Question:
Did anyone develop a problem with alcohol or drugs after losing the weight
I lost my fat and food and lost my mind. I started going out when I was losing the weight. I was a fish out of water with the bar scene as well as men and attention. I also found it very difficult to cope with the rapid changes and stress that came with the weight loss. Now I have been diagnosed with alcholism and started rehab. I want the happy life I always dreamed of. — Beth D. (posted on January 10, 2003)
January 10, 2003
An addictive personality is an addictive personality, whether it's food,
drugs, alchohol, shopping, or whatever. I traded food in for expensive
purses (14 at last count). I've know people that have ended up as
excercize addicts (I wish that was me!) and some that drink too much. It's
that compulsive behavior thing. Congrats for getting the help you need.
Therapy is a good thing.
— mom2jtx3
January 10, 2003
Beth, I'm glad you asked this question and I'm anxious to see the
responses. I have never been a big alcohol drinker, could never stand the
taste of it or the way it made me feel, but since I had my surgery, I find
myself drinking more and more and it scares me because alcoholism runs in
my family so I don't like to go overboard when drinking. Even though U
still can't really stand the taste of it I find I drink at least half a
bottle of wine every night while cooking dinner and have to make myself
stop. I used to smoke two packs of cigarettes a day, but stopped cold
turkey 6 1/2 months ago and I'm guessing that is what I'll have to do with
the drinking. I wish you all the best with you rehab journey...GOD Bless
— Angie F.
January 10, 2003
I'm sorry you've developed this problem. I, too have an addictive
personality and the previos poster was right, you often trade one addiction
for another. I previously smoked and ate alot. Then after my surgery, I
started drinking alot, too. I am a college student, so I could end up
drinking 5 nights a week for the whole past semester. I have since
developed an ulcer, so now I cannot drink, almost a blessing again. I also
take percocets for a chronic illness, and now I take about 7 a day since my
ulcer surgery 3 weeks ago b/c the pain is not going away. All of my
doctors want me off them b/c they fear I am physically dependent. one
saying i should be in a coma for taking that many everyday. And
considering the morphine drip did absolutely nothing in the hospital, i
would often have to get diuladin injections (stronger than morphine) in
addition to the drip. It's scary how tolerable one can become to a
substance, esp when u need it for pain. But it is great that you have
seeked help, that is the first step as I'm sure you know. I was once
addicited to exercise 5 years ago and lost a ton, I wish I could pick that
one up again, too! I think you will find that there are quite a few people
who are alcoholics after surgery. You will have the happy life you dreamed
of, you already lost a great deal of weight, and now you are beginning
treatment for the alcoholism, it will just take a little more time than you
thought. You're in my thoughts, goodluck, you will come through this!
— Lezlie Y.
January 10, 2003
First - thank you for your open and honest discussion of your situation.
Last year, about a year postop, my whole life fell apart and I began
drinking with my work buddies as our company went bankrupt. I found that I
really liked getting drunk, and did it nearly daily for about 2 months.
Then I realized that I was just drinking my problems instead of eating
them. I don't think many people even consider the massive emotional fallout
that happens after WLS. I am proud of you that you are in rehab, and I
encourage others to seek counseling or support groups if they have a
problem with alcahol. Good Luck to you!
— Cara F.
January 10, 2003
Our psych doc says theres as many mental and emotional changes as physical
ones. I got scolded awhile ago urging a party person to use caution. But it
can be a serious problem. The good news you have identified it and are
working on the issue. I have a friend who is a recovered alcholic. She said
getting off the booze and drugs was the best thing she ever did. Thanks for
posting this, you have done a service for everyone here, warning them of
the dangers. Best wishes.
— bob-haller
January 10, 2003
Hi Beth--Thank you for saying what I've been thinking. And for having the
courage to admit you have a problem. I too feel that I have been drinking
excessively lately. I have been drinking daily for the past 6 months. It
is scarey some of the things I have done. I traded one addiction for
another. But I have decided that I want to get this under control and be
able to have a drink socially once in a while. This has to stop now. I am
4 days clean and sober (cold turkey) and actually am doing well. I didn't
have surgery to kill myself of liver disease. Tonight will be my biggest
challenge. I work in a bar cocktailing and it is common practice to drink
while your there. I plan to refuse all drinks tonight and go straight home
after work. Again, your not alone. I wish you luck that you find your
own answer. Thanks again.
