Need advice re: alcohol from the "old timers"...
So last week I was out of town on business and 1 night we had a dinner reception. I started drinking water but I thought, I've been feeling so good lately let me try a drink. So I had 1 gin and tonic. I had no problems, throughout the night I had 3 of them and really felt fine. I am just over 2 months post op, I've lost 50lbs and feel fantastic. Queasiness is finally gone, I can eat most things but roasts, they still seem to get stuck.
So based on how I felt I'm feeling like if I want to have a drink at a few of the holiday parties we'll be attending in the coming month it shouldn't be an issue. I really thought the tonic water would bother me more than the alcohol, but it didn't either.
I'm looking for feedback... what is the reason we're told not to drink for 1 year? is it the transfer of addiction issue, is it a calorie issue that will slow down our weight loss? or is there more to it in the digest tract healing process? Has anyone had difficulty? Is there anything I should watch for? Am I taking a chance that has potential significant repructions that I'm not realizing?
I look forward to hearing from you all...
Renee 
(deactivated member)
on 11/14/06 4:29 am - MT
on 11/14/06 4:29 am - MT
Renee,
I am not really a drinker myself but I would worry about the Transfer of addiction things, I have seen it change in an instant with someone very close to me and it is not a pretty thing. 
Also I would think the sugars and calories would not be all that great for us but not really sure since I am not a drinker. 
I just wanted to warn you about that nasty addiction! 
Debra P 
Also I would think the sugars and calories would not be all that great for us but not really sure since I am not a drinker. I just wanted to warn you about that nasty addiction!
Debra P 
I would thinkg the one reason you clearly stated the transfer of addictions issue.
BUT i think you wouldnt want to have empty calories that way during the honeymoon of looseing time frame.
I feel the alcohol would slow down weight loss and I dont think you would want to
hamper that in the rapid weight loss window.
GOOD luck in making the right choice for you!
hugs
lisa
PS: i am a non drinker so what do i really know!
LisaMarie"
Renee,
Nice to see you asking some honest questions. I have been wondering the same. I love to have a vodka tonic with lots of lemon and lime ever once in a while. As long as you aren't dumping, I would say that one would be fine. Any more then that, well... there is a lot of debate on that. Read everyone's suggestions and you decide what works best for you!
Good Luck,
Tammy
Renee:
hello.
I agree w/ others, thank you first for your honesty, and willingness to be open to learning more and to be healthiest for you. Here is all the info I have on WL/ALcohol. Educate yourself and make an informed decision, remembering that you get but one very, very, very short honeymoon period! Be well! 
*I saved this post as it comes up frequently!*
In our program they recommend avoiding alcohol for 1yr postop. (The reasons: alcohol is a gastric irritant, can add to dehydration, empty/non-nutrative calories stalling wt loss/assisting in possible regain, risk of dumping as many alcohols or mixed drinks are HIGH in sugar, others are carbonated (beer/champagne) so they ask us to avoid that as well, risk of intoxication could be higher sooner due to rapid absorbtion, the alcohol may loosen one up to eat foods they normally wouldn't, it can interfere with vitamin/mineral absorbtion also which we are already at risk for deficiencies in B12, thiamine, vit A, zinc, magnesium... etc...and finally we are taxing our already most likely 'fatty' livers with the rapid wt loss, risk of chirrosis is greater early on), so 'I' haven't tried alcohol in my 4 yrs postop, but it never was a big issue or deal for me preop, it is a personal choice. YOU CAN DO ANYTHING YOU CHOSE, alcohol is a choice...Make an educated and informed one for you.
BUT IMHO at 2 mo out I wouldn't dare touch the possible slippery slope!! For more than wt loss issues switching addictions is so easy and happens so commonly (I started a group for it OSSG ADDICTIONS on yahoo!)
Bariatric times just had 2 great articles on wls/alcohol, once they are avail on the site I'd also look there (in Sept/Oct 2006 issue not yet quite avail online) http://www.bariatrictimes.com/index.cfm
Recommendations on the Use of Alcohol After Surgery
Cynthia Buffington, Ph.D.
