ALCOHOLIC DRINKS

Hi I am a year out I finds my self drinks alot. Do any one self have this drinking bad thing.Help help meeeeee

Fredrica, I am 16 months out and I had my first drink this past weekend I had a frozen Daqurie I sipped very slow. I was scared to drink it to fast and get tipsy. I have not wanted another one yet. But I know with Christmas parties it is hard. I stay away form all the hard liquior I know someone who died from drinking to much hard liquior so after I heard that I have been scared to touch the hard stuff. Take care, Chrissy 226/139/135

Hi, Fredrica. I don't know exactly how frequently this occurs, but I hear it's not that uncommon for people who have had WLS to start engaging in other addictive or compulsive behavior. It's like some people trade their addictions to food for addictions to alcohol, drugs, gambling, or even shopping. In fact, I believe there will soon be an article in People magazine about this sort of thing. One of the people featured in the article is an OH member who goes by the user name "Dr. Marcy" (you can find her profile at http://www.obesityhelp.com/member/drmarcy/). Marcy became a compulsive shopper after surgery, and she's now trying to get that under control. My advice to you would be to GET HELP as soon as humanly possibly. If there is a psychologist who works with your surgeon's practice, then try to get an appointment to see him or her. Or you can try to see whoever did your psychological evaluation before surgery. In addition, if you feel comfortable doing so, you can talk to clergy. The important thing is that you seek as much outside help as possible, as soon as possible. Alcohol is really not good for post-ops, because we are so much more sensitive to it now than before. It only takes a small amount of alcohol for a post-op to get drunk, and if you're not clear on your limits and exactly what your reaction is, you could get yourself and possibly others into some very dangerous situations. For now, try to keep alcohol out of your home, and try to stay away from places where you're usually likely to drink. If there's a certain place you go where you tend to drink, then try to stay away from that place. If you feel like having a drink at any time, call a good friend or relative instead and just chat with them until the urge passes. I'm not saying you should never have alcohol, but right now, I think it might be a little dangerous for you, so you'd probably be best off by avoiding it altogether. Meanwhile, try to fill your days and nights with other things that you enjoy and are important to you. Spend quality time with friends and family. Spend time doing activities you enjoy, whether it's reading a good book, knitting, going to church functions, or whatever. Think about what gives you a sense of peace and happiness, and then do that! Good luck. Please check in on the board and let us know how you're doing.

Hi Frederica, I think you got some good advice from Daydream Believer and agree that you should talk to someone about this. I have a question though. Were you a drinker before your surgery? I'm curious as to whether you just traded one addiction (to food) to another (drink). You've touched my heart because you seem to be really troubled by this. Please get some help and talk to someone. How has your weight loss gone since your surgery? Are you happy with it? Linda

thank all of you all my weight is 210 i was 318.i need you all to pray for me.

Wow! 108 pounds off in 3 months?!?!?! What a blessing! Take care of yourself. You have been given another chance at quality living, so thank God for, and make the most of, every single day!