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Does anyone know how long the effects of alcohol stay in your blood stream after gastric bypass? I can't remember and I am going out for an after work drink next week with some co-workers and wondering how long I should wait to drive. I know that normally it is a drink an hour, but not sure if that is the same after surgery. I am 8.5 months out and will probably drink a glass of wine which I have tried and can tolerate fine.

Pre-op can be so stressful, and seemingly have no end, especially when you have to take care for and cook for everyone else. You are almost there and are holding strong. I also love to cook and enjoy entertaining and I can honestly say that though my choices have changed I still enjoy food as I used to. Much less of it, and better choices, but instead of carb-heavy meals, I focus on making the best and tastiest Proteins I can. I experiment with veggies and have had no issues going out to eat. Wine is unfortunately another story, and will have to be a choice you make for yourself. Most surgeons will say it is ok to drink after a suitable period of time, so you have time to heal. I have had a glass or two of wine in the past year, but I limit myself. Aside from the empty calories, increased potential to make bad food choices if I'm drinking and the fact that the alcohol hits me harder now, I dont' want to put anything in my body that will slow down my weight loss. My understanding is that while alcohol is in my system, my body won't burn fat, it will burn the alcohol first. I want to ride this wave of losing as long as possible, so I limit my alcohol consumption. It's a personal choice. Not eating and drinking at the same time is for a few reasons. It allows the food are you are taking in to digest slower, keeping you fuller longer. Also, if you eat and drink at the same time, you will have less "room" for food when you do eat. It gets easier and becomes second nature as time goes by. I think a passion for food gives you a leg up, you are more inclined to experiment and make foods that fit your lifestyle. Best of luck to you!!

At the end of the day, you have to decide. I don't think you'll find a doctor that would say you were at low risk for all sorts of morbidities with a BMI of 35. When I started the process of getting approved, I only had mild hypertension and was 36. However, every time I went for a physical, I was terrified I was going to be told I had developed Type II diabetes. Every time, the doctor told me I was at high risk for it. I too had tried most diets: Atkins, medifast, nutrisystem, normal and regular dieting. All worked in the short term but eventually I regained my losses plus more to the point I had a BMI of 47. All without having anything that a low level blood pressure medicine couldn't take care of. After my last physical in which I was terrified of being diagnosed with diabetes and having gone through another post-diet regain, I decided enough was enough. I couldn't let my fear of diabetes motivate me to lose and keep off any weight and I was tired of letting my size be the first thing people noticed about me. I started looking at lap band and quickly realized sleeve was the better option for me. One of the big draws for me was that I was not a snacker or grazer; I liked large meals. And looking at many posts here and seeing what other sleevers eat in person, I don't think it would be a big deal socially. Many guys eat a 4-6 ounces at a meal, which would be a decent dent in a plate at a meal. It is tough for the first couple months as we ease back into normal foods and getting to the 4-6 ounces we can eat at a meal. I'm still in that process right now and it is still odd. The other night, I went to dinner with friends, ordered some bisque and ate about 3 ounces of the liquid. Same thing at lunch last week. I'm only 13 days postop though. I'm realizing that socializing and eating huge meals are completely independent on each other. In fact, I have enjoyed it more as I am less focused on devouring the huge plate in front of me and more on chatting up friends. I too am very social. In fact, my very first post on these forums was in the Man Room asking about socializing after the sleeve. I love going out to bars, clubs, concerts, sporting events, etc. I do it all still without any issues. I haven't started back on any alcohol yet and likely won't for a while because in my mind, if I made this huge decision, I'm doing it right. I enjoy alcohol like most of us, but I've enjoyed it plenty on my way to a high BMI. Many, many sleevers drink and I will again eventually. But I still go out and have fun at bars and whatnot. At the end of the day you have to decide whether you want it or not. It's a hell of a decision and one that everyone naturally questions during the process. Socializing is one that I think you will find ends up not being an issue folks worry about.

Well since you are preop I would think it would be up to you unless you are on your preop diet to shrink your liver in which case it is not allowed. In my understanding, alcohol affects post op BS patients differently and it is important to be really careful until you know how it affects you. I have heard of some people developing alcoholism after BS. I personally have drank alcohol in moderation since age 18 and continue to do so and I have not encountered any problems with it.