Cynthia Buffington, Ph.D., is the Director of Research for The Obesity Wellness Center
http://www.beyondchange-obesity.com/obesityResearch/precautionsWithAlcohol.html
Caution When Using Alcohol after Bariatric Surgery
By Cynthia Buffington, Ph.D.
http://www.barimd.com/myNewsletterPage.php?pageNo=5&practiceId=7
Alcohol Use in the Bariatric Patient
Cynthia Buffington, Ph.D. in Silhouette
http://www.bbvitamins.com/research_Article_5.aspx
Alcoholism Following Weight Loss Surgery
http://www.wlscenter.com/NLArchive/may_1_2006.htm
After weight-loss surgery, some find new addictions
http://www.azcentral.com/offbeat/articles/0718wsj-addiction-transfer18-ON.html#
From BSCIs
e-Newsletter October 31st, 2006
Addiction and Weight Loss Surgery: A Social Worker's Perspective
By Katie Jay, MSW; Director, National Association for Weight Loss Surgery
Here's a typical scenario. At her sister's wedding, Fiona, who had never been a big drinker, decided to try her first taste of alcohol after weight loss surgery (WLS). She had waited 11 months after surgery, had lost 115 pounds so far, and wasn't going to deny herself a glass of champagne on such an important day. And wow, did she enjoy that champagne! She sipped on a small drink, got a nice buzz, and laughed the evening away. No big deal.
Fiona didn't realize that gastric bypass patients will get drunker quicker and have higher blood alcohol levels after drinking smaller quantities of alcohol than people who have not had weight loss surgery.
Fiona Rekindles the "Pleasure" of a Mood-Altering Activity
After WLS, Fiona had done a pretty good job of changing her eating habits. She almost completely avoided sugar and ate mostly protein and veggies. She loved her success, but there was a part of her who missed indulging in food. When she tried the champagne, she felt self indulgent and relaxed in a way she hadn't in a long time (in about 11 months, actually).
The following week when Fiona was grocery shopping she decided to pick up a bottle of wine. It would be great to have a small glass before dinner sometimes, she thought. She poured herself a small glass when she got home from the store just to find out how it tasted and to quietly enjoy another little buzz.
Over time, Fiona began to sneak wine during the day. She hid it when her husband commented on her consumption. The behavior of wanting something forbidden, getting it, hiding it, and consuming it in private was so familiar to Fiona from her days of overeating that it was almost a relief to sneak the wine -- and she slowly built up the quantity she was drinking.
Thankfully, Fiona was participating in group therapy with a social worker who specialized in weight loss surgery at the time. When one of the other group members shared about getting into a car accident and being arrested for driving drunk, Fiona felt uncomfortable. She had driven to pick up her son from soccer the prior evening after she had a small glass of wine. At the time she knew she was tipsy.
Still, she poured herself more wine when she got home from group and drank it in the basement playroom, because her husband almost never went down there.
Fiona didn't have to get arrested for drunk driving to really "get" that she had a problem. Everything came to a head when her son found an empty wine bottle in his toy box in the basement, while Fiona had another mother and son over for a play date. Fiona was completely humiliated.
Embarrassed and ashamed, Fiona called her therapist to talk about what happened, and the therapist referred her to a social worker who specializes in substance abuse.
With the help of the therapist and a support group for substance abusers, Fiona was able to get on the road to recovery quickly.
But, why did Fiona Turn into an Alcoholic Overnight?
Fiona simply switched one addiction for another. It's not uncommon for a person who gives up one addictive behavior to pick up another addictive behavior. Fiona had quit using food as a soothing substance in her life. The alcohol came in and filled that void.
Switching addictions is also demonstrated when a person develops an unhealthy relationship with eating and exercise following weight loss surgery.
Exercise can become a way to compensate for overeating, and can turn into what is called exercise bulimia. It's not bad to exercise as part of a plan to control one's weight. But if the overeating becomes excessive, and then the exercise becomes obsessive -- that's a problem. Your physical health can be threatened -- not to mention your peace of mind.
The other common addiction people switch to is spending. Many weight loss surgery patients get such a kick out of shopping for new clothes they get a little carried away - and then they get hooked. Having been so burdened by obesity in the past, weight loss surgery patients begin to leave the house more, because they're now physically able to, and they shop more frequently. Shopping can morph into a mood-changing activity, and hence, an addiction.
What Can People Do in Fiona's Situation?
Several steps can be taken to address the experience of switching addictions:
1. Identify your addiction(s) and the extent to which it is (they are) ruling your life.
2. Educate yourself about a particular addiction by doing research and talking to professionals who have knowledge and experience in that area.
3. Seek out a knowledgeable social worker if you are unable to control your addictive behavior on your own.
4. Join a support group that addresses your specific addiction, such as overeaters anonymous, alcoholics anonymous, debtors anonymous, etc. Remember, addictions are very common and nothing to be ashamed of. But, they are hard to get rid of in isolation. Get help if you are struggling. And keep in mind any addictions left untreated absolutely will take over your life.
