Question:
Can I drink beer, red wine or any kind of alcohol at 6 weeks?
I am just wondering if I can drink any kind of alcohol at 6 weeks out? I am going to my parents anniversary party and I would like to feel "normal" again and have a small glass of wine or something like that! I am not a big drinker, but I would like to join in the festivities! What is the "best" drink for me to have? Is it WAY too early? I had open rny 6 weeks ago and am doing great! Lost 35 pounds already and feel wonderful! Thanks in advance for your answers! — [Deactivated Member] (posted on October 11, 2003)
October 11, 2003
I'm pre-op, and every dr. is different, but mine said that I'd probably not
be able to drink alcohol after surgery. For one, there is basically no
food in your system to absorb/buffer the alcohol effects, secondly most
alcohol has some kinda carb related sugar in it, especially wine. You
might dump on it. And third, I think 6 weeks is too soon after surgery to
try it. But I'm not a doctor, and don't have the right answers but I'd
say.... The "best" drink for you to have is H2O on the rocks.
— Michelle J.
October 11, 2003
My surgeon says afte 1 year PO you can have a little alcohol on very
special occassions only and also must have a designated driver as the
alcohol will hit you like a brick wall. To use those kinds of empty
calories as 6 weeks is really a waste in my book. Besides you are so early
po that the alcohol could upset the healing pouch etc. My suggestion is
wait for next year's anniversay.
— zoedogcbr
October 11, 2003
My surgeon does not have a problem with alcohol. You may not be able to
have beer, at 5 mos out it bothers me. A little wine, but with some water
mixed in may go down ok. At six weeks I did try to have a glass of wine
but it kind of burned. On the other hand I have heard of people who had no
problem with it early out. Good Luck
— Kriola
October 11, 2003
Of course, check with your doc for the definitive answer, but I wouldn't
recomend alcohol so soon after surgery. My doc has us wait at least 4
months before trying alcohol because of the possiblity of the alcohol
causing ulcers in your healing pouch. Also, because the alcohol dumps
directly into your small intestine, you can become quite drunk on a very
small amount of alchol. Alcohol also is then metabolized in the liver in a
more "raw" state than in a normal person, which can tax your
liver (which is probably already taxed from obesity). The carbonation in
beer is likely to make you feel horrible--bloated and in pain. You can
certainly feel normal and enjoy the party without alcohol. It would be
highly embarrassing to get very drunk or quite sick at the party. An ulcer
is also no fun. Stick to iced tea or water with a lemon or lime wedge in
it. It looks like a drink in a glass, but isn't going to hurt you.
— Vespa R.
October 11, 2003
Susan, I would say check with your dtr, but, the first time you have a
drink, PLEASE DO IT IN THE COMOFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME. If you want to see
what Alchol can do to you, pls check my profile for a mid July 2003 entry
and see how it can really f...you up after surgery. Good luck.
— heathercross
October 11, 2003
I can not understand why you have to drink at a special function to feel
normal. Maybe this is just me, but being able to indulge in food or booze
to feel normal, my be the reason we needed WLS. I am diabetic and have a
recovering alcoholic husband, and we never drink any booze, party or not,
and if your hosts do not have other choices than alcohol, I would tell them
I could not attend. There are many people, for many different reasons that
do not drink, you could be on medication that does not mix with alcohol. So
drink something else, why take a chance on screwing up your tool.
— cindy
October 11, 2003
I had my first drink around 6 weeks post-op and I have done fine with it.
I don't think there is a problem with it, if you have it ocassionaly. I
personally like to have Vodka with Diet V-8 Splash or Vodka with cranberry
juice. Vodka has the least amount of calories. I have not tried beer
because of the carbonation. I can understand what you mean about wanting to
feel like you fit in. People seem to be responding in a rude way about your
question and I don't understand why! Don't let it bother you. One word or
advice though, be careful with the amount you consume. You only need a
little to really feel the affects of the alcohol. Also, it is a good idea
to try it at home to make sure you don't have a bad reaction.
— Kristi A.
October 11, 2003
NO. . . . . . . No. . . . . no
— Marrilee M.
October 11, 2003
well.. I'm not your doctor, and I'm guessing no one else here is... I'd be
damned careful... I had a sip of beer.. well, about three sips at about 8
weeks... but I'd say the best drink is not alcohol... at least not in any
quantity... I'm 15 months out now.. and occasionally I have about 6 oz of
beer.. but that's it.. and it makes me drunk. Ask your doctor.
— Lisa C.
October 11, 2003
I started having the occasional glass of red wine at 3 weeks out and I have
had ZERO problems
— Sarah S.
October 12, 2003
Have some orange juice, no one will know it doesnt have alcohol in it. Dont
mess with your pouch so soon, its not healed yet.
— bob-haller
Click Here to Return