What do you drink???

Hi everyone. I have a question about what you drink when and if you drink alcohol. See, the past two weekends I went out with my friends and each time had 2 vodka & cranberry juice drinks. I was fine while I was out, but the next days I had the WORST migraine headaches! I mean, NOTHING would help them. I am wondering if this might be from the sugar in the cranberry juice. So, although that was RARE that I drank 2 weekends ina row, I am wondering, besides wine, what your drinks of choice are. Thanks! Erin

HI Erin, I can't help you, however, you have helped me ...I am going out to dinner on Wednesday and planned on having a glass of red wine as my first alcohol since before surgery; now I think that I will pass up on it since I don't want to get any headache or have any problems as a result of alcohol. I see the Dr on Thursday for my 4 month followup and I'll ask about alcohol...they will probably say it's just empty calories anyway.. You are probably right about the sugar in the juice. LindaM

Erin, In our program they recommend avoiding alcohol for 1 yr 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 void 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 3.5 yrs postop, but it never was a big issue or deal for me preop, what I liked was a daquiri or pinacolada, neither would I try postop due to the sugar content in mixes. Now there are lo carb mixes out there. I'd keep from sweet wines (like white zin, trying dryer white wine perhaps first), I'd skip beer due to carbonation. I agree the sugar in a drink such as you describe compounded w/ alcohol sugar may of made the a 'dumping', but the headache may just be your bodies NEW way of a hangover I suppose after alcohol, trying different kinds may make the h/a less or you may experience it with any form. I wish you well in whatever you decide! I have a friend 10 yr postop, she cant stomach any liquor, she gets immediate red face, flushed feeling and severe headache. Of course there are people who drink early on and OFTEN! (one reason I started an OSSG ADDICTIONS group!) many many post wlsers trade addictions! (*I am not saying this is you, I am just stating a fact)...... Mr. Atkins stated in an article I saved: "If you must drink alcohol, wine is an acceptable addition to levels beyond the Induction diet. If wine does not suit your taste, straight liquor such as scotch, rye, vodka, and gin would be appropriate, as long as the mixer is sugarless; this means no juice, tonic water; or non-diet soda. " SO I am guessing they are lower sugar/carb/Glycemic Index alcohol beverages? Maybe try them????I know we arent' to do soda so rum and coke is out! ~~~~~~~~ Here is an article I have that explains things better...for anyone who is interested... http://www.bbvitamins.com/research_Article_5.aspx Alcohol Use in the Bariatric Patient Cynthia Buffington, Ph.D. or this one: http://www.bbvitamins.com/research_Article_4.aspx Precautions When Using Alcohol after Bariatric Surgery? Cynthia Buffington, Ph.D. Hope you discover something that works for you! 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!"

havent drank in 8 yrs so i cant help you ...... alcohol has a lot of sugar no???... Stacy

Hi Erin, personally I have only had wine since surgery and after 2 sips I stopped because I felt uncomfortable and started to get a headache. As to the cranberry juice, I have sipped regular cranberry juice when out, but I seriously dilute it b/c of the sugar. Hope this helps .