Question:
I have a question about drinking an occasional beer or two -- 10 months post op

Down 100 lbs. (was 286 to start out) and I just returned from vacation. I drank a few beers while relaxing with friends and realized how much I miss that. Here's my question and I invite all replies, pro and con. What really is the harm in drinking a beer or two now and then, say one or two a week? It is okay? It is harmful? Will I be stretching my pouch and if so, do you mean stretching it permanently? I would like to hear my options. Thanks.    — Annie H. (posted on September 5, 2002)

September 4, 2002
You will not stretch your pouch - the liquids will go right through it. <p> What you will be doing to your liver is another story.
   — John Rushton

September 4, 2002
Hi there! I was not aware until recently (and still not sure how accurate) that with RNY gastric bypass, the portion of intestion that breaks down alcohol is bypassed. It now requires your liver to exert 5 times more the effort to break it down. I found this out at a support meeting run by nutritionist out of Christiana Care Delaware. I do still drink a few glasses of wine a month. I know alcohol can have a lot of calories, so I watch it anyway. Hope this is helpful. If I'm inaccurate about the liver function part, can someone let me know? Thanks. -Kim open RNY 7/17/01 -127
   — KimBo36

September 4, 2002
My non-medical opinion------When I drink a beer, which is rare now as it was pre-op, I get a buzz MUCH faster....but it lasts for 5 minutes. Big indicator that something is very different.
   — RebeccaP