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My program is very conservative, particularly about alcohol. The transference of addictions was the main concern, as nutritionist, surgeons, psycholologist, and nurses all discussed with me during all stages of this process. I drank maybe a glass of wine a month before surgery, so didn't quite understand what the big deal was. Well after they showed the research during our various meetings...I no longer questioned the importance of being aware of this problem. Combine the research proven issues of addiction, empty calories, stress on the liver after a major surgery, not to mention my new tummy is so small I really don't want to waste space on alcohol...I choose not to go against my program's rules in regards to alcohol. Just not worth it in my opinion. But something I've learned on boards...some people rationalize/loosely interpret their programs rules...so my words or the words of way more experienced/successful others is taken offense to or just ignored anyways no matter how much logic is provided. Folks will do what they want to do period. Again this seems like program recommendations, where is the research you speak of that was presented to you ? I would like to see that.I am a librarian so research is my thing. However, I'm leery of spending my time locating the research for you when a simple Google search using the key words, "alcohol dependence bariatric surgery" returns quite a few results. Seems like this issue is no secret. If I thought it would make a difference & you would use this info in a responsible manner, I'd hop on that research for you. But Something tells me that you are going to do what you want to do anyways. What I don't get is why not save time & take your surgeon's & the many folks on this board's word for it. I mean we can't all be blindly following our programs plans without logic & reason... right? That's where you would be wrong. If I read that there was proof that drinking too soon would effect my healing insides I definitely would not do it. I did do a quick search and yes like I said originally, I found information supporting things like liquid calories (no brainer) transfer addiction ( I'm an 8 yr bariatric surgery vet, if I was in danger of this it would have happened when I lost over 100lbs with the band) and alcohol entering the blood stream faster ( I experienced this with the sleeve) what I didn't find and what I'm asking for is research that it somehow is dangerous to my healing process. Iv had 3 procedures from 3 different surgeons and they all said something different. I also worked in bariatric surgery for 6 years and I know for a fact that surgeons often just go with what they feel or what sounds good and don't always have great scientific research to back it up, a perfect example of this would be the insane differences in post op diets ! So, being an educated person, I prefer to take my surgeons recommendations but also do my own research and then make an informed decision about what I feel best suits my personal situation so sure you could see that as "I'm going to do whatever I want anyway" and while in the end that may be true I'm also going to have a good evidence based reason for doing so.

My program is very conservative, particularly about alcohol. The transference of addictions was the main concern, as nutritionist, surgeons, psycholologist, and nurses all discussed with me during all stages of this process. I drank maybe a glass of wine a month before surgery, so didn't quite understand what the big deal was. Well after they showed the research during our various meetings...I no longer questioned the importance of being aware of this problem. Combine the research proven issues of addiction, empty calories, stress on the liver after a major surgery, not to mention my new tummy is so small I really don't want to waste space on alcohol...I choose not to go against my program's rules in regards to alcohol. Just not worth it in my opinion. But something I've learned on boards...some people rationalize/loosely interpret their programs rules...so my words or the words of way more experienced/successful others is taken offense to or just ignored anyways no matter how much logic is provided. Folks will do what they want to do period. Again this seems like program recommendations, where is the research you speak of that was presented to you ? I would like to see that.I am a librarian so research is my thing. However, I'm leery of spending my time locating the research for you when a simple Google search using the key words, "alcohol dependence bariatric surgery" returns quite a few results. Seems like this issue is no secret. If I thought it would make a difference & you would use this info in a responsible manner, I'd hop on that research for you. But Something tells me that you are going to do what you want to do anyways. What I don't get is why not save time & take your surgeon's & the many folks on this board's word for it. I mean we can't all be blindly following our programs plans without logic & reason... right?

My program is very conservative, particularly about alcohol. The transference of addictions was the main concern, as nutritionist, surgeons, psycholologist, and nurses all discussed with me during all stages of this process. I drank maybe a glass of wine a month before surgery, so didn't quite understand what the big deal was. Well after they showed the research during our various meetings...I no longer questioned the importance of being aware of this problem. Combine the research proven issues of addiction, empty calories, stress on the liver after a major surgery, not to mention my new tummy is so small I really don't want to waste space on alcohol...I choose not to go against my program's rules in regards to alcohol. Just not worth it in my opinion. But something I've learned on boards...some people rationalize/loosely interpret their programs rules...so my words or the words of way more experienced/successful others is taken offense to or just ignored anyways no matter how much logic is provided. Folks will do what they want to do period. Again this seems like program recommendations, where is the research you speak of that was presented to you ? I would like to see that.

