A little worried - Page 2 - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

jennuwine23 · 11-04-2009, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Ok I went through kaiser. Like I said I don't drink at all so it's not an issue for me. Kaiser pretty much said we could really hurt/kill our self if we drank post surgery. Thanks for the info people! what an awesome site.

my friend is going thru kaiser(probaly the same one you are since we are in the same general area) also and yes they made a HUGE deal over drinking after WLS. they do really push that it can kill you afterwords. She was a little scared because although she isnt a regular drinker(everyday) we do a moms night out once a month and go have dinner and drinks. I sent her a lot of the info I looked up. I couldnt find anything that said it would kill you any different that over drinking before WLS. I did find a lot of stories and studies that show some people do have a issue with alcohol after where they become full fledge drinkers, where they rarely drank before WLS.

Quote:

I drink socially on occasion and I have not found I react any different at all. I kept waiting for the big difference that everyone talks about, but I did not notice anything. I am not sure why. I have been out and had several drinks and did not get super drunk (moreso than I would have).

I am with you on that. Tried my first drinks since WLS this past weekend and nothing different. My dr cleared me for everything(alcohol,raw veggies,all meats) at 8 weeks.

Phatlady · 11-04-2009, 05:42 PM

Well, it is well documented that GB patients are more prone to alcoholism as they trade one addiction, food for another, alcohol.
Personally I have gone through most of my life totally alcohol free and I was a NYC club kid when I was younger.
I have never been embarrassed to ask for water and refuse all offers of drinks, free or otherwise.
What I do find embarrassing is what asses everyone makes of themselves as they progressively get more sloshed and boring.
Alcohol is no different than anything else here.
If you have the balls to go through life changing stomach surgery you better grow a back bone and start taking care of yourself and not giving a damn what other people think of your not drinking.
If you REALLY don't think you can cope with that embarrassment, order water on the rocks with a twist of lemon or lime, and /or a drop of cranberry juice, people will assume you are a hard core Vodka drinker.

Scooty's Mom · 11-04-2009, 08:24 PM

Quote:

I am with you on that. Tried my first drinks since WLS this past weekend and nothing different. My dr cleared me for everything(alcohol,raw veggies,all meats) at 8 weeks.

So did mine. I actually drink less than I did before WLS, of course, because of the empty calories and the size of the pouch. I mean the few times I have had drinks, I notice I am much more aware of how much I am consuming and drink much slower than I did before. That's true with the consumption of everything, though. The surgery has definitely made me aware of everything I take in and how it effects me, whether it be alcohol, food or anything else. Everything in moderation is my new mantra, whereas before WLS I was less aware of the volume and pace of my consumption, of everything. I have always been "overindulgence girl" anyway, so this is the thing I predominately notice.

camo · 11-06-2009, 02:27 PM

I ask this question because I went through a lot to get my life changing WLS and I just cant understand going against what my Dr has told me. All of the classes I have been to plus the support groups all talk about how bad drinking is. I by no means am passing judgement on anybody, its just I didn't loose 60# and put my self through a potentially deadly surgery to test the waters. I have met so many people who tried to talk me out of having the WLS because it didnt work for them. These are the people who didn't stick to the diet, ate way to much and stretched there pouches out etc etc. So please take what I say with a grain of salt I ask out concern not judgement!

Nate

Scooty's Mom · 11-06-2009, 03:21 PM

I think, for me, I had the surgery so I could feel "normal" again. I had let my weight change the things I did in life and was not going out of the house much or having any fun. After the surgery and having lost close to 60 lbs., that is changing. I am not being reckless or acting in a dangerous manner, in my opinion. I do not feel having a few drinks, as long as they are not mixed with cola or sugary juices, is a huge thing. Alcohol is part of my life and it always has been. I am not a drunk nor do I have 15 or 20 drinks/ shots when I am out and I certainly do not drink and drive. I feel this surgery was about getting my life back and having a few drinks with friends, is part of that life. My doctor did not feel it was a huge issue as long as I did not go crazy. As far as being successful with the surgery goes, I am happy with my progress and I will handle any struggles as they arise, but for now I am finally beginning to enjoy life again. This was my driving force behind my decision, to stop striggling with my weight and fighting a losing battle. I needed this surgery to change where I was headed and I feel I am on my way to accomplishing that. Take care and I wish you continued success on your journey.