Question:
Can you have...

I am approved surgery and going through all of the procedures for my insurance. I had a question asked to me that I don't know the answer to Can you drink beer/alcohol after surgery or eat pizza? I would think not, but thought I would like to hear others comments. — missyheffelfinger (posted on September 27, 2006)

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September 27, 2006
Hi I am 3 month post op, I was able to eat thin crast pizza (cheese only) and I was able to eat just half of slice. This was the first and the last time I will be eating pizza lol. I was sick, I did not dump but it felt very heavy even though I eat slow. I do not drink, but my doctor said no drinking for the first 6 month.
— olga8

September 27, 2006
congrats on your beginning of your jouney. In reading your statement above it has become aware to me that you have not done enough research at all. No you should not have bread, pasta, or rice. NO drinks as you will be drinking way to much sugar. Your whole eating habits need to be changed when you have surgery. You should also have a long meeting with your dietican and she can explain all the goods and bads. If you did not know this, alcoholism is very bad right now within the Gastric family. This contributes to divorce rate that is higher than the average for non gastric people. If drinking is that important than you should reconsider the surgery. In my club alone there are 3 known people that have stated that drinking has over taken eating foods. They stopped eating lost weight and now they are alcoholics. Please research all of your questions, you should also attend support meetings. They are going to be the best thing you ever have done. Good Luck
— Steve Cohen

September 27, 2006
HI IM TAMIKI AND IVE BEEN POST OP ALMOST 2 YRS OCT............BEER WILL MAKE U REALLY GASSY AND IT HURTS EXTREAMLY......OTHER LIQUIOR HAS SO MUCH SUGAR IT CAN MAKE U DUMP WHICH FEELS HORRIABLE......AND PIZZA IS TO HEAVY FOR UR TUMMY ...IT ALSO CAUSES DUMPING......I WOULD GO WITH LITE ITEMS..... LIQUID, MUSHY STUFF OR STUFF U CAN CHEW ON TO MAKE VERY SOFT BEFORE U SWALLOW....SMALL BITES..... FOR ALEAST 6 MONTHS.....THEN U JUST HAVE TO PLAY WITH STUFF TO EAT AND TEST IT OUT.....HAVE COMMON SINCE THOUGH ........ SOME GREENS OR CARBONATED STUFF WILL CAUSE GAS ...BREAD AND CARB ITEMS EXPAND WHEN WET......SUGARS ARE JUST BAD .....THEY CAN OVER WHELM UR SYSTEM......BUT EVENTUALLY U CAN TAKE A DRINK OR A BITE JUST TO GET THE TASTE LATER DOWN THE ROAD ....SO LOOK AT IT THIS WAY......AFTER U LOSE ALL THE WEIGHT U GET TO REWARD UR SELF WITH ITEMS U USED TO LOVE IN MODERATION ......BUT ON THAT...U MAY NOT LOVE THE ITEMS U ONCE LOVED ...NO WAY TO EXPLAIN ITS JUST THAT WAY.......THERE WERE SO MANY ITEMS I USED TO LOVE AND THEN I TASTED THEM AND I WAS TURNED OFF...WEIRD HUH......REMEMBER EVERYBODY IS DIFFERENT......EVERYBODY EXPERIENCES THIS DIFFERENT....SO GO EASY AND ENJOY LIFE 2 THE FULLEST.....IT WILL BE A WHOLE NEW WORLD .......
— MIKI4

September 27, 2006
Everyone is different and those things you probably shouldn't be having, but I am not going to lie. I have eaten pizza and enjoy it. We order the thin and crispy crust pizza from Pizza Hut and it settles very well. I do drink alcohol as well, just not often. I had on drink last night and a hang over this morning. So definitely keep it down with the drinking. I have never had any issues with beer at all. It goes down very well and does not make me sick or gassy. But it all depends on the person. Good luck. Malena 329/160/150
— *Malena* M.

