Drinking alcohol after GB surgery???? - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

amyboo · 02-27-2009, 03:21 PM

Ok I have a question? Well my last psych visit before my surgery she told me that "well you know you can never drink alcohol again" and I am not a drinker so I did not care much but now I am starting to think because last weekend I was going to go out to the bar with some friends and I was like no I better not. Is that true that you can NEVER drink again? I mean I am not a drinker at all but I would like to have a small drink every once in a while when I go out somewhere.

staraex · 02-27-2009, 03:26 PM

Well every surgeon's staff is going to tell you something different from the next. BUT I have yet to hear anyone not being permitted alcohol after GBS, unless ofcourse there is a medical condition. I have had some wine (3 1/2mos out) and was OKd by my surgeon's NP. It went ok with me! On everage they say NO Alcohol for the 1st 6months to a year.

Robin W · 02-27-2009, 03:34 PM

Umm...have you heard about the parties we've had in Southern California?? We have had a few drinks here and there, but NOT for several months post surgery. I waited almost 1 year before having anything. Now I enjoy a glass of wine or even a margarita IF someone else is driving. LOL

Snow-Belle · 02-27-2009, 06:18 PM

I was told to wait until I was about 6 months out...IF I thought my stomach was up to it.

I was also told that I wouldn't be able to drink very much and to try my first drink at home, so I could see how I'd react, etc.

My co-workers are bugging the heck out of me....they all want me to go out to happy hour with them...but I know that I and my touchy pouch just are ready for it yet.

On a more sober (no pun intended) note, I was warned that after GBS some patients trade one addiction (food) for another, such as drinking....and to be aware of this...

Olusha · 02-27-2009, 08:23 PM

I didn't drink for many months after my surgery, but even as much as I hate being a cliche, I started to develop a little bit of a dependency on it so I stopped drinking last Sept.

One shot of alcohol and I'm wasted...once I get drunk, I seem to think I still need the same amount as I used to when I was big and I drink so much that I pass out. It's not pretty.

I'd say avoid it altogether. I always used to wish I didn't have to drink SO MUCH to get drunk...now I wish I had to drink more.

Aviator · 02-27-2009, 09:11 PM

...a year - not forever.

However, carbonated beverages are gone forever. Stretches Nubbin out (and I'm a sleevester.) I love beer, but that phase of my life is now behind me.

I look forward to having some red wine on New Years Eve of 2009. Mebbe a good Single Malt.

Sue0609 · 02-28-2009, 08:55 AM

I had about 1/2 a beer at 2 1/2 months post-op. That was all I drank before my food came, so I didn't finish it. I drink very rarely (less than 1 a week, probably 1 a month on average). Never a whole beer, but I will drink a full glass of wine (about 6 ounces). I haven't had hard liquor. The mixers are either carbonated or too high in sugar. Come summer I might try vodka with a low sugar cranberry juice.

Claire-in-Texas · 02-28-2009, 12:13 PM

I had no interest in drinking before wls, and I haven't changed my mind about that. However, I love a good time, and have been to many a party and/or bar where I enjoyed water with lemon, and was perfectly happy with that.

The high I get is getting DRESSED for the party. No high from liquor can be better than that!

Dabigdawg · 02-28-2009, 03:18 PM

I don't drink but maybe one or two drinks a year. I was told by my Doctor to wait a year. Because we now process alcohol differently and it takes a whole lot less now to get snockered. Wow I am truely a cheap date :-P

Claire-in-Texas · 02-28-2009, 03:25 PM

And speaking of cheap date, between little to no alcohol, and sharing meals, ARE WE NOT THE CHEAPEST OF DATES EVER???? LOL