https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-11/uoic-sgc1120 17.php

Granted, it's a small study, but it's interesting that science appears to be confirming what many of us already know... post WLS you can be a MUCH cheaper date. LOL. The article title specifically calls out VSG, but the study text shows similar results VSG to RNY. I would assume DS would also have issues, but they probably didn't have enough DS'rs to study.

Seriously, alcohol post-op is a divisive subject. It is empty carbs/calories, there's a risk of transfer addiction, it's hard on your liver, and alcohol is not the most stomach-friendly substance to start with. The BEST option is to abstain.

But if you choose to drink, it's important to know how it will affect you. Especially when making decisions about driving.

This study shows that at least in women (though I suspect it also happens with men, possibly to a lesser degree) the blood alcohol rises faster post-WLS than in non-WLS and it goes higher on less alcohol.

I had similarly observed that I appear to get drunk VERY quickly post-VSG, and on a lot less alcohol. As a result I will not drive if I've had any amount of alcohol, and I don't have alcohol anywhere near as often as I used to. When I do indulge, I stick to mixed drinks (even with the increased carbs/calories), drink slowly, and limit my intake to 1 drink (and most times I don't even fini****).

I'm not trying to start up another debate about whether or not alcohol is a good idea post-WLS. Just thought the study results were interesting.

Thank you for sharing. So many in our community are caught off guard by this

>> Seriously, alcohol post-op is a divisive subject.

No more divisive than the topics of seatbelts or bicycle helmets, IMO. You either understand the science, or you deliberately choose to do something dangerous.

A-freaking-men. Add smoking to the list too. These should not be divisive subjects.

I can attest as a DSer that I am a very cheap date. I'm one and done. Two drinks will get me completely drunk.

I am not only a cheap date, but it makes my blood sugar go wacko. Dropping really low (like in the 60s) and for days later it will be diabetic sky high.

After doing all this monitoring and endangering myself with low blood sugar- I do not choose to imbibe. It just isnt worth it.

Further, I have been struggling with depression. Alcohol is a depressant. Sounds like a way to push myself to suicide...

Alcohol plus antidepressants are also a very bad combo, if you're on meds.

Feel free to PM if you ever need to talk mental health, SS

I think my last drink was at a wedding about 5 years ago. It was an extremely hot day, we were waiting in a shelter house at an outdoor wedding, the bride and groom were late coming back from their carriage ride after the ceremony.

There was no food available and I sipped a bit of wine. I was immediately dizzy and my friends made me sit down and someone found me some crackers. It was a bad reaction and one I don't want to repeat. I think that is you are going to drink, be sure to eat something first.

My husband had VSG in April and won't even have one drink and drive now. He rarely drinks post-op and I am not even allowed to try yet, but we are both committed to keeping it very occasional.

Thanks for posting.

Honest question, why is the absorption of alcohol different for VSGers with no intestinal re-routing? I've had beer a few times since hitting goal. I drink really dark beer only, so I normally get through 1/3rd of one before I call it done, but once I had a full beer (certainly I drank it slowly). I did not notice any effect from it compared with prior to surgery.

Note: My parents were killed by a drunk driver, there is no concern that I will ever drink and drive regardless of my perception of soberness, etc.