Question:
Is it true that alcohol can effect the liver more easily after having RNY?

It is my understanding that alcohol tends to effect the liver moreso after having gastric bypass surgery. Does anybody know much about this issue? Would love to hear from those well informed on this issue. Thanks:-)    — HealthyLifestyles (posted on May 15, 2003)

May 15, 2003
My surgeon says because the alcohol doesnt get pre digested in the stomach and hits the intestine directly a little bit of booze can intoxicate us easily, driving the blood number over .1 with as little as ONE drink. The liver has to work extra hard and those with a drinking problem can get into trouble. We had a support group member stand up and tell a sad story about getting addicted, gaining weight and nearly ruining their marriage. Goy picked up for DUI and lost their license It was very moving and sad. Reportedly she is doing better.
   — bob-haller

May 15, 2003
My surgeon has every candidate for his program sign an agreement not to consume alcohol for 6 to 12 months after the surgery, and then he recommends that patients limit themselves to 2 bar-sized drinks, and then only on special occasions such as anniversary, birthday, etc. Post-op, your alcohol tolerance is 1/6th what it was pre-op, ergo, if you pass out after a six-pack, one beer will pretty much do you in. I have read in q & a and on profiles about post-ops drinking, 6 weeks out. Not worth the health risk, if you ask me, but, I never was much of a drinker.
   — cherryswitch

May 15, 2003
As it was explained to me is that for the first year (or during the time in which you are losing the majority of your excess weight) the liver is working triple time to flush the crud out of your system. It is already working under a major strain. Then add alcohol to it - wham! Not a nice thing to do to a major organ you need to have around for a while. We were advised to avoid alcohol for at least 3 months after our weight-loss slows to a crawl or stops to avoid damaging the liver (not to mention those poor kidneys!).
   — [Deactivated Member]