when can u drink alcohol

can u drink 5 months after surgery....... or when can u have alcohol

My plan states, if ever, wait at least one year.

  I was wondering that myself!!  I know it's too soon for me now but dang I just made taco's and the hubby is drinking a Corona Light!  My fav with taco's!  I will be eating just one taco if that! 

 

I would suggest asking your surgeon's office what their recommendations are.  Most offices strongly discourage you from drinking alcohol after WLS for a variety of reasons, and different restrictions may also depend on the type of surgery that you had. 

My office said they discourage drinking because RNY patients metabolize alcohol differently.  It is harder on the liver.  If you do drink, make sure you drink at home the first time to keep an eye on your reaction.  I was told at least 3 months out. My friend's doc says 12 months.

 

I had my favorite Cabernet about 2 1/2 months out.  My surgeon said three months but it was a social occasion.  I limit myself to a few glasses of wine on Friday and/or Saturday night.  Beware, because of the way your body will metabolize alcohol, a lot of people with RNY have alcoholism issues.  You must self monitor the same way you monitor food. 

Best,

Karen

You need to be very careful when drinking alcohol as a post op.  One drink might "knock you on your ass".  I've listened to several post ops at support groups who ended up with a cross addiction to alcohol. Cross addiction is when you find something "for a thrill" after you've lost some wt. Many want to increase their social activities.  But I must tell you I've heard several stories (mostly women) who have related becoming an alcoholic.  Even drinking some wine with dinner after work can be the start of an issue.  Personally, I'm high on life, and do not feel the need to have alcohol in my post op life.  DUI's are somewhat common with post ops too.  You think you feel fine after taking a drink, getting drunk, sobering up in 20 minutes, and repeating this cycle several times.  You may think you feel fine, but your blood alcohol will likely fail any breathalyzer test given by local authorities. DAVE

When did your surgeon say you can try some alcohol? Personally, I went to a wedding when I was 7 weeks out. My surgeon said I could have some champagne, but that I should try something at home first. I ended up not drinking just because personally I didn't feel I was ready. I have drank since then a couple of times after I was 5 months out. I tend to "babysit" my drink, so I didn't get drunk or woozy and I only had one both times. I do have friends who have had RNY and they do have alcohol issues, something I don't want to get into. I would caution you to be careful if and when you decide to drink again.

my insurance required you to sign a form saying you will never use alcohol or illegal drugs or smoke again 

guess they could sue you to get money back if they can prove you did

Personally, I wouldn't risk it. I did have alcohol after surgery (about 6 months out) and at about 8 months out I ended up in the ER after having two drinks (it took like four hours to drink them). I decided right there and then that would be my last drink. It was the worst pain ever. I'm almost a year out, haven't had a drink since. Not planning to either. If you would've felt what I felt you'd swear of alcohol too!

Whatever you decide, just be careful.