Social Drinking?

[belluhfit 5]

Hi, I'm new to this app, and have a question that I'm kind of nervous about asking. I am currently on the pre-op liquid diet and am going to be sleeved in 11 days! I'm very excited and motivated to start my wls journey.

I just recently moved to Southern California because I'm starting school here in the fall. All of my friends are in Northern California and have no idea that I'm having this surgery. I was wondering at what point, post-op, were you able to have a drink? I am by no means an alcoholic, I'm just a 21 year old girl who loves to have nights-out with her friends.

Fortunately for me, all of my friends live 6+ hours away so I won't be seeing them as often. But when I do go to visit, it will be expected that we go out and a have a few drinks. It will be obvious if I go out and don't part-take. I am of course able to say no, but I'd rather not go out with them at all if I can't act how I normally would, if that makes sense.

Please no judgements

[CoCo0273 39]

Hi, I'm new to this app, and have a question that I'm kind of nervous about asking. I am currently on the pre-op liquid diet and am going to be sleeved in 11 days! I'm very excited and motivated to start my wls journey.
I just recently moved to Southern California because I'm starting school here in the fall. All of my friends are in Northern California and have no idea that I'm having this surgery. I was wondering at what point, post-op, were you able to have a drink? I am by no means an alcoholic, I'm just a 21 year old girl who loves to have nights-out with her friends.
Fortunately for me, all of my friends live 6+ hours away so I won't be seeing them as often. But when I do go to visit, it will be expected that we go out and a have a few drinks. It will be obvious if I go out and don't part-take. I am of course able to say no, but I'd rather not go out with them at all if I can't act how I normally would, if that makes sense.
Please no judgements

My doctor told me no more alcohol period. It's going to be hard but you've already gotten this far. I'm not drinking anymore for myself, I've invested so much in this weight loss journey. I'll support and not judge any decision you make. Good luck.

Sent from my LG-H901 using BariatricPal mobile app

[Mersh 173]

Everyone is different. Every doctor will tell you different stuff. My Dr. said I need to stay away from carbonation for the first 6 months to help my stomach heal. But I can drink brown liquor after 3-4 weeks with no issue. I, in fact had a whiskey and half a glass of wine 2 nights ago at a wedding. I'm almost 4 weeks out and it went great. No issue.

People also talks about how you become a light weight.. well, that isn't my case. I was fine.

Now, I'm not a heavy drinker, but consult your DR. and NUT.

[JoyandLight 42]

After reading posts on here, there are huge differences in what the docs say. Mine said no carbonation ever. No alcohol for a year, better if never again. Full of empty calories, and said that many people become dependent bc of depression from having the surgery.

[SandraD_PDX 78]

Might want to google drinking after bariatric surgery to get some more info on it. My understanding is that it can become an issue for some folks, and can sometimes end up being a substitute addiction. If your weight issues are related to sugar, then alcohol will exacerbate those cravings because that's what it is made of. It's common for alcoholics to end up eating a lot of sugar after getting sober, and vice versa. Also, with our little tiny stomachs, we should prioritize getting nutritional value out of whatever we put in it. Alcohol has none. I quit drinking a few years ago and thought all of my friends would notice, but hardly anyone did, and if they asked, I just said I wasn't drinking due to meds I was taking or because I had some other dietary restriction. The choice is yours of course, but at some point, we all need to face the fact that we can't eat or drink like normal people. If we could, we wouldn't be here. I know sleevers who do imbibe now and then with no issue. That's great for them. Personally, I just don't want the empty calories and I always eat more when I drink, so there's that. I'm sure you will make the choice that is right for you, just make sure you are fully aware of the risks. [emoji4]

[Old2NewMe 73]

My NUT said I can have wine or a shot but not for at least the first month or two. It should not replace a meal.

[gford 7]

If you decide to drink you may want to start *very* slow and be in a safe place. It causes some people to vomit, some to have dumping syndrome, some are lightweights, some are completely fine. I am almost 6 weeks post op - I drank twice and it did not impact me too much. However, I was very hungry when I drank and realized I made poor dietary decisions. I started munching on chips, Snacks, dips, etc. Nothing filled me up because I was drinking at the same time so it passed through me fairly quick - never had a chance to stay long in my stomach. Just something to consider (made me kind of regret the decision). I agree with what everyone said above. The best choice is not to drink but be careful if you do.

Keep up the good work!!

[Sullie06 1,013]

My doctor said to wait 6 months. I've since had drinks on two occasions and it didn't effect me any differently than prior to surgery however, I have no real interest to drink because it bumps my calorie count. I will however order a glass of wine at social events and nurse it.

[TooneyNinosMom 50]

My Dr. told me not to have any alcohol till at least the 8 weeks are up. I am no longer allowed to have carbonation. He said red wine was my best option.

[Dabearo 118]

6 weeks post op. My glass a wine very Friday night goes down just fine. Cheap buzz off 1/2 glass of wine. Seriously, have a driver if your out in public. Your blood alcohol level will increase quickly.

[Iconcinnity 209]

Order a faux-tini when out with friends!

Sent from my LG-TP450 using BariatricPal mobile app

[Seattle WLS Newbie 70]

I was told to wait a minimum of 3months post op. Had one wine cocktail on my birthday (at the 3 month mark) and felt tipsy half way through it.

[PepperCat 30]

I'm preop but my dietician told me no carbonated drinks ever (so sad about that) and that if I did drink that 1 would be my max because it would hit my blood alcohol so fast

[BGOV1225 49]

My doctor told me to wait at least 3 months. I'm almost 4 months and just barely had my first drink last night. I had vodka and diet cranberry with some Water. I had no complications, but I was drinking water as well.

[hvmontoya 27]

My doctor cleared me from pretty much everything 8 weeks. Got sleeved in May down almost 70lbs working hard so I have a couple beers with the guys every so often. Just be careful when you do drink I can no longer drink angry orchard without getting a stomach ache. Also I drink so slow my beer usually gets warm before I finish it lol...