Why no wine after surgery?

[sandirufophoto 19]

Does anyone know exactly why we're not supposed to have any alcohol? I'm almost 4 months out and would love to have a glass or two of wine with dinner. Is there any danger or is it just the fact that it would be empty calories?

[LainieG 132]

I am not sleeved yet but I have heard that you have to wait a year, now why, I don't know. I have read others say that the alcohol hits your system really fast and they caution on driving, etc. Most of all, it appears it just may be the sugar that it contains. I am a margarita drinker so I understand your question. Best thing, talk to your doctor.

Good Luck !!

[queenie47 45]

I am 6 weeks out I had 4oz of wine on vacation and it went straight to my head! Im not a big drinker but this was crazy fast.

[VSGAnn2014 12,992]

The surgeon's advice about alcohol after WLS -- yes or no, when to resume (if ever), how much is safe, which kinds of alcohol are fine and which are verboten -- vary considerably, depending on the surgeon advising.

[livvsmum 2,369]

There's much debate about it, like others have said. I had my first post-op drink at probably 3 months post op and am a super light-weight now. Definitely a cheap date. But I really just try to avoid it altogether because once you start researching it I think you will find there are more calories in drinks, even wine, than you think and I just don't want to add on the extra calories while I'm still in the active weight loss phase.

[sandymom 16]

When I talked to my P.A. about this at my 2 week post-op, he said it was fine. He also implied I might not be able to drink like I was used to. Please remember it is empty calories, though. Enjoy!

[Rogofulm 2,440]

I think there are two good reasons to avoid alcohol. First, it falls in the same category as fruit juices, in that it's basically liquid sugar that just goes right through your stomach. How is that different than eating ice cream? Except for the buzz, of course. But ice cream can offer a "comfort" buzz too. So if you wouldn't eat ice cream because you know it's a really bad choice, why would you want to drink alcohol? And secondly, people who are under the influence tend to make other unwise choices. For example, I've polled many, many people who have quit smoking for a length of time of time and then started back up again. Guess what proportion had an adult beverage in their hand when they took that first puff? Yup, 100% (including myself the first time I quit). So how many sleevers have been at a party, and after a drink or two said, "Maybe I can just have one little pig-in-a-blanket..."

Edited August 12, 2014 by Rogofulm

[VSGAnn2014 12,992]

If you aren't aware of the possibility of cross-addiction from food to alcohol (for those of us who soothe ourselves with food, but can't do that after WLS), you should study up on that. Not trying to scare you at all ... just want to let you know it's something to learn about.

[Kindle 8,667]

I had my first glass of wine about 4 months post. Have since had a Bloody Mary, margaritas, vodka cranberry, and whiskey Water. Unfortunately no change in how alcohol affects me. I'm NOT a cheap date...I could drink my date under the table. So for me, it's just empty calories....no different than ice cream (and I've had that, too )

[meatball1 29]

I have a glass of wine 5 out of 7 nights. I enjoy wine and I know when to stop . When I cook I like a glass along side me. For me it is worth the calories. I log everything every day. But you know your abilities can you stop at 1 ...

[Memily 86]

I started drinking some drinks about........on 3-4 months out. No beer and no carbonation. My drink of choice is Cucumber Vodka with Water.....and if I get really crazy a shot of tequila You are a cheep date after. I won't get behind the wheel even if I have a half of a drink because I never truly know how the drinks will hit my, watch yourself cause everytime will be different. I do not go out for drinks unless I have my husband or a friend that is a REALLY good friend who knows my surgery history ( I kept my surgery secret to almost everyone) that way if they notice I hit a wall fast they take me home.