I know it has been approved for many, but it wasn't approved for me (the only reason I chose to drink it is because I saw post from others that like you had their surgeon tell them it was ok.. so naturally I jumped on board because I LOVE my morning cup of joe) Buy anyhow, I was told that caffeine, alcohol, and carbonation in excess can cause ulcers... So that's where my mind was going with that. But this is not something I have researched, just through word of mouth. Thanks for the input though, I really hope it's not caffeine, but secretly I'm hoping that's all it is haha

Almost 2 years out. Never dumped. Can eat anything I like, but my portions are dramatically smaller. However............I have changed my lifestyle and do not WANT to eat the junk that made me fat in the first place. I make my own gluten free pizza crust with sweet potatoes and almond flour, and top with veggies. I avoid processed grains and sugars, alcohol, cookies, and soda. Did I have candy today? Yup. Sure did. In fact, I ate a whole BIG HUNK candy bar!!!! But it's back to to soup and salad tonight and right back on track tomorrow with my sautéed veggies and tofu scramble for breakfast. In short, I can eat sugar, but it makes me feel tired and achy. It is so inflammatory for me, that the sweetness really isn't worth the end result. Once you are off sugar, stuff like raisins or a piece of fruit are incredible sweet and delicious all by themselves.

As far as I know, other than a full blood count and liver function tests.. there's no way in knowing if you have a fatty liver.. it's really about your diet. If you know you eat a lot of fatty foods and drink a lot of alcohol then it's very likely you have a fatty liver. The pre op diet is just to eliminate the chance of it as it makes the surgery more difficult if you have a fatty, brittle or enlarged liver. When I had my surgery, my surgeon told me my liver wasn't fatty but enlarged which made it difficult to move out of the way to get to my stomach he actually nicked it because it was that big. My surgeon didn't mind if I did the pre op or not as he's very experienced but I definitely cut down on the bad food and stuck to salad and shakes 2 weeks before the operation, the last thing you want is to be woken up from being out only to be told they couldn't do the surgery.

I think that the first few weeks we are more prone to worrying about all the details. I was terrified about my stomach ripping open - that was my personal phobia. I reviewed my "what to eat"lists several times a day, just to make sure I was doing the right thing. After the initial 8 weeks of healing and food transition, I started to calm down. You will find that the no drinking while eating thing is a habit. Once you have it in your head, it wil become part of your routine. There is no promise that we will not regain the weight we lose. Luckily, this procedure removes the stretchy part of your stomach so it is unlikely to expand past a certain point. That said, you could eat ice cream 4 times a day and gain weight. Take advantage of this time in the first 6 months to really take your new habits to heart. You will have a new taste for healthier foods - that will save you in the long run. As your capacity increases a little, you will be more likely to fill yourself with healthy foods. At 4 months, I still don't like sweets and can't drink alcohol. I tolerate chicken better than beef, so that's what I eat :-) I don't count cals or carbs, but my stomach seems to be happiest when I feed it healthy stuff. Right now, just worry about staying hydrated and eating your Protein. Good luck--

Why did you choose sleeve vs RNY? What protein shakes do you like? What is a good vitamin to take? What are your favorite purees? Help, I'm three weeks post-op and I've stopped losing weight! What should I take to the hospital? When can I go back to work? How can I prevent loose skin? If I take 50 million mcg of biotin every day and get all my protein in, can I prevent hair loss? When can I eat pizza/popcorn/birthday cake? When can I drink alcohol? When can I drink coffee and isn't it true that drinking coffee will leave you a dry, withered husk of a person with all your vital fluids sapped out of your body? Don't get me wrong -- I am not mad at anyone for asking these questions (though truth be told I wonder why people don't try a little harder sometimes to read up on things in advance and figure out they've all been asked many, many, many times before). It's more that I have been here a long time and don't feel like I have anything new or enlightening to add, and it's time for the newbies to get some practice answering the most frequently answered questions. Good luck y'all! I will stick around but will be trying to dial back my talkativeness.

For me, when a guy stares at me like crazy he's checking me out. I tend to tell myself he's staring at me for a bad reason though and I get out of the situation and don't make eye contact. I think flirting is more of an action such as making eye contact, smiling, talking to you in a flirty manner, perhaps touching you. My method of flirting totally depends on whether or not alcohol is involved. I'm a complete flirt using all of the techniques stated above when I drink and am out at a club or something but when I'm sober it's like I have such little confidence that I would never dare flirt and I avoid giving men signals. I'm REALLY hoping losing weight will help me in this area. I know my self consciousness has made me miss out on a lot of good opportunities.

You know, when I lost that 71 lbs. on Weight Watchers, I thought, "That's it! I'm no longer a fat girl. I'll never, EVER go back...yeah, right. However, I truly do belive that you can find something "good" in every situation, and even though it took me a while, I did find something good about gaining that weight back. The first good thing was that I learned to NEVER say never. For a food addict, the moment you think you're "fixed" or that you can handle it, is the moment that addiction will kick your ass and show you who's boss. It is so similar to being an alcoholic. If you heard an alcoholic say, "I got this. I can drink just every once in a while and I'm good," you'd think that person was crazy...well, food addicts are the same way. We can't handle it. We're addicts and we will always be addicts. It's a serious addiction and can be deadly. So, with that realization comes the beautiful truth of knowing that even though I will never say I'll never be fat again I can say that it's highly unlikely. You see, I know what to look out for, now. I know that it's bullshit for me to think I can eat birthday cake on my birthday, or to think I can eat a bite of chocolote, and since I know this, I don't even try it because that one bite could be the beginning of the end. Another good think from gaining all that weight back was that I'm more empathetic and understanding. I also am VERY grateful I'm so blessed to be right where I am. I never thought I'd be given a second chance. You remind me so much of me. Best of luck to you. I KNOW you'll achieve your goal.