My program is very conservative, particularly about alcohol. The transference of addictions was the main concern, as nutritionist, surgeons, psycholologist, and nurses all discussed with me during all stages of this process. I drank maybe a glass of wine a month before surgery, so didn't quite understand what the big deal was. Well after they showed the research during our various meetings...I no longer questioned the importance of being aware of this problem. Combine the research proven issues of addiction, empty calories, stress on the liver after a major surgery, not to mention my new tummy is so small I really don't want to waste space on alcohol...I choose not to go against my program's rules in regards to alcohol. Just not worth it in my opinion. But something I've learned on boards...some people rationalize/loosely interpret their programs rules...so my words or the words of way more experienced/successful others is taken offense to or just ignored anyways no matter how much logic is provided. Folks will do what they want to do period.

The booklet I received with post-op instructions say 30 days, that's it. Here it is verbatim: "Do not drink alcoholic beverages (beer, wine and liquor) for one month after surgery." One year seems really extreme. I hardly ever drink so it won't be an issue for me either way.

I'd like to know if there is any "valid" info on it as well! Instead of just everyone else's useless rude comments! Lol Why judge someone for being truthful when you could just give them insightful encouragement instead? I have not drank alcohol, soda, or anything else I wasn't supposed to but Lord knows if I did I wouldn't post it on this board people are way to hypocritical. Lol I'll ask my nut for real medical examples of why not to drink soda and alcohol and try to post it on here when I can.

Okay, does anyone have any information stating that alcohol is dangerous too soon after surgery ? All I can find is "it can impact you differently" in other words you feel it a lot faster and of coarse empty calories and the risk of transfer addiction, but all that aside, I'm looking for actual research showing it is a risk to staple line ect. My surgeon had no stipulations on alcohol following the sleeve and in fact said "it's a liquid" you'll be fine, I had 2 margaritas about a month out. However, I recently had a revision so I'm looking for information in order to make an informed decision this time about if I would want to have a drink next weekend while out of town for the Holiday.

I was never advised of a time limit by my doctor, however I felt I would wait a year, to make sure my pouch was healed well enough before I took my first sip of wine. I have heard of many gastric bypass patients giving up the food addiction for another addiction such as alcohol, drugs, gambling. If shopping is my only addiction, then I'm a happy girl

There are occasional posts here that just freak me out. I can't find the post now, but the one that just floored me was posted by a guy who was about 3-4 months post-op. His big advice to those who, like him, were members of wine-drinking societies went like this: If you have to drink a couple of bottles of wine at a party, take an anxiety-reducing Rx medication like Xanax or Ativan beforehand. The medication will reduce your stomach's rejection of that much alcohol drunk so soon after surgery. What the f**k!?

Lord people are still not getting it. Having 7 alcoholic drinks 2-4 weeks out of surgery and having a 2oz moscato 2 months out are two different things. This is not an attack on alcohol but rather... You know what I'm tired of repeating myself. Enjoy everyone!

I find the wording very interesting in that statement. "Actually, only a small percentage of bariatric patients claim to have problems with alcohol after surgery." Claim, well...I know plenty of alcoholics who won't "claim" they have a problem with alcohol. The closest to me was my own mother, she'd never "claim" she was an alcoholic, but she died of advanced cirrhosis of the liver, due to her drinking. I fail to understand why we are given such wide and wildly different advice from a group of professionals who are all giving us basically the same surgeries. I wish they would get their stories straight. It makes me nervous. Why are things so different for so many of us?

I was sleeved on 12/16/14 at the Khalili Surgical Center in Los Angeles. Today, exactly five months to the day, I weighed myself and was thrilled to see that I have hit the "100 pound loss" mark, way ahead of schedule. Since the surgery, I have taken up light jogging (thanks, C25K app!), and COMPLETELY changed the way I eat and drink. Not a drop of alcohol since the surgery (I was an "every night" drinker), not a taste of sugar, and not a miligram of caffeine. Other than family and my wife, I haven't told anyone that I had the surgery. I'm sure people must be wondering, but the truth is that the weight loss has come from my complete 180 degree lifestyle change more than the surgery itself. But if I hadn't had the surgery, I certainly wouldn't be as motivated to succeed as I am. Hell, you can install an Olympic-sized swimming pool in your backyard, but you'll never get better without doing the laps! Anyhow, I know that this 5 month period is just the beginning, and I will have plenty of chances to fall off the horse, but I committed to making hay while the sun shines, and making sure that I got off on the right foot, maximizing the early weight loss in order to set up a long-term run. I'm so proud of how hard I have committed, and wanted to share my success with anyone on the fence about getting the sleeve surgery done.

