oenophilias post RNY

Don't know if this makes you feel any better, but according the ASMBS, there is no scientific evidence that one WLS procedure would be better than another in terms of alcohol use post WLS. The same recommendations for drinking apply to all 3 major surgeries commonly done.

A study evaluating alcohol absorption before and after sleeve gastrectomy (n = 12) found higher postoperative blood alcohol values (2.02 g/L postoperatively versus .87 g/ L preoperatively; P = .001) and prolonged normalization for equivalent amounts of alcohol postoperatively (at 175 minutes, blood alcohol level was 0 in preoperative patients versus .26 g/L in postoperative patients; P = .027) [20]. The authors concluded that alcohol absorption was considerably modified after sleeve gastrectomy with higher and longer blood alcohol values for equivalent amounts of alcohol. (source: ASMBS Guidelines/Statements -- ASMBS position statement on alcohol use before and after bariatric surgery published 02/2016)

Considering that more than 90% of patients undergoing WLS will demonstrate abnormal liver pathology on liver biopsy at the time of the WLS procedure -- and that as WLS patients rapidly lose weight, there is added stress to the liver which has to work overtime to keep up -- drinking is adding insult to injury. As we consume fewer calories, the liver serves as the energy supplier to the body and, therefore, has to work even harder. If the liver is already compromised,consuming a known hepatotoxin while challenging the liver is just irresponsible.

Routinely, the toxic effects of alcohol are somewhat reduced by the simultaneous consumption of food calories, something that is less likely to occur after WLS as you deliberately are consuming fewer food calories.

This is true regardless of the type of surgery.

Combined the very real threat and reality of cross-addiction and even beriberi and Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome (that we've lost a member due to) -- I'd let his sanctimony be his own.

Your surgeon's office is giving you top-notch advice.

I get all tingly when you bring the science.

Thanks Kat!

It's helpful to hear that! Last night my friend and I split a burger but each had a pint of beer. He didn't finish his beer (a beautiful stout) and I didn't have the calories to spare to fini**** for him. He did say that his alcohol tolerance is lower than prior to his VGS, which hadn't made sense to me at the time. Of course his weight is lower too.

As hard as it can be to accept cold hard facts in the face of our emotional attachments to "alternative facts"... I will choose science every time.