Drinking alcohol

Pre-surgery I used to like to have a drink such as a 7&7 or a marguerita once a week.   It was just nice to have one and relax with friends.   Are my drinking days over?  Has anyone tried that or wine?   If so, how far after surgery? Thanks, Pam

I had my first glass of wine last week at a business dinner.  It went straight to my head!  It use to take at least 2-3 glasses for me to feel as loopy as I did after just one now.  Cheap drunk???  Anyway, I have read of folks transferring their food addictions to alcohol so just be very careful.  It's empty calories but then a little red wine may be good for the heart.  Just don't drink ANYTHING now and get behind the wheel. 

I have heard that we cannot tolerate much without getting tipsy.   My PCP nurse had RNY and she said one glass now was like drinking a bottle before.    Just wasn't sure how long to wait. Thanks, Pam

I was just over 5 months out when I had my first glass. 

I drank the first time (just a little) on New Year's Eve (surgery was on Oct 11)... I had planned to drink a little on our trip to Vegas over Christmas, but didn't chance it.  I was home on New Years so i decided to go for it. I only drank and few sips and felt it INSTANTLY! As Alice said, be careful b/c it will hit you much faster than you ever imagined. Also, be careful with margaritas b/c if you are like me, I like the strawberry ones and they are full of sugar! I haven't had but a few sips of a margarita since surgery, but will take a sip of my husband's drink here and there on special occassions.  I think, like with anything, that moderation is key.

Thanks Melinda...don't think i would ever try to drink outside the house...lmao....would be afraid.   I think all margueritas are full of sugar and think i'd be afraid of dumping.    Maybe a glass of red wine or something to go in my sugar free cranberry juice.   But think i will wait a little while longer. thanks, pam

Hi Pam, About twice a month I will have a glass of wine. It will relax you maybe more than you expect it too. I waited till I was about 4 months out till I tried any alcohol. Tried some boubon with diet splash and it was ok but not the same effect I get with wine. So on the few times I drink my choice is one glass of wine I dont think I would want more because I want to stay on the earth a little longer LOL                                          Annie

Hi Pam,

It is my understanding that the portion of the small intestine that is removed and bypassed is the portion of the intestine that normally processes and breaks down alcohol. Once we have gastric bypass, when we injest alcohol less of it is processed by the small intestine, so it goes more directly to the liver. So not only do we 'feel' the efffects of the alcohol, but our livers are now more 'burdened' with it than they were before.

Barb

P.S. I was 9 months post op before I had my first ounce of zin.

No Pam, your drinking days aren't over...just put on hold a bit.  :)  My Dr says no alcohol for one year after surgery.  I think the initial concern is making sure that you give your pouch time to heal.  After that, you probably don't want the added calories while you're still trying to lose the weight.  In addition, they want you to get settled into your new routine so you don't have to worry about transfer addiction. I'm 6 months out and do miss it sometimes.  Would love to have a glass of wine with dinner, or when at a party with friends, but I'll survive for 6 more months, just so I can say I followed my Dr's orders!  :)  But you can bet I'll be sipping a glass of red wine on October 9th of this year!  :)

After a year...you will have earned one!    Thanks all for the info and guidance.   Guess I have a lot longer to wait which ain't gonna kill me!     I just never thought to ask my doc as was more concerned about the food.   lmao Take care and thanks again,  Pam