Alcohol After 6 Weeks Out?

[shannonbcaldwell 4]

Ok, so I'm sure this has been asked a thousand times, but I am 5 weeks out and doing fine. Is it silly to have one alcoholic beverage 6 weeks after surgery (not several drinks, just one?) a small vodka and Tomato juice is what I would like to try.

thanks.

[goldenraisin214 142]

I've not had surgery yet, but my surgeon's instructions say to wait 6 months...that being said, different surgeons seem to have different rules, so when in doubt, I'd call the surgeon's office...

[Cheles 75]

My surgeron said 1-year. He stated that 1-ounce of liquor would have me drop dead drunk. Not sure if I want to try that just yet. I'm only 6-weeks out. Mind you, I may try a 1/2-glass of wine at the 6-month mark.

[Dooter 1,457]

What I read is about concern for the liver. Even after one is healed up and well past surgery, the alcohol will put a far greater strain on the liver than it used to. That said....would ONE little drinky hurt? I wouldn't think so...I just don't know how far out from surgery.

[shannonbcaldwell 4]

Have you set a date for your VSG yet??

[thinoneday 445]

I had my first alcoholic beverage at 3 mos out and haven't stopped since (i'm now into year 3) and I haven't died yet. I don't think one small vodka is going to kill you, just be prepared for that intoxicated feeling right away. . . it's really weird. . . good luck

[Dooter 1,457]

Have you set a date for your VSG yet??

Who, me?? If so, Yes I am scheduled February 13th. I'm at the end of every nerve with excitement.

[shannonbcaldwell 4]

that's great !! my new friend here in Tallahassee just had her's done yesterday down in Mexico. She emailed me today and she is ok, just the normal stuff, soreness, sleep habits off a bit, thirsty, etc.... she is a member on the other sleeve forum http://www.gastricsleeve.com/. Congratulations for your date ! I lost so much so quickly, but have hit a plateau right now. God, you hardly eat anything, I swear, you almost forget all about food after a couple weeks.

[Dooter 1,457]

that's great !! my new friend here in Tallahassee just had her's done yesterday down in Mexico. She emailed me today and she is ok, just the normal stuff, soreness, sleep habits off a bit, thirsty, etc.... she is a member on the other sleeve forum http://www.gastricsleeve.com/. Congratulations for your date ! I lost so much so quickly, but have hit a plateau right now. God, you hardly eat anything, I swear, you almost forget all about food after a couple weeks.

Thanks! I'm sooooo waiting to forget about food! I hope that's my experience. I spend a lot of time feeding everyone around me, so maybe that will help. Sounds weird, but I can see it. I have a couple hundred to lose, so I'm hoping there will be that initial fat-alanche. Is that a word?

[DebiC 181]

Don't drink-so I don't know this from personal expericence-but I was told by my surgeon that 1 drink with affect you as 3 would have pre-surgery. So just allow for that.

[So Cal Kurt 32]

Remember, alcohol is empty calories. I have drinks a few times a month (serious karaoke junkie) and have since I was a few months out. You need to remember that you will get hit hard and fast now. I drink bourbon on the rocks, have no problems but know when enough is enough. I am usually good for 2 or 3 at best in a 4 hour span (my local dive pours very heavy).

[Joiebean 53]

Can someone explain this a little further? Other than the fact that we don't have as much food as we previously did to soak up the alcohol, how is it different on the body once you are healed? (I might be missing the obvious here....wouldn't be the first time

[ocean_ophelia 31]

Can someone explain this a little further? Other than the fact that we don't have as much food as we previously did to soak up the alcohol, how is it different on the body once you are healed? (I might be missing the obvious here....wouldn't be the first time :smile1:

I am wondering the same thing. I am in the medical field, and that makes no sense that the liver would react differently to a larger vs. smaller stomach.

Alcohol passes from the stomach and intestines into the blood. It is then metabolized by enzymes in the liver. That process doesn't change.

[So Cal Kurt 32]

I am sure it has to do with body mass. I was probably down 70 lbs from 300 when I took my first drink. I doubt the alcohol is metabolized any differently. Perhaps in RNY patients there is some kind of difference do to absorbtion but I doubt there is any difference in sleevers. I am sitting at 185 now, 40% less body mass than when I started. My triglycerides were 63 (normal is less than 150) when I had them taken 3 weeks ago. That is the biggest indicator of alcolol induced liver problems.

[Indymom 132]

I feel the effects of alcohol more quickly than I did before surgery, but I also sober up more quickly. Not sure why from a chemistry perspective, but that's what I have noticed. I waited until I was about 3-4 months out from surgery (my doc recommended between 3-6 months before drinking) and I do it rarely due to the empty calories.

I think the liver thing has to do with your liver being strained during the weight loss process . . . if your liver is already working hard during weight loss, excessive drinking can put extra strain on it. I don't know all the particulars, though.