Can alcohol cause ulcers in RNY patients?

I know we're not suppose to drink alcohol, but is it just because of a cross addiction or are there other reasons.

Alcohol use/abuse is a risk factor for ulcers for ANYONE.

But the alcohol doesnt go into the stomach it goes right through us doesn't it?  Which is worse NSAIDs or Alcohol?

True, BUT, alcohol is one of the few things that are absorbed directly into the stomach.  Alcholol is very irritating to the stomach lining and you REALLY don't want an ulcer in your much smaller pouch.

I didnt know you could get an ulcer in the new pouch.  Thanks for the info.

why couldn't you get an ulcer in your new pouch?  It is just a smaller part of your stomach that is stapled off but it is still your stomach - it is very common for post ops to get ulcers in our pouches which is why we dont' take NSAIDS to not get ulcers in the pouch or the remnant.

NSAIDS are worse but alcohol is empty calories and does nothing for you nutritionally. I have also heard that people who lose weight lose their tolerance to alcohol. I personally haven't tried it, I like the progress I am making. Though I will admit sometimes after a long day with my students a vodka tonic doesn't sound that bad!

Teri-Lynn
POI

Be careful with the alcohol. For the reasons already stated above....in addition, you have to be careful bc it goes straight to your blood stream and will hit you hard...I am a wine drinker, and will occasionally have a small glass...i have also read a study stating you also have to be careful about driving bc even if you do not feel it, RNY patients will have an elevated BAC for a longer time and be higher on less alcohol...so easier to get a DUI just off a small amount.

Believe it or not, I can actually drink the same amount as before and not be any drunker than prior to surgery.  I was just wondering, I know already about all the other stuff about cross addiction.  I wasn't addicted to food, I had a sedentary life and portion control was the issue.

Stomach Ulcers and Alcohol

Short answer: no, alcohol does not cause stomach ulcers. The acid reflux and gastritis alcohol causes may mimic stomach ulcer symptoms.

The vast majority of ulcers are caused by the H pylori bacteria. The only way to know for sure if H pylori is to blame for your ulcer is by taking an H pylori test.

While it is generally accepted that alcohol is not a cause of ulcers, it is well-established that alcohol can cause irritation and slow ulcer healing times. As a result, it is recommended that alcohol be avoided when recovering from a stomach ulcer.

Alcohol is known to cause gastroesphageal reflux disease (GERD), constipation, and other digestive disorders, but ulcers are not one of them.