This is from the ASMBS : Misconception: Many bariatric patients become alcoholics after their surgery. Truth: Actually, only a small percentage of bariatric patients claim to have problems with alcohol after surgery. Most (but not all) who abuse alcohol after surgery had problems with alcohol abuse at some period of time prior to surgery. Alcohol sensitivity, (particularly if alcohol is consumed during the rapid weight-loss period), is increased after bariatric surgery so that the effects of alcohol are felt with fewer drinks than before surgery. Studies also find with certain bariatric procedures (such as the gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy) that drinking an alcoholic beverage increases blood alcohol to levels that are considerably higher than before surgery or in comparison to the alcohol levels of individuals who have not had a bariatric procedure. For all of these reasons, bariatric patients are advised to take certain precautions regarding alcohol. If you're someone who occasionally partakes, there is really no reason not to continue to do so. Telling patients to never drink again is absurd and completely unnecessary. Yes transfer addiction can be a concern but there are many things besides alcohol that are risky. I for one more less became a whore after I lost 100 lbs. Thankfully it wasn't long lived and I came to my senses before I ruined my life and my reputation !

@@innwtitdtity I am from the the same surgical group as you, Dr Krueger is highly respected. I had Dr Collachio. I am 9 days post op, so only completed the Psych Classes last month. We were given a very firm discussion on the practice "rules", which as you know, said no drinking for 1 year. Our Psych then went on to discuss, rather emotionally the increased possibilities of alcoholism after our surgery. She even went so far as to recommend not drinking again, ever. Apparently a former patient had just died that day, as a result of drunk driving, and our Psych was very affected. But she also explained many other patients who were also struggling with drinking after surgery. I understand that struggle all to well as I am a recovering alcoholic, sober 11+ yrs. In fact my research on the co addictions had kept me from exploring surgery sooner. I like to think that I have a healthy fear. and I feel knowledge is ammunition. Just research Alcohol and RNY, there are lots and lots of cases and evidence to help you make an informed choice. For me, I know that if I do not choose the first drink, I will never have to worry about any others. just my two cents.

I was advised not to drink again. I rarely drank anyway. But there were a few reasons... because it will affect us differently because of the size of our stomachs . i.e. you'll get drunker, much faster. I know the no carbonation thing, but the bigger reason my NUT and Surgeon both had for not drinking after surgery, is that the likelihood of changing out addictions is high. food can be exchanged for many other things....gambling, alcohol, drugs, smoking, spending, etc.

My brother is an alcoholic and he like you can't resist "just one" drink at the risk of his own health. Everything I have read has said that there should be no alcohol consumed for the first year. Just as your doctor has advised. I think rather than asking "please when can I?" (When you already know). The question you should be asking yourself is "why do I want it even at the risk of my own health?" I don't say these things from a judgmental perspective. I say these things from a third-party perspective having watched my brother destroy himself. Your need/want for alcohol has nothing to do with VSG. But then you already know that.

I was told 5 months to 1 year before alcohol and no beer because the carbonated drinks stretch your pouch.

Did your surgeon/nut say no alcohol? If so, for how long? And how long did you wait before your first drink? Mine said none for a year (I knew that would be hard) because of the added stress on the liver. I had a glass of wine 6 weeks post op while on vacation-it took me 3 hours to drink one glass because I was nervous of the potential effects. It did hit me more than before surgery(as expected). I used to drink 3-4 glasses a week prior to surgery. I would not advise doing it all the time(I hear many bypass patients become alcoholics post surgery). This is where my tastebuds have changed post surgery -wine just doesn't taste as good as it used to.

