Question:
has anyone w DS become an alcoholic had surgry12/01
been struggling w/ alcoholism didnt have a problem till after surgery been in 9 rehabs.. they say they r seeing more pts w WLS w alcohol addiction — mistory5 (posted on January 14, 2011)
January 14, 2011
I have not personally experienced this, but I have read alot about it in
relation to wls and it fits my experiences counseling domestic violence
victims (many of whom have long histories of addictive behavior).
Basically, the research that I have run into shows that people often
replace one compulsive behavior with another. I hate to generalize, because
I do not know you or your story - so I can't speak to your case
specifically. Often people are over eating for some emotional reason. The
surgery doesn't remove those reasons. Add to that the fact that the surgery
and the changes to your body come with new psychological challenges - I'm
currently dealing with body dysmorphia and wavering on the edge of an
eating disorder, then there is the fact that my new body won't meet my
expectations without about 3 - 4 surguries that I can't afford and few of
my medical problems were helped - but were some would have once turned to
food, that is no longer an option. We are, however, all suddenly very cheap
and quick drunks :) It is WAY to easy to transfer a compulsion for
emotional over eating into compulsive drinking.
There are two prongs of attack. Disclaimer - I'm not a big fan of rehab or
AA type programs. 1. Try to figure out what emotional issues make you turn
to drink (likely the same ones that made you turn to food but forgive me if
I overstep). Good old fashioned therapy might help with this. 2. Look for a
healthier compulsion - exercise, art, something that you can lose yourself
in, something you can obsess over, just something less damaging. Hell,
smoking is better at the end of the day if it comes down to lesser of
evils. This isn't a permanent fix, just a way to get by while dealing with
the deeper issues.
No offense was meant. I do not know your situation. I am experienced and
educated in psychology including the field of the psychology of addiction.
That said, I am neither doctor nor psychologist nor psychiatrist. I am not
giving a processional opinion so much as providing an overview of the
information I have on the topic. If anyone would like to get more specific,
please send me a message.
— Jeanette Hagar
January 14, 2011
Sorry, but I disagree with the gal that told you she isn't a fan of a 12
step program, they work! My husband has been in a 12 step program for over
40+ years, all I can say is thank God for these programs, prior to the
program he was hospitalized many times, since the program he is a healthy
thinking man.
Plus I am speaking STRICTLY about myself, I go to a counselor, because I
need support. I freak out about gaining weight, I never want to be heavy
again!!!!!
I also go to the Cleveland Clinic for a monthly support group for our type
of surgery, I told my NUT that some of the advice folks give on here is
atrocious. Remember we are not professionals. Yes, we do have tons of
experience, I agree, but I think when it comes to our health you need to
seek professional help from your Dr.
Good luck my weightloss sister!
— FSUMom
January 14, 2011
my doc told me to not drink after wls, said you can get drunk on much less
alcohol but I don't drink anyway, so not an issue for me.
— tfqh99
January 14, 2011
I agree with Susan. My WLS Clinic said NO DRINKING OF THE ALCOHOL. I feel
that alcoholism in WLS is a 2 fold problem. ! problem is the person had an
issue before surgery and that should have been addressed before hand with
therapy, 12 steps and rehab. The 2nd is that now we have altered our
stomachs and intestines we get drunk faster on very little. So what may
seem like a problem just may be you new body chemistry. I say..work your
steps. When you feel like drinking meditate on something else cause a
craving only last about 2 min. (Rehab and 12 step talk) Yes I am in
recovery for 1 year 6 months and 12 days......and still counting.....so I
personally wish you well.
— That_816_Princess
January 15, 2011
I just wanted to point out that
1. My opinion on 12 step AA type programs is my own. The work for some but
not for all. If they work for you - awesome!
2. I made it very clear that a) I was not providing my professional
opinion and b) I recommended professional therapy.
The consensus seems to be that alchoholism post wls is generally a
combination of unresolved issues pre-wls, unfulfilled expectations and
other post wls issues, and the rapid way that alcohol affects our new
bodies. Many find the only successful treatment comes from therapy to
resolve those issues and in some cases shifting addictions in the short
term to something less damaging.
— Jeanette Hagar
January 18, 2011
Hi. I will soon be 11 years post op. Three and a half of those years was
spent in the living hell of alcoholism where I almost drank myself to
death. Prior to surgery I rarely drank and had a horror of getting drunk
and out of control. I owe my life and my sobriety to God as well as the
fellowship and 12 steps of AA. In the rooms I was finally able to face and
admit to all the baggage I had that I tried to drink away. I have been
sober now since August 8, 2004. For me this is a miracle. I highly
encourage anyone who has a drinking problem to try AA. Go in with an open
mind and listen for the similarities when people share and not the
differences. Best wishes to you.
— Kellye C.
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