Question:
Alcohol after RNY?
Just a curious question. I am 3 weeks out today and The social aspect of eating is well null and void from my life. When is it ok to have a drink again that has alcohol in it? It is hard being in social settings without eating... I am sure its going to be quite a while before a glass of wine but any idea just how long? — jillian_amari (posted on June 8, 2010)
June 8, 2010
I had RNY 11 months ago, had my first glass of wine at 9 months out. I do
have an occasional glass,but only 1, it goes to my head very quickly. Lots
of empty calories, and 1 glass hits like 2-3 used too. So tread
cautiously.
— Nurseducky
June 8, 2010
My surgeon specifically spoke about this in my preoperative consult -- in
case alcohol was considered an "issue". I am now 5 mos postop
and although there have been days I would really have enjoyed a glass of
wine to end my day, I have not yet indulged. (Perhaps the "fear
factor" within helps keep me on the straight and narrow?) Also, my
doctor expressed waiting at least 1 year postop before trying anything
alcohol related. He stressed that yes we will become relatively
"cheap" dates in our afterlife -- given how quickly alcohol is
absorbed into our systems and that one cocktail can quickly feel like
multiples (as the prior poster, Susan also alluded too). Even more
importantly, I think is in what I hear you say about being in social
situations and now not being able to eat--all true! However, I am certain
you will hear many people on this forum say -- the surgery was an operation
on our stomach, and unfortunately it did not work on our heads (and
sometimes a bit of that might have been beneficial as well). I mention
this specifically because, in case you were not aware, something called
"transfer addictions" is something very real and possible as a
result of the limitations put on you after WLS. You may want to
potentially explore this forum for more information on that, particularly
if this is a term considered "new" to you. Best of luck on your
journey.
— momeego
June 8, 2010
My Dr said for me to wait at least a year out, preferably 18 months out.
My NUT had a fit when I told her I drank one glass of wine!!!!
As far as eating out, for me, it is quite difficult, I am 10 months out.
If I go to a party I will eat cheese and crackers. This is a life changing
operation, but so worth it.
— FSUMom
June 8, 2010
I agree with the two previous posters. Also, it's all about the mindset.
For me, it's not hard being in social settings without drinking (even
though I love a glass of wine) because I am in that social setting in a
size 10 or 12 and feeling pretty damn good about how I look. I know that I
could be drinking that wine and still feeling heavy and miserable if it
were not for this surgery. I am 11 months out and have not had any alcohol.
In a few months I may try a glass of wine or I may not, but for now, when I
am in social settings, I get a wine glass, put a slice of orange or lemon
in it and maybe a couple of grapes add some water, maybe ice and I sip.
That's my cocktail!
— browngathers
June 8, 2010
I had my first drink about 3 months after surgery and didn't much care for
the effect on me. The alcohol seems to get in my blood a lot faster.
Whereas before I could have 3 or 4 drinks before I felt the affect, just
one after surgery had my head woozy. Now, 10 months out, I have an
occasional drink, sometimes two, but that's my limit. I go after work with
the guys or coworkers and I sip not chug.
— Joseph Johnson
June 8, 2010
I say wait as close to a year as you can. Alcohol is an irrantant to the
pouch and is just not worth it. I'm 2-1/2 years out and have a cocktail at
half strength on rare occasions. Alcohol affects me differently now, and I
don't enjoy it like I used to.
— Richbehr
June 9, 2010
I have to say I agree with the previous posters as well. I have a drink
now once in a while, but it goes in you fast and you feel the effects fast.
Then it's gone. I don't want to pick up a new vice, so I don't have it
much. I guess its a personal choice for each person. congrats on having
the surgery. It will be worth it all!
— katiecakes
June 9, 2010
Hi ! my clinic suggests 1 year before you consume alcohol for the reasond
already stated and the fact that the weightr loss we undergo is taxing on
the liver ..now add alcohol and you are pushing ur liver to do a lot. its
alreasdy over burdened by the weight loss. a year is not so long to wait.
i waited 1.5 yrs. i didn't miss it. hugs kim
— gpcmist
June 9, 2010
Just another note- Alcohol has a negative effect on the pouch and the
stoma. I was not aware of this when having had the RNY 8yrs ago. Others may
be able to provide more info on what it does specifically and how but the
result is that it dialates the stoma and stretching occurs I believe
something to do with thinning of the tissue itself. It does also of course
provide nothing but empty calories, cheap date (fastly drunk on a drink or
2). Barix had a pamphlet on the adverse effects to the pouch and stoma but
I only heard about the pamphlet have not been able to get one and a 3hr
drive, I am waiting to find out the fine details on what exactly it does to
the tissue.
— rgreathouse
June 16, 2010
Thanks for the responses. I have no plans on trying it anytime soon right
now I need to conquer food without throwin up lol
— jillian_amari
June 18, 2010
When you're doctor says you're allowed to have alcohol again, search the
internet for low sugar or low carb drink recipes. It won't help you with
the rapid alcohol absorption, but it will help control the sugar and
calories you're taking in. Here's a great website that has "diet"
cocktail recipes:
http://www.thenibble.com/reviews/main/cocktails/low-carb-drinks2.asp
I love fruity drinks and I tried them out before surgery and they all taste
delicious. You should use 1/2 of the amount of alcohol especially in the
beginning when you're finding out what your new alcohol tolerance is.
— moore.kats
Click Here to Return