How do you know when drinking is a problem?
I worry so much about developing a transfer addiction to alcohol. I was not much of a drinker pre-op, but since about 6 months out (I'm 7 mos out now) I have started to enjoy Jager. I have a few shots just about every night now, but if I didn't get it, it's no problem. I do think it is in place of food though, cause if I don't get it I munch on things I shouldn't. What has to happen for this to be considered a problem?
"I do think it is in place of food though, cause if I don't get it I munch on things I shouldn't. What has to happen for this to be considered a problem?"
Amanda, you answered your own question. You are substituting. It's like a meth addict getting clean, but then only drinking alcohol. Therefore, they are not truly "clean".
You are substituting. You need to find a coping mechanism or strategy instead of munching or drinking on a nightly basis if that concerns you. Obviously the thought has crossed your mind.
I would suggest talking to someone in your area, either WLS support group, therapist or addictions counselor. There will be something else you can do that will not be detrimental to your heatlh, interfere with your daily functioning, cause worry and possibly guilt.
Best of luck to you hon..it's tough, but you can do it.
Kathy
Amanda, you answered your own question. You are substituting. It's like a meth addict getting clean, but then only drinking alcohol. Therefore, they are not truly "clean".
You are substituting. You need to find a coping mechanism or strategy instead of munching or drinking on a nightly basis if that concerns you. Obviously the thought has crossed your mind.
I would suggest talking to someone in your area, either WLS support group, therapist or addictions counselor. There will be something else you can do that will not be detrimental to your heatlh, interfere with your daily functioning, cause worry and possibly guilt.
Best of luck to you hon..it's tough, but you can do it.
Kathy
Every morning in Africa
It knows it must outrun the fastest lion or it will be killed.
Every morning inAfrica
It knows that it must run faster than the slowest gazelle, or it will starve.
It doesn't matter whether you're a lion or a gazelle
when the sun comes up you'd better be running.
RNY 2/9/09 Buh bye Gallbladder 8/28/09; 100% EWL (181 lbs.) on 2/19/10;
It knows it must outrun the fastest lion or it will be killed.
Every morning in
It knows that it must run faster than the slowest gazelle, or it will starve.
It doesn't matter whether you're a lion or a gazelle
when the sun comes up you'd better be running.
RNY 2/9/09 Buh bye Gallbladder 8/28/09; 100% EWL (181 lbs.) on 2/19/10;
Dear Amanda:
It's only a quick step from drinking daily, which becomes a habit, to becoming a full blown alcoholic. I have a friend *****cognized this in time and got rid of all the alcohol in her house and stopped drinking altogether. I truly believe that she saved herself. She too had wls.
I wish I had recognized the problem in time because now I am an alcoholic. Hopefully a recovering one. I'm attending AA daily which really helps. But I resent the changes in my life. I am angry about having wls and becoming an alcoholic at the age of 61. I resent having to go to aa meetings instead of just living a normal life. If it is possible for you then just avoid alcohol; you will be so much better off. Alcoholism is 10,000 times worse than obesity.
To answer your question - "what has to happen for this to be considered a problem" Alcohol is bad for your health in many ways - besides it's addictive qualities. Having a few shots of Jager every night is already a problem. If you can stop it now you won't have to fight the obsession to drink, you won't have to go to aa and you won't become an alcoholic.
I wish you all the best.
Pat
It's only a quick step from drinking daily, which becomes a habit, to becoming a full blown alcoholic. I have a friend *****cognized this in time and got rid of all the alcohol in her house and stopped drinking altogether. I truly believe that she saved herself. She too had wls.
I wish I had recognized the problem in time because now I am an alcoholic. Hopefully a recovering one. I'm attending AA daily which really helps. But I resent the changes in my life. I am angry about having wls and becoming an alcoholic at the age of 61. I resent having to go to aa meetings instead of just living a normal life. If it is possible for you then just avoid alcohol; you will be so much better off. Alcoholism is 10,000 times worse than obesity.
To answer your question - "what has to happen for this to be considered a problem" Alcohol is bad for your health in many ways - besides it's addictive qualities. Having a few shots of Jager every night is already a problem. If you can stop it now you won't have to fight the obsession to drink, you won't have to go to aa and you won't become an alcoholic.
I wish you all the best.
Pat
For me, it escalated, just like you. It started out to be not a big deal; a little now and then. Then I drank a glass or two of wine every night. That eventually progressed to the point where I not only drank daily, but I once I started, I could not stop. I got to the point where I would drin****il I blacked out every time (not the same as passing out). I simply could not remember what I did or said. I became terrified that I would drive and kill myself or someone else. I lost a brother to alcoholism 10 years ago and couldn't understand why he couldn't just stop...until it afflicted me after WLS. Now, I understand. It is a progressive disease that got triggered after surgery and once the switch is thrown..it can NEVER be unthrown. Ever. I am now and will always be an alcoholic. It really angered me for a couple of years but once I accepted the hard truth, I went to an AA meeting and have been sober for two years now. I hope you are safe and sound.