Why, do you get WLS, any type, and then not listen to your doctor or dietitian? Why? When I was given the pre-op diet, I followed it to the 't' because I was afraid. When it came to the post-op diet, I followed it to the 't', also. When I get a fill, I am on 3 days of liquids, 3 days of mushy and then back to my regular foods. I listen to the doctor and his staff. They have been dealing with WLS for many many years. So WHY, get the surgery and just follow your own rules?????? Think before putting the chip, the french fry, McDonald's, Dunkin Donuts in your hand, let alone your mouth. If you have to have one of these, at least wait until your surgery has healed and you can eat regular foods. People who have had the band for a while, I have had mine for almost 14 months, maybe some of us know what we are talking about. I listen to the masters, they have been here longer than me. I try to help and if I don't have an answer, I will say it. So when you are getting wheeled into the operating room, just remember WHY, you are there. To get healthy and live longer. Have a great night. Arlene ps Saturday night I have a wedding and yes I will eat but not over eat and I do not drink when I eat and never alcohol.

Good luck on your surgery. I did a one week pre-op diet that consisted of full fluids for 6 days and clear fluids the day prior to surgery. My surgeon discourages alcohol so I haven't had any since surgery.

My doctor asked for my word to never drink alcohol, smoke, or drink carbonated drinks. He said he prided himself on a very high long term success rate, and those issues caused him issues in the past. Therefore, I should not drink, smoke, or have cokes ANYMORE. I still cuss a little.

I've told my immediate family and closest girlfriends. I'm not sure who else I'm going to tell - I'll figure that out in the future. One question though - to those who aren't telling anyone, how will you explain eating such small portions, or in the beginning after surgery - liquids and then pureed foods? We'll be going to a lot of social events this summer and I know people will notice if I'm not eating, and especially if I'm not drinking alcohol lol. Thoughts on how to handle that?

Ended up having my first fill today after a couple cancelations. Here's how it went: he had my lie down flat, and felt around until he was sure he had located the port. He then cleaned the area with alcohol, and injected some Lidocaine to numb the area (ouch!) I closed my eyes, put my hands behind my head, and the rest was finished within a couple minutes. I didn't feel the actual fill at all! He had me sit up, take a drink of water to make sure I had no trouble swallowing liquid, and sent me on my way. I have scheduled 2 more fills: one in a weekish, and one a weekish later. Apparently my insurance only pays for fills/unfills for 90 days after surgery! Would have been nice to know that ahead of time- the surgeon told me this today! So, hopefully I can find a sweet spot by the end of September. I wonder how much a fill costs with no coverage- yikes!

I start my next week and I’m nervous about cheating because that’s all I️ know how to do! Plus it’s over Thanksgiving and a friend’s wedding where there will be lots of food and alcohol. I’m very determined but scared too. So I️ have no advice but I’d love to hear what other people have done too!

You know, I haven't had a drop of alcohol since New Year's Eve (pre-surgery by 8 days then). I don't crave it, but man, the other day I wanted a beer so badly. Being under my goal now, I might start having small little dabbles into nursing a beer on a hot summer day. You've got me thinking of it now, that sounds like a great one to try. Thank you!

Me too. I actually never received (or thought I needed) therapy for my food/alcohol addictions. Successfully lost all my excess weight and was maintaining easily. I was a strong, confident, invincible woman! Then I lost my best friend to suicide. By refusing to drown my emotions with calories like I'd always done before, I sunk into a very deep depression because I never learned an alternative coping mechanism. I was actually FEELING my emotions for the first time and it sucked. So I started seeing a grief counselor. Like you, turns out its helping in all aspects of my life and wished I'd done it long ago. Maybe that would have helped me from getting so damn fat in the first place.

