Question:
I have not revealed that I am an alcoholic; should I tell the doctor (HMO)?
I am a heavy drinker. I dont get sloshed but drink, a lot, every day. I know that I can't drink post-operatively and that if WLS is going to succeed I must quit. I am committed to doing what is necessary, AA counselling, etc. I havent had alcohol for a few days with no problems except for the wanting a drink. I am afraid to tell the doctor because the drinking problem could make me ineligible for the surgery. My liver function test was "slightly elevated" but the doctor said it was probably due to my weight (of course she doesnt know about the drinking) I wont be eligible for surgery for 6 - 8 months, enough time to get alcohol out of my system. So, what do you think? Is it safe to tell the doctor? Will it disqualify me for the WLS? I am with Kaiser-Permanente, an HMO Signed, secret drinker — [Anonymous] (posted on March 27, 2001)
March 27, 2001
There are two people I don't lie to that is my doctor and my lawyer. Think
about it. If you have complication with the surgery and your doctor don't
know why. They will probably run unnessary test to find out. I think you
should be honest with your doctor so that he/she can help you as best as
they know how. I not a alcoholic but my father was one and it affected me
greatly. Until you get a handle on it, I don't think you should have the
surgery. You have already taken the first step by admitting it, now all you
need to do is seek help. I know it is not easy but I do believe it is
neccessary in order for you to become the complete person you want to be.
— [Anonymous]
March 27, 2001
I am not sure of all of the complications but this I do know I would be
worried about bleeding very badly I had a friend who was, is an alcoholic
and his dentist wouldn't even do surgery because he said alcohol thins your
blood and he could bleed to death, I would think this would be of great
concern be honest with your doctor and see what he says after all this is
your life we are talking about. I feel for you my father was an alcoholic
and ended up comitting suicide what a sad and lonely life there is so much
out there to be thankful for rethink your lifestyle and reach for the
things that are really important instead of the bottle. Please go to aa
and get your emotional issues under control first. I wish I could be there
to hug you and tell you that you will make it I have seen what alcohol can
do to a persons life. Life is wonderful I want you to see that it is take
the step for you and only you, take care and if you want to talk my e-mail
is [email protected] no pun intended
— Chris H.
March 27, 2001
Hi, I felt the need to stop and post a message. I am 13 years Clean and
Sober and I still today think of that 1 drink or that 1 drug. But I know
it will only lead me back to the life that I no longer want to live, and
that is to be so Powerless over my drinking or drugging. But I will also
say that I did NA/AA and counceling for the first 8 years 365 days a year.
AA/NA was my intire life because I wanted to begin a new freedom without
the bondage of having to have a drink or drug. Even though I had a weight
problem than. I loved my booze and drugs and I went to any lenghts to get
high. Once I quit and went for counceling and meetings and I saw People
just like me living a Clean and Sober life and they were happy and i wanted
what they had. and I took One day at a time without drugs or alcohol. that
lead me to my 13 years. I choose not to live that life style anymore. but
I will say that all because I dont drink doesnt mean I dont think of the
"Goodtimes" of the old days either. Life was easier than and i
was younger I thought life was suppose to be a Big Party
everyday.....Wrong..... I had to admit that I was POWERLESS over my
alcohol and drugs and I prayed for God to help me which he did. You can do
it to, you have taken the first step and that Admit that you are Powerless
over your drinking. I ask you to be honest with yourself and tell your
Doctor. Because I would hate for you to go thru with this surgery and not
be able to handle it and turn to drinking because that will cause more harm
than good. Alcohol has so much sugar in . And speaking for myself as an
Alcoholic I can not stop at 1 drink.......Like the saying is 1 is too many
and 1000 is not enough....Once I get started I cant stop..... I am not
preaching to you I really only want the best for you. I will keep you in
my thoughts and prayers. (Make sure this surgery is really what you want
to do and not use it as a way out.to stop drinking because this surgery
doesnt help the brain in way shape or form, it is only a Tool to help lose
the weight.) if you need to email me please do. Take care and God bless
you, DREAMS DO COME TRUE FOR THOSE WHO BELIEVES,Jay Biller
— jay B.
