Alcohol

Hello everyone! I havent posted since this past summer... but I really really wanted to ask everyone a question. I'm around 16 months out and enjoying my new petite size 5 frame! But I was wondering....alcohol drinks....I know we are not alloud or suppose to. Does anyone at this stage has or does have an occasional beverage? I really do miss going out with my friends and having a drink or two to relax a little. I know it sounds bad but I've heard several people when they are a little futher out do ocassionally. Just wondering what type of drinks might be okay and how much!!! LOL I do admit....I took a few sips off a Sugar Free Mojito the other day and boy did it feel good!!! LOL Anyway, just looking for some comments. Thanks everyone!

Hi Melody! Good to here from you. Wow a size 5, amazing. You will probably get a really mixed answer to this question. The reasons we are told not to drink is because it can be very dangerous to our system in many different ways and because of the wasted calories. The other issue is the addiction transfer. Not everyone will have this problem but it can happen. Do I or have I drank since surgery, yes I have had the occasional drink. Does it affect me differently than before surgery, most definitely. Only you can really be the one to decide what is best for you. Courtney

Hey Courtney! Good to see you! You look wonderful!!! Yeah, I know it does affect us in a lot of ways. I was just wondering if an occasional social drink would be okay. I guess your right...I have to make the best decision for myself. I'm sure you know what I'm talking about. We are both still very young and I'm sure you still go out with your friends and get a bit tempted at times! LOL Anyway, take care! Thanks for the response!

Yep definitely tempting & a big part of the social aspect. I was not a big drinker berfore surgery so I am acutally finding it not that big of deal now. I am also just really afraid that it will hit me hard and I will have be in a position of being sick or having to find a ride or something so usually I just have a small drink at home when I am in the mood for one. Courtney

Melody- I would echo Courtney's response exactly, except that I've not had a drink. I'm not that far out, although I don't have the desire to drink either. I got that out of system in my early 20's and hadn't had a drink for over a year before surgery, so it's not a part of my social interactions. But, again....Courtney's advice was spot on in my opinion. Christina S

Hi Christina! Thanks for your response. Courtney is right...its not really good for us in many ways. I'm still in my 20's so I am young and still enjoy my time with friends and social events so it is temting at times to take a sip here and there. Thanks again! Melody

Hi Melody, People are right, you will get mixed answers to this. Personally, after reading what alcohol can do to our livers I will never have the desire to drink again. So for me, no alcohol ever. But I never really liked it anyway so it is no loss and I hadn't had an alcoholic drink for a few years bafore surgery so I never miss it. Some people do drink and can be satisfied with a couple of drinks total - some can't stop a that. That is where the danger can be. They can't stop drinking and before you know it they are alcoholics. Also our reactions to alcohol are different after surgery - we get drunker faster but also sober up faster too. It may be dangerous to drive after much less alcohol. Hope this helps Jackie

Jackie, thanks you so much for the advice. I'm sure prolonged use of alcohol can cause damage to your organs but as for myself...I'm not planning on becoming an alcoholic. LOL I would never drive after drinking most of all!!! I was just curious I guess. Thanks again!! Melody

Hi Melody, I am almost 11 months out and I drin****assionally. If I go out, I usually have 1 beer or less. By the time I carry it around all night, it is flat and it is so filling that you really can't fit more. The other thing is, I am afraid of the sugar in the mixers for mixed drinks (although a sugar free mojito sounds good...and I recently bought some sugar free margarita mix from bariatriceating.com...havent tried it yet though). I also worry with mixed drinks about the bartenders' pour. You never know how much alcohol so I figure I am safest with something that is a definite all the time. My surgeon's office also recommended a lite beer if u feel like having a drink. Plus...way less calories than mixed drinks. Christine

Thanks Christine for your comment! I was begining to think everyone thought I was horrible for wanting to drink again!! Or that I was an alcoholic for having an occasional drink ! LOL ! I did have half a mojito without the syrup and boy was it good but yeah....I did feel the effect really quick! Thanks again! Take care!