Question:
Will drinking alcohol make you plateau?

I am 3 months out -50lbs and started having a couple of drinks per week I have stopped to see if that was the case (and it is not good for us)but wanted to see if this has happened to anyone else.    — wesley B. (posted on February 26, 2003)

February 26, 2003
Im 3 months out also (-62 lbs) and I have a drink at least once a week since last month (hehe i turned 21) while i go out with all my friends...I havnt noticed drinking delaying my weight loss at all but If you do find out it does let me know!
   — sandrac131

February 26, 2003
While having a few drinks here and there certainly hasn't made my weight loss stop (5 months out and down 85 pounds), I do think it might make it a little slower than those who don't drink at all. I have a couple drinks at least a couple nights a week. I run a wine tasting group here and there was no way I was going to stop drinking wine after surgery!
   — Renae

February 26, 2003
What kind of drinks? Something like a bourbon and club soda or something with caloric mixer in it (like a screwdriver)? Even by itself, alcohol con contains 7 calories per gram, so it's nearly twice as fattening as carbohydrates or protein. In addition, alcohol can encourage us to eat high fat nibbles, or high fat desserts. This leads to extra calorie intake and can cause weight gain. <p> With the rapidity that it can get through the stomach and get into your intestines (with little food to absorb it), you can also get a lot more drunk on a lot less alcohol and end up doing some serious damage to your liver. <p> If you can avoid drinking, please do so. Have a diet ginger ale or club soda. Have the bartender put a twist of lime or lemon in it...JR
   — John Rushton

February 26, 2003
Most alcohol, esp. wine or something has a lot of sugar in it, so it could make you plateau. COuld also be a coincidence. For some reason, the times I've drank I lost more weight. Weird, right? Not saying drinking is a good thing, nor do I do it alot by any means, i just thought it was weird. But just like John said, be careful, our stomachs cannot process alcohol, so it pretty much goes straight to the liver. Always get your blood work done, and the nights you drink, make sure you drink extra water b/c alcohol is dehydrating. Also, you should never have more than 2 drinks in a night I've heard. My surgeon says alcohol in moderation is okay, but don't do it alot. Goodluck to you!
   — Lezlie Y.

February 26, 2003
I drink with friends almost at least once a week. It is just kind of part of my life. I drink red wine or vodka (no juice, just vodka with a twist, vodka martinis, or vodka and water). Oddly, neither vodka or wine have any or extremely little carbs. I used to be a big beer drinker but have given that up as a post-op. I have honestly never suffered a real plateau and am one year post op. In twelve months I have lost approximately 95% of my excess weight and am currently 152 pounds. However, on most other fronts...you know, following "the rules", I have worked very hard. So, I guess that has sort of balance things out for me.
   — PaulaM