changes that I needed to make in order to live the kind of life that I needed to live. That was my normal. Again not judging and not trying to be all soap boxy but try to understand that normal takes on a lot of different forms and some people are just as passionate about not drinking as those that want to drink are.

I had my first drink 3 weeks out. I was at my sisters house, she didn't know about the surgery. She pored me a shot, and I knew if I didn't drink it the questions would start. I got buzzed off of that one shot...but it didn't hurt me. After that I waited a few more months to drink again. It still effects me more now then ever before. I only drink socially, and I am currently 20 pounds from my goal weight...not my surgeons goal which I passed 70 pounds ago, but my own goal. As for cross over addictions, it is very easy to develop them so we all got to watch ourselves! Good luck!

i went out with some friends at 8 weeks and had THREE mixed drinks ....a bay breeze, coconut rum n pineapple and a bahama mama. the first one went down really well and 1/2 way into the 2nd one i was feeling great! When starting to drink the 3rd one i was well lit !!!needless to say , i had acid reflux for three days and did nothing but worry .....afraid i burnt up my insides !I am at 11 weeks today , and plan on waiting awhile before i attempt again !!!!To each their own!!!