Alcohol

[hohmanf 4]

I had my surgery June 10th so drinking is not on my mind yet. However in the future I would still like to be able to enjoys a cocktail here or there when out with the wife and friends.

For those that have continued drinking post op a few questions.

1. How long did you wait.

2. How did it go.

3. Any complications

Thx

[BigGirlPanties 957]

Alcohol is not suggested because of the empty carbs and (in some cases) carbonation.

That being said, I know some folks have had them...usually one is all they can tolerate... I was not a drinker before, so I am the designated driver now, and I'm fine with that.

I'm sure others will have more info for you.

[familyguy 147]

I had my surgery June 10th so drinking is not on my mind yet. However in the future I would still like to be able to enjoys a cocktail here or there when out with the wife and friends.

For those that have continued drinking post op a few questions.

1. How long did you wait.

2. How did it go.

3. Any complications

Thx

I'm 6 months post opp and enjoy alcohol a couple times a week (down from a couple drinks a night pre-opp). I waited about two months post opp to give it a try. I've keep it to wine and the occasional martini, beer or anything fizzy doesn't seem appealing. No physical complications whatsoever and alcohol basically effects me the same as preopp.

Two big points of caution, (1) there are many people that trade one addiction for another post surgery so beware of that phenomena, and (2) as others will undoubtedly tell you, alcohol basically falls into the useless calorie bucket same (or worse) than a coke or glass of grape juice.

[SnohoGal98296 371]

My instructions say 6 months and then with great moderation because you will be impaired on much less than you were before. Less food to mix with, quicker absorption and all that. On the empty calories aspect, I can appreciate that but I also think that as adults we can decide if it is appropriate to have a cocktail every once once in awhile. But then again, previously I had maybe 1 cocktail every other week or so, sometimes every 2 or 3 weeks, they were not a calorie issue for me. My triggers are all food based.

[slvrsax 301]

I think I was about 10 weeks out before I had alcohol, it burned so I stopped. It was white wine. I am not a big drinker to begin with, only occasional like maybe every 4 to 6 weeks. The no mixer thing is hard. Just this past weekend I tried Jim Beam Honey infused (I usually drink Crown) and it was so smooth, no mixer required whatsoever! This coming from someone who can't get tequila past her nose and has never had a straight shot of anything before I had surgery.

I say this because alcohol is not a big draw for me, I can take it or leave it. Keep in mind the potential for cross addiction. I just don't think I'm alcoholic material.

[slvrsax 301]

Another thing worth mentioning - the few times I've indulged, I get a buzz quickly but it also goes away quickly. Almost not worth the effort.

[marfar7 1,533]

I drink a glass of red wine about 3x a week, have since about 3 mths post op. Doesn't affect me any differently. The very first glass, I will admit made me quite tipsy, but from then on - doesn't affect me at all. I count the 110 calories in it in my daily allotment.

[KrissySMD 38]

I had my 2 week post op visit today and I specifically asked about this! Especially since it's a HOT few days here in Chicago and friends are having lots of outdoor parties in the evening. I was told NONE for 3-6 months (but NEVER anyting carbonated again). My dietician actually said it's more like 3 months usually. She was sweet and said she can imagine how hard it is to refuse wine from a girlfriend. It's true but I am lucky my friends understand. (Or they don't know cuz I have not said anything).

Suckville for summer, I know. But we did this for a reason.

Stick in there and have a great summer!

[BigGirlPanties 957]

@KrissySMD oh how I miss "Sweet Home Chicago"... living in Savannah, you can't go without Sweet Tea...so mine is the unsweetened variety...decaf...I buy cold brew Decaf teabags, so I have them with me if I need it...

Also, of course, any of those single servings of crystal light etc are good to carry with you so you don't have to do straight up Water...

It's all good... it's SO worth it!

[Jen35 283]

I'm 6 months post opp and enjoy alcohol a couple times a week (down from a couple drinks a night pre-opp). I waited about two months post opp to give it a try. I've keep it to wine and the occasional martini, beer or anything fizzy doesn't seem appealing. No physical complications whatsoever and alcohol basically effects me the same as preopp.

Two big points of caution, (1) there are many people that trade one addiction for another post surgery so beware of that phenomena, and (2) as others will undoubtedly tell you, alcohol basically falls into the useless calorie bucket same (or worse) than a coke or glass of grape juice.

My experience is similar. My surgeon recommended waiting 6-8 weeks post-op. I had my first drink at about 2 months. Don't like fizzy drinks (beer, soda) or sweet mixers. I usually sip a long island tea or sometimes I will ask for Water and a shot of liquor and add a packet of crystal light. While alcohol affected me a little more post op, it wasn't as much as I expected. And it was probably more because I had abstained for a while.

You do need to be careful of the transfer addiction. I have an addictive personality and alcoholism runs in my family so that is always in the back of my mind. You also have to be careful because too much can be hard on our stomachs and there is the risk of ulcers.

Edited June 17, 2014 by Jen35

[Dondie Olivia 56]

I had 2 drinks over a weekend this month. To Celebrate 2 different birthdays. I didn't get a buzz from either. Both were mixed and I took a long time with each. I didn't drink much before, so going without hasn't been a problem. With the exception that it is STRONGLY discouraged and that makes me want a drink. LOL That teenage girl is still in there. I do see it for what it is and tell that teenager to grow up and have a flavored water instead.

[par1959 470]

I look at it this way. Alcohol consumption slows the production of an enzime your body produces that is required to turn fat into carbos. This effect last for 3 days even after just one drink. This means you slow your weight loss down by 43 percent if you only drink one night a week. I enjoy drinking as much as anyone, but weight loss is more important to me. In my case, I have given up alcohol until I hit the maintanece phase. At that point I might phase it in, but not before.