Question:
I am three months post-op and I have had one alcoholic drink. I thought I would feel

it right away but I didn't. I know I can not have beer or any carbonated alcoholic drink but other than that how can alcohol hurt me and could it do anything to my pouch?    — angelswings711 (posted on October 3, 2006)

October 3, 2006
Drinking is a big NONO for gastric surgery people. Alcholism is extremely bad with those who have had gastric surgery. Now you can do what ever you want however it is never recomended and of course this is your body. You are taking a sugars that are way above your recommend quantity. I am sure you know friends of yours that have had surgery and they most likely drink, but if you research it you will see that any qualified doctor will tell you the same.
   — Steve Cohen

October 3, 2006
Steve, excuse me but WHO said that drinking alcohol is a big NONO for gastric surgery people? No, it is for the individual to make wise decisions as to if they should ingest the empty calories or not. Please do not preach to people. Man, food police! Phyliss, everyone is affected differently by alcohol in their systems PO. It all depends on how much food you might have had in your system, the kind of alcohol etc. I have read stories of the effects both ways. You really need to touch base with your doctor or NUT about your question. They will give you the low down on what it can physically do to you. Personally, I stayed away from alcohol for about a year because I wanted to loose as much weight as possible and wanted to get my calories in via food. You go with what you feel is right for you. Chris
   — ChristineB

October 3, 2006
I am 2 and a half years post op and I have drinks occasionaly. I have not had any problems with drinking but I do know that if it becomes a habit that it can make you gain weight because of the carbs and surgars that it contain. The doc told me if you drink in moderation that it would be fine.
   — red_neck_girl561

October 3, 2006
I was personally told an occasional drink in moderation was just fine. I decided not to drink because last time I drank it affected me in a really weird way - I was immediately so drunk I couldn't even walk to the bathroom by myself, and it lasted several hours. I just did not enjoy the feeling. I had drinks on occasion prior where it hit then was gone in 20 minutes. Preop I liked an occasional drink, socially, not to be drunk. I prefer to feel more in control of myself. also - I tend to eat VERY healthy and avoid empty calories or liquid calories.
   — **willow**

October 3, 2006
If you don't mind flat sodas, you can always blend anything carbonated and it will take out the bubbles. Stick to things that are low in sugar and carbs though if you must - Smirnoff Ice Ultra 1s only have 1 gram of sugar and 1 gram of carbs per bottle (but must be blended due to carbonation), or you can try a clear liquor (white rum, vodka, white tequila, gin) mixed with a low-fat mixer (I like the Fresca cherry citrus soda or a cranberry juice - the former needing also to be blended). Everything in moderation though. Alcoholism IS a big problem with post-ops that transfer their addictions to other things (promiscuity, spending, drugs, booze, anorexia, etc.). I believe that Oprah will be doing a show on this very topic in the near future.
   — j_coulter

October 4, 2006
I have tried Bloody Mary's and Vodka Tonic's (Diet tonic) because they are both low in fat and sugar. There are many alcohol's that do not have any sugar.....vodka, whiskey (my friend who has had the surgery drinks Seagrams 7 and Diet). I am only 2 1/2 mths post-op so I haven't tried carbonated drinks yet (tonic is very low in carbonation) so Bloody Mary's work for me. But again - as other people have said - it is empty calories so everything in moderation! Good luck!
   — kathlene

October 4, 2006
Just my personal experience for what it is worth. The first time I had alcohol after rny I became high and have been addicted ever since.
   — [Deactivated Member]