I'm gonna put this disclaimer up first: I'm almost 5 weeks out from surgery and am NOT thinking about drinking now or anytime in the near future. That being said... My NUT told me that after getting the sleeve, one's alcohol tolerance is really low. I don't drink very much...a drink at Christmas, a drink out at dinner with friends, etc. So, not drinking right now is no biggie at all. However, I'm curious, if and when I have a drink at some point down the road, how much of a lightweight will I be? Are we talking one sip of a Fuzzy Naval and I'm stripping my clothes off and licking the bar top? How bad is it? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Wow, this is a tough one for me to respond to, but, I am going to be honest. It can be a very slippery slope. As many have already said, I too became a total lightweight after surgery. But, my real problem came in that I began substituting alcohol, White Russians, to be exact, as my choice of "comfort" instead of food. Unfortunately, that led to some major weight gain for me, nearly 40 pounds,which I am now working very hard to take back off. At six years out, it doesn't come off as easily as it did in the beginning. I am lucky now to lose a pound a week, which is quite frustrating. Now, I am drinking mostly Water 24/7. I will have an occasional drink, but for me, I have learned it is just not worth it.

Alcohol is either right or left for many bariatric patients. Since getting the sleeve my alcohol sensitivity is very high and i barely have some alcohol in my body to automatically feel the effects of it. My wife has the bypass and she consumes wine as her sole alcohol source and drinks wine like is nothing which has created a tolerance level for her much larger. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I found this on the Michigan State Appellate Defender Office's website. Not necessarily a "scientific" site, but this is a concise explanation of what I've been reading: Gastric bypass surgery results in alcohol moving much more quickly from the stomach into the small intestine. Because 80% of beverage alcohol is absorbed in the small intestine, this surgery results in a much higher peak BAC than with the equivalent amount of alcohol consumed before the surgery. Additionally, there is far less gastric alcohol dehydrogenase available for the approximately 20% of initial metabolism of alcohol which normally occurs in the stomach. Due to these anatomical and physiological changes, drinking after gastric bypass surgery is similar to drinking on an empty stomach, but creates an even higher peak BAC because there is almost no opportunity for the alcohol to begin to break down before entering the bloodstream. An even better comparison would be to look at the differences in oral consumption verses intravenous consumption. Because a gastric bypass patient has so little stomach left after surgery, alcohol enters the bloodstream almost as if it was injected by a needle. This is borne out by the scientific research. According to one study, alcohol metabolism was significantly different between the bypass patients and the control group who had no stomach surgery. The bypass patients had a greater peak alcohol level, and it also took them longer to reach zero or no alcohol. The difference in peak BAC is significant. The bypass patients were at .08 or unlawful when the control group only had a BAC of just .05.2 This is a nearly 40% difference!

Had my first RNY in 2004. Went from 275 to 169 in 2008. Had some major life issues going on and developed an addiction to alcohol. Weighing 277 and clean, I had a revised RNY and multiple hernia repair on 12/4/13. Hoping for a better future, but fully aware that I have to make it so.

Since being banded and diagnosed as Metabolically (Insulin) Resistant, I've come to learn a great deal about myself and my relationship with food. The band has been a wonderful tool in assisting me with recognizing my problem areas. I have done some REAL listening to my body lately and that has opened up doors I've kept locked up for so long, I've forgotten they existed. This, along with journaling, has helped me to unlock these doors and discover these hidden rooms inside myself. Today, I have decided to air out these rooms, by confessing. I've never been addicted to drugs or alcohol, nor have I ever been through a 12 step program. I neither claim to know anything about psychology, nor do I claim to be an expert in health and nutrition. However, I have learned for myself, that in order to begin a healing process, we must first recognize there is a problem, confess it and move on. This is why I am starting this thread. After some negative reactions from some of the posters on this forum, I am a little nervous about this, but this is something I MUST do for myself. Confession, after all, is good for the soul. Here goes: 1. I am a sugar addict. My body constantly cries out for sweets and no matter how many times I try to give up sugar for good, I always go right back to it. 2. I've kept this secret hidden from my husband, my family and my friends. People have made remarks that I eat like a bird. They don't know about the chocolate hidden in my closet. The secret trips to the snack machine at work. How I make "cover up" noises to keep them from hearing the noises of the wrapper as I open my 3rd Snickers bar for the day. 3. I don't like cake but I love frosting. I can't tell you how many times I've eaten a whole bowl of frosting or eaten all the frosting off the cake, then pretended to drop the cake in the floor to cover up my secret. 4. Sometimes, when I buy groceries, I buy a jar of Smuckers hot fudge and eat the whole thing on my way home. I drive by a dumpster before I get home so I can toss the empty container. I would be mortified if anyone knew this. But now YOU know. The Addiction Resource Guide difines addiction like this: The physical and psychological craving for a substance that develops into a dependency and continues even though it is causing the addicted person physical, psychological and social harm. The disease of addiction is chronic and progressive, and the craving may apply to behaviors as well as substances. Yes, my friends, I am a sugar addict. I thank God every day for making it possible for me to have the lap band, because now I know, there is hope and with the help of my band, I can start moving in the right direction. With the band I can feel full and satisfied longer, which will help to keep my blood sugar regulated and reduce the cravings. With the help of my band, and reading this forum, I'm finding the strength to say no and make it through another day.