Katie Jay, MSW, is the Director of the National Association for Weight Loss Surgery (www.nawls.com) and is author of the courageous book, Dying to Change: My Really Heavy Life Story, How Weight Loss Surgery Gave Me Hope for Living.
BSCI is pleased to participate in a global survey on Response to Alcohol After Bariatric Surgery. We would like your input as we continue to elevate care for WLS patients.
Please visit this link http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=749492407167
Your participation remains completely anonymous.
Take Care,
Jamie
Lap RNY 10/9/02 Dr. Singh
320/163 5'9'' (lost 45# before surgery)
Plastics 6/9/04 & 11/11/2005 Dr. King
http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=c1132518510
"Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect, it just means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections!"
hello.
I agree w/ others, thank you first for your honesty, and willingness to be open to learning more and to be healthiest for you. Here is all the info I have on WL/ALcohol. Educate yourself and make an informed decision, remembering that you get but one very, very, very short honeymoon period! Be well!
*I saved this post as it comes up frequently!*
In our program they recommend avoiding alcohol for 1yr postop. (The reasons: alcohol is a gastric irritant, can add to dehydration, empty/non-nutrative calories stalling wt loss/assisting in possible regain, risk of dumping as many alcohols or mixed drinks are HIGH in sugar, others are carbonated (beer/champagne) so they ask us to avoid that as well, risk of intoxication could be higher sooner due to rapid absorbtion, the alcohol may loosen one up to eat foods they normally wouldn't, it can interfere with vitamin/mineral absorbtion also which we are already at risk for deficiencies in B12, thiamine, vit A, zinc, magnesium... etc...and finally we are taxing our already most likely 'fatty' livers with the rapid wt loss, risk of chirrosis is greater early on), so 'I' haven't tried alcohol in my 4 yrs postop, but it never was a big issue or deal for me preop, it is a personal choice. YOU CAN DO ANYTHING YOU CHOSE, alcohol is a choice...Make an educated and informed one for you.
BUT IMHO at 2 mo out I wouldn't dare touch the possible slippery slope!! For more than wt loss issues switching addictions is so easy and happens so commonly (I started a group for it OSSG ADDICTIONS on yahoo!)
Bariatric times just had 2 great articles on wls/alcohol, once they are avail on the site I'd also look there (in Sept/Oct 2006 issue not yet quite avail online) http://www.bariatrictimes.com/index.cfm
Recommendations on the Use of Alcohol After Surgery
Cynthia Buffington, Ph.D.
Cynthia Buffington, Ph.D., is the Director of Research for The Obesity Wellness Center
http://www.beyondchange-obesity.com/obesityResearch/precautionsWithAlcohol.html
Caution When Using Alcohol after Bariatric Surgery
By Cynthia Buffington, Ph.D.
http://www.barimd.com/myNewsletterPage.php?pageNo=5&practiceId=7
Alcohol Use in the Bariatric Patient
Cynthia Buffington, Ph.D. in Silhouette
http://www.bbvitamins.com/research_Article_5.aspx
Alcoholism Following Weight Loss Surgery
http://www.wlscenter.com/NLArchive/may_1_2006.htm
After weight-loss surgery, some find new addictions
http://www.azcentral.com/offbeat/articles/0718wsj-addiction-transfer18-ON.html#
From BSCIs
e-Newsletter October 31st, 2006
Addiction and Weight Loss Surgery: A Social Worker's Perspective
By Katie Jay, MSW; Director, National Association for Weight Loss Surgery
Here's a typical scenario. At her sister's wedding, Fiona, who had never been a big drinker, decided to try her first taste of alcohol after weight loss surgery (WLS). She had waited 11 months after surgery, had lost 115 pounds so far, and wasn't going to deny herself a glass of champagne on such an important day. And wow, did she enjoy that champagne! She sipped on a small drink, got a nice buzz, and laughed the evening away. No big deal.
Fiona didn't realize that gastric bypass patients will get drunker quicker and have higher blood alcohol levels after drinking smaller quantities of alcohol than people who have not had weight loss surgery.
Fiona Rekindles the "Pleasure" of a Mood-Altering Activity
After WLS, Fiona had done a pretty good job of changing her eating habits. She almost completely avoided sugar and ate mostly protein and veggies. She loved her success, but there was a part of her who missed indulging in food. When she tried the champagne, she felt self indulgent and relaxed in a way she hadn't in a long time (in about 11 months, actually).
