Question:
Has anyone ever been denied surgery because of alcoholism?

I recently became sober after spending about the past year drinking 4-5 days a week. I hear that means automatic denial, but I'm hoping for the opposite.I f any one can help me I would greatly appreciate it. I turned to alcohol as an escape from my weight problem. Now I am commited to being sober to have surgery and start a new healthier life.I was denied once before for not having enough documentation, not I may be facing yet another wall.HELP!!!    — Kristie D. (posted on January 7, 2002)

January 6, 2002
They will want to make sure your recovered for awhile before they will let you have surgery. Post op you will be intoxicated on just a small amount, and it can damage your liver. The delay is for your own saftey. Besides this will give your liver a chance to shrink, making surgery easier. Good luck on surgery and staying sober.
   — bob-haller

January 6, 2002
I have no answer for you but a little friendly adice. If alcohol is a problem, I think that needs to be addressed first. I read your profile and it says you have been sober for 6 days. That is great! BUT, I strongly urge you to overcome the alcohol addiction BEFORE you have surgery. Trying to adjust to the life changes that you will experience after surgery AND trying to stay sober MAY be too much to handle at once. The post op diet is hard enough on your liver without the added stress of alcohol. Good luck to you!!
   — [Anonymous]

February 12, 2002
Well iam a recovering alcholic with 5 yrs sober. the way i feel about it is that its none of my doctors bussiness i dont drink anymore and for today iam sober so for today i keep it to myself Anonymouty is a beatifull thing =)
   — [Anonymous]

February 12, 2002
well i have to agree with the one who is sober for 5 yrs and also add that u need to get over one hurdel before trying to clim another why dont u try a 12 step program and stay sober for a 1yr then think about the surgery =) and i also have a few yrs sober =)
   — [Anonymous]

May 8, 2002
This in an answer but a question. Do you feel you are an alcoholic? Drinking 4 to 5 times a week does not necessarily constitute a problem. Is it a small glass of wine with dinner or something more serious? Good luck on your journey.
   — Valarie M.