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Hi everyone, I'm new to this forum. I had gastric sleeve surgery, six years ago. I noticed immediately that I can't drink as much, but after 6 years I can barely handle one drink, without getting a headache, high heart rate and feeling very tired. My main question is, why has this taken 6 years to happen? I was ok on small amounts, for the first five years.

I share this story in hopes that it may help someone to never pick up a drink after VSG or to at least be hyper-vigilant about the dangers of drinking post weight loss surgery. I was sleeved in August of 2015 @ 310 lbs. Quickly lost most of the weight needed and began running 5k. Not really setting the world on fire, but it was really good for me. Prior to surgery, I had always enjoyed drinking with friends. Typical guy stuff - couple beers @ a football game or watching the game on Sunday, meeting for drinks after work, etc. Never an issue or problem. Never anything that i had to have. My doctor warned me against alcohol, sodas, and transfer addictions, but I thought "never me". WOW, was I wrong. I remember the first couple times I had a beer after the surgery (I waited 6 months), it was very fizzy and uncomfortable. I convinced myself that it would get easier, and unfortunately it did. Next came the rum and coke zero. Wow, that tastes great, and I get a buzz very quickly. That fast buzz turned into getting very drunk, very quickly. Our new bodies absorb the alcohol in 1/2 the time that a normal internal system would. Over the last couple yeaars there have been many episodes of drinking way to much, blacking out, and not remembering what happened. I have had to apologize for my behavior more than once after a night of drinking. I even started drinking every day. I would make a drink as soon as I got home each day. 1 turns into 2 or 3. Just like lays potato chips you can not have just 1. Alcohol consumed my every thought. When can I have a drink? How can I make sure I can get a drink? It amazed me how I was able to justify that if creamer was good in my morning coffee, how great would Rumchatta be (it's damn good, by the way). I am living proof that transfer addiction is a real thing. I am now in counseling for my alcohol addiction. Transfer addiction is definitely a real thing. Prior to VSG surgery I was over 300 pounds because I had an addiction to food, and all the wrong kinds of food. My new addiction is alcohol and it's best friend is food addiction. what goes with beer = chicken wings, or nuts and pretzels, what goes with a margarita = tacos, etc. Alcohol also makes it impossible to lose weight. So if you are really dedicated to clean eating but you drink, your weight may stay the same, but it surely will not go down. I have packed on 60 lbs of the 120 that I lost. And, I am slowly changing behaviors to get back to where I want to be. It is a journey,, but I am worth it. I will overcome. Addiction is sacrificing everything for that one thing ! Recovery is sacrificing that 1 thing to have everything !

I'm killing it, body fat down below 10 percent, I'm working out at least 4 times a week, am lean and strong. But I've found solace in whiskey. I drink it neat, no mixers. I don't drink during the day, but need to quiet my mind. Good quality whiskey does that, after 35 + years of total sobriety. I'm in Texas, so pot is largely illegal- and the illicit vapes make me paranoid. Crazy thing is I don't wake up with a hang over- I take Pharma sleep meds but am careful about the combo. I did talk to one guy who lost a crazy amount of weight through surgery and told me that heavy alcohol consumption is not uncommon. I was not fixated on food before surgery, but gained a lot during Covid sitting on my ass without serious exercise. I'm now working hard at the gym with a good trainer, and the results have been impressive. But the alcohol is an issue. I don't drive or go out when I drink, I'm home. I'm a high functioning boozer, but still. I hate being dependent on any substance, but I need to turn down the noise in my head. There are some legal CBD outlets in Texas which I can explore. I know the volume of whiskey I'm consuming is not necessary good for long life, but it definitely chills me out. Would love input from others who have had the same experience. Physically I'm in amazing shape, and generally, my mental attitude is quite positive. TIA!

I used to fall asleep after drinking alcohol! I guess it doesn't happen now that I'm older.

Wait, seriously? GLP-1s might help with depression and alcohol issues too? I had no idea these could do more than just weight and blood sugar stuff.

In your circumstance I would say that I am on antibiotics and not allowed alcohol. Then you could say you would have a sneaky taste of all the wine but not a big glass. I was allowed alcohol after surgery but stayed to low alcohol drinks for a while to test it on my body. Even now I would be smashed on a glass of wine. I keep my drinks long and slowly drink them. I have never dumped just gotten giddy mighty quick.

It's just a guess, but this sounds like a condition called Sudden Onset Alcohol Intolerance. If my guess is correct, It's probably not related to your surgery as this can happen to anyone. There are lots of potential underlying causes for sudden onset alcohol intolerance, some of which are related to other health issues and some that aren't. Feel free to look up the condition if you're curious. Obviously seeing a medical professional would be the best course of action if it concerns you, especially if you're concerned about the other related health conditions like allergies, endocrine disorders and Crohn’s disease. Not to sound "preachy", but at the end of the day, alcohol is a poison. For most people, their bodies work hard to process the poison and remove it from their systems. At low doses, it can do this reasonable well. At higher doses, it gets overwhelmed and this is what causes a "hangover". In your case, it's not even being able to tolerate low doses. You may need to take this as a sign you need to stop ingesting it.

