Question:
Can you drink wine?

Does anyone drink wine on a regular basis? Specifically White Zinfindel? I loved to have a glass on the weekends pre-op but have been chicken to try it post op because I'm not sure how much sugar it might have. Has anyone dumped on wine? Thanks!!    — DolcezzaVT (posted on August 14, 2001)

August 14, 2001
I drink occasionally post-op. I was probably about six months post-op before I had any alcohol. You'll want to go slow and just try a little first off. I find that alcohol affects me much more quickly, especially on an empty stomach. You'll want to be careful about this and not be driving.
   — Gina E.

August 14, 2001
I don't drink at all anymore, but I know that the people in my support group have said that they are now a very cheap date. They said that wine especially goes straight to their head so be careful.
   — livnliter

August 14, 2001
I drank about a half glass of white zinfindel and dumped. I had had sips of wine before with no problem, so it may have been the food I ate with it. My advice would be to try it the first time at home so if you dump you can go straight to bed!
   — ctyst

August 14, 2001
I have about a half a glass, sip it slowly and savor the taste. A full glass affects me like I had 3or4 glasses. I have not had any problems with wine and I'm 3 months postop. I had wine with my steak and it was soooo good!
   — Billie M.

December 4, 2001
6 months post-op rny and a nice 4 oz glass of blush (white zinfandel) helps a lot at dinner when I am feeling pukey. I get nice and relaxed and then can eat something.
   — Wendy S.

August 2, 2002
The best thing to do is look on the bottle and check to see if they producer/grower has a California address. I spoke to one of the representatives from one of the BIG wineries in Napa Valley and he told me that in California, it is not legal to add sugar to wine. The reason is that California is a big wine producer and the competition and awards and kudos that go to the wine growers is based on the sweetness of the grapes that go into the wine. The goal is to make a good wine, but the bigger picture is to come up with a strain of grapes that are very sweet and tasty. Anyway, that is why they are not allowed to add sugar. He said, however, that he knows nothing about wines from other states or foreign wines. Probably more than you wanted to know, huh?
   — Lynette B.