Question:
anyone develope a drinking problem post op?
I am sorry if I am offending anyone, but it seems that I do have a drinking problem. I used to be able to stop at one to three beers a night (pre-op) , but I am not able to stop anymore. I do not dump and drink about four times a week to cope with the stress of everyday life. I just like the feeling that I get from having too much to drink. I am not making light of my situation, I am genuinely concerned for my welfare. I am asking for support here, not just someone telling me to seek counseling. I would like to know that I am not alone. My spouse thinks that I have a problem and I know that I do, however, how do I give up the only thing that makes me feel this way? To tell you the truth, I have to drink a twelve pack to feel like I have had "enough" It may sound unbelievable to some but please know that the possibility is still there. Funny thing is, I could stop myself at three or four beers pre-op. Now, I would rather drink than eat. And I can drink a lot. Again, I hope that this does not get sensored out and someone who has been in my place responds. Thank You. — [Anonymous] (posted on December 18, 2001)
December 18, 2001
I think you have made the first step in recognizing that you have a problem
and by looking for help. I cannot say that I am in the same situation, but
I am sure you are not alone...it is an epidemic, and as the earlier poster
said, it really doesn't seem to have to do with your surgery, at least not
that alone. But one thing you have to realize is that you really must get
help. With this surgery your liver is getting a purer shot of alcohol.
You could do irreversible harm to your liver if you would continue to drink
in this way daily. Obviously your health matters to you, or you wouldn't
have had this surgery. So, please talk to someone and find out what is
causing you to need this to feel good. My prayers are with you. Best of
luck.
— Tracy L.
December 18, 2001
Everyone that has a drinking problem has one for a reason so of course you
are not alone. You certainly didn't go through this surgery to die from
alchol poisoning . I hope you find the strength to do what is right for
your health and your family. May this Chirstmas season be the time for
change. I will pray that you find that peace you are looking for. Merry
Christmas
— Kelly C.
December 18, 2001
I know you said you don't want someone to tell you you need counseling but,
that sounds like exactly what you need. Someone you can let out all of
your frustrations, concerns and fears to. I too have used drink to ease
the pain and I'll tell you, it's a temorary fix and leads to more problems
than solutions. PLease seek out someone to help you fight your demons
without it.
— Melissa S.
December 18, 2001
Many of us MO have compulsive personalities. That means we not only tend to
overeat, we also have a higher incidence of drinking, smoking,gambling, sex
addictions, etc.
Since, with the surgery, it is now difficult for you to overeat, you have
beefed up your addiction to alcohol.
As the others have said, this is very dangerous!
You really should seek outside help if you can't stop on your own. AA is
very nonjudgmental.
At the very least, try to substitute your unhealthy obsession with one less
harmful - walk, exercise, chew gum.
Most of us have this operation because we don't want to die. What you are
doing now is going to get you there faster than if you never had the
surgery. I am praying for you that you find the strength to get control and
stop drinking. Good luck to you.
— Julie S.
December 18, 2001
Wow! All that beer is going to put on the weight.
Perhaps you could get on some sort of anti depresant?
I have always been depressed (since a child) and all the counceling in the
world DOES NOT help the depression. Not for me anyway, but the anti
depresents help greatly. I think you may benefit from them. Please look
into it.
— Danmark
December 18, 2001
I'm so glad you came to this board to ask for help. You are taking the
first step. I would agree with what some of the others have said about
substituting one addiction for another. I think when you lose your best
friend, food, SOMETHING has to replace it. For me, so far, it's
shopping...spending too much money. Less harmful to my body, but also an
addiction. I see a therapist weekly and I believe she's saving my life,
helping me to overcome all these awful feelings I've had since I was a
child. If you don't try that, by all means, try AA, or both. It really
could save your life, and you'd see that you're not alone in this. Best
wishes. Yvonne
— Yvonne R.
December 18, 2001
I'm an occasional weekend drinker and enjoy socializing and having a drink.
I have not had surgery, but will be this Friday 12-21-01. I was told not
only to not drink beer because of the carbonation, but it does a lot of
damage to your liver and kidneys. Your other organs have to work harder to
burn off that excess fat we have been carrying around for so long that they
are working overtime as well. To be on the safe side, please cut down your
drinking and when you get to the right place for the support you need to
stop or at least not consuming that much. You will live a healthier life.
I hope to be able to drink something if I want it, but if not, I'm not
going to be upset about it. Like someone else said you didn't have this
major surgery to go and totally hurt your body with the alcohol. I will be
praying that you make the right decision for you, and don't forget your
other body parts will be affected by that alcohol and then you will have to
deal with the health effects that arise from that which could cause death.
Good Luck.
— laflagal
December 18, 2001
I am pre-op and used to struggle with alcohol as well. I never sought help
for it though, I just caught it early and stopped cold turkey. That was
about 6 years ago and I hope when I do have this surgery that I will not
revert to the drinking thing. If I DO have to aquire a new addiction,
PLEASE, GOD, PLEASE make it a cleaning addiction!
I wish you luck with your problem and hope you follow the others' advice on
this board!
— Monica M.
December 18, 2001
Never was a drinker before, am flirting with it now and it
is hard to stop wanting it. However, I have decided to stop
cold turkey as I see it as unhealthy for me and I know that
I am a compulsive personality and I will drink compulsively!
Was out last night and tonight and will be every night this
week and let me tell you, IT WAS HARD not to have a beer.
I am praying and hanging on and I will pray for you to. E-mail
me if you would like to encourage each other- I would love
someone to buddy up with through this struggle:)
— M B.
September 25, 2009
Hopefully not to offend people on here but I believe 1/4 of the people
develop a drinking problem, I did, but I ended up getting help. It is a
replacement for the food, especially the sugar. I'm sure some of the
responsers even have had too much. I'm sorry but it is the honest truth.
It just is reality...hopefully you get your help and find the answers you
need..I still struggle today not to take that drink.
— Heidi S.
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