Question:
Alcohol digestion and effects

I am 3 yrs post op. I am curious on how the digestion, consumption and effectsof alcohol have been on those who are at least 3 yrs post op? Do you feel the alcohol faster? Slower? Shorter? Longer? Do you drink and not ever feel anything? Do you drink and feel like in minutes you have been hit by a ton of bricks? I feel it quickly, depending if i consumed the drink faster than normal. Then the "feeling" goes away almost as quick as well. Do you have any info on if the alcohol stays in your blood or on your breath longer? Or info on how long its in your system? The process,absorbtion and metabolism of alcohol? Any input would be excellent!! Thanks, Jennifer    — Jennifer G. (posted on January 12, 2009)

January 12, 2009
After an evening of celebration on a friends birthday, drinking several bloody mary's, I had an appt with my primary care for a check up. He ran liver function tests along with the others that we need as WLS, to which he was concerned that my liver enzymes were elevated. I explained that I had binge drank, but he ran Hep A, B, C and tons of other tests to make sure I was not having any liver failure. I can tell you that "we" are more suceptible to cirrosis of the liver because of the absorption in the small intestine of the alchohol. I know there is not a lot of information available on this subject but I was discouraged by my bypass MD to drink alchohol and part of the psych eval asked how often to you drink alcohol for this reason. I think it is important no to trade one habit for another, ie., food for alcohol. Hope this helps with some of your questions.
   — Wakeup&fly

January 12, 2009
The villi (the part of the intestine that actually allow absorption into the blood stream) that handle alcohol are located closer to the pouch after surgery. As a result, most RNY patients have a more intense quicker impact from alcohol consumption-- many of us, however, seem to think that the impact appears shorter-lived than when we drank before surgery. Many of us have had to contend with eliminating surgary drinks and for others carbonated alcoholic beverages can be a nuisance. Also, you will probably read many dire horror stories of "cross addictions" where the former ice cream addict gets hooked on Mich Ultra, or of the formerly repressed heavy person who suddenly comes into his or her own and starts drinking and partying every night to make up for "lost time". Sure, there are many stories of alcohol abuse among our population, but the overwhelming majority of bariatric patients can safely consume alcohol in moderation with no negative impact on their health, psyche or weight loss. For me, I do enjoy a gin and diet coke with a lime when I am out (it is crisp, dry and has no carbs)-- although I do have to explain it to bartenders and waitresses, I enjoy it every now and again.
   — SteveColarossi

January 14, 2009
I don't drink often or much...I am quite happy with a half a galss of wine...I am such a cheap date! It hits me immediately...and is gone in about 20 minutes. I personally cannot drink alcohol after I eat or I will be sick...TOo many carbs or something...Steve pretty much explained it...I was giving my experiences with it...It doesn't mater if I am drink wine or jagermeister (WOWZA!) I will get equally drunk as fast and lose the buzz as fast too...Carnie Wison talked about her cross addiction to alcohol a while ago...and I know of two close GB friends who I seriously worry about too...They just drink so much that I have no idea how they are not being posioned...It's scary! I won't go there!
   — .Anita R.

January 15, 2009
At my 9 week checkup I asked my Doc about consuming alcohol for an upcomming event. She told me it was fine but to be careful that you don't get too drunk or think you are going to drive anywhere. She also stated I should take Prevacid or the otc equivalent a week before and a week after if I knew I was going to drink because alcohol could cause stomach ulcers. I've always been able to drink a lot without much affect. Not all the time but a lot on a special occasion. I decided I would try it at home before my outing next week to see how I would react in the comfort of my own home. My drink of choice has always been Jack Daniels and diet coke. The doc said the carbonation probably would be ok because the Jack would probably fizzle it out. I made the drinks the way most bartenders do. Within an hour and a half I had 3 what you would call bucket glasses of Jack and Diet Coke. It relaxed me a little but honestly I felt no buzz and no side effects what so ever. I'm not recommending anyone try this or that you will have the same result. Just sharing my experience.
   — Sinbad1969