Question:
Help with Alcoholism

Hello! I posted a question a about a week ago about becoming an alcoholic after weight loss surgery. I had asked if there were people out there with the same problem, and if they wouldn't mind that we emailed. I had some nice people state that I could email, but there emails were sent back since they wanted to remain anonymous, which I understand. If you are able to help, you can contact me privately at [email protected] Thanks All!!    — thewhiteorchid (posted on October 18, 2010)

October 18, 2010
I am not an alcoholic, however, my father was. You need more than a website to help you. please go to you local phone book and look up AA. Go to a meeting, talk to someone. My dad always said alcoholism is like an elevator, you choose the floor you get off at. Please don't wait until you are in the basement.
   — caxb2009

October 18, 2010
Hello Sara, We were told during our pre-counseling meeting and support groups about transfer addictions. I recommend that you immediately see your counselor at the bariatric center. I am not an alcoholic, but did live with them as a child and there are many reasons why it is a horrible thing. But, don't forget that it is just physically detrimental to your weight loss surgery. AA is another excellent avenue. Perhaps it doesn't matter why one is an alcoholic, but a bariatric therapist may have input more specific to your needs. I pray that you seek and find help TODAY.
   — gouldsfiya

October 18, 2010
Hi Friend, I did not have the problem in the order you are addressing. I am a recovering alcoholic. Beer and Jack Daniel's were my constant companions for many many years. When I was 48years old and weighing 323lbs. I had a revelation I wasn't going to live much longer, and I knew I had to make changes. I was a candidate for GPS due to hypertension and Type II diabetes. One of the obvious contributors to my weight was all the alcohol I consumed. Believe me, it was plenty. On February 28, 2005 I said farewell to alcohol, and have been sober ever since. Have not strayed once. I had a GPS August 5 of that year and lost 143lbs. I wanted to live. What do you want? I'm not a professional, but I see you replacing one compulsion with another. Personally I think that's the thing that needs to be addressed. First it was food, then it became booze. I think you need to re-examine your motivation for the WLS. Your alcoholism is sabotaging the huge step you took. You changed your anatomy, you changed your life. Aren't you worth it? What about the ones who love you? Aren't they worth it? Or is the booze worth more? I don't care one whit about staying anonymous. I'm proud of the decisions I made, and there isn't a soul on earth who doesn't need some type of help sometime. We are all worth that effort. If you wish to email me you can do so at [email protected]. Get a grip Friend. Get some help. You are worth it. The people who love you are worth it. The booze isn't. Hope to hear from you. Peace, Ray Locke
   — Arl3rd

October 18, 2010
Hi Sara. I was one of the ones who posted to you offering to email and provide you with some support resources. I will send you an email later on today. I am glad you are reaching out. That is one of the first steps. Hang in there and talk to you in a little while, Kellye.
   — Kellye C.

October 19, 2010
Talking with somone here who is going through the same thing might be nice. However, you really should be speaking to a counselor, your doctors and be attending AA support group. People become overweight because they eat to overcome emotional issues or trauma. Until these things are treated in them selves, a person will just trade one addiction (food) for another (alcohol, sex etc.)
   — franRN76

October 19, 2010
Sara, I tried to E-Mail you at your above address, it came back. I am a member of AA and would be glad to help in any way I can. [email protected].
   — Jane W.

November 3, 2010
Hi Sarah. I am a GBS patient and an alcoholic. I believe that I've always had the propensity for addicting, starting with food, then sugar (pop and candy and whatever I could get my hands on), cigarettes, and then slowly I added alcohol to the menu. I was always capable of going on binges and of stopping when I wanted to, and of quitting for periods of time, and of moderating. No problem. I AM NOT BLAMING GBS OR MY SURGEON!!!! But after GBS, I waited about a year to have a drink, and I didn't stop drinking for the next 2 years. I just got out of rehab and am locating AA groups in my area. I definitely went the route of transfer addiction, but drinking was so very different after surgery... it's hard for anybody to understand if they haven't been there. I would love to chat with you. Yes, it is good to get help from a professional and your local AA, but anybody who has been to AA or any professional, will have been told they need support from peers who have shared their experiences, so you did a good thing coming here and asking for help. That's why I'm here today (it's been a while since I've been on this sight), I was looking for a forum that discusses use and abuse of alcohol after WLS. Any support group and discussion forum is better than none at all, especially if the group can be an open and safe place to talk. At least 5 of the 25 women I housed with in rehab were GBS patients. I don't blame my surgeon or my program at all, they did a great job of warning us of the dangers of alcohol consumption, that's probably why it took me a year to try my first drink. It is what it is, and I chose that first drink, from which the disease of alcoholism took over. And it is a disease. You can try to email me, if you'd like. Christi
   — Christi P.