— skennedy
January 10, 2003
Beth, and to everyone who posts on this board, A big warm hug, to let us
know we're human, I enjoyed the Holidays just like my skinny counter parts,
how-ever I wasn't able to drink like them, I had 1 shot and 1 glass of wine
and was totaly in a high for about 4 hours... It was the first time I ever
felt any kind of drunkness feeling, I've done it twice since then and vowed
to only do it twice a year just to celebrate... I know that it can become
addicitive too eailsy seeing I've given up my biggest vice (eaiting)
It's nice to know that we're not perfect and there's always a sholder here
to lean on.....
You guy's make me smile.....
May we all have the strenght to over come what lies ahead.
Post op 7 months down 109 pounds.
— tannedtigress
January 10, 2003
It is very difficult to find a new healty "addiction" after this
surgery. Right now I am working hard at becoming an exercise addict, as I
have struggled with the use of muscle relaxers and pain medication. I have
access to pain medication due to disabling headaches and have had them for
years. After surgery when i could not eat my pain away, I liked the
numbing feeling that the narcotics gave me. i will always struggle with
this due to my headaches, but being aware of it is 1/2 the battle. Good
luck to you and to all of us that are struggling with our addictions that
are really hurting us not only physically but emotionally.
— Michele M.
January 11, 2003
My mom & her best friend had "stomach stapling" in the 1980's
and are now both alcoholics. I truly believe they ended up substituting
the alcohol for the food, mostly because there was no counseling whatsoever
either suggested or provided. We need to get rid of our MONSTER in our
heads or it will show up somewhere else! This is a very simplistic
in-your-face answer and I want to stress that it may not apply to everyone
else out there. Me, I intend to continue counseling until I'm positive my
monster is outta here!
— cddgo
January 12, 2003
My mother had VBG done 10 years ago and became an alcoholic afterwards.
This was a woman that hardly ever drank. Her alcoholism began when my
father became obsessive after her weightloss. (an entirely diff issue).
Luckily, we tossed her butt in rehab, TWICE, and then an angel came into
her life for a split second and she decided it was time to face her habit
and quit (sober now for almost 2 years)! However, all that being said,
addiction is hereditary and I am scared of that. I, like my mom years ago,
never hardly drink. I know what I have been thru because of her alcholism
and hope to never do that to them. My surgery is in Feb and I know I am
going to have to be very careful with how much I drink. Congrats on getting
help for your addiction, please stay with it!! Those anniversary tokens
are quite an accomplishment! My mother is very happy today and living the
"happy life she dreamed of" =) good luck to you in doing the
same!
— roryleigh
January 13, 2003
You know, this is just my own personal thoughts, but I know that my eating
has always been (and always will be)a compulsion. It will come out in one
way or the other. It could just as easily be drugs, drinking, gambling. I
wish I knew how to quit my compulsion. Strange as it sounds, it helps to
admit that you are powerless and it is out of your control.Cling to God.
Keep putting one foot in front of the other. You are a special, beautiful
creation. Never forget that. I'll remember you in my prayers.
— denaa
July 25, 2003
God Bless all of us! I went through treatment for alcoholism back in 1986.
Had some problems with alcohol for awhile after and then, when my husband
and I decided to get out #*(& together...I stopped and drank about
three times a year for over 10 years. After surgery...is another story. My
husband thinks drinking after 11pm (he drives his sister to and from work
daily at that time) helps me relax and becomes a better sex partner. I on
the other hand sort of enjoy it...but deep down does not want to do it
because I haven't been able to lose anymore weight. I am only 5 mo out. I
can't stay awake before and after my kids go to bed, so there for my
husband and I spend no time TOGETHER because I am cranky and tired. It is
never ending. Does any one reading have any suggestions!!!! This is such a
battle for us huh?
— liz A.
July 25, 2003
Since our disease is PHYSICAL in nature, the symptoms can manifest in any
form. Some turn to alcohol, others drugs, others with sex, poron or
shopping addictions. Some start collecting "these" and cannot
stop unti their homes bulge with their collections. Once we are able to
see the physical side of the disease & fight the monster we can SEE, we
have a better chance of winning each little battle. While we fight the
unseen monster we perceive as mental illness, we cannot win. Once the
light is on the real problem, we have amuch better chance of winning. And
it's all about body chemicals.
— vitalady
February 24, 2009
Yes, my problem started about 3yrs ago. I started drinking heavily. I
blackout, was put in jail for drunk in public, my personal life is a wreck.
My 17 and 21 year old children wont speak to me. I have a daughter who just
turned 12 and is in counseling mostly because of my drinking. I have lost
all control! I don't even know who I am any more nor does anyone else. I've
started counseling (again). Start AA tomorrow night and taking medicine
that is supposed to help curve the urge to drink and an anti depressant. I
get violent when I drink but I usually blackout and dont remember all the
terrible things I've done. I never even used to drink, except on special
occasions! What has happened to me!!!!??????????
— 3jsmom09
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