You will know you are alcoholic when you start behaving in a manner that "normal" people don't. (Are you hiding your drinks, substituting beer for liquor, trying to "control" your drinking, only drink on weekends, and other deals with the devil).
I never had a problem prior to surgery. I drank socially for 30 years and would go months without drinking before WLS. It wasn't until after the surgery that the problem began. I was so shocked. I just couldn't believe it. I sure do now.
Good Luck
You will know you are alcoholic when you start behaving in a manner that "normal" people don't. (Are you hiding your drinks, substituting beer for liquor, trying to "control" your drinking, only drink on weekends, and other deals with the devil).
I never had a problem prior to surgery. I drank socially for 30 years and would go months without drinking before WLS. It wasn't until after the surgery that the problem began. I was so shocked. I just couldn't believe it. I sure do now.
Good Luck
Wow! I am exactly where you are or were. I don't know why I do it, (drink). But, once I did I find it hard to stop......even though I promise the people I love I will. I hide the vodka so they won't find it. I'm constantly chewing on breath mints. I know they know, but just are not saying anything.....yet. I have not yet gotten drunk and drove.....Thank the lord. I know I need help, but it's so hard.
God bless you all,
Nola
God bless you all,
Nola
I was an alcoholic in recovery when I had my surgery. I had been in eating disorder treatment twice, trying to get a handle on the food. A little over a year after my surgery, I relapsed on the alcohol, and it is taking over a year to get sober and stay sober.
My suggestion is to see how long you can go without your Jager, and see how you feel, without returning to the food.
If you find you still struggle with the food and alcohol, trading back and forth with them, then I suggest you attend an AA meeting and see if you can relate to any of the emotions that are expressed by people in the meeting.
I have been in AA for over 19 years, and wish I had that length of sobriety.
God bless,
Trish
My suggestion is to see how long you can go without your Jager, and see how you feel, without returning to the food.
If you find you still struggle with the food and alcohol, trading back and forth with them, then I suggest you attend an AA meeting and see if you can relate to any of the emotions that are expressed by people in the meeting.
I have been in AA for over 19 years, and wish I had that length of sobriety.
God bless,
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.
Albert Schweitzer
Albert Schweitzer
Hi AmandaJo,
Transfer of addiction happens a lot easier than many folks think. A lot of times we get there before we realize it. For me, I never dran****il I was 28. It started with sips, then 1/2 a drink, a whole drink to the point it got way out of control in just 4 months or so. What seemed to be casual drinks at the time almost cost me my life. Its incredibly tough to battle addiction. But it can be done. We all falter but you are not alone.
I've been sober going on 18 months & its not been easy by any stretch of the imagination. I encourage you to seek counseling, attend AA if that is something you can commit to, seek help & support from fam & friends and remember that you have to learn to crawl before you can walk. You can read my story & many others by clicking the link in my signature line.
In addition, I've picked up 3 books (with more I'd like to get) that are helping me work through sobriety issues. Personally, I have attended AA meetings but they are NOT my cup of tea. The first 2 books are a book & workbook combination. They are called "A Woman's Way through the Twelve Steps." At first, I felt like isn't this going backwards doing these steps NOW?" But that couldn't be further from the truth. I LOVE these because they are writting in a women's point of view. The 3rd is "The Twelve Steps of Alcoholic's Anonymous" which is the original 12 Step book.
Another one that has truly helped which I am reading AGAIN is called "Boundaries." Its faith based and may not be for everyone but can be applied no matter what your religious background. It helps us draw our lines in the sand and make changes in our daily lives slowly but surely to regain control.
All best!
Transfer of addiction happens a lot easier than many folks think. A lot of times we get there before we realize it. For me, I never dran****il I was 28. It started with sips, then 1/2 a drink, a whole drink to the point it got way out of control in just 4 months or so. What seemed to be casual drinks at the time almost cost me my life. Its incredibly tough to battle addiction. But it can be done. We all falter but you are not alone.
I've been sober going on 18 months & its not been easy by any stretch of the imagination. I encourage you to seek counseling, attend AA if that is something you can commit to, seek help & support from fam & friends and remember that you have to learn to crawl before you can walk. You can read my story & many others by clicking the link in my signature line.
In addition, I've picked up 3 books (with more I'd like to get) that are helping me work through sobriety issues. Personally, I have attended AA meetings but they are NOT my cup of tea. The first 2 books are a book & workbook combination. They are called "A Woman's Way through the Twelve Steps." At first, I felt like isn't this going backwards doing these steps NOW?" But that couldn't be further from the truth. I LOVE these because they are writting in a women's point of view. The 3rd is "The Twelve Steps of Alcoholic's Anonymous" which is the original 12 Step book.
Another one that has truly helped which I am reading AGAIN is called "Boundaries." Its faith based and may not be for everyone but can be applied no matter what your religious background. It helps us draw our lines in the sand and make changes in our daily lives slowly but surely to regain control.
All best!
Kitty Kat - Lap RNY 29th Jan 03 
Blessed Momma to ♥ Kayla & Nora ♥
Sober since 25th Aug 07 www.the-butterfly-chronicles.blogspot.com
Thankful for the easy, grateful for the hard & hopeful for tomorrow.Most Active
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