Drinking after bypass

[fourmonthspreop 510]

Here's a weird one. I often heard after getting WLS, that alcohol can be this really slippery slope and transfer addiction is real. It's funny because I was simultaneously worried and not worried at the same time because alcoholism runs in my family and I've seen it ugly, up close and personal which has made me incredibly reflective on my alcohol use, always checking it and monitoring to make sure it wasn't something I was doing out of habit and only in moderation.

Basically, I've never been really into alcohol but don't get me wrong, I had my party days in college and I remember being able to drink soooooo much for a long time when I was partying with friends.

Fast forward to today, I'm a year and like 5 months post op from bypass and I've found a couple things with alcohol and want to know if anyone is having the same experience:

• Getting drunk now is horrible, a surefire way straight to my head in the toilet, and not because I'm too drunk but because alcohol makes me incredibly nauseous if I have more than 2 drinks. I also don't drink sugary drinks either - I do usually a hard liquor like vodka and soda Water.
• I find now though that I don't even feel drunk like I used to. I'm incredibly cognizant of everything, don't feel "silly" or "loose" like I used to, then I just get sleepy, and then I just hit a wall and get really nauseous and want to puke.
• If I have a drink then I eat later, like I've been in a situation where I am going to a dinner, have a cocktail like a couple hours before my meal, then I eat and the food makes me so nauseous and almost dumping.

It could be that I'm just older now and drinking is different but I barely drink now since getting my bypass because it just makes me feel like crap. I don't miss it, I think drinking is really bad but I will admit it has taken a toll on my social life (but ultimately it's good to know who wants to actually be friends and who just wants a drinking buddy)

But I've always heard that drinking can be a problem after, but now that I have had WLS, drinking is not fun like it used to be and I just don't want to do it at all. Anyone else experiences this? I think it's an interesting topic.

[catwoman7 11,220]

I've never been much of a drinker because alcoholism also runs in MY family, so the most I drink now is a glass of wine (and this only once or twice a month). I just know I get "buzzed" much more quickly now -- but I stop after one so I can't really comment on the rest of your experiences. And yes - transfer addiction is real. I unfortunately know of some WLS patients who are now dealing with alcohol addiction.

I never feel social pressure to drink, fortunately. Even before WLS, I'd usually just order soft drinks after my one and only drink - and sometimes I wouldn't drink alcohol at all - just soft drinks. Even at bars. I never felt particularly weird about doing that, thankfully...

[The Greater Fool 2,054]

What I've noticed is the effects and experience are all accelerated. I feel the effects quicker and it hits a bit harder. The buzz also fades sooner. If I drink enough to get a hangover, that too happens and passes quicker.

I don't drink much since surgery. Basically, very special occasions and vacations. I don't drink socially mostly because I don't do much of anything socially.

I recommend that new post-ops, if they intend to drink, to do so at home first so that they can find out how they will respond.

Transfer addiction is not rare. If you're going to drink, put it off until post-surgery life is routine, that you've developed coping mechanisms to replace the role food may have played.

Good luck,

Tek

[DaisyAndSunshine 303]

I don't drink often. May be once every 3 to 4 months. I don't dump much. If I have a bit too much of sugar or carbs, may feel little dump-ish but nothing intolerable. So I can drink fine without worrying about dumping.

But after bypass, I do get buzzed easily with a glass of any kinda alcohol. And the effect for me persists a good time and doesn't fade away quickly. It's a good thing since a glass is all I need and I am good to go for the evening 😂