Question:
Are there people who have developed an alcohol problem after surgery?
I have started to have problems with drinking after I had the surgery. Has anyone else had this problem? I have read that this could cause liver problems fairly fast. Anyone interested in emailing, since I would like some advice? Thanks for your help!! — thewhiteorchid (posted on October 12, 2010)
October 12, 2010
I have heard that drinking can become a problem, if it was me, I would go
to a psychologist. Folks say you transfer one addiction for another. I
wish you well.
— FSUMom
October 12, 2010
Sara, sadly many of us became obese due to an addiction to food. After WLS
it is easy to transfer that addiction to something other than food.
Alcohol is an easy choice. Liquids go down easier, it's easier to loose
track of the calories in liquids and you can trick yourself into believing
that you feel better. In truth, alcohol has many hidden calories that can
add up to unwanted weight gain. Many WLS patients have difficulty drinking
alcohol because it makes them sick. Don't fall into the trap of thinking
it is ok to consume large quantities of alcohol. Even a little can be
harmful to our new system. Because we now eat much less food, alcohol
works faster in our systems and we are not able to tolerate as much of it
before becoming drunk and/or sick. It is harder on our bodies because it
is thrown into the system faster. If you think you might have a problem,
stay away from alcohol completely!!! It can destroy all of the progress
that you have made and ruin your health. If you find that you need help
with this, seek it quickly. Your surgeon can refer you to a person our
group that can help. Good luck, and God bless!!
— Bonnie H.
October 12, 2010
I was told no alcohol until 1 yr after surgery. I had a friend that had the
surgery 3 yrs ago and does have an alcohol problem. However, there was a
slight problem before the surgery. One crutch for another.
— caxb2009
October 12, 2010
I had my surgery in Jan 2003 and went for a long time without having a
drinking problem. I then did turn to it out of being alone all the time
since my husband was overseas and it was an easy way to forget you were
alone at the time. It took me awhile to realize that I needed a little
help and went and sought the help from a mental health professional. Then
when my grand daughter was born I realized I didn't want her to see me in
that stage so it was really realizing that I had something better to look
forward to that has kept me on the right track. For anyone that goes from
one crutch to the other just think of all the positive things in your life
that could be ruined if you continued to do them.
— Kathy C.
October 13, 2010
It is a big problem for people who have this surgery. Alcohol affects you
differantly and can be a comfort when things get distressing. Adjusting to
the new body, now eating habits, and new social interaction can be
intimidating and drinking can dull these feelings. Step one get
professional help from someone who works with eating disorders. The problem
is showing up in the alcohol but it is just an extension of the eating
issues. Take time to get to know your self and avoid situations that
encourage you to drink.
— trible
October 13, 2010
If you have a problem with alcohol, I would suggest AA. I was a drinker and
when I stopped, turned to food. Now I have neither LOL... You can't ever
turn a cumcumber back into a cumcumber once it has become a pickle. Good
luck.
— Jane W.
October 13, 2010
I, too, turned to alcohol about a year after surgery. Vodka shots go down
quick, burn for a second but numb all of the sadness. Alcohol works on our
systems very quickly and it helped to quickly erase whatever uncomfortable
feelings I was having. My kids started to notice, though, and I became
ashamed. I HAD to stop. I just did. I wish it had been that easy with
food but you can't just walk away from food and go on. ALL of us know how
hard it is to stop doing something damaging to yourself but you aren't
alone with food/ alcohol/ whatever. That's what we're all here for.
Message me if you'd like to talk more :) I'm thinking of you.
— Samantha Smith
October 13, 2010
alcohol affects us quickly and yes it can be fun...but it can be a problem
for some...its easy to get 'addicted' to the fast buzz. My suggestion would
be to not drink..or drink very infrequently. But i also think you talk to
someone if you feel it is becoming a problem. Best of luck to you and God
Bless. Hugs, kim
— gpcmist
October 17, 2010
Hi Sara, as you have seen already this is something that happens to quite a
few of us. I was one who rarely drank prior to WLS. I found myself
turning to alcohol after having my revision to RNY in 2000 as I was living
with an alcoholic husband who was verbally abusive. I couldn't get him to
stop drinking so I basically developed an if you can't beat em join em
attitude. Wow was I in for a shock. I enjoyed in the beginning how fast I
caught a buzz and then just as fast it disappeared. I quickly developed a
tolerance to it and was soon outdrinking my husband. Long story short, I
drank for 3.5 years start to finish and when I quit in August of 2004 I was
very sick. My liver and kidneys were being effected. It has been a little
over 6 years now since I got sober as a member of AA. The program taught
me so much about myself, about addiction and about how to live a happier
life. It can be used on any problem, not just alcohol. I would be more
than happy to share more about my experience as well as point you towards
some really good resources if you want to e-mail me. Best wishes to you.
— Kellye C.
November 12, 2010
Do know a woman who started drinking heavily after surgery. She was so bad
at doing it that she ignored problems she was having in surgery area. Do
not want to scare you or anyone else but by the time her doctor found out
what she was doing she ended up in ICU. She had to have 26 inches of her
intestines removed cause the alcohol corrided them. She was in hospital for
along time. Her heart stopped 5 times before they were able to stabalize
her. She is better now but the whole situation took a really big toll on
her health not to mention what it did to her family.
— kankan
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