Question:
How long after WLS do you have to wait to drink alcohol?

I am not an alcoholic by any means, but I do like my 1 margarita every 2 to 3 months or so. Is it possible to drink 1 after WLS? I know I will probably not be able to drink a whole 8 oz glass or anything.    — Angela B. (posted on February 13, 2002)

February 13, 2002
Yes you can drink after WLS. Each doctor has a different protocol. I remember when I went home with my instructions, it said no alcohol for the first two weeks. That was it! I started drinking socially at about 5 months post op. My sister began drinking at about2 months. I dont think that at two weeks I wouldve been up to some Absolute. Also, remember that alcohol is high is calories (1 oz = about 130 calories). Watch what you mix it with. You don't want to dump too. I love my drink ocassionally but also beware that it doesnt take much to intoxicate us. Do not drive; even with only one drink. The rule of thumb (You can safely drink about 1 drink an hour) does not apply to us!
   — Jeannet

February 13, 2002
I am not sure how soon you can start drinking, but I had to add my post because I had an experience with this over the weekend. I went to a club with my hubby, and had ONE drink, it was called a Beach Bum, and I dumped severly. I was so sick. I had the one drink, and it was one of those sweet ones made with a bunch of different Schnapps. About 10 - 15 minutes after I finished the drink, I was miserable from the dumping. It took about 45 minutes to go away but then I was fine. It is just not something I would want to do again. I am 9 months post RNY. At Christmas I had a couple of glasses of Champagne and was not bothered at all. I think it just depends on the sugar in the drink too. I know my hubby and I have dinner reservations for Valentine's evening tomorrow, and the dinner package includes Champagne (which is my favorite) I am hoping I tolerate it well again. Just listen to your body and take it SLOW!
   — KLandrum

February 13, 2002
You are not alone thats for sure!!! I have been staring at 2 bottles of white wine chilling in the frig. since christmas time!!!! every night we have a fire going in the ole fireplace and thats when I miss drinking wine the most!!Maybe in a couple of months I will have that glass!!! Good Luck to you!!
   — Laura G.

February 13, 2002
I was told it would be six months
   — Samitra D J.

February 14, 2002
Sorry I heard you shouldn't drink alcohol for at least 1 year, consult with your doctor and see wut he says that's yourbest bet! Good luck.
   — Michelle G.

February 14, 2002
At 6 weeks out I had 5 beers with salt, and tomato juise to cut down the bubbles. I drank these in about 8 hours. I had a glass of water in between beers 3-4, and had no problems. did not get drunk. did not get sick.
   — sbinkerd1

February 14, 2002
Thanks for the answers! Jeanne, dont worry, I dont drive after I drink anything. Right now at my weight of 341, 1 margarita kinda knocks me loopy. I dont drink beer and everything else is kinda just gross to me, so margarita is what I stick with. Thanks again for the answers!!!
   — Angela B.

February 14, 2002
I was told you could drink when you wanted, but a) it will go straight into your blood and affect you quickly, b) the less you weigh, the less alcohol your body can handle, and c) empty calories! I, for one, had a beer about six months out. Just one and I felt really wasted. I had a glass of wine the other night and it really knocked me for a loop. I've now decided that if I really want a drink, it will be a very small one and only with food. I haven't tried mixed drinks because I dump on even a small amount of orange juice. I had a small sip of a friend's margarita a few weeks ago during dinner and that wasn't a problem.
   — PT LawMom