Question:
Does all alcohol cause dumping, if not, which ones seem the safest?
I am anxious to start going out soon and I would like to have a drink or two with my friends, but I'm afraid of dumping. Is a shot easier than a beer, or is wine better, Zima, etc. Please help!! Also, how long do most people wait to try alcohol after surgery? I really need to know these things and I can't seem to get straight answers from any one. — SUNDAY G. (posted on September 16, 2001)
September 15, 2001
I don't drink but a WLS friend of mine has Vodka and Cranberry a lot. I'd
think you'd want to stay away from most mixed drinks due to the sugar.
Good luck!
— Kimberly L.
September 16, 2001
Well, I made myself a Vodka and grapefruit one night at home. I did okay
with it and felt the alcohol quickly. It did take me a long time to drink
it. I was afraid to use OJ or Cranberry, because they had so much sugar in
one serving. The grapefruit was not that low in sugar, but I think that
because I made that one drink last, it didnt bother me. I have never dumped
yet and I am 7.5 weeks post-op. This weekend I had a pina colada. It
lasted me until it was no longer frozen, but again, I had no problem. If I
had drank it faster (which was tempting since it was so good!) I am sure
that I would have gotten sick...ALL SUGAR!!
— barbpatter
September 16, 2001
I know a lot of people say that you shouldn't drink after surgery...but I'm
only 26..and I still like to go out and have a good time. I've tried lots
of things, Vodka, Rum, Tequila, Margaritas, wine, champagne. Of course
I've only tried a little bit of each thing. I am NOT an alcoholic...but I
was experimenting to see what works. The only thing that seems to work for
me is Vodka mixed drinks...like Vodka and Cranberry Juice and screwdrivers.
Everything else makes me nauseous or makes me sweat profusely. I've heard
others say also that Vodka does the trick for them...so that's what I would
recommend. But just remember drink it very slowly so make sure you don't
get sick if it doesn't agree with you...and many people (not including
myself) seem to be affected by alcohol more since surgery...so just take it
slow. :)
— MsKandice
September 16, 2001
I've tried sugar free countrytime lemeonade with vodka, it's pretty good,
but be careful it does affect you alot faster then it might have before.
— blank first name B.
September 16, 2001
I am almost 4 months post-op and I recently had a few glasses of beer at a
friends BBQ. I drank them slow and although I did get a nice buzz I did not
dump and it didn't affect me any other way. (Ok I had a little headache the
next morning :-) ). That was the first time I tried alcohol. I'm not much
of a drinker so my advice to you is to take it slow and see how it goes.
— [Anonymous]
October 10, 2001
This is in response to Candice..although also for anyone else interested.
I suffer from obsessive/compulsive behavior (which is one reason I got this
big in the FIRST place!) and used to have a REAL problem with alcohol.
When I finally sobered up (after about 10 years!)... I realized that I
didn't HAVE to have alcohol to have a good time..! I still 'partied' with
my friends, socializing in bars and clubs... but instead of ordering gin
and tonic (my PERSONAL fav - lol) I ordered Pepsi.. or even coffee. Sure,
sometimes I got odd looks, but it wasn't THEIR health or well-being I was
concerned about.. it was MY life..!! We laughed, we joked, we danced, we
did all the things a group of friends do when they're 'out' together. But
with SEVERAL differences: #1. My bar-tab was A LOT less expensive than
theirs! #2. I was able to drive myself home every evening. #3. I NEVER
woke up with a 'Pepsi headache' the next morning! SO.. in my book, I had a
BETTER time than those around me getting 'sloshed'.. Even now,
occasionally (a couple times a year), I'll 'break down' and have a frozen
marguerita or a gin and tonic...but just ONE.. and I don't feel as though
I've missed ANYTHING in my social life..!! Good luck..!!
— Diane E.
February 22, 2002
You can't have anything bubbly so no beer or wine coolers. Martini's don't
give me any trouble. Neither did any drinks with cranberry juice.
— melnich
June 7, 2004
At home it is quite easy. You can mix clear liquors with any sugar free
things that you enjoy:
Vodka + SF Tang, tasty and full of vitamin C.
Vodka + Any Crystal Light, especially Lemonade
Rum + SF KoolAid Punch
Rum + Orange Pineapple Crystal Light or Orange/Strawberry/Banana
A trick for the bar: Order Vodka + Water Tall with lots of ice. Bring a
Crystal Light "lemonade to go", dump it in and stir. You can
purchase these thru coffee services like discountcoffe.com. They are
awesome to keep in your purse, throw in a glass of water or drink, anytime.
— Nikki6f
June 7, 2004
I've really enjoyed Chardonnay for years and could drink 3 or 4 glasses
without seeing too much effect. I could leave it alone for months and be
okay. I didn't even try it for about 5 months after surgery but when I
did, boy were things different! A few sips would really affect my vision
and my balance and I'd start talking and couldn't stop! I determined I
must look pretty silly so decided I would not drink in public, only at
home. But then, just within the last few weeks, I realized that it was not
a good sign that I was craving the wine and really looking forward to
getting home and getting that glass of wine. MAJOR warning sign for
someone who is definitely an addictive personality. I have stopped drinking
the wine entirely and am praying for the strength to continue to leave it
alone. Be VERY careful, it is soooooooooooooo easy for us to switch from
food to alcohol. It only took me about three months to realize I was
headed toward a real problem and I'm grateful I recognized it that quickly.
Now, on the dumping thing, I would definitely try whatever you decide to
have at home in private before you try it in a public place. It will go to
your head very quickly. I'd also make sure I had a good friend with me when
I drank in public, someone who understood what might happen and could help
you if you do get sick. You definitely don't want to drive, even if you've
only had one drink. I read somewhere that 1 ounce of alcohol has the same
affect as 15 ounces on a gastric bypass patient. I don't know how true
that is but it sure does pack a punch now.
— scbabe
August 4, 2005
— tfrodrig
Click Here to Return