Increased Alcohol Intake

[Cyndie B 17]

I was wondering if anyone has experienced increased alcohol intake after the band...I know it's empty calories, increases appetite, etc. etc...I know all about the bad stuff but I have had a hard time getting that through my brain because it seems like I am thinking, "well, I can't really eat so I might as well drink...". I know, it sounds crazy. I am proud of my accomplishment and I know that I look so much better and feel so much better...I need to figure out why I am doing this! Anyway, after a weekend of drinking, I am going on a hiatus to detox my body...lol. I am not an alcoholic - I drink a glass a wine every night or have a sugar free margarita and then on Friday my husband and I go out with friends and drink quite a bit - enough to feel crappy the next day.

Just wondering if anyone has had this problem..and don't crucify me, please!!!

[cfurrey 53]

It seems to me that i drink less with more effects! Could b because swelling but im a social drinker and i get it believe me!

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

I don't know you so I don't know about the alcoholic thing, but please keep in mind if you're drinking every night then to excess (because you feel crappy the next day) every Friday night, you are drinking a lot of alcohol.

Unfortunately for us, alcoholism does rise in people who have WLS of any sort. The reason being is, many people simply trade their food addiction for a new addiction.

Just be very careful.

[maegan 51]

I can't drink as much and am really scared to try! I heard that the Effects will be much greater with the band.

[☠carolinagirl☠ 18,721]

before surgery, you couldnt drink as you were readying your liver.

after surgery you were healing. you made an effort to (not drink)

as did all of us who had the band.

drinking is okay. but do not use it as an excuse because you are not eating. you came along way and did alot to get this band. keep your mental game going.

[Boniluuu 25]

I hear ya.....

When I was off work I think I drank more cause I was lonely and bored . Maybe I missed food IDK. Now I drink on fri and sat because I work nights and I like to sleep all night on my days off and have a normal life in the day. I have gone down 25 lbs and almost 4 pant sizes so I think things are ok.

[Mellissa 22]

Well I like to drink socially too...and on day 8 of liquids I had a few extra drinks. At first I was scared because I was drinking beer...but I paced myself and had a good time. The only thing that sucked was the fact that old lifestyle cure after drinking was grease...and since I'm not on solids it was not fun! I guess just pace yourself...and I also had a Protein Shake before, so my stomach wasn't completely empty.

[ThomasLeroy 21]

They just did a study on this very thing...

http://news.yahoo.com/may-drink-more-weight-loss-surgery-study-160607502.html;_ylt=A2KJ3CQHsfxP6TwALaHQtDMD

Check it out.

[ThomasLeroy 21]

I have not had any drinks as of yet. I might try a vodka and cranberry this weekend see how that goes.

[lapowers 1]

I've found I can't really drink some wines...gives me the hiccups and heartburn!

SkinnyGirl makes some great margarita mixes!

I can't drink like I use to but do occasionally enjoy something...

[Cyndie B 17]

Thanks everyone for your posts...I never thought about the addiction aspect. Alcoholism runs in my family so you would think I would be more careful. This surgery has taught me a lot about myself and I'm still learning. I am going to be more careful and smart in my decisions about drinking - thanks again!

[DerbySunflower 28]

Your risk for alcohol addiction increases after weight loss surgery. Be careful! Thankfully, I've had to quit for pregnancies enough that I no longer care if I drink or not... now, cigarettes, that's my Achilles' Heel.

[vlp1968 83]

I second the posts that talk about addiction. I think you should seek counseling or some other help for addiction. It seems you have traded one addiction for another, it's known as addiction transfer. It's a serious thing. I am afraid you are going down a slippery slope. Be carefull! Keep us posted on how you are doing. All the best wishes to you.

[marketingdude 79]

My brother was 429lbs before surgery. He is now 165lbs and needless to say his life has changed dramatically. One big thing I've noticed is his increase in alcohol consumption. HE NEVER drank as much as he does today. After work...its nothing for him to grab a 6 pack (a night) and finish his appraisal work on the computer with drinking. 2-6 beers (a night) is a typical range for him now....with the average being around 3-4 beers a night.

Being that I have a behavioral background, my theory is he now has this increased desire to be social(because of his new found self image and overall zest for life from being alot thinner). Being that the American Lifestyle involves drinking when socializing.....he now drinks more..... (they go hand in hand).

People with Weight Loss Surgery typically have been "in the closet for many years" (in terms of being very social). My theory is (because of this) they tend to overcompensate their social desires by going out ALOT more (especially when the weight loss has come off). Going out alot more....(in an American Culture) definately means alot more alcohol tendencies and temptations.

P.S. Another theory is he is missing the mental stimulation (i.e. endorphins) that he used to get from food. His body still craves these endorphins....so he gravitates towards alcohol because he can't get that from eating a mass amount of food anymore.....alcohol is a very easy thing to replace and get these much needed endorphins.

Just my theory

[DerbySunflower 28]

P.S. Another theory is he is missing the mental stimulation (i.e. endorphins) that he used to get from food. His body still craves these endorphins....so he gravitates towards alcohol because he can't get that from eating a mass amount of food anymore.....alcohol is a very easy thing to replace and get these much needed endorphins.

Just my theory

There's a lot being said on here about replacing one addiction (food) with another (alcohol). How about we all choose our new addiction and throw ourselves into working out. If we can conquer food, then we can take control of and retrain our minds for what we will embrace.

This band isn't the one doing the work. It is my tool... but it's still up to me to take control of what goes into my mouth, whether it's food, cigarettes, alcohol, etc. Folks, I don't want to get on a soapbox, but if you think you're having a problem with alcohol, you need to reach out for help before it takes root in your life.