The following week when Fiona was grocery shopping she decided to pick up a bottle of wine. It would be great to have a small glass before dinner sometimes, she thought. She poured herself a small glass when she got home from the store just to find out how it tasted and to quietly enjoy another little buzz.
Over time, Fiona began to sneak wine during the day. She hid it when her husband commented on her consumption. The behavior of wanting something forbidden, getting it, hiding it, and consuming it in private was so familiar to Fiona from her days of overeating that it was almost a relief to sneak the wine -- and she slowly built up the quantity she was drinking.
Thankfully, Fiona was participating in group therapy with a social worker who specialized in weight loss surgery at the time. When one of the other group members shared about getting into a car accident and being arrested for driving drunk, Fiona felt uncomfortable. She had driven to pick up her son from soccer the prior evening after she had a small glass of wine. At the time she knew she was tipsy.
Still, she poured herself more wine when she got home from group and drank it in the basement playroom, because her husband almost never went down there.
Fiona didn't have to get arrested for drunk driving to really "get" that she had a problem. Everything came to a head when her son found an empty wine bottle in his toy box in the basement, while Fiona had another mother and son over for a play date. Fiona was completely humiliated.
Embarrassed and ashamed, Fiona called her therapist to talk about what happened, and the therapist referred her to a social worker who specializes in substance abuse.
With the help of the therapist and a support group for substance abusers, Fiona was able to get on the road to recovery quickly.
But, why did Fiona Turn into an Alcoholic Overnight?
Fiona simply switched one addiction for another. It's not uncommon for a person who gives up one addictive behavior to pick up another addictive behavior. Fiona had quit using food as a soothing substance in her life. The alcohol came in and filled that void.
Switching addictions is also demonstrated when a person develops an unhealthy relationship with eating and exercise following weight loss surgery.
Exercise can become a way to compensate for overeating, and can turn into what is called exercise bulimia. It's not bad to exercise as part of a plan to control one's weight. But if the overeating becomes excessive, and then the exercise becomes obsessive -- that's a problem. Your physical health can be threatened -- not to mention your peace of mind.
The other common addiction people switch to is spending. Many weight loss surgery patients get such a kick out of shopping for new clothes they get a little carried away - and then they get hooked. Having been so burdened by obesity in the past, weight loss surgery patients begin to leave the house more, because they're now physically able to, and they shop more frequently. Shopping can morph into a mood-changing activity, and hence, an addiction.
What Can People Do in Fiona's Situation?
Several steps can be taken to address the experience of switching addictions:
1. Identify your addiction(s) and the extent to which it is (they are) ruling your life.
2. Educate yourself about a particular addiction by doing research and talking to professionals who have knowledge and experience in that area.
3. Seek out a knowledgeable social worker if you are unable to control your addictive behavior on your own.
4. Join a support group that addresses your specific addiction, such as overeaters anonymous, alcoholics anonymous, debtors anonymous, etc. Remember, addictions are very common and nothing to be ashamed of. But, they are hard to get rid of in isolation. Get help if you are struggling. And keep in mind any addictions left untreated absolutely will take over your life.
Katie Jay, MSW, is the Director of the National Association for Weight Loss Surgery (www.nawls.com) and is author of the courageous book, Dying to Change: My Really Heavy Life Story, How Weight Loss Surgery Gave Me Hope for Living.
BSCI is pleased to participate in a global survey on Response to Alcohol After Bariatric Surgery. We would like your input as we continue to elevate care for WLS patients.
Please visit this link http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=749492407167
Your participation remains completely anonymous.
Take Care,
Jamie
Lap RNY 10/9/02 Dr. Singh
320/163 5'9'' (lost 45# before surgery)
Plastics 6/9/04 & 11/11/2005 Dr. King
http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=c1132518510
"Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect, it just means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections!" Thank you all for your words of wisdom. I pretty much figured it was the concern for transfer of addiction. I'll have to be very cognizant of my choices, but honestly I was never one to hide the food I ate, my issue was eating to much carbs at meal time and ice cream/soda at night. I will certainly keep a careful eye on this (I'm still in therapy as I go through this major change in my life) as I certainly don't want this transfer of addiction issue. I will contact my doctor/nutritionist just to see what they have to say.
I have to tell ya it's wonderful to go out and be able to dance and enjoy a drink, I haven't done this since I was 19. The freedom this surgery has given me already I am soooo thankful for!
Thank you all for your input!
Renee
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