Question:
3 1/2 months post op had 2 Vodka and tonics???
Oh do I feel guilty! First let me say that even pre-op I was not a drinker. 4-5 times a year was my norm. I went to a holiday dinner party and was a nervous wreck. So I migrated toward the open bar and proceeded to order a Vodka and tonic. Just planned on "sipping" it through the evening. Well such was not the case. It went down just fine, so much so that after finishing it I proceeded to order another! Now I know the carbonation should have at least done something but no! Now I am feeling so guilty like oh my gosh my surgery is going away or something! I am down 70 pounds in a little over 3 1/2 months I surely don't want to blow it now! Somewhere in the back of my mind I have this little voice saying try this or that I need to get rid of it! HELP! — kristen H. (posted on December 27, 2001)
December 27, 2001
Sorry if this posts twice...computer challenges...
Kristen - for ME, I know that my overeating was tied to an addictive
personality. I am addicted to a number of other substances, too, most of
which I have successfully treated through the use of 12-step programs.
What I can tell you from MY OWN experience (which may differ greatly from
someone else's) is that I want to FEEL differently than I do most of the
time. Therefore, I am more likely to indulge in something that will help
me do that. So, over the years, I actually was quite thin for a time,
because I was engaging in other behaviors. When I stopped those, I turned
(back) to food. I guess what I'm saying is - if you are like me, then
perhaps you are looking for that "something" that you can't get
with food any more...just something to be aware of. Many, many of us
"trade" addictions...read the posts...not so many people admit to
going to alcohol or drugs - but some posters talk about starting smoking
again after sugery, some of us start spending money like there's no
tomorrow, some of us "re-discover" the opposite sex in a big
way...everything in moderation, I know...that's just not anything I've been
very good at - moderation. What works best for me is to talk it out with
other people in the same place - as you are doing on this board. Best of
luck to you. Open RNY 7/17/01.
— blee01
December 27, 2001
First... RELAX. It is the holidays and liquids will always go down easily,
those are two facts that the surgery cannot change. The carbonation didnt
fizz up because when you pour soda over ice and another liquid such as
vodka... the bubbles almost all but disappear. The main reason we are told
to watch the alcohol is because of the amplified effect it has on us. Since
we dont have a big ole stomach for a cocktail to roll around it... it pours
almost directly into our intesting and is absorbed into our bloodstream...
so we get drunker, more quickly.
There is no reason why this would ruin your surgery... there is no reason a
cocktail would no go down easily... it is more a point of caution. Watch
out on New Years Eve!!
— SusanMaria
December 27, 2001
I don't usually post anonymously BUT...this is a good question/topic
Kristin and Bobbi's insight is very interesting. I have also had a past
that has included closet drug use, smoking, shopping, sex, etc...This is
something that would come as a shock to 99% of the people who know me.
Another one of our WLS friends on here suggested some books by an author
named Andrew Weil, M.D. One book is called "Chocolate to
Morphine" and the one I am reading now is called "The Natural
Mind." There is a philosophy that certain mood altering experiences
can be exchanged. This book (not far into it yet) supposedly talks about
Yoga and Tai Chi as a mood altering experience that we can trade for food
or drugs. My sister swears by this as she was a drug addict (bad) for about
7 years and after spending 6 months in a treatment facility and practicing
Tai Chi she says her life is forever changed. Give it a try, rent a video
on one of those topics or buy one at Hastings. If all else fails I think we
could all do well be seeing a therapist, just to talk out some post-op
problems.
— [Anonymous]
December 27, 2001
Hi Kristen,
I am almost 3 months out from open RNY. I've gone out and had some drinks
three times now. I don't see any problem whatsoever. I got a good
"buzz" going two of the times on like just three drinks (sipped
slowly). The only concern I would have would be all the sugar and calories
in mixed drinks. I ordered rums w/ coke but asked for diet to reduce the
sugar. I have and do continue to lose weight after these drinking
situations, so I don't think you should worry about social drinking
occasionally.
— Jennifer H.
