Glad I Found You

I'm 11 years out from RNY. Overall, WLS was one of the best things I've ever done for myself. However, during a particularly stressful family situation, I started to have a glass of wine to get to sleep at night. One glass eventually turned into an entire bottle on most nights. After 8 years, I've stopped abusing alcohol. I've had to give it up completely, because I can't control it. It's interesting how we transfer our food addictions to something else.

I'm glad I found this little group. It doesn't seem to be too active, but I hope to find support here and offer my support to others as well.

How did you stop?

I did a lot of stupid things during my drinking years. Ultimately, I was in danger of losing my husband. That and a supportive counselor gave me the motivation I needed. AA gave me the tools to stop drinking. I went to AA for a few weeks before I could give up alcohol completely. If you're interested in more of my story, I'm willing to share. Let me know.

Hi Barbara,

I'm glad I read your post.  I'm 8 years post op and started having trouble with alcohol about 3 years ago.  It was been a scary ride.  Lost of crazy things have been happening, and I can't believe it happened to me.  First how did you finally quit, and did you ever read the studies that show that WLS increase the chance for alcohol abuse?  Its an interesting new finding.  

I'd love to hear more of your story.  I'm currently working on sobriety.  I have good days and bad days.  I'm sure you know what I'm talking about.

Thanks,

Rachael

Hi Racahel,

Yes, I have read some things about how common it is to abuse alcohol post-WLS. I've thought about forming some kind of support group around that, but I don't know exactly how to get started with it. I consider myself a recovering alcoholic. The AA program has been great for me, even though I fought the idea at first.

Yes, I know all about good and bad days, but the bad days are easier to handle when I'm sober, not hungover and not feeling ashamed. I have had to learn new ways to cope with emotional discomfort, other than numbing it with wine.

I would love to talk with you more and share more of my story privately. You can contact me at obrienbarbara (at) yah00dotcom.

If I don't hear from you, I wish you the best with your journey.