Alcohol?

Okay, so I know alcohol is a no-no after WLS.  However, MOST people I know still drink from time to time (in moderation).  I'm just wondering how far out people waited before attempting to consume alcohol. Also, what is the "best" thing to drink?  Wine?   I know it all breaks down into sugar and can be dehydrating. I'm not planning on drinking any time soon. I'm just curious.

Lisa, I can't answer that but I have heard from many that it does not take much to become very intoxicated. This was a conversation from a support group meeting I attended. The gals that were sharing said they can't drink any where the amount of alcohol as before surgery. They also said they have to be very careful and watch what they consume. Good luck maybe others who have had the experience will chime in.

                                                                              Julie

Hi Lisa,

I waited until I was 11 months out and had wine at the Jimmy Buffett concert (well, I experimented at home the week before first).  That's what I've stuck to, although now with some kind of GI bleeding, it looks like I'm back to none.  

GI Bleeding?? oh no!! I hope you are okay!!

Thanks Lisa.  Dr. S had me admitted to Bayview yesterday and I'll have an endoscopy tomorrow to determine the case, define treatment, etc.  Saw him today for about 5 minutes when he was done with Angie's surgery.

most surgeons recommend a year. i drank only a couple months out and ended up drinking too much. wait a year and take it slow when you do. wine is great when you do

Hi Lisa!

I was 10 months post-op before I had alcohol and then it was a margarita made with s/f mix.  Umm.....I don't remember the next two hours!!!!

Seriously, I can become intoxicated with 2 swallows of wine or liquor, but beer doesn't affect me until I've had a whole bottle.  Keep in mind, too, that some people can't/don't do beer because of the carbonation.  My "buzz" doesn't last long, and is usually gone within 30 minutes.

I've seen some pretty ugly cases of transfer addiction involving alcohol.  You can't overindulge on the food anymore, so you turn to wine, etc.

A lot of surgeons have guidelines for their patients, but like you've said, you're better off waiting a while.

Tia

I have had some wine and I am 2 1/2 months out from surgery. I figured wine was the safest because you cant mix any alcohol with any type of juice unless its low sugar or soda and beer is carbonated so the only option is wine which I always loved wine anyways. I dont plan to drink very often. I just like to have a half of glass here and there once in a while. I felt it really quick but it didnt last long at all.

My surgeon recommends none for 12 months.  I've not had anything yet (I'm now 10 weeks out and out stomachs are still healing)...I don't plan on anything any time soon...

I haven't heard of anyone saying alcohol was completely banned after surgery. I have heard differences in numbers of months to wait before having any. I had my surgery in October and had my first drink at my birthday in June. I can drink a whole bottle of wine but it's pretty much wasted because I could go 1 of either ways: quickly fall asleep (no hangovers thank heavens) or I have a buzz that lasts maybe 30 minutes and then it's gone, no matter how much I drink.

So, I've learned to savor 1-2 glasses of wine or beers over a couple hours.

I think you'll have to learn how your body reacts to it and be careful if you find yourself overindulging.