Does alcohol actually cause more liver and brain damage in late stage RNY?

Hi Guys,

I started drinking wine about two years ago and wondered if anyone has info on the effects of 1/2 to 3/4 bottle of wine daily many years post-op? (8 to be exact). I haven't really been gaining weight, but worried about the effects.  I'm reading different things on the internet. I realize that skipping two non-consecutive days a week is good advice for anyone to follow, post-o*****t. Trying to get there.

So far no elevated liver or kidney levels or other side effects.

Thanks,

Dave

No sermon.  No lecture.  Not a preacher.  Not a professor.  Daily?  That is quite a bit of grape juice.

It is. Cutting back. The last week has been good. Only about 1/2 my original intake.

Dave

In case any women are reading. I searched and searched and only found one instance of a guy having liver problems post-RNY (there must be more), but many cases of drinking women getting it.

(I am SO SORRY to invade your personal space, men! A search for liver issues brought me here!)

No judgement, no anything from me, honestly. But I can tell you that drinking that amount (or more, or less) can lead to some very serious liver issues. In fact, my liver nearly died last year and tried to take me out along with it. I am also 8.5 years post-op, not a care in the world... so I thought. I am pretty sure that liver disease isn't limited to women by any means. You will not find as many posts about men and WLS anywhere on any topic, quite frankly.

I hope this finds you, and your liver, well.

Karen

Hi Karen,

I have no idea what the policy or way of thinking toward women posting these days is, but wow, do you have cirrhosis?  I would guess probably stage 3 liver disease. How has the recovery been? I'm sure there must be risk for men, but women have to be extra careful, RNY or not. The liver care sites pretty much indicate that liver disease is "sexist," that women tend to get it much more easily than men. Very interested, though. Were you taking Tylenol or any Ibuprofen or anything similar along with that?  How has your recovery been? Any remaining issues from that?

Thanks,

Dave

I was diagnosed with cirrhosis, yes. Everything started innocently enough with a "woman surgery" (sorry guys) in January 2013. Recovery was challenging and I kept getting sicker instead of well. About 2 months post-op from that, it was discovered that my liver counts were outrageous. Between February and April I lost 40 pounds (went into surgery at about 140, got down to about 100 pounds). Recovery has been the most difficult, awful thing I have ever gone through in my life, with facing death obviously being the worst. Spent about 5 months hospitalized in 2013, a few weeks at a time.

As far as causes, etc. I did take Tylenol but not a large amount, I was also on a medication for a couple of years that was assaultive to my liver, RNY in 2006, and likely too much alcohol for my system. It's been hell, quite frankly, and I wouldn't wi**** on anyone.

Today, I am healthier than I've been in years but WOW that was a lot of hard work. Not unlike losing the weight really.  No Tylenol, no medications that hurt the liver, no alcohol.

Very best to you,

K.

Hi Karen,

I thought about getting the liver tests, but I don't have any symptoms other than the occasion abdominal pain (in different places) right and left that a lot of us get. You've probably heard that we are never to have alcohol and Acetominophen at the same time in any quantity (now they tell us, right?). I've always liked aspirin and antacids better post op and then only on occasion, (pre-op, 12 years ago I drank scotch and tylenol for about three months!)  so I'm probably okay. Sounds like you only had level 2 liver damage, because at 3 you would have persistent symptoms and 4 you would need a transplant. 2 of 4 seems to be the only one that will let you off symptom free. 

I'm managing to only drink a little and skipping two nights a week. Hopefully, I'll learn to deal with p.m. boredom even better as time goes on. Am doing my best. Best Wishes to you, too!

Dave

I was placed on the transplant list. Seemed pretty hopeless at some points. Very thankful that the right meds have set my body straight.

K.

Wow, sounds like you were at stage 4. Do you remember the meds they used? I might get that special MRI when I have a chance. Japan's single-payer national healthcare will cover it, lol.

Dave