Question:
Why is it after gastric bypass surgery the patient must never consume alcohol or smok

   — gdelancy (posted on February 17, 2010)

February 17, 2010
because you don't want screw-up what the doctor did for you.
   — Gary123

February 17, 2010
My surgeon has not specifically told me that I can't have alcohol...as a matter of fact, I had a very small shot of Bailey's Irish Creme at New Years. But I'm thinking it has something to do with the fact that alcohol converts to almost pure sugar in your system, and that can cause dumping syndrome big-time. Also, because of the size of your pouch and our mal-absorption issues, a TINY bit of alcohol can make you flat out drunk, where as it never would have before. As for smoking, I'm thinking that smokers have a hard time healing from any surgery, let alone one that just re-arranged your insides...but I know plenty of people who have waited a month or two and picked it right up again. To me, that's just plain crazy - because quitting is the hardest thing you've ever done, so why ruin it by starting again, especially when you know that cigarettes cause cancer and other serious illnesses, and you've just had surgery to make yourself MORE HEALTHY, not to put your health in jeopardy by picking up a bad habit again.
   — Erica Alikchihoo

February 17, 2010
During my pre op visits with the nutritionist, she asked me if I drink and I told her that I drink socially. Her response was that after surgery I would be able to drink but I would get drunk faster. She also recommended drinking only wine.
   — Stacey W.

February 17, 2010
It isn't necessarily that you must NEVER have alcohol. It is just that with the bypass just a very small amount of alcohol (e.g. 1/8 of a cup - varies by person) will affect you as if you have had 1 or 2 glasses! But also, it can dehydrate you, and you tend to have difficulty getting in all the water you need as it is. As for smoking, it can raise your blood pressure, thin your blood, reduce oxygen levels - you are trying to get healthy! Why take the risk of getting cancer or ruining your lungs?
   — Wendy M.

February 17, 2010
I'm not sure about the smoking... the alcohol is because it takes so very little to get high/drunk. A 4oz glass a wine and you'll have a buzz equal to a bottle. This causes some people to switch from their food addiction to alcohol addiction. Not everyone does but it can happen. Also, my surgeon told us the the first few months your pouch is healing... this can slow it down. Hope this helps.
   — Kathleen O.

February 18, 2010
Smoking after surgery can cause ulcers. The main reason?? It's horrible for you! As for alcohol, I've heard that 6 months out, wine is alright. You should avoid all sugary drinks due to calorie consumption and dumping syndrome.
   — SarahMascara

February 18, 2010
When you drink after your procedure make sure you are healded. Do not drink beer, beer has carbination and that will stretch your pouch. As far as geting drunk quicker that just depends on your tolerance. Smoking is up tp the individual, it will slow down your healing dramatically so don't do it. Especially if you start smoking in place of eating. Remember you have had a major lifestyle change but that doesn't mean you have to stop enjoying life. A drink here or there isin't going to put the weight back on if you do it right.
   — saucedoj78

February 18, 2010
Alcohol is also a dehydrator. So, if you consume alcohol, you are going to need more fluids to compensate for the quantity of alcohol. Alo agree that you get drunk faster and it wears off faster, too.
   — Jayne