I actually never restarted drinking sodas after surgery and don't miss them at all. Same with alcohol. You do you, but I figured if I was fine without them for that long, what did I have to gain by restarting?

it may also be your screen time (i mean you are posting this at 1am!)...you can try to stay off the phone/computer/tv for a couple hours before your intended bedtime. it may help.... good luck! p.s. alcohol always puts ME to sleep. ymmv. lol

Yeah, the wine’s likely the issue. Alcohol messes with your sleep, especially if you drink late. At 10 pm, your body’s still processing it hours later. Get out of bed for a bit, keep lights low, do something boring. Try again when you feel sleepy. Skip the wine next time and see if that helps.

I had my surgery a year ago now and I didn’t follow the pre op as stringent as they said just stopped drinking alcohol l and cut down on calories still eat meals but healthy 5 days before I had my last alcoholic drink 4 days before and the night before I had chicken breast and veggies with hummus it’s will be your last meal for a very long time enjoy it but don’t over eat I ate that meal as 5pm and my op was at 12:00 next day hope this helps your going on a journey nothing is going to prepare you for this but it’s well worth it

Has anyone heard the latest podcast by Dr. Matthew Weiner who covers a lot about GLP-1’s? The episode discusses: “recent studies that debunk the myth of increased risk of suicide and highlight the positive impact these medications have on reducing depression, curbing alcohol and binge eating disorders, and slowing the progression of Parkinson’s”. I’m curious to see if they are soon approved to treat these conditions. May be more reasons for insurance to cover them, hopefully 🤞

Good advice above. Gotta love this place. I regained 7kg last year after losing for a year and a half after surgery, and then holding pretty steady at my below target weight for another year. Like you I know where my 7kg came from. For me it's alcohol and carbs (and sometimes alcoholic carbs!) When I get back to basics and stop drinking wine and eating white carbs it comes off slowly. When I don't it goes back on - somewhat less slowly! I am kind of allowing myself to bounce about within a 5kg window and managing that but honestly I am working kinda hard to achieve it. So far I haven't seen the scales climb any higher but I know a crisis or even just a change in circumstances or health (mental or physical) could scupper me. I do not take being this weight for granted. I hope you can get back on track - I know you have an incentive with your back problem but that doesn't make it one bit easier.

Had weight loss surgery 7 years ago. 2 years into it started drinking heavily. I use to drink maybe 2 or 3 drinks a year. Now I'm a full blown alcoholic in recovery. My ex wife also hade bypass and started to drink alot but was able to control it. Anyone else struggling with the cross addiction?

I wouldn't know. I have no experience with "small amounts". I don't begin to understand the causation, biology, anatomy, genealogy, etc, etc, etc. All I can say is that I had my WLS at a time when my wife and I were both seeing an uptick in our drinking. Perhaps to mask the problems in our marriage....perhaps to make the best of things.....perhaps we simply enjoyed it. The WLS, gym work and new way of eating were working wonders for my health. Initially this was met with approval and it seemed to be really helpful in calming the stormy seas of our marriage. I was firmly committed to keeping the weight loss train chugging ahead. After healing from the surgery I began drinking. No beer, but high grade tequila and vodka with skinny mixers. Without the benefit of meals, the impact was much deeper than simply sipping beer and then having dinner. This was 7-ish years ago. Fast forward to today. I've been alcohol free for the past 6+ years. It simplifies things. It is one less variable in daily life. It is simply easier for me to abstain than it is to have something else to measure, to control, to monitor. Right now monitoring my diet is enough. I don't know much about alcohol and I'm quite sure my surgeon and his staff all said to avoid it, period. LOL, to me listening to that noise at the time. I can say this....it is refreshing and good to not have it be part of my life. I face things head on and get to solving issues right away vs sulking and sipping on them over a night or two. Strong coffee is a much better substitute for me. Get some professional alcohol-specific guidance on this matter. IT can improve the trajectory of your life. Don't try to wing it and solve this on your own. Get the right advisors onboard and helping you make the best decisions for you.

Hi all! I had VSG back in Dec of 2016. I was very involved in this community for a long time. I lost 124 pounds over about 18 months and maintained a 105-110 pound weight loss for almost 3 years. Then the pandemic hit. Then I had some non related medical issues. I went on a medication that caused weight gain. I got frustrated. I fell off the wagon and tumbled down the road and I’m now facing a 60 pound weight gain in about 4 years. I made a lot of excuses! I also started picking up bad habits like drinking alcohol, not counting calories and indulging in carb heavy snacks. But hitting 260+ again shook me. I was only 15 pounds down from my surgery weight. It’s time to get off the pity wagon and get back on track. so I’m back. I’m counting calories. Eating low carb. Cutting almost all alcohol, bread as pasta out! 10 days down, forever to go! My Stats: SW: 305 SD: 275 LW: 181 MW: 195-200 RW: 263 CW: 258 GW: 200

You got this. I was also active on here in the years following my sleeve. Had a life event occur that knocked me down. Stayed in a hole for the past few years....but started resuming normal life recently. Addressing the regain. That part is going well. Staying in my lane, been alcohol free the past 6+ years, working long hours and taking care of yard work & house chores on my days off.

