OT - Alcohol and Cigarettes?

I am going to a 30th b-day party for my best friend tomorrow and was wondering what you all drink as far as alcohol. I don't really like wine, but am missing a drink? Any suggestions? Also, besides the obvious health risks with smoking, I enjoy a "social-occasional" cigarette. Are their any other reasons why this is bad (besides cancer, etc.). Another words, can it cause harm to my new anatomy. Hugs and thanks for the advice and suggestions in advance! Lisa (Lap RNY 5/23/06)

OK heres the chemical reason not to smoke having nothing to do with the surgeon generals I am quitting before my surgery forever because IT WAS EXPLAINED TO ME THAT... THE CHEMICAL CAUSED IN THE STOMACH FROM SMOKING WILL END UP CAUSING AN ULCERATION IN THE POUCH AT THE CONNECTION TO THE INTESTINES... OVER TIME EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT COULD TAKE A YEAR COULD BE FIVE..... WHY TAKE THE CHANCE ON ENDING UNECESSARILY BACK ON THE TABLE AGAIN after smoking for 30 years and Marlboro's at that ....that was all I needed to hear to quit I am getting the patch and gum this week .. being clean doesnt mean being sober for alot of people but if I am gettin a new body and getting food clean!!! after all this work it takes ...there is no way I am gonna smoke ever again.. as far as alcohol I cant help you there but I do think its empty calories and sugar consumption.. you look to good to waste it there I am not preaching just passing on what has been told to me good luck Fern

I agree with Fern's post on the cigarettes. Our surgeons won't eve operate on you if you haven't quit smoking. As far as alcohol, you are way too noew post-op to be even thinking about alcohol. Its high in carbs and you don't want to go there. You came this far, theres no need to go back into smoking and drinking. It will only benefit you later on down the road. I know way too many people who have gone back to smoking and they are sick and people who are drinking and can't understand why their weight loss has either stopped or they are gaining. Stay safe Marie

Seems everyone else covered the topic well! I wouldnt drink during your honeymoon window of looseing. ITS empty unecessary calories and could cause you to stall. EVEN one drink... I have yet to touch a drink and wont. I too am a reformed smoker and wouldnt risk getting an ulcer from having one. BUT hey i got one anyway that im treating with nexium but imagine it would have been a worse of one if i was still smokeing! HUGzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

I know some people like you that will smoke like 4 cigarettes during a party and then never touch them again for 6 months until they go out again. So yeah I don't think this will cause any long term problems. It would be like being in a smokey environment, not great but not irreversable. But you want to remember somke often gets into our stomachs and that aint a great place for it especialy if it isnt healed completely. And I would remember most alcohol is from suger except some of the clears, so may be rum and diet coke but I watched someone drink after wls and it was weird and not in a good way. Have fun but be careful and consider maybe none of it.

Lisa: This is just my opinion. Alcohol and cig smoking both are gastric irritants (think ulers, so is caffeine). Our surgeons require 6-8 wk smoke free before they operate to maximize healing and avoid complications (Clots, pneumonias etc!) In our bariatric program they recommend avoiding alcohol for 1 yr postop. (The reasons: alcohol is a gastric irritant, can add to dehydration, empty/non-nutrative calories stalling wt loss/assisting in possible regain, risk of dumping as many alcohols or mixed drinks are HIGH in sugar, others are carbonated (beer/champagne) so they ask us to void that as well, risk of intoxication could be higher sooner due to rapid absorbtion, the alcohol may loosen one up to eat foods they normally wouldn't, it can interfere with vitamin/mineral absorbtion also which we are already at risk for deficiencies in B12, thiamine, vit A, zinc, magnesium... etc...and finally we are taxing our already most likely 'fatty' livers with the rapid wt loss, risk of chirrosis is greater early on), so 'I' haven't tried alcohol in my ~ 4yrs postop, but it never was a big issue or deal for me preop. I feel this is a time of rebirth, a new healthy lifestyle, focus on the people not the food/alcohol. No one really notices anyways when you are having fun! Dance (great exercise!)water w/ a twist of lemon/lime works for me. MANY people find themselves w/ alcohol addictions postop (Not saying this is you but it is very real!) Why start even w/ one drink!? Especially at just over 2 months out that pouch of yours has about 4 more moths of healing to go!!! Be careful is all things can be a slippery slope! PS I have made soem awesome alcohol free Strawberry like daquiris w/ protein powder, my magic bullet, ice, water, SF davincis rum flavoring and strawberry flavor, there are also SF daquiri mixes (ZILCH, BAJA BOBs) could make virgin pinacoladas, daquiris or margaritas! OR I make a SF mudslide w/ ice, water vanilla protein powder in my magic bullet w/ sf kahlua syrup, sf coffee syrup (Torani) and SF irish cream. The sky is the limit w/ the bullet and sf syrups really! Here are a couple of articles as well. http://www.bbvitamins.com/research_Article_5.aspx Alcohol Use in the Bariatric Patient Cynthia Buffington, Ph.D. or this one: http://www.bbvitamins.com/research_Article_4.aspx Precautions When Using Alcohol after Bariatric Surgery? Cynthia Buffington, Ph.D. Choices are yours, I am glad you are making an informed and educated decision!!! Take Care, Jamie Lap RNY 10/9/02 Dr. Singh 320/163 5'9'' (lost 45# before surgery) Plastics 6/9/04 & 11/11/2005 Dr. King http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=c1132518510 "Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect, it just means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections!"

I have an occasional glass of white zinfandel and I have been known to have an occasional social cigarette as well. I'm not advocating it, but I'm doing ok... sooooo I'd say use your own judgement. I'm also a major Starbuck's junkie. I'm almost 10 months out, down 122 lbs since surgery and still losing. I look at it this way, I do follow most of the rules most of the time. We can't be perfect 100% of the time! I don't take my surgery granted or my life, but I do enjoy it! HUGS, Vi