Alcohol

jillndrummer · March 23, 2008

I have been told that you can not drink alcohol after the surgery ?? I have gone on a cruise about every 6 months for the past 3 years. and it is the highlight of my year, we go with three other couples and we eat and drink a lot. I am concerned that I will not be able to join in on the fun, but I will be thin and look good.

luv10nis · March 24, 2008

I also heard this. I am going to check with my doc at my post-op on Thursday. Like you, I don't drink often but ocassionally I like to have a Pina Colada. :-)

Nursienicole · March 24, 2008

It depends on your surgeon when and if they ever want you to drink alcohol again. Part of the problem is that we are people who are obviously prone to addiction as is seen in our weight. When you are banded you will not be able to eat like you once did and as a result, especially if you eat out of boredom or emotion you are likely to look for something to replace that addiction. True, many find healthy replacements such as exercise or other hobbies, but for some alcohol takes the place. Another thing is that you weight will be lower and with your nutrion being so important to make sure ou get what you need in a day you dont want to drink and not be able to eat the things you need to. One friend of mine was told she must wait one year after surgery. After a year she never wanted to drink again. Another friend (who had a bypass not a band ), openly admits since she can't eat anymore she drinks. Essentially the choice is yours but you should do it in an educated manner. Also remember that when we drink too much our bodies usually make us vomit to help rid the body of the "poison" and with a band it may be more difficult to do this as only your upper pouch is really going to empty and excessive vomitting can certainly affect your band.

luv10nis · March 24, 2008

It depends on your surgeon when and if they ever want you to drink alcohol again. Part of the problem is that we are people who are obviously prone to addiction as is seen in our weight. When you are banded you will not be able to eat like you once did and as a result, especially if you eat out of boredom or emotion you are likely to look for something to replace that addiction. quote]
I think you have addressed a VERY important point. I know when I was getting pre-approval for insurance at the "psych" part of it, I clearly told the doc I was scared. When he asked me what I was scared about I told him that I understand I eat the way I do for some reason. I have no idea what that reason is. I was afraid I would replace it with something else when I couldn't consume food like I did at that time.

He stated this was a very valuable concern. He believed that knowing this ahead of time would prevent me from "falling" into another addiction. I hope that he is right. I am scared to death of drugs so I don't think it could be that. I also drink so infrequently that is not a concern for me. But, shopping I could see being a "easy" fix. I hope that I will make healthy choices for the new me. :crying:

sizzlingseven · March 24, 2008

I asked this question at my pre-op consult, and there is no medical reason why you cannot have alcohol. The only reason is that alcohol is empty calories and will go down pretty easy. Add that to the fact that your new stomach only carries a fraction of the food, and you'll be a cheap date pretty quickly. In fact, white wine and vodka are considered "clear liquids" as far as I was concerned... :crying:

If you feel that you may substitute one addiction for another, then this is a personal decision. But my understanding is that there's no medical reason why not.

wryan1 · March 24, 2008

I went on vacation at 4 weeks post-op. Unfortunately, I could not resist the cute little umbrella drinks.....I mean it WAS vacation after all. One drink had the same effect as about three pre-op for me. I enjoyed the drinks for the week and when I got home, I knew I would pay the price. I had gained 6 pounds back! Thankfully, I was able to lose those 6 pounds the week after I came home and also dropped an additional 3 lbs. When I saw my MD after I returned home, I confessed immediately. She reassured me that it was ok and said that she was impressed that I had taken responsibility for my actions. We did discuss the empty calories in alcohol and the THREAT of a new addiction for some. She also pointed out that I would never have been able to drop 9 pounds in one week BEFORE my lap band! While I would never advocate for someone to drink alcohol ESPECIALLY if there was a history of addiction, I did enjoy my vacation and would do it again! Enjoy your trip, no matter what you decide to do.

jillndrummer · March 24, 2008

Thanks for the info.. Just the thoughts of going to the Caribbean with out having the cabana boy bringing us a rum in a coco on the beach.

We are planning a trip in June which will be 2 months post op.

Thanks again.

juliegeraci · March 24, 2008

Jill, alcohol isn't a problem. Enjoy!

marathinner · March 24, 2008

I had wine 3 weeks post-op (doc said it was ok) and have enjoyed a glass or two every week since. I've had no problems and the scale is still moving in the right direction!

shortgal · March 24, 2008

I've had three glasses of wine ( on three separate occasions) since surgery. I am in the losing phase and want to keep losing so I have limited my alcohol. I would be very careful of how many drinks at one time, as someone pointed out you do not want to vomit and fewer drinks will get to you much quicker.

I will be on going on a vacation soon and I plan to "enjoy" but in a limted way. Remember it's not just extra calories from the alcohol but also extra food on vacation.