alcohol

I am glad you are doing well in your recovery from the surgery. I also feel that people that are asked for their opinion will share it. Having said that, remember - this is a support forum for people who have weight issues and WLS. Everyone has had a different experience before coming here. We all started at different weights...have had different surgeries...have different doctors. And we can only share our personal experiences...about what we have learned along the way...and from the sources we know...and share them in our own style.

I can see you not wanting to be picked on for your question. Please try to look beyond that. No one here realy knows you...they are responding to your question.

Part of your pre-op visits were supposed to have included a psych exam and discussion of alcohol and drug use, along with learning about transfering food addiction to these other things. At least that is what happened in my experience...my psychiatrist was very thorough. It was explained in detail why this happens, how to avoid it, and to seek help if necessary.

Part of my surgeon's questions were concerning how much I drink, because if I did, he refused to operate on me. He explained how fatty liver disease was a huge issue for us RNYers, and that we can develop Hepatitis. He also said our pouch was not going to process the alcohol the same way and we could develop an addiction quickly.

Part of my nutritionist's visits concerned discussing alcohol because of the calories. The liquid also makes us think we are full (in the beginning stages) and then there is no room for the nutrition we need to heal and have fuel (protein). And then she said we can develop and addiction.

So I hope you can see, at least for me, how much emphasis was placed on not drinking.

When I hear someone ask this early out about drinking, a few thoughts go through my mind -

Did they receive proper education about this before surgery?

Did they think this was just a "recommendation" that wasn't really serious?

Did they agree to not drink, but not really mean it, just so they could have the surgery?

Do they have a drinking problem they aren't aware of?

I say these things not trying to be mean at all. It is what goes through my thoughts because of all the education and advice I have received up to this point. My surgeon's office has documented that they know people do drink after surgery. They also have seen many of these people have weightloss failures. That is why they are concerned...that is directly related to their business. They offer help to people to face addictions as well...because that will help patients with their weight in the long run. I'm not being critical of them here...just stating that they are in the business of WLS, not counseling.

I hope you take this in the spirit in which it's given. I know I've given up a lot of my old ways so that I can succeed in my post surgery life. Please consider what you are doing as not the recommended manner in living as a post op. We all wish you well.

This surgery is a major issue and following dr's orders is imperative to a healthy recovery.  When you made this decision (and you said it was a big one for you) you also made the decision to lifestyle changes. 
Alcohol will be hard on your pouch, your liver and your body in general.  It can cause ulcers and also cause you to become drunk rather quickly.  There was a girl who posted about blacking out from having alcohol after surgery.  I cant remember though how far out she was but i do believe it was under a year. 
Is alcohol worth risking anything over.  Is it a necessity for you to enjoy a ppv show?  If so i agree with others that you may need some help.  No you dont want to hear these answers but you did post a question about it. 
You  chose to save your life and get healthier with surgery so choose to stay that way and avoid alcohol for at least the first year.  Let your body adjust and heal. 

You have received some great advice on here