Question:
How soon after surgery should you wait to drink if any?

Not that i'm the big drunk! lol I'm thinking more towards the holidays. Thanks    — Gloria S. (posted on October 3, 2000)

October 3, 2000
When drinking alcohol post-op, there are several things to consider: the sugar content, the carbonation of beer, and the fact that it will take much less alcohol to intoxicate you. Having said all that, I have about one drink a week when I bowl. I started with dry red wine because of its lowER sugar content at about 6 weeks post-op, but last week I managed a Toasted Almond (Bailey's and Amaretto), drank slowly over the course of the evening and chased with lots of ice water. I would suggest that you try this at home first as you don't want to be in public should you dump! Bon appetit!
   — Allie B.

October 3, 2000
I would highly recommend staying away from anything with sugars in the beginning; I love margaritas and I had one four months post op, and unfortuantely visited the bathroom a few hours later and regreted it. By the summer I was able to enjoy an occasional mixed drink, just remember to drink them slow, the affects of the liquor occur much quicker, so be aware, I do enjoy having a drink once in a while, but just be careful with the carbonation of some drinks and the sugars specially in the beginning.
   — Jamie T.

October 3, 2000
My surgeon STRONGLY cautions all his WLS patients against using alcohol because he says it effects us THREE TIMES what it did before surgery. Also, he's had patients get DWI convictions from very small amount of alcohol intake. So, now you know.
   — Cindy H.

October 10, 2000
My experience has been somewhat different. At six months post op I don't drink often or a lot, but one or two Margaritas or Daquiries go down fine with me & I don't seem to get more inebriated than I used to. I've also enjoyed a few Bailey's & coffee without problem. However, I am able to tolerate more sugar than most, apparently, & I have never dumped.....yet (knocking on wood now). I suspect, like in all things, if I pushed it too far, I would be regretting it, but one or two drinks gives me no problems.
   — Kathy W.

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