addiction not mentioned?

Hello all I have been thinking a lot latley about my addictions. I read this board every day and know that there are way more people out there who don't post about the "switch of addiction". I was only 21 when i had surgery, didn't drink for 3 months after...when i got the doctors "OK" i went on a 10 month bender (every day...in the morning to get rid of the shakes) I ended up with a bleeding ulcer, 2 blood transfusions and i told the docs EVERYTHING. The thing is, with my theropist and surgeon and every doctor I've seen, I've told them about my drinking. I feel as though they always tell me that it's not a big deal...just stop...blahblahblah. I have and i had 2 episodes (ciesures sp?) from withdrawl. If I was more informed, I know i should have went to a hospital but i was brushed off because I'm "to young". Sorry for blabbing, but I wish that this issue was more important to the surgeons and doctors and talked about more with patients. I don't think it should be hidden, passed off, or not important. It is very serious and think that it should be discussed more. sorry for ranting, i'm just mad. thanks for listening, Christine

i switched my addiction from food to alcohol. i also have a bleeding ulcer. when i quit drinking i had to be hospitalized for 1 week. my iron level sunk which resulted in 2 transfusions. a few months ago i was diagnosed with a bleeding ulcer, which explains how i have felt since becoming sober. the doctor was treating me for all the wrong things. i had to get 2 more trasfusions in june. i feel alot better now that i know what the problem is. you are so right, the doctors think you can just quit like that. it is a very hard thing to do. i quit with the strength of myself, my family, and the few friends i have. i chose not to go to A.A. which is totally a personal choice. i am proud to say i have been sober for 19 months and it is the best thing i have done. if i had listened to my doctor i would have been dead. alot of people do not realize that gastric bypass patients are addicts to begin with and the possibility of substituting is out there. even people who have had the surgery do not believe it can happen to them. the sad thing is~~ it sneaks up on you and bites you on the ass quicker than ya think. good luck!!!

It could be possible that the docs and shrinks did not fully understand the extent of your drinking. I am glad that I already have 16 years of AA and 5 years of sobriety before I get my surgery on Monday. Hugs, Trish

I really think this is an area that is newly being recognized and it will take awhile before it is out in the open. I am glad you are aware now. Laurie