Question:
What about beer?

I have seen alot of talk about hard alcohol & wine on this website, but not much about beer. I know the calories are higher, but do you get as drunk with one beer as you do one drink. I would like to try a beer but I'm really scared of the effects, any help would be great.    — LaurieP (posted on September 13, 2007)

September 13, 2007
I was told by my doctor not to drink beer because of the carbonation. He said wine is the best, and he rather see me drink hard liquor than a beer. However I am a beer drinker, if I drink. I am almost 18 months out and have had my first beer. And I drank it real slowly like it took three hours. I did get a buzz but not bad. I hope this helps.
   — rtschack

September 13, 2007
Why not try a nonalcoholic beer like Clausthaler or St. Pauli Girl, Sharps or Amber O'doels. If the carbonation works out okay you should be fine. Alcohol is about the same as wine so I wouldn't try it. Just tell everyone you are allergic to the alcohol if you feel better about it. You get the same taste. But realize this is coming from one who really is allergic to alcohol. Good luck.;l
   — bderuiter

September 13, 2007
ANY alcohol is your enemy. You get drunk much fast after the surgery. It can be very dangerous. I've heard of people passing out in bars just from one drink. I personally don't think it's worth it cuz your body changes and you don't know your body like you used to. Try a non-alcoholic beer if you must. Good luck
   — thevikster

September 13, 2007
You should stay away from beer! It is carbonated (which is bad for your pouch) and high in calories (which is bad for weight loss) My friend had surgery 4 years ago and lost over a hundred then started drinking beer again and put about 75 back on. She thought she was doing good because she wasn't eating calories but she was drinking them and stretching out her pouch with the carbonation.
   — Lost4Ever

September 14, 2007
This is usually a real difficult part of this life change. Any alcohol intake in gastric bypass patients will cause more rapid absorption of the alcohol - thus you can become a "cheap drunk." The higher the alcohol concentration, the worse (ie. wine is worse than beer). Alcohol is liquid, empty calories and is a way to defeat the tool the WLS gives you. Carbonation is a no-no if you want to keep the pouch from expanding unnecessarily. If you are really dying for a beer, I suggest you try a lowcarb, non-alcohol variety - but let it sit out long enough until the carbonation is gone. Some people may disagree with me here - it will either help satiate you, or help thwart future cravings. Good luck.
   — NMlakerFan

September 17, 2007
Because of your altered intestinal, alcohol gets into the bloodstream faster. Drinks with carbonation (beer, diet soda and liquor, etc.) increase the rate at which alcohol is absorbed. Make sure you are well hydrated (alcohol dehydrates) and don't drink on an empty stomach. There are some low carb alcoholic beers as well as some non-alcoholic ones. You would probably be best off drinkng a beer slowly, over an evening, and if it your first beer post-op.... drink it at home so that you know how it effects you. As far as alcohol content in drinks: a 12oz beer has about the same alcohol as 1.5oz of hard liquor or 5oz of wine. Please use a designated driver!
   — mrsidknee

November 12, 2007
I really don't have an answer I was going to ask what did you decide and if you did decide to dink, How did it affect you? I'm getting surgery in a few weeks and in 14 months I'm getting married,I would like to have a drink at my bachloerette party and reception. My tolerance now is very high. I only drink 1-2x a month. Or every other month.
   — angien