Alcohol

[danaymacklin 177]

I'm a little over 3 months out and had a few sips of my sisters cocktail and felt fine. No desire to start drinking on my own, but felt nothing after a few sips. Can take it or leave it. Just wanted to report out:)

[Cape Crooner 589]

I wrote about this in 2015 when I was sleeved. It's a hot topic and I got a lot of grief from others.

1. The big issue is babying your WLS post surgery. Not all surgeries are equal. Sleeves are the most minimally invasive and based on reviewing guidelines worldwide, I found them ranging from no wait (in England) to 1 year in most major US programs. I went with two months, but eased in very delicately. Speaking to doctors, I learned that the sleeve is pretty much healed after 6 weeks. I have also heard that a Gastric Bypass is less tolerant since you're no longer using the tough stomach tissue to process the  food you eat.

2. The next big issue is your liver. When you are losing a lot of weight in a hurry (like most WLS patients), your liver is working overtime. I waited until I was close to reaching my goal and drank extra  Water before and after my very weak  drinks.

3. Beyond those two major health considerations, the biggest is your weight loss success. Alcohol is empty calories and when we drink, we make bad food choices. I always counted the calories in my drinks, which kept me on distilled alcohol and Water. I also always planned what I was going to eat BEFORE drinking and stuck to it.

4. Although not a risk for everyone, transfer addiction is a real risk for people who may have been addicted to overeating or anything else. I have read many stories from people who never drank before WLS, but were addicted to eating or soda and became alcoholics after.

5. The carbonation myth has no basis in medical research. I researched it extensively and found zero long term issue from any doctors. I also observed that many obese people drank sugary soda all day long, which is why most programs tell us not to drink it. It should be avoided until tolerated following your surgery. I tried it after 6 months and it upset my stomach. Today, I can drink a little, but not much (12 ounces over a few hour timespan). Of course if you were addicted to soda or beer before WLS, be very careful.

These are the biggies, let me know if you have any further questions...

[GBLady41 393]

I have been on this forum for over two years and have found that carbonation is definitely not a myth. Most doctors that are asked say to not drink carbonated drinks. Period. It can and has had a negative effect on not only losing weight but also keeping it off. So I would follow my surgeon's instructions regarding carbonation.

[Cape Crooner 589]

I have been on this forum for over two years and have found that carbonation is definitely not a myth. Most doctors that are asked say to not drink carbonated drinks. Period. It can and has had a negative effect on not only losing weight but also keeping it off. So I would follow my surgeon's instructions regarding carbonation.

I don't dispute that most programs say no soda during the weight loss period. It contains acid which is to be avoided during healing. It also leaves you bloated for the first 6 months.

That is not the myth. The myth is that it somehow stretches your sleeve, it does not. Go spend an hour or two on google and look for any research that disputes this fact, you won't find it because it does not exist.

That said, I don't I'll ever drink more than 6/8 ounces at one sitting. It simply doesn't go down as fast as flat liquids.

[Anthrodiva 11]

My doctor also said carbonation was a myth, as was gum, and pretty much admitted it was to keep people from downing sodas. I asked because I'm a drinker of mineral Water and they were like, "oh sure that's fine."!

I'm six weeks out and had a little soda water the other night with some watermelon juice and I was fine.

[Anthrodiva 11]

How long before you can have a drink? I forgot o ask!!! Any feedback!?!

I was told six months, but I wouldn't bother. It's empty calories and as they said on the office, "bad decision making in a glass!"