ETOH PRE AND POST OP

I am new to this site! I had an open RNY Dec. 2005 and the following June 2011 voluntarily put myself into inpatient treatment at Hazelton for alcohol. I rarely drank prior to surgery as I considered it emptied calories and if I would have consumed those I would have with food!

Needless to say, I switched addictions and have been in a total of three inpatient treatments for alcohol total! I am seeing a therapist weekly, a psychiatrist for my now "depression" and attending AA three to four times a week.

My purpose of this post is not for sympathy! I would rather know what education was provided pre-op and than post-op? I believe that this is more common than is talked about. Rather than successes.

Yes per say, I was successful at WLS. I was 284 day of, 140 lowest, currently 165. Yet, I still struggle. As they say "one day at a time" and that is all that I can do! I don't have much sobriety time yet, but I attend three to four AA meetings a week and I have a sponsor!

I just would like to see more education given out/provided pre and post regarding cross addictions. Any thoughts or comments would be greatly appreciated for everyone on this sensitive topic. Sincerely, Butterfly

First off - keep on working on your sobriety! 

Secondly - my clinic was very good about covering the Transfer Addictions.  We talked in depth about them and how they can affect me post op.  While I went into this, knowing full well that it could happen, I have also fallen victim to a transfer.  I had quit smoking for 5 years - and about 6 months post op - I started again and have not been able to stop.  For me, it is easier to smoke then have the possibility of eating!  I am terrified of gaining weight back, while I know that it does happen, I just don't want to.  I am actively working towards giving this nasty habit up again, but it is so much harder for me now.  I have never been much of a drinker and while I have drank since surgery, I still don't like the way it makes me feel - so I have a drink on occassion and that is it. 

I think it falls into our own hands to fully understand the ramifications of how things affect us after surgery.  Addictive personalities going in, not cured, just find something different.  I have taken up gardening, and am finally getting into the working out - hoping to transfer my energy to doing things that are good for me!!!

Thanks
Kelly

 Butterfly.....first of all I want to congratulate you on dealing with your addiction. I am very proud of you!!  

Then I want to thank you for being brave and telling your story. I am sure this will help more people then you can imagine. Transfer addictions are so common....alcohol...shopping...sex....you name it....it does happen.

I wish you the very best and thank you again!

Hugs....connie d

Butterfly:  I applaud your courage in tackling your cross-addiction head-on.  I too, was told about the various types of cross-addictions that come up.  Clearly we are all addictive personalities to start with, and the surgery only works on the body, not the head or heart.   I'm very proud of you for addressing your alcoholism and working on sobriety!

Please stay in touch and let us support you in any way we can.  Are you in the Twin Cities?  If you are able, you are welcome to come to our Saturday morning coffee group--tomorrow we meet at the Panera Bread in Burnsville Center at 8:30am.  I plan to be there--anyone else?

Butterfly, thank you for your brave and important post. You said you don't have much sobriety time yet. My hope for you is more and more sobriety. Bless you.