December 27, 2001
Relax. An occasional indulgence will not ruin your surgery. I would only
worry if it becomes a regular habit. Just remember the extra calories and
perhaps sugar in alcohol, and don't do it very often. I have found that I
stick to my "plan" of eating 99% of the time, but on Christmas I
ate chips and drank all day (no sweets though, too chicken). I didn't feel
guilty at all, the next morning I was back to my usual routine. It's the
big picture that counts, not the little snapshots. I hate to see someone
beating themselves up over such a small thing.
— [Anonymous]
December 27, 2001
WOW Jennifer, 3 times in 3 months. Think maybe that's a little over board?
duh
— [Anonymous]
December 27, 2001
Anon, you are pathetic.
— Karen R.
December 27, 2001
No, thanks. I don't think it is overboard at all. duh.
— Jennifer H.
December 27, 2001
Thanks Karen. I'm going to assume you mean me because I don't agree with
going out and drinking after you have risked your life with this surgery.
We do this to better ourselves and I feel sorry for anyone who feels they
have to drink to enjoy there lives. I'm not talking about the once in
awhile drinkers but 3 times in 3 months sounds like someone who needs and
adjustment to there life. But thanks for the compliment.
— [Anonymous]
December 27, 2001
Who are you to judge how OFTEN I should enjoy a drink? I excercise almost
daily, eat right, drink water and I like to go out and have a couple drinks
(I just about mean that literally) once in a while. I HAVE made a big
adjustment to my life and it is a good one. Do I have to sit home and
hibernate because I had surgery? I'm a young woman. I'm not going out and
shooting up or anything. We're talking 2-3 rum & diet cokes here. Come
on now.
— Jennifer H.
December 27, 2001
I thought this was a place for us to share our opinions?
Mine is just not the same as yours. I apoligize for the DUH part but my
opinion is my opinion right?
— [Anonymous]
December 27, 2001
I went to a support meeting and the subject of alcohol came up. The Dr
& nutritionist both agreeed to wait for about 6 months--only because of
the sugar from the hard liquor.
— Nynese W.
December 27, 2001
Seems to me having 2 or 3 drinks about once a month would be considered
occasional or light drinking. I have read recently about the very positive
effects of red wine when drunk almost every day. Uh, I cannot drink it that
often, though. I think differences of opinion are good, but they should
never be said in an insulting or negative way. That's when people tend to
become defensive. JMHO
— Kathy W.
December 27, 2001
Yes, I felt the DUH was unnescessary. We come here for opinions of other
WLS people- curious to know "if this has happened to you as
well"? - we are not looking for new Mothers to slap our little hands.
In a way, this board is sometimes a confession site. When someone is less
than 'perfect' in following WLS rules, it bothers me to see them pounced
upon, or judged or deemed "bad". To be told they are
"bad" for being human is just not right. But then I guess the
anonymous posters have never strayed from their programs...... bravo to you
if that is the case! The poster should merely be answered regarding her
questions. Since I drink, (and possibly you do not) maybe you should not
be the one to answer this post? Maybe I should be the one answer her? So
here is MY answer: I think I waited until 6 months to drink. Not really
"not purpose" ... I was just really afraid to try new substances
in the first six months. Nowadays, I drink only if I feel like it. In
fact, I do whatever I well please foodwise, drinkwise, whenever I want. If
I want to. Whether or not the WLS gods deem it OK. I know the
repercussions, however, I am an adult. I drink responsively and I am
responsible for myself. PS: If anyone absolutely needs to know I do not
have an addictive personality, I do not crave alcohol or foods. So, if I
want to drink 3 drinks (or more!) in one evening, I'm not counting and
neither should you. I had this surgery so I could live my life how I
wanted to.... not to be saddled again with limitations like obesity did.
Back to your questions- No, your surgery is not "going away", you
can easily avoid drinking for another 3 months- as most Doctors say avoid
alcohol for six months- you should really find out what your Doctor says
for you. Consider it a lesson learned. The only thing you need to get rid
of is "guilt"... Guilt helps NOTHING. Speak with your Doctor,
see what they say....
