Need advice
Geoff,
Interestingly, I just got a copy of an article on alcohol post-WLS in the mail today:
http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/amos/Alcohol-After-WLS.html
My doc says absolutely no alcohol for at least the first year, and no fruit juices. There are several good reasons for this, not the least of which is that it can irritate your pouch, which hasn't finished healing yet. From a longer-term perspective, you're talking about taking in a very HIGH calorie substance with no other nutritional value. Is that a behavior you want to build into your post WLS eating plan?
Finally, there's the issue of transfer addiction, which crops up for a LOT of us. That can be in many forms - drinking, shopping, etc... You're at a really vulnerable point where transfer addictions start coming into play. I would seriously think about WHY you feel the need to consume alcohol at the celebration and whether it's "just a habit," a fear of being noticed for doing something different, or something else. Address the why behind it and you'll get to the point of making a good choice.
Personally, I didn't drink much before WLS - and certainly don't miss it now. The struggle is hard enough without adding a hefty calorie load to it! The other issues related to it also make me really feel it's not worth the hassle. I can (and do) have a nice decaf tea, water with lemon or lime (my drink of choice), a virgin bloody mary, etc.
Just trying to get you thinking a little differently. Does this help at all?
Karen
Interestingly, I just got a copy of an article on alcohol post-WLS in the mail today:
http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/amos/Alcohol-After-WLS.html
My doc says absolutely no alcohol for at least the first year, and no fruit juices. There are several good reasons for this, not the least of which is that it can irritate your pouch, which hasn't finished healing yet. From a longer-term perspective, you're talking about taking in a very HIGH calorie substance with no other nutritional value. Is that a behavior you want to build into your post WLS eating plan?
Finally, there's the issue of transfer addiction, which crops up for a LOT of us. That can be in many forms - drinking, shopping, etc... You're at a really vulnerable point where transfer addictions start coming into play. I would seriously think about WHY you feel the need to consume alcohol at the celebration and whether it's "just a habit," a fear of being noticed for doing something different, or something else. Address the why behind it and you'll get to the point of making a good choice.
Personally, I didn't drink much before WLS - and certainly don't miss it now. The struggle is hard enough without adding a hefty calorie load to it! The other issues related to it also make me really feel it's not worth the hassle. I can (and do) have a nice decaf tea, water with lemon or lime (my drink of choice), a virgin bloody mary, etc.
Just trying to get you thinking a little differently. Does this help at all?
Karen
Wow, I really appreciate everyone's input. I am going to call the doctor's office and get his opinion as well. if I do opt to have a drink, I will be sure to make sure I try it at home first.
I know I need to be really careful. I think it is the environmental issue type of thing. I am not a big drinker to begin with. I think that last drink I had must have been back in Feb. I can't even remember. I have a very low tolerance level as it is.
I really appreciate everyone's advice.
Thank you so very much and I wish you all a very Merry Christmas!!
Geoff
I know I need to be really careful. I think it is the environmental issue type of thing. I am not a big drinker to begin with. I think that last drink I had must have been back in Feb. I can't even remember. I have a very low tolerance level as it is.
I really appreciate everyone's advice.
Thank you so very much and I wish you all a very Merry Christmas!!
Geoff
Hi Karen,
Thank you for the well wishes. I hope your holiday season is awesome.
I actually spoke to Dr yesterday and he said a drink or two was fine. I am not a big drinker. Last drink I had was almost a year ago. :-) I usually end up taking a few sips.
He suggested I get a class of ice water, put in some crystal light or something like that and a maybe a half shot vodka. He said I will be fine, knowing I won't fini****lol
Happy Holiday again.
Geoff
Thank you for the well wishes. I hope your holiday season is awesome.
I actually spoke to Dr yesterday and he said a drink or two was fine. I am not a big drinker. Last drink I had was almost a year ago. :-) I usually end up taking a few sips.
He suggested I get a class of ice water, put in some crystal light or something like that and a maybe a half shot vodka. He said I will be fine, knowing I won't fini****lol
Happy Holiday again.
Geoff
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