Getting some fluid removed from your band is a good first step. In the meantime, try sleeping with your head elevated and avoiding trigger foods like caffeine, alcohol, and spicy stuff. If the Prilosec isn't cutting it, maybe talk to your doctor about a stronger medication.

I have pain if I eat too much, or don't chew enough times before swallowing in the upper area of my abdomen, as if the pouch is not allowing any more food in it and pushing up on the diaphragm. I guess it is in the esophagus, but I learned my less the first time it happened and now the only time it happens when I eat too much shrimp. I keep it to 2 oz. Fluid is the most important thing. I would avoid carbonated beverages, and alcohol, you need to let your body heal from surgery before going off plan. Stick to the plan your team has given you. The most problems that end up in the ER are for dehydration. I drink Crystal Light with Isopure Clear Protein in my drinks to get the protein goals I have. Good luck!

ok. well if that is what u want, then so be it. we all have our reasons for what we want, which may or mat not be understood by others. that's life, as they say! with that said, to gain 130lbs (from ur current weight of 130 to your goal of 260) will likely take a considerable amount of effort to gain HEALTHILY. i would suggest working with a professional to form a plan to gain this amount of weight while maintaining a relatively good level of "health". there is also the "easy" way to gain weight, by just eating low-volume, high-calorie foods. think: all thinks considered "junk": fast food, candy, dessert, fatty foods, liquid calories (pop, juice, alcohol) etc. you may be compromising your health and longevity, but i mean if a higher weight is what YOU want, then go for it. you know yourself best. good luck!

ok... first: DISCLAIMER...we are all different and will experience life and all its awesomeness in different ways. what *I* go through is in no way indicative of what YOU will go through. with that said, I am closing in on 7 years post-op (sleeve) here is/was MY experience: - i accidentally found out that i was able to GULP a whole bunch of liquid at around 3 weeks post op (i was super thirsty at the time), and have no problem doing it since. - i was cleared for ALL food/drinks at 1 month post op (except alcohol..which was 6 months**). - i started drinking carbonated drinks (i.e, Perrier or Soda Water) at about 1 month post op) and had no issues, and i could even GULP it! i did not drink sugary carbonated drinks much at this time...except for tonic water, which i had with my GIN or VODKA. ** i drank maybe 4-5 partial gin/vodka tonics in the time before i reached GOAL at 7 months post op. - since reaching goal (like 7 years ago!), i have regulary drank carbonated drinks (real sugar and artificially sweetened) almost every day. i also have some sort of alcohol every day, but that's a different story, ha! - i have maintained BELOW my stated goal weight (127 lbs) since achieving it more than 6 years ago. - i am currently 103 lbs, and eat admittedly not the healthiest, but i exercise like a m-f*cker so i think it all evens out. Edited to add: for those that my think i'm like way underweight, i'm barely 5'2" so my current weight is actually "healthy" for my height (at least that's what BMI and my doctor says, ha!)

You can make your own poo pouri if you want different smells. DIY versions are out there. 1 tsp rubbing alcohol, 40 drops of essential oils, and then fill to the 3 oz mark on a spray bottle. Keep them in all your bathrooms. The oils they use for the poo pourri ingredients are bergamot essential oil, lemongrass essential oil and orange essential oils. However, use what you like. Other recommendations are lemongrass and peppermint, or lavender and orange. Heck, use pine around the holidays. Festive poop spray! Yup… I said it! Cost is under a buck depending on your oil supplier.

Well post sleeve alcohol has absolutely no effect on me. I figured it’s a waste of Callie’s and money and stopped drinking. Post revision I figured why try it now that I’m used to not having it

Cross-addiction after bariatric surgery is something I didn’t expect, but it hit hard. I swapped food for alcohol and didn’t even notice at first. Therapy helped, but I also needed structure and support from people who understood. I’ve heard that abbeycare group's clinics offer solid programs for addiction recovery, including for those of us dealing with post-surgery struggles. Finding the right help makes a huge difference in breaking the cycle.

Thank you! I'm know my husband’s favorite Podcaster lovvvves the paleovalley bone broth protein powder, but we haven't got any of the unflavored for me to taste. Anything with flavors (i.e. stevia, monkfruit, sugar alcohols, etc.) makes me ill. I'm just trying to get some things on hand to try after my surgery.