First time posting here

[Matt2010 2]

Hey everybody. This is my first time ever going into a forum. I had my surgery in March 2010. Nine years ago in just a few weeks.

Originally, I lost 175 pounds. I bounce up and down. But, overall I am doing well with maintaining.

I’ve learned how to eat again and I do well with that. My issue is when I consume alcohol. Something is not clicking and telling my body that I’ve had enough. I am a social drinker. Unfortunately, when I do drink, sometimes I tend to just keep going.

In nearly 9 years, I still can’t figure out how to get my body accustomed to it. Like I said, food is not an issue. I know when I’m full. I also know that my stomach cannot absorb alcohol like it used to. Has anyone else had this experience and if so how do you manage it?

Any help is appreciated. I’m more than happy to answer anyone’s questions as well.

[Kris77 1,538]

I heard that we don’t or won’t absorb alcohol the same way after surgery. I haven’t had any since my surgery (7mos sho)but I’m not really a big drinker.
Maybe check w your NUT on suggestions.

[Danny Paul 761]

This was brought up during one of my group sessions. It seems that the body post WLS absorbs alcohol faster since the stomach is smaller. People tend to use the pre surgery amounts of tolerable alcohol as a guide when they drink post op. The body doesn't function the same way. There must be an adjustment in the alcohol intake amount so to not get inebriated when drinking post op.

It was also stressed that one should refrain from alcohol post op since alcohol contains empty calories with no nutritional benefits to the WLS patient. In other words you get better weight loss maintenance drinking zero calorie non carbonated beverages.

[SteveT74 360]

How often are you socially drinking? Is this a once a month thing, once a week, multiple times each week, daily? Is it a situation where you don't need to drink and can go a few weeks without a drink, but once you start, you can't stop? Give a little more info and maybe we can give you some better answers.

[Matt2010 2]

Hey there. Thanks for the reply. I may go out to have drinks a couple times a month. I can go for long periods of time without a drink. That’s not the issue. I don’t consume alcohol during Lent every year. That’s 40 days that I go without a drink. However, if I am at an event that has alcohol and I’m not driving, I will partake. I rode in a Mardi Gras parade over the weekend. I started drinking and didn’t stop. Since the alcohol hits me so much quicker than when I was 400 lbs, I don’t know when to stop.

[SteveT74 360]

Dude, it was a Mardi Gras parade---I am sure you weren't the only one that didn't stop when they should. :-) Seriously though, unlike food, consuming alcohol is a choice. You don't need it to live. Have you tried setting a firm limit for yourself. For example, you can allow yourself to have two drinks over a 2 hour period and that's it for the night. You're there to be social, not to get a buzz or f---ked up. If you can't do that and you don't know when enough is enough, alcohol is not working out for you and you have to cut it out completely. The reality is if you feel this way now and you don't put the breaks on drinking, it's going to become a serious problem for you. You didn't get to 400 without abusing food---so, you have to be really careful with anything that is potentially addictive. You're picking up on this early before it becomes serious, so that's a great thing!!

[Jakesoldlady 44]

I had my surgery on October 16th 2018. I went on a 7 day cruise on Febuary 3rd and bought the drink package. I have never been a big drinker but wanted to enjoy the cruise (since I couldn't enjoy the food). I tried wine and all kinds of mixed drinks and NEVER even caught a buzz😓. Has this happened to anyone else? Is this normal? Sorry I can't help with your question. Only advice I have is try to limit how many you have or like someone said pace it to 2 drink in a 2 hour period.