I am probably an anomaly as I don't really feel like I've made any major changes besides 1) I eat more Protein 2) I make healthier food choices most of the time 3) I drink WAY less alcohol, and 4) I can't drink anything carbonated. Basically my sleeve changed how much I can eat and my brain changed what I want to eat. I don't track or measure my food. I drink with meals. I use straws. I eat dessert. I don't use MFP. I don't exercise. I take NSAIDS. I eat when I'm hungry and I eat what I want. I still do all the same things I've always done, the physical things are just easier (working, riding my horse, hiking with my dog, kayaking, skiing). I'm still a couch potato on rainy, dreary weekends. I still go out with friends on occasion, but I'm still a hermit at heart and would rather stay home in most cases. But I feel great, I look good. My knee and ankle pain is gone and my BP is normal. After a lifetime of failed diets, I do consider this the "easy way". I'm not saying this way will work for everyone, just pointing out one way it can work.

Sigh! If folks can't see the problem with downing multiple alcoholic beverages just 2 weeks after surgery then they will never see the light. Our posts were not from a judgmental state it was more from a shock and concern state, maybe a bit of anger too. But hey it's your body, do you!

You posted about having some wine several weeks after your surgery. If you are having trouble going "cold turkey" with alcohol, then I would suggest getting some professional help. Did you even READ some of the responses? It's not judgmental. It's sadness and concern for people who don't have enough damn self respect to adhere to doctors orders and do what you need to do to heal from the MAJOR SURGERY you had 7 weeks before. Why don't you let your surgeon know that you had some alcohol, eh? See how "judgmental" he would be with you.

I'm more along the lines of KateP. I never limited myself to just Protein and veggies while losing, so ketosis didn't play a factor with me. I was eating MORE protein and fat than carbs, but I always tried to eat a balanced diet of protein, veggies, fruits, whole grains and nuts. I started adding in more fruit, more grains and more fat once I hit my surgeon's goal. But like you mentioned above, i still continued to lose another 20 pounds until my body found its new set point.....10 pounds below my personal goal. Yes, I can eat much more than I could once I hit goal and I my hunger returned in full force at around 10 months. I just had to find things to distract me from eating too much. I drink a lot of Water and tea, I clean my house a lot, I go outside and do whatever to get away from the kitchen. I don't buy stuff I shouldn't eat (resisting temptation once in the store is easier than resisting over and over if it was actually in the house). I basically just feel I'm eating like a "normal" thin person with no weird rules to follow. I choose protein over other options most of the time, but I don't hesitate to indulge in Desserts, candy, alcohol, or other "bad" carbs in moderation. Too much restriction would just piss me off and make me want it more. I have a 5 pound bounce range that I stick with. If I pop even 1 pound above, I will limit my carbs for However long it takes to get back into range. I'm only 17 months out, but have been maintaining this way for 9 of them.

I will be a self-pay and have no intention of wasting $15,000 on a drink of alcohol. My brother the alcoholic however would have cut himself open for a drink of alcohol. Most alcoholics justify their consumption in every way possible. Also from what I've read and been told, the affects of that bad choice might not be seen for weeks. So I hope no one experiences a leak and is hospitalized

Not "faults". CHOICES. As long as your choices aren't endangering your health, share away. We've all been there. But if you're drinking multiple alcoholic beverages weeks out from surgery, prepare to get your ass handed to you. By most of us AND your doctor. And if you feel that drinking and eating things you shouldn't be just weeks out from surgery is justifiable, then I SMH at YOU.

Pre op I clenched my teeth and followed directions to the letter. Post op for me was six weeks of liquids. Hard, but I did it without choosing to break the momentum. And momentum was the word my doctor used. He wanted maximum weight loss and a good start right out of the gate. I lost fifty pounds before my first band fill. As the weight came off after that, the high of losing quickly kept me choosing healthy small meals regularly. As time went on, I added foods I hadn't had before. I added alcohol. I added popcorn. I added carby Thai food. I stopped losing weight for five months. I tried a variety of techniques like 5:2, etc. I'd lose and gain the same five pounds over and over again. When I gained eleven pounds over a couple of weeks, it woke me up. No way was I going to lose my focus and return to my old life. I needed to get my food in order, lose the crap that was holding me back, and in order to lose this last fifty pounds, I knew I had to do the hard thing I was putting off. E x e r c i s e. I didn't wanna. But I gotta. If I want what I want, I gotta. And I wanna reach goal and stay there. So I chose to take this next step. I dropped the popcorn, the Thai food, the alcohol, and picked up exercise. I paid for twelve sessions of personal training at the gym I joined. I now exercise. I eat better. I feel better. I know this will get me where I want to go. It's all choices. I wasn't ready until I was ready. I'm glad I stayed around people who are motivated while I floundered around for awhile. In my old life I would have given up and gone back to eating and isolating. No longer.