just curious about alcohol ?

I  am about to be 10 years ot this november. I have not been to a local support group meeting in a very long time. I have run into some one that also went to meetings and also never goes anymore.  I have recently heard about addictions and mostly alcohol becoming a problem with grads,It is so easy to drink  and then before you know it you dont eat. Does anyone have a comment about this? I have met several people who admit that it is a growing issue for alot of people.I have never had any problems since my surgery and have gained about 28 pounds back over time,maybe I will get back to some meetings soon.

Hi,
I'm 5+ years out and I drink on a regular basis.  LMAO, that doesn't sound very good!!!  hahaha
What I MEAN is, I occasionally have something at home, but I am out quite often for business, say a couple times each week, and almost always I will have a drink at a function.

I have not seen any weight gain because of it; however I do try to avoid any kind of higher-calorie things like daquiris, etc.  Most typically I would opt for a gin & tonic, to give you an example.  It does not seem to affect my appetite or willingness to eat.

I am pretty careful to get in protein and pretty much always eat low-carb (not because I don't LOVE bread, haha, but because it really does not agree with my stomach).  So it is possible that in my case, the alcohol is my carb intake, and maybe that's why no weight gain.

Of course the major concern is transferring addictions to alcohol (where once it was food).  I do  try to keep this in mind at all times, but for me it has not been a problem.  I feel I have developed a healthy relationship with food.  Sometimes I splurge but I always recognize it as exactly that - a splurge. 

Don't know if that is a helpful answer, but it's my expreience with it.

thank you for being honest. I just think this is an intresting topic for all of us to explore. Like I said in my first post, it just seems to be the norm for people farther out from surgery.Of coarse not everyone drinks, but for those of us who do lets be aware of things that are still the unknown waters of wls. good luck to everyone in this lucky place we have landed,I am appreciative everyday 10 years later for the difference this surgery has made in my life.My sister and I had it done the same day,and my son is in process of being scheduled.Many friends ,neighbors and clients have now used our surgeon and all is fine with them all.

Becasue many people who have surgery actually have an addiction to foods, it's very easy to transfer to other addictive behavior after you've "taken care of" the addictive food for a time. Eventually, you can eat the food again without dumping or issues with carbs the food can become a problem again..

Food Addiction is a real issue. In my case definitely. It's every bit as real as alcoholism (which I recognize from my family history of it) and I treat it that way. Support is a VERY important part of the treatment. Staying accountable is another important part of the treatment..Therapy can be useful too.

I am 5.6 years out and I drink wine or a mixed drink on occasion.  I like a glass of red wine after a rough day at work which happens once in a long while.  i haven't increased or decreased my alcohol intake since WLS.  It hasn't been an issure or a problem for me.

I am of the opinion that Alcohol is calories and drinking is fine as long as it fits into your daily calorie intake allowance.

If you reserve150 calories or so, then have a ****tail, wine, or whatever.

Agreed!

I pulled this from a similar post on or around 6/28:
http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/rny/cmsID,11273/mode,conte nt/a,cms/

I drink a lot quantity wise, but not as often as i (now) as i did before (but still post op).
I dont drink often anymore b/c 1) my job sucked before & ive got a better job now, so i dont feel the need to drink as often & 2) I really agree & have finally IDed the fact that my excessive consumption of alcohol totally contributed to my weight gain. Alcohol = calories & that every day combined w/ poor eating habits & ZERO exercise got me straight back to where I am today.
So from now on, its drinking in moderation for me.

I like to drink! I enjoy the time with friends and being social its away to feel relaxed after work.  I don't think I have a problem with it.  However, when I drink I can eat way to much and not even know it, I also eat foods I would normally not eat and the worst is if I stay out to late then I don't make it to the gym.  So I have tried to cutback on the drinking for these reasons.  This is just my insight.  Best of luck, Raynetta

My alcohol consumption hasn't changed. I rarely drank before surgery and I drink even less now.