March 27, 2001
Hi Secret Drinker: I know everyone else says to tell and in a perfect
world they're right. But this is Kaiser who will do just about anything to
not have to provide you with expensive treatments. So in answer to your
question is it safe to tell your doctor: I'm guessing it's not safe if you
want the operation. I would say that if you can stay off the alcohol for
six months or more prior to your surgery, then the effects of your drinking
on your health, such as bleeding etc, would probably be reduced or back to
normal. You should try and ask an expert about that though. If your liver
function is slightly elevated I would assume it is from your drinking and
not from your weight. And honestly you do have a problem with drinking
since you still want to do it. Same with people who quit smoking. You can
put the habit down but the desire is still there, thus it is a problem.
You might not want to be totally honest with your doctor and disqualify
yourself from this needed surgery. However I sincerely urge you to be
honest with yourself. You do need to put the alcohol down and never go
back to it, especially with this surgery. Can you do it? If you're not
100 percent sure, then I say tell your doctor about your drinking habit and
let the chips fall where they may. If you are positive you can control it
then maybe you might want to keep the info. to yourself. It would be a
health risk to not be 100 percent upfront with your doctor. It's up to you
to weigh it out and decide which will benefit your health more. I wish you
well with whatever you decide. We all know about doing things to our
bodies that aren't in our best interests. No judgment here. Good luck. S
— sherry hedgecock
March 27, 2001
What do you think/feel about drinking? Do you enjoy feeling like s***
after drinking too much? Does it make the "pain" go away?
Smoking made the pain go away for me. And you know how smoking and
drinking go together. Like two peas in a rotten pod. When I finally faced
my "issues" I didn't want to smoke anymore. Life isn't a bowl of
cherries but it isn't the pits anymore either. Some people think AA is
great. Some think it's a bunch of bull. It all depends on how you want to
use that particular tool. Private counseling might be another way to go.
But it is all up to you. And don't think your doctor is so oblivious that
he doesn't have a suspicion as to what you're doing. Most doctors just
don't want to have a confrontation with an alcoholic that doesn't want to
admit they need/want help. They know it is useless to suggest help unless
the person asks for it. Sounds like you may be ready. Do you want to have
a longer, healthier life? It sure won't be healthier and possibly not
longer if alcohol is consumed. It really is a poison to the body, just
like smoking. I wanted to have this surgery and found out through research
that healing is hard for a body to do when it is starved for oxygen. I
knew it would probably make it easier for something else to kill me, like
lung cancer. What's drinking really do for you? Other than mess up your
liver, your stomach, your blood sugar levels, your judgement. What have I
forgotten? Oh, your memory too. You really sound like you're ready to get
treatment for this disease that's trying to rob you of your new life or
maybe even kill you. To Thine Ownself Be True...(you might look up the
rest of this saying because it is a good one).
— [Anonymous]
March 27, 2001
I don't know about the doctor, but make sure you tell your anesthesiologist
every drug you've taken recently, every herbal remedy or herbal supplement
you've taken, every over the counter drug, and every prescription drug.
All these things must be taken into account to give you the correct
anesthesia and to monitor you during the surgery. Best wishes on giving up
the alcohol, do it soon though, if you can.
— Cindy H.
March 27, 2001
Alcohol is deadly weapon. If you think people do't know you drink, think
again. I could tell everytime I just tlaked on the phone with my Mom, who
died from alcohol at the young age of 47. The surgery wont be the only
thing you miss out on if you keep drinking. Try missing your both your
daughter's weddings and 2 Granddaughters. Please quit and be honest with
yourself First and foremost. Good Luck, I pray for you.
— [Anonymous]
March 27, 2001
You should tell your doctor about your concerns regarding alcohol. Alcohol
will thin your blood and you don't want that to happen while you are having
surgery because you will possibly be on a Heparin drip which thins your
blood. Also post-op what about all those empty calories from alcohol. Who
would you have to blame when you don't see a fast enough weight loss?
— Margaret M.
March 27, 2001
If you can't stop now, I wouldn't leave it to chance to find out if you can
quit after the surgery. There's plenty of help out there that you don't
have to report to your insurance co. SO, don't kid yourself, or anyone
else. Use the time to get this problem taken care of.
