Alcohol

[Road2Newme3 116]

Its funny to find this topic, we just talked about this at the support group tonight!... My team says 18 months to 2 years, and to be at home or somewhere safe when we first try it out. They said that it was because it will affect you differently. And because there's such a risk for transferring addictions, they said if you have one and think "wow that was really good, I want another" that you probably shouldn't. We have 3 people post op in our support groups who attend AA meetings. Apparently 1 in 10 wls patient will end up becoming an alcoholic. (at least that's what they said!)

Scary stuff! I'll definitely be staying away from it other than for special occasions , but everyone is different. Just be careful!

[Losebig 508]

There's some scary statistics that at least in my group they didn't really highlight. One is the alcoholism or other addiction rates (they mentioned it, but never shared rates). The other is an 85% divorce rate according to one study. Kind of crazy... hoping to not do either of those things myself...

[orionburn 1,024]

9 hours ago, Road2Newme3 said:

Its funny to find this topic, we just talked about this at the support group tonight!... My team says 18 months to 2 years, and to be at home or somewhere safe when we first try it out. They said that it was because it will affect you differently. And because there's such a risk for transferring addictions, they said if you have one and think "wow that was really good, I want another" that you probably shouldn't. We have 3 people post op in our support groups who attend AA meetings. Apparently 1 in 10 wls patient will end up becoming an alcoholic. (at least that's what they said!)

Scary stuff! I'll definitely be staying away from it other than for special occasions , but everyone is different. Just be careful!

The 1 in 10 sounds about right (from what I was told anyway). The other thing that apparently people turn to is shopping, like online ordering addiction. Really it's anything that can turn into an addiction. I definitely have an addictive personality and have to be mindful of things.

[Sullie06 1,013]

My team said 6 months. I've had wine a few times and a couple of cocktails but I just don't really care to drink much. I was never a big drinker and now it just seems like a waste of calories so I will only have a drink at special occasions. I have found my tolerance to be the same but everyone is different so use caution.

[Claudiarb 21]

I used to have a glass of scotch or bourbon pretty frequently, as of now Im almost 4 weeks post op and haven't given it one thought, Im so tired of drinking liquids all day that the last think I want is another glass of more liquid

When the time comes, which will be in about 4 months (have a big weekend gathering) I will probably just get a glass of Water and infuse it slightly with whiskey/bourbon, I know cardinal sin, but Im just afraid bourbon or whiskey on the rocks or with a bit of water might sit too heavy or burn my new stomach.

[HDScarlett 85]

Giving up diet coke was hard enough........ I don't drink that much, but when I do, I have a glass of Cabernet, or I have Vodka and Water over ice and add Crystal Light or this sugar free Margarita mix I found on Amazon. I carry sugar free drink mix wherever I go, and have never had an issue using it in bars or restaurants. I do feel the effects sooner than pre surgery, so am careful. Everything in moderation