— Karen R.
December 27, 2001
I really use to enjoy coming to the question and answer part of this
website because I could get a lot of good information from people who may
have had experiences that I could relate to. Lately it seems as if some
people (not all) are posting anonymously and just being plain cruel or
downright nasty. If a person has to hide behind anonymity in order to say
ugly things then I think they may have a bigger problem. Remember there is
a difference in answering a question and judging someone's lifestyle or
belief. Its best to be silent and thought a fool then to open your mouth
and remove all doubt. Lets help each other out with the knowledge that we
hold without judging the other person. Take care everyone.
— Teresa G.
December 27, 2001
I usually have a drink once every three years or so. The guy who donated
his sperm to my being (I won't dignify him by calling him a father- he
was'nt) was a drunkard. So I am extremily careful about booze. I do enjoy a
Grasshopper every few years. I had one two days before my RNY, and would
love to have one now at 7.75 months post op. I don't know if it is to soon
or not. Personally I would be very afraid to have "one" drink
after a bypass and two drinks would really worry me! Especially since I
have to be the driver whenever I go anywhere. I have no idea how a
Grasshopper would hit me now when I'm basically a non drinker anyway. The
first poster talked about trading one addiction for another. "Please
be careful as it makes sence that we would do that." As for myself,
I'm going to compromise and buy a bottle of Creme de Menthe, and Creme de
Cocca and make my first Grasshopper at home so I can see what it does to
me. I always make mine extremely weak and the bars make them strong. I hope
all of us are careful with any post op drinking. As one person said,
"we went through to much to ruin it". :)
— Danmark
December 27, 2001
wow! The things that get us stirred up around here! I think I'll just try
to stick to the question. I am 7 months post op and down over 100 pounds
(40 more to goal). I have had a few drinks and my experience with them is
sort of like my experiences with food. I drink on rare occasions. My DH is
a recovering alcoholic so there is no alcohol in our home. I never drink
and drive. Sometimes I can't finish a glass of wine, it just doesn't sit
right. On two occasions (both social functions and both where I ate a full
meal prior to drinking) I was able to have 2-3 drinks with no ill effects
other than the normal buzz that comes with alcohol consumption. It is not
an important part of my life, merely something I enjoy occasionally. I am
more aware than most about the dangers of alcohol, having been by my DHs
side during his recovery. But, a few drinks does not make you an alcoholic
or someone who will become an alcoholic. Also, every misstep does NOT ruin
this surgery. An occasional indulgence will not end your weight loss.
C'mon, this is about your overall lifestyle, not about a once in a while
indulgence. All of our experiences vary widely. Some folks can tolerate
milk, some can't, some can eat sweets, some cant', some can eat chicken and
rice, some can't. There aren't as many absolutes as we like to believe.
You'll be fine. Up your water intake and protein in take for the next
couple of days just to cleanse your system and move on.
— Sharon L.
December 28, 2001
Kristen: Don't worry about it. I prefer gin & tonic, but what the hey!
I had two vodka screwdrivers at my company Christmas party, and couldn't
finish the second one. What a difference the surgery makes :)
<p>I was worried about the orange juice, but didn't have any
problems. I think a mixed drink contains less than 8 ounces of mix, doesn't
it? And about 1 oz of liquor, so that's not much if you only have one or
two drinks. I had a pint of stout at about nine months post-op, and
couldn't drink but half of that either. I don't think your pouch has been
affected by the drinks.
<p>I'm not bothered by carbonation if it's a small amount, so maybe
you're not either. The only thing we have to worry about with alcohol is
the empty calories.
<p>Don't beat yourself up about having a drink now & then. Also,
don't listen to ignorant people such as the anon. poster below who thinks
one drink a month makes you an alcoholic. If people like him keep posting
here, I'll have to begin drinking more!!
— [Anonymous]
December 28, 2001
Kristen,
I'm solidly in the 'don't worry about it' camp. As one person said,
different people can tolerate different things. The only thing I would add
is to get some extra water in, because alcohol can also be dehydrating.
— garw
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