Drinking, liver discomfort, pre-surgery.
I am trying to have WLS. I'm working on getting a VSG, but am also looking at RNY.
I am 43 and have been drinking regularly since I was about 22. I had been drinking fairly heavily for the last 2 years. But when I started working on WLS, I knew I needed to stop drinking and I've actually curtailed it quite a bit in the last two months. I still drink, but not nearly as much. I'd like to quit altogether, so I'm working on that.
But...I have liver "discomfort" and have had for about 6 months. I know that when you drink a lot, your liver becomes inflamed, which is what I think I've done to mine.
My questions are:
Has anyone else had this discomfort?
Has anyone had the surgery while still having the discomfort?
I just imagine the surgeon getting in there during the surgery and saying "No way your liver is a big at Manhattan!"
Any answers, thoughts, experiences would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Terri
I am 43 and have been drinking regularly since I was about 22. I had been drinking fairly heavily for the last 2 years. But when I started working on WLS, I knew I needed to stop drinking and I've actually curtailed it quite a bit in the last two months. I still drink, but not nearly as much. I'd like to quit altogether, so I'm working on that.
But...I have liver "discomfort" and have had for about 6 months. I know that when you drink a lot, your liver becomes inflamed, which is what I think I've done to mine.
My questions are:
Has anyone else had this discomfort?
Has anyone had the surgery while still having the discomfort?
I just imagine the surgeon getting in there during the surgery and saying "No way your liver is a big at Manhattan!"
Any answers, thoughts, experiences would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Terri
Terri 
CalGal1965
If you don’t know where you’re going, how do you expect to get there?
HW 260++ SW (TBA) CW 222.4 GW 150-ish
CalGal1965
If you don’t know where you’re going, how do you expect to get there?
HW 260++ SW (TBA) CW 222.4 GW 150-ish
Hi Terri,
If you are having any liver discomfort, you really should see a doctor, and totally stop drinking altogether. Cirrhosis and liver cancer are two dangers of excessive drinking. Alcohol is metabolized in the liver, and if it is inflamed, then it is being further damaged by any alcohol you consume.
Prior to my RNY, during Preadmission testing, an ultrasound of the liver was done, just to make sure that it was not inflamed. A lot of patients have to go on a liquid diet for several days prior to the surgery, just to make sure you shrink your liver.
If you are serious about quitting drinking, you should try attending some AA meetings to learn how to stop and stay stopped.
There is also a concern that you would not pass the Psychological Evaluation that most surgeons require if you are a steady drinker, or alcoholic not in recovery. WLS requires a total lifestyle change, and if someone is a heavy drinker, and not willing to quit, then it would mean that you are not a candidate for the surgery, because of the emotional strain some experience post-op.
Just a few thoughts on your dilemma.
trish
If you are having any liver discomfort, you really should see a doctor, and totally stop drinking altogether. Cirrhosis and liver cancer are two dangers of excessive drinking. Alcohol is metabolized in the liver, and if it is inflamed, then it is being further damaged by any alcohol you consume.
Prior to my RNY, during Preadmission testing, an ultrasound of the liver was done, just to make sure that it was not inflamed. A lot of patients have to go on a liquid diet for several days prior to the surgery, just to make sure you shrink your liver.
If you are serious about quitting drinking, you should try attending some AA meetings to learn how to stop and stay stopped.
There is also a concern that you would not pass the Psychological Evaluation that most surgeons require if you are a steady drinker, or alcoholic not in recovery. WLS requires a total lifestyle change, and if someone is a heavy drinker, and not willing to quit, then it would mean that you are not a candidate for the surgery, because of the emotional strain some experience post-op.
Just a few thoughts on your dilemma.
trish
Seek always to do some good, somewhere. Every man has to seek in his own way to realize his true worth. You must give some time to your fellow man. For remember, you don't live in a world all your own. Your brothers are here too.
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