Question:
When is it safe to have a drink?

Not that I want to or have the urge, I have never been much of a drinker, but over this holiday I had some pressure to be one of the girls and drink up. I did not however because of the sugar content in it and not knowing if it is safe yet. I never bothered to ask my surgeon because as I said drinking is not something I do too often, and could really care less about it. Now I am just curious. I am 4 months post-op.    — wildchild (posted on September 1, 2003)

September 1, 2003
I had tried a drink at 4 months post, I had a screwdriver. Fruit sugers have never bothered me (actually, no sugers bother me unfortunately), so I had no problems with the drink...I will tell you that I felt pretty tipsy after that one drink.
   — thekatinthehat

September 1, 2003
I am also 4 months post-op, and I also rarely drink. This weekend I was in the "mood" so I had some (like 1/2 of a shot) good quality vodka in about 9 oz. pineapple/orange crystal light, and lots of ice! Boy did I get BUZZED! I had no problems, aside from slurring my words.
   — Stephanie D.

September 1, 2003
Good for you for not letting them pressure you!! My surgeon says no alcohol for a year because the rapid weight loss is hard on the liver, which was already stressed from the MO. I had DS (duodenalswitch.com), don't know if that makes a difference in this regard but don't think so. Now that I'm >a year out I occasionally have a drink, but I always feel kinda dumb because alcohol has 7 calories/gram and that really adds up! It's 100% absorbed, too.
   — Chris T.

September 1, 2003
Im about 4 mon. post-op I have a can of Odulels N/A once in a while that seems to hit the spot. We need something for a change from water aslo can have Diet Coke very slowly though on both no chughing.
   — Peter L.

September 1, 2003
I had my first drink when I was 3 and a half months out. I drink wine now. It doesn't bother me at all. I actually loose around 3lbs. each time I do drink. My dietician says it is because I go to the bathroom so much. I do not make this a habit of drinking all the time, but it is nice to be able to go out with friends. Beware though, it doesn't take much for you to get a buzz. I definately stay away from carbinated drinks still. Just my preference, I am still scared to try it.Good luck!
   — Julie P.

September 2, 2003
Having a fw will not hurt you. Just sip at first. Till you knowif teh sugar will bother you. Don't drink too fast. I used to be able to drink like 4-5 before I was reallyy toasty. Now after wls it takes 1-2. so becareful of that. Have fun!
   — spring A.