Alcohol Advice

My NP said I could start having alcoholic beverages 3 months out.  I know everyone may not agree, but I need help finding something that I can tolerate.  I've tried beer, but the carbonation doesn't go down well.  I also tried screwdrivers, but they seem to make me nauseous.  Does anyone have any recommendations on what they can tolerate well?  It's football season, so I have to find something to drink at the games.  Water just won't cut it.

Most DS surgeons strongly recommend avoiding alcohol completely for the first 18 months while you are losing weight rapidly. Rapid weight loss strains the liver. Alcohol also strains the liver. You want to avoid any additional stress and strain on your liver during this time.

Larra

I had my surgery about 4 years ago and I started with just sipping a white or blush wine.  I recommend just sipping you will get drunk soon and fast and it hits you fast.  That is all my advice I hope it helps you.

I would recommend putting aside ALL alcohol this season.  At only three months out, its simply too early to be drinking alcohol.  Do a search of DS and alcohol on this site.  I expect you will find no one who would support drinking any alcohol at this stage in your journey.  

Wow, you've got to be kidding.

You mean to tell me you can't enjoy the game unless you have booze?

Have a pepsi or a coke, your liver may thank you for it.

I agree with the other posts here and most Docs do a liver biopsy during surgery. This causes damage to the liver and your liver has to regen and heal. This is another reason they want you to stay away from alcohol. I actually had a half of a martini Friday night but it made me feel dehydrated and like **** the next day. My best girlfriend wanted to have drinks and I decided to try it. I doubt I will again until about a year out. It was just not worth it. 

Just let yourself heal first. Next year would be better. 

As it was said above, during the rapid weight loss phase, which you are just beginning, your liver is under a tremendous amount of stress. Alcohol will only increase the stress on your liver.  You DO NOT want to damage your liver, you only have one, you will  will be you are screwed if you do not take care of it !! It is not worth it.  You should have read all about this in your research on the ds before you had surgery, not after.

if you need a "drink" to fit in with the crowd, consider a non-alcoholic fooler.

use lemon-lime crystal light (or similar).  Make it /pour it into a tall glass with loads of ice and even a slice of lemon or lime.  Stick in a straw and/or an umbrella.  It will look like a mixed drink

or use same in a gimlet glass

or dip a wide glass in salt before pouring in the crystal light and it will look like a margarita.

If you can handle carbonation, you can add some soda to white grape CL for a fizzy cooler.

a glass of tomato juice/V8 or clamato juice over lots of ice with a celery stalk and some celery spice rimmer will look like a bloody Mary or Caesar

The presentation will help you be comfortable with the gang, while saving your liver.  You will help maximize your hydration (especially if you use lots of ice), and you can safely be the designated driver if necessary

if you need to go to a bar or restaurant, check out their beverage menu ahead of time to see what you can order low key.  Or if a last minute visit, take the server to one side and speak to him/her privately.   Establishments like to know that someone in the group is not drinking and therefore able to drive, as it helps their liability.  They will have options. 

I agree with the others that it's way too soon for a drink but I certainly understand the need to find a way to be part of the gang while you are out.   Have you tried a virgin ceasar?  It looks like a drink, it tastes like a drink (cause you don't usually taste the vodka much anyway;  and it will fill you up so you won't have room to be tempted with a second one....  Add a shrimp or two and you have a meal...