Question:
Would it hurt to drink 1 glass of wine?

I would like to drink 1 glass of red wine a day with my dinner. My question is will any alcohol hurt your liver worse since having this surgery? What exactly are the risks if any since having this surgery? I'm 1 year post. lost 216 lbs at goal weight. Thanks, Beth    — Elizabeth C. (posted on August 25, 2003)

August 25, 2003
Beth, I asked my surgeon at my 90 day check-up if it was ok to have a glass of wine or cocktail. His advice was that yes, it was ok, but to be very careful. Try a couple of sips to see how my tummy and body would react. Then to keep in mind that our bodies will now absorb the alcohol at a much faster rate and to always listen to my body to avoid intoxication. I have had no trouble whatsoever with wine or cocktails. Have not tried beer yet, still a bit afraid of the carbonation, but I love my glass (or 2) of wine from time to time! I would def ask your doctor, but if you are not having any problems or taking any medications that should not be mixed with alcohol, I think its perfectly fine!! Cheers! Open RNY 1/3/03 330/212/175
   — chelle3081

August 25, 2003
My surgeon has us wait at least four months before trying alcohol, but you're well beyond that. I would try it slowly, at home. The alcohol gets into your system much quicker, and you may find that you react to it differently than you did pre-op. I don't think it metabolizes in your liver any differently, so I don't think you have an issue there, but you might check with your doc if you're concerned about a particular amount of alcohol.
   — Vespa R.

August 25, 2003
My surgeon says no alcohol for at least six months and to be very careful til you know how it will affect you. It will take much less to make you drunk than before surgery. I had 1/2 of a wine cooler about a year after my surgery and got quite tipsy.
   — Patty_Butler

August 25, 2003
Hi Elizabeth. I had my first beer at 5 months post-op, and it was fine, but it will get u tipsy much faster now, so be careful of that. I don't see anything wrong with a glass of wine, I don't think everynight is a good idea, but every now and again is fine, but check with your dr to be sure everything is alright with u, and have a glass for me lol lol. Good luck 260/190/160
   — sexysag37