Question:
Drinking alcoholic beverage

Will I be able to drink a gin and tonic or should I stick to wine..I guess a beer now and then is out of the question?    — debking811 (posted on May 24, 2009)

May 24, 2009
I just had surgery on 5/21, but my doctor said ABSOLUTELY no alcohol until one year post op. Then I am supposed to be able to have an occasional glass of wine or a drink, but was told that I would be much more sensitive to alcohol and should limit consumption (and never drink while out by myself).
   — buckscountybabe

May 24, 2009
i was told not to have any carbonated beverages for 2 weeks and no alcohol for 30 days. conceivably you could drink a gin and tonic after this period, however, alcohol has a lot of unnecessary calories and if you have one drink you're more likely to have another one. plus, there have been studies that once people have had bypass, they may be more likely to shed one "addiction" in favor of another-- so drinking alcohol can put you at greater risk.
   — greenpunchbuggie

May 25, 2009
I am almost 2 years out. I am able to drink about anything, but I think I have gained weight because of it. I would suggest the occasional drink, my surgeon said it was fine as long as I used common sense. The idea behind switching one addition for another is very true. Cheers! Deb
   — Debbi S.

May 25, 2009
I waited the full year to try alcohol as suggested by my Nut...Go slow...it hits you hard and fast...I had a beer this weekend with no trouble! Wine didn't seem to sit well with me this weekend...I am usually dizzy on a half a glass of wine...drunk by the time I finish 4 oz! I had a Frozen margherita with "te-kill-ya"...and it didn't bother my puch at all...but I was glad I didn't fall and hurt myself! So it was quite a fun weekend...I also canoed all day on the lake and worked outside all weekend for those empty calories...So it was a good trade off for me...I like to have a glass of something cold in the summer and have been on weekends for the last 4 outta 5 years po and have had no problems with alcohol...I do it in moderation and have a 2 drink limit at any given time...One drink does it anyway and I rarely go for two...Just set limits because those drinks do have empty calories and drinking too much alcohol does cause malabsorption of vitamins...Moderation is the key!
   — .Anita R.

May 25, 2009
As one who actually did trade my food addiction for an alcohol addiction (will be sober 5 years in a few months thank God!) I definitely advise caution. Obviously there are people who are able to drink occasionally without doing what I did. If you are going to drink I would suggest the following: 1) consult your surgeon to see what they recommend, 2) be aware that when you drink it is very likely to hit you hard and fast so do NOT go out alone and drink, 3) avoid high calorie drinks (you don't want to dump and you don't need useless calories), 4) avoid carbonation (no need to do any stretching of the pouch), 5) probably a good idea to have your first drink at home to see how you are going to react to it so you don't risk embarassing yourself in public, 6) beware of addiction, 7) eat first. Good luck with it. For "normal" people it can be just a part of socializing but bear in mind your window of opportunity for the fastest weight-loss. You don't want to waste that time on the needless calories of alcohol. Also, it is very scary how quickly one can trade addictions so stay on top of it and if you suspect there is a problem, get help.
   — Kellye C.

May 25, 2009
It seems every surgeon and nutritionist are different. I had lap band. I asked my nut about having a glass of red wine to celebrate my birthday this past Saturday. (I am 3 weeks post op) She said, "Remember all foods fit just be mindful. Red wine is the best; lowest in sugar. I would just remind yourself that it is a sugar so it is all about choices. So you have red wine, cake, possible starchy foods you may be eating. Limit yourself so if you are going to have wine, NOT WITH A MEAL. Make sure you are having protien and veggies instead of starches and then have a glass a wine after your 3o minutes." So I had a glass of red wine 30 minutes before my dinner. And I intend to wait a while before having another glass. Good luck to you!
   — Char-Ree C.