September 27, 2006
The fact that you appreciate that different surgeons have different protocols regarding alcohol is a sure sign that you have done your research. Don't be dissuaded from asking other informed questions based upon the strident (and rather calamitous) response of others. For alcohol (including beer), you will get drunk must faster after surgery, so there are certain dangers with drinking. Beer can be particularly irritating (given the bubbles) early on (just like soda can)-- so in any event, you should try to avoid it. Also, there is a chance that you (like any of us) could switch alcohol for food (particularly if you were prone to addictive behaviors before surgery). And, of course, there is the risk that if you are out drinking, as your inhibitions get reduced, you might be more inclined to snack and munch on bar foods that could undermine your progress. Also, some alcoholic beverages do have high sugar or carb contents (like wine-coolers, regular beer and anything mixed with fruit juices or regular soda), so drinking them can cause dumping or weight loss stagnation. Does that necessarily mean no alcohol ever? Heck no. Many of us (even those of us who are at goal) have a drink once in awhile (I happen to be partial to diet coke and gin with a twist). In fact, when you read at least one response to this question, you probably thought to yourself that at least one responder could use a drink himself to help calm down a bit (but that is just a needless aside). The important factor in deciding whether to have that first drink is to ask yourself why you want it-- if you feel that you absolutely need the drink because you feel deprived over food, then don't have it (you're just switching addictions). If you want to have an adult beverage while out with friends, you're not driving and you are sufficiently hydrated from drinking non-alcoholic beverages earlier in the day, then enjoy the one drink. But, only drink after you've done your research and talked to your surgeon about it. As for pizza, some of us will scrape the top off of a slice of pizza-- others I know (who are at least 12 months out) can have a single slice, provided it is thin-crust. As with all foods, it is a judgment call because if you are particularly sensitive to carbs, staying away from pizza would be worthwhile. For me, I have very bright line rules about sugar (I absolutely need to avoid it) and desserts that are sugar-free (they are all way too much of a trigger). As for pizza, I can have a single slice and still maintain my 300 pound loss-- I don't have it often (much less than a few times a year) and will not eat an entire slice when I do indulge. But, as with alcohol, let common sense (and a thorough understanding of your nutritional needs) be your guide. Good luck.
— SteveColarossi

September 27, 2006
Can you eat pizza or drink alcohol RIGHT after surgery? No. Not recommended. Follow your surgeon's plan closely. Later on? Sure - in moderation. I'm 3 1/2 years post-op, have lost 150 lbs, been at goal for 2 years...and I eat pizza every week. I have since I could eat solids and could tolerate it. There's nothing magical about pizza in my opinion. Do I eat a 1/2 pizza or more like I did pre-op? No. I have one average sized slice and usually don't finish the crust. As far as alcohol, I have a drink occasionally. Maybe once a month? Everyone is different in what they tolerate - so be careful....you'll find your way. Take what you read here and process it however you see fit. None of us are experts even though you'll read a few self-righteous posts that claim to be here now and then. Good Luck!
— Lori J.

September 27, 2006
SHOULD you drink alcohol and eat pizza after surgery? Probably not, but.. I'm of the firm belief that if you totally take all the good stuff out of your diet that you will end up binging and binging bad. I'm 3.5 months out, and do allow myself an occasional piece of pizza shop pizza as it's my absolute favorite thing in the world. I eat a few bites and am satisfied. I did have a piece when I was on soft food and threw it in the food processor. Lean Cuisine makes a few different types of pizza and I've allowed myself a piece of that as well on occasion as it's not as heavy and greasy as the pizza shop kind. Alcohol you need to be very careful with. First off, watch the carbonation of beer. I can drink about 1/4 of a cup at this point and have had it maybe three times since surgery. I've also had a few glasses of wine as well. The biggest issue is that you need to watch because your absorption will be TOTALLY different. I used to be a heavy weight and could easily drink a bottle of wine in a social evening without becoming tipsy. Now, a glass puts me under the table. Make sure that if you drink in a social setting that you have someone else to drive for you and help you. Since the absorption is so different and so fast the alcohol goes into your bloodstream lighting fast. After the first glass of wine I had, I'm sure that I was way way WAY over the legal limit within 30 minutes of drinking it. BE VERY CAREFUL! Some people will tell you to never have junk to eat again and be totally healthy in everything you eat. If you are able to be that disciplined, good for you. I'm not and I do allow myself an occasional bite here and there of those foods that aren't necessarily so good for me. I'd go crazy if I never allowed myself a taste anymore, but that's just me.
— oceanrayne

