Question:
Is it true alcohol is damaging to kidneys and liver post-op?

I understand alcohol is more concentrated going through your kidneys and liver post-op which could cause cirrhosis of the liver or kidney damage a lot quicker than it would have pre-operatively.    — Rose E. (posted on April 22, 2001)

April 22, 2001
I have heard this also and it makes sense. Also, my surgeon warns against drinking alcohol, and if you do drink it, remember that it effects you 3 times what it did preop. He STRONGLY warns against this. Also, get liver panels done often with your blood work.
   — Cindy H.

November 18, 2001
My surgeon "STRONGLY" recommended that any patient who had RNY not drink alchol because your stomach can not break it down. Your old stomach produced enyzymes that deluted the alchol before it reached your kidneys and liver. The new stomach does not have this ability, so your liver will see the alchol to its full extent and could cause damage. To me it is not worth the risk.
   — [Anonymous]

November 18, 2001
This came up at a support group meeting. They told us the major reason for psych denials of WLS is alacholism. Surgery just doesnt work for people with that unfortunate problem.
   — bob-haller