I'm a recovering addict and alcoholic, and if I'd had the surgery while I
was using, I'm sure my addictions would have taken priority over any health
concerns that should be top priority after this surgery. I've told my
doctor my history and he didn't raise an eyebrow. I don't think it is that
unusual to have weight problems along with substance problems. Lots of
people go on to gain weight after they quit using drugs or alcohol. It's
just an extention of their addiction. So get real and take care of this
problem now. It's just one less thing to worry about and your focus can be
where it needs to be!!!! It shouldn't surprise you that you can use the
same tools to quit drinking that you could use to eat healthy. They are
both a lifestyle change. There's more to it than just saying I quit. So
get real and make those changes. Good luck and God bless.
— [Anonymous]
March 27, 2001
Please talk w/ your Dr and be up front. If this stops your process then
thank them as it may be saving your life. Get the drinking helped/stopped
and keep trying.. if this surgery is meant to be for you it will happen
some how.
I know postpoperatively if you drink alcohol regularly or heavily you are
in for a quick demise because of the way your new stomach/inestines etc
will absorb it.. your liver will pay a HUGE price.
— Dawn R.
March 28, 2001
I sympathise with you greatly. Two majors problems to deal with. I believe
the alcohol problem should be dealt with first. May I suggest you to talk
to your doctor upfront about it. Do not hide it. Emotionnaly I am sure it's
very difficult for you but I think it's the best approach. Good luck and
keep us informed of your progress.
— louise L.
March 28, 2001
— [Deactivated Member]
March 28, 2001
Many good answers here, but my opinion is for you to pay more attention to
the ones who are recovering from alcoholism in AA or NA. (Like me). Get
yourself to an AA meeting every day for the next 3 weeks, listen, talk,
read, take the suggestions, and pray your a** off. THEN, stay sober, stay
in meetings (4 a week at least), do the next right thing. If you can stay
sober for 6 months, you'll be in fine shape for the WLS. In the meantime,
do not tell your doctor; only admit it if you can't stay sober when surgery
nears. In that case, you must NOT go under the knife without telling
him/her. And don't believe the "you are crazy for drinking, what's the
matter with you" stuff here. Just like us overweight people, IF WE HAD
A CHOICE, WE WOULDN'T BE LIKE THIS. You and I are powerless over alcohol,
food, whatever, and I will pray that you find your way to AA. By the way, I
will celebrate 20 years clean and sober on April 14.
— Veronica D.
March 29, 2001
Please stop prior to surgery, or you will just want it afterwards, and as
one poster answered, it could end up killing you because even small amounts
may not be tolerated by our bodies. I worried about the same thing because
I love my beer, but I had to stop first. It was hard because I have
trouble sleeping and work weird hours, the alcohol helped me it seemed.
But, you MUST stop if you want the surgery, there are no ifs, ands, or buts
about it. If not, you may be signing your death warrant and I know you
don't want that, you want a healthy, happy life or you wouldn't be
considering this surgery. God Bless,
— Tina C.
April 22, 2001
I am a recovered alcoholic myself. I have 15 years sobriety and I am not
here to preach to you. I will only tell you that my life, problems and all,
is 500% better today than 15 years ago.
Please do not have your surgery until you have some modicum of sobriet
under your belt. You would only be endangering yourself.
Please find an AA charter in your area and begin the path to live without
alcohol or any other addictive substance. You have already taken the first
step by admitting you are and alcoholic and powerless over alcohol.
I would be more than happy to have you email me. Maybe some input from some
having been there and done that would encourage you to reach out further.
Terilyn
— Terilyne R.
February 11, 2003
Hi, I am a recovering alcoholic with almost 13 years sobriety. I agree
that you need to deal with one problem at a time. First you need to get
sober. It will be a lot harder emotionally than you think. I had mood
swings for over a year and know a lot of people that never made it a full
year. It is just something that you need to want very much. I was always
told not to make any major life changing decisions for at least a year
after you quit. I would say this qualifies. I found counseling and a
program did more for me than AA. Everyone is different, try both. I know
a lot of people that benefited from AA. Good Luck and God Bless you. Tell
your doctor.
— Theresa B.
July 9, 2003
I am involved with the 12 Step Program, Infact-- July 9th, 2003 is my 2
year anniversary since my last drink (it was at 10:00 pm on July 8th-- I
just pushed the drink away and walked out of the club of my dearest
friend.) If you need to talk please email me [email protected]
— OLIVIA C.
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