September 27, 2006
Everything in moderation, that's my mantra. When I could start having solid foods, I had such a craving for pizza so I got the Smart Ones lean cuisine. Chew, chew, chew and it was great! Since then I've also had 1/2 slice of Little Caesars. Just take it slow...after surgery you'll know what your new tummy can and can't handle, trust me! lol As far as drinking, I don't drink because of medication. I would worry about beer because of bubbles but you may be fine. My mom (RNY 1992) has a glass of wine about once a week and is fine. More than one glass, though, and she's toasted. lol Everything in moderation. :) Good luck! Congrats on your approval!
— platypus

September 27, 2006
As the others have said, probably not early on. It really depends on how your body is affected by the carbs. I don't "dump" although my body can get very lethargic if I've been eating carbs and I can get too full feelings rather quickly. At 3 months out (and a little before), I can eat pizza - thin crust is better and I've only tried cheese. I can eat about 1 to 1-1/2 small slice of thin crust (not finishing the crust). If I have to have medium/hand tossed crust, I can usually only eat a half. Do I do it often, no, because it does make me very tired and lethargic the next day but if I'm in a situation and that is the meal, I'll have my small meal and look at other ways to get more protein in. On alcohol, haven't tried it yet except in communion last week - wowser, I got a bit light headed from that one sip. There are varying thoughts on the alcohol which have already been posted. Good luck and just remember everyone is different in what they can tolerate. You certainly don't want to revisit some bad habits, but they don't have to be a total no-no.
— KC

September 28, 2006
Here is the truth to WLS... From a gal who knows what failure really is! Now I know how to have self control!!! Can I help you see the difference of what a joy life can be after WLS??? Please follow your own docs rules... As far as life after WLS... It is important that you change the way you think about food...None of us should have carbonation after surgery. This will expand the tummy... Beer is alcohol, it does create problems and you will surely not be able to drink too much... Pizza...That is one of my true down falls... I am not here to scare you , nor anyone else including myself with food issues. 4. 5 years out, I have done everything from great results to sabotaging my results to now being the very best I could asked to be @ 130 lbs and a size 3 juniors... The key to Ssuccess is being willing to remain teachable and allow myself to learn a new food behavior through personal development... Success is EARNED it is NEVER GIVEN! I have found my nitch in life and that is becoming accountable to my own actions and living proof that this surgery is just a tool... It is up to us to control on new brains... We as humans can abuse anything... We must change our lifestyle... Learn the value of nutrition and learn the value of grades of foods, just as though we have grades of fuel (GAS for our vehicles)... Our bodies require fuel to live a healthy life... It is up to us what type of fuel we put in our cars and our bodies... The end result is "YOUR CHOICE" I my friend have decided it is not worth morning over what I can NOT have it is so much more impowering to know that I have giving myslef the best of the best... Eating to live, not living to eat... When I get to the point that I am starving... I eat protein. I myself eat 150 gramsof protein a day but I have learned how to balance my protein so I do not rob it from my bones... I eat more than enough and hold my calories to a even pace. It is all about learning everything of becoming a new person and being able to treat myself as though I never went through this surgery and so I do not think of myself as a victom!!!! Ok enough of the preaching... Just love to share... I hope this helps, enjoy a piece of pizza, just know your limits... find a better way to enjoy a "HIGH" Alcohol turns to sugar quickly... Enjoy the healthy you... Please make sure to read my story in OH magazine this month coming up... I am very mych a heart felt gal who just loves to shine through others...I hope to domino the effect I give to you through a special time in your life that you just find yourself needing a friend! Love and many hugs with TONS of blessings... Celeste Momin From 327 to 125 now a figure competitor, not for a trophy, just with building an amaizing body!!! 16% lean health body fat. Muscle does way more than FAT... No I am not perfect...I deal everyday with an Obese mind... I now just have learned how to control it and yes sometimes I get off track... I know how to take the next moment and get back to business,.... It is all about learning... "HOW TO CUT THE PIE" Never take away the pie... live something called "LIFE AFTER WLS" Love to eat, but... I never graze! Nutrition is the key to energy and health... hope you enjoyed this... Put on a smile and go out and find your "WHY" Get involved with a Support group and enjoy the value of others and learn from others however, never let someone rob you of a dream...Dream Stealers are out here waiting to ZAP at us... We never want to think we are taking the easy way out..I never regret having this surgery, I only regreat the way I handled my new life, but hey life is a HUGE lesson...If we never fall we will never learn from our mistakes... I make mistakes, I learn from them! Bye and have a great day!!!!!! Celeste
— shakeyourweight

