Question:
I drank tonight (which I rarely do) and 1/3 of the way into my beer I started having

severe right upper quadrant pain! Has this happened to anyone? I have heard that due to the section of bowel that is bypassed alcohol goes straight to you liver but, this did not seem like enough consumption to justify the pain I had. Lisa K. 4/22/03 252/169/145    — Lisa K. (posted on November 16, 2003)

November 16, 2003
Lisa, It may have been from the carbonation. Carbonated drinks can be rough on our tummies. Next time, try a glass of wine or a weak vodka/cranberry. Very small sips ~ slowly ~ see how your body will react. I've not had beer since my surgery, but occassionally will have a glass of wine or cocktail, always in moderation. The alcohol may affect you much quicker and stronger post-op. Just listen to your body! I also try to munch on something when I'm drinking - peanuts, popcorn, pork rinds, something not too unhealthy. So far I've had no ill effects and have not gotten drunk. I can def feel wine much more than when I'm having a cocktail, so I stop as soon as I start to get that 'warm' feeling. You can also keep a glass of water handy to sip on while you're enjoying your cocktail to keep from getting dehydrated. Alcohol dehydrates us very quickly. Cheers! Open RNY 1/3/03 330/190/175
   — chelle3081

November 16, 2003
I agree it sounds like carbonation. I havent tried beer but sodas can do that to me especially early on. good luck
   — terri R.

November 16, 2003
I agree with Michelle, it's probably the carbonation. I tried a little beer at home a few weeks ago, and didn't like the feeling I got from it. However, I've had wine twice (iced down well), and it has gone down fine. I also agree with having a few pretzels or something on hand to curb the tipsy feelings. It only took a few sips of the wine until I started feeling tipsy, and the pretzels seemed to help with that. I don't plan on making drinking a habit, but it was something I enjoyed occasionally pre-surgery, and am glad I still can. Other post-ops I know have also said they avoid carbonated drinks because of the discomfort they cause.
   — Carlita