Question:
Can we drink alcohol
After I become a post op patient, I would like to be able to still go out on a Friday night and have a few drinks with friends. Is this possible? Also, I know that alcohol converts to sugar, so are there some types of alcohol that are better than others? Currently when I go out, I drink captain morgan (rum) and diet coke, or a white russian, or maybe a drink made with fruit juice. What would be the best to reduce the side effects of the RNY and/or what should I avoid? Thanks — enjo4 (posted on September 13, 2000)
September 12, 2000
I don't know about the RNY part and dumping but be careful because the
alcohol part is scary. The first time I drank, I got drunk on 1/2 drink. I
am not sure why but I did and the same thing happened to my husband. Both
weekend drinkers, both post op VBG.
— Cindy G.
September 12, 2000
Alcohol in moderation is ok with my surgeon. My drink of choice was the
white russian, but the sugar in the kahlua and milk make it impossible now.
Something simple like diet coke and rum should be ok if you can tolerate
the carbonation. My surgeon advised me that I would get tipsy a lot
quicker, so you have to be mindful of that. He also said that excessive
alcohol will deteriorate the lining of the pouch (although I think it does
the same to a stomach not bypassed). A couple of drinks every once in a
while should not be a problem.
— [Deactivated Member]
September 13, 2000
Good Question, I also occasionally enjoy a good drink, ok maybe often, I
have not had surgery yet, but sweet drinks already make me sick after to
many, so I am going to stick with beer. Just can't have as many now, But it
is expensive anyway, so that is cool.
— [Anonymous]
September 13, 2000
As a post-op I've drank chardonnay, rum and diet coke, merlot, cabarnet,
heineken, miller lite, bourbon, port, and an orange juice drink none of
which gave me dumping. Then again I only drink 2 at a time. If you would
have a juice drink and drink more than that you'd probably dump. If you
were to have several you'd probably be better off with the rum and diet or
beers.
— [Deactivated Member]
September 13, 2000
Erin: My surgeon's materials warn us about alcohol post op. And he gave
me a lecture on this, even though I told him that I don't drink! So, I
know he feels it is important. He said that alcohol effects us THREE TIMES
AS MUCH as it did preop! He said one of his patients was convicted of DWI
after 3 drinks.
— Cindy H.
September 13, 2000
I have drank one time post-op. I had three screwdrivers in a 7 hour
period. I did not get drunk, but felt pretty good. The drinks aren't very
big either though. I don't see anything wrong with this as long as it's
not all the time. Everything in moderation...
— Deania W.
September 13, 2000
Alcohol will definitely effect you. It will take less to get you tipsy or
drunk. And don't forget, alcohol is very high in calories! Be sure you
have a desiganted driver when you go out:)
— Paula G.
September 13, 2000
I think the answer here, as many have pointed out, is moderation. For AGES
after my surgery in April, I couldn't drink at all ... heartburn like
crazy! Now I can have a couple of glasses of wine before or after (NEVER
during) dinner, or a drink (as long as it's not got anything carbonated in
it). About three is my limit for the evening. I have to say I miss my gin
and tonic with lime in the summer ... but not enough to go back to my old
life! Moderation, moderation, moderation!
— Cheryl Denomy
September 13, 2000
I'm 15 weeks post and I drink occassionally.. I have had Miller Lite, Sea
Breeze and Cosmopolitans several times with zero intolerance. In fact,
I've found it really relaxes the esophogus and stomach. I can never eat
when drinking though, not even a little popcorn or peanuts. The part about
getting tipsy easy is SO TRUE. Be careful.
— Sonya H.
September 13, 2000
Dry red wines such as cabernet sauvignon, chianti, and merlot are
relatively low in sugar. I have a split once a week while bowling...it
takes me the entire three hours to finish, if I finish. I feel it after
about 1/3 of a glass, but if I drink slowly and pace myself, I do not get
drunk. We are a bunch of cheap dates, aren't we? :)
— Allie B.
January 25, 2001
I am 8 mos post-op and a couple months ago, I drank too much beer and
rum/coke and the next thing I knew was totaled out of my mind and the next
day I couldn't hardly move or talk. I had put so much sugar in my system
that it was really impairing me and I was scared. Now I watch how much I
drink but I can handle beer and rum/diet coke alot better now and do agree
that it takes alot less to get to feeling good now.
— Cyndee O.
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