Question:
Liver Problems?

Heard that a Hospital in MI sent out letters to some patients who had gastric bypass surgery warning them about consuming alcohol after,(years after), causing severe liver problems. Information on this topic?    — Linda K. (posted on January 18, 2008)

January 17, 2008
This is what I was given and why we should not drink... The use of alcohol after surgery could also cause irreversible brain and nerve damage, coma and possible death by inhibiting the absorption of important vitamins, including B-complex vitamins such as thiamin (B1) or vitamin B12. Alcohol inhibits the absorption of thiamin and other B-complex vitamins, reduces activation of certain vitamins, and stimulates the breakdown of vitamin A, pyridoxine, and folate (4-6). These vitamins may already be deficient in bariatric patients because of nutrient restriction, malabsorption or impartial digestion of foods produced by the prospective surgery. Alcohol use, then, would compound the negative effects that bariatric surgery has on vitamin/mineral status and increase the risk for associated health problems, including nerve and brain damage, defects in metabolism, a decrease in the ability of the body to heal, low immunity, fatigue and more.
   — babesintoyland

January 17, 2008
I was given the same information and required to quit drinking before surgery. I was told I could never drink or smoke again, unless I had the surgery reversed. I just drink water at social events even with my freinds at a bar. I always am the driver now, but it has not hurt my social life, other than I see others as fools where I use to be one of them from time to time, drunk and doing stupid things. I never say anything to my freinds about their drinking, and I am included in all their get togethers just like before. I actually fells good to me. I am happy not drinking and it is a lot cheaper to drink water. Now that everything at my house has been drank up, everyone brings there own.
   — William (Bill) wmil

January 17, 2008
Bottom line - after surgery - when you drink alcohol - it goes straight to your liver - no passing go, no collecting $200 (monopoly medifore). My surgeon requires you and makes you sign your life away - promising NOT to drink for the first year after surgery and then they recommend to NEVER drink.....but if you are going to - give it a year.
   — jammerz

January 18, 2008
Not wanting to be one to condone drinking to excess, I would just add that the dire predictions of alcohol going "straight to your liver" and of promoting vitamin deficiencies are just a bit overblown. First, I suspect that many programs want you to swear that you'll never drink again so that you will have less of a chance of cross-addicting to alcohol (even though those risks are remarkably lower than anecdotes and Oprah would have us all believe). Secondly, over time your body's ability to withstand the effects of alcohol improves (not that anyone should take this as a license to drink to excess just because they are 1 or 2 years post-op). The quick buzz that many people experience after their first drink when they are out 6 months does not continue indefinitely. Consuming alcohol can be frought with dangers-- and needs to handled with moderation-- however, doom and gloom scenarios tend to be treated so skeptically that once an individual discovers that they are not accurate, the underlying kernel of truth tends to be lost as well.
   — SteveColarossi

January 19, 2008
Linda, when we have an RNY or something that re-wires our insides, it would be foolish to mess with it and guess what might happen. Alcohol and even medications need to be taken with care and concern. I applaude you asking, but please heed my warning, don't trade obesity for organ damage by drinking. Stay away from alcohol. It just is not worth the risk. Not even years down the road. Take care. Patricia P.
   — Patricia P

January 19, 2008
Drinking alcohol, WLS or not, can cause liver damage. Check with your surgeon re:drinking... s/he will be able to advise you based on the specifics of your surgeon. Best wishes.
   — mrsidknee