September 28, 2006
My doctor said that you can drink, but to remember that it won't take as much to put you under the table or maybe on top of it dancing.
— KathyE

September 28, 2006
Steve Colarossi - I just love to read your answers! You have just the right balance of everyone I've seen post to the Q&A. If I were to sum up post-op life down the road in one word, it would be: MODERATION. Everyone has a different experience with what makes them sick or what they can handle, but the key is to find something that will satisfy you without making you continue the "fat" mentality. My trick? I rule no food out. I refuse to allow myself to feel guilt over any food. Period. Because when I was in that mode, I denied myself that food, then I would "cheat" and then binge on it. Having my old triggers around the house now has helped me relax and learn how to listen to what my body really wants. Many times I'll think "chip" but when I think about it a second longer, my body is saying it wants something heavy on protein. Sometimes it wants celery! :o) The point is that once you have "done your time" and have been following your plan to get the weight off as quickly as possible, take time to learn what your triggers are and how to manage them. And as for the carbonation thing: Check it out - surgeons are split 50/50 on if that should be avoided. If surgeons can't agree, then it boils down to speculation and biased opinion. Early on it can make you uncomfortable. And depending on how small your stoma is, it might continue to make you feel that way. Or you could be like me - someone who started drinking diet soda again a few months out and I have not had a problem nor has it made me gain weight back. IT DID NOT EXPAND MY POUCH. Anyway, remember this one thing: If we all could be perfect and do without those things we enjoy eating and drinking, we wouldn't need the surgery.
— Dinka Doo

September 29, 2006
AMOS MOD chimes in:) After WLS you can usually but not always eat or drink anything in limited quantity, it takes perhaps 6 months and isnt a good idea during the fast loss phase, if you want to get to goal. Long term excess eating of anything high calorie can and does lead to gain:( Some people NEVER tolerate certain foods. Our friend Steve Cohen, is a typical perfectionist. He sees everything in black and white whereas life is full of shades of grey. I am over 5 years out, its different for long termers. Moderation in life is the key to nearly everything, including being a post op. although the risk of alcohol abuse is there, and everyone needs to know about it. some post ops get addicted to clothes and shopping with bad fiancial implications. Most appear to settle in very well.
— bob-haller

October 7, 2006
Hi. I was told by my surgeon that I could have 1 oz of flat beer. My nutrition class advised not the eat pizza because it was considered a trigger food - (foods that trigger you to eat more of i.e. nuts, chips, etc..). I tolerate thin crust pizza w/ toppings, but the bread is too filling. I avoid beer and have only a small amount of wine on occassion. Beer is carbonated and rapidly absorbed in the bloodstream, causing faster intoxication, so they may want you to answer no. Pizza? Not so sure of the reasoning they may be thinking against it.
— CHARLYLVN

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