This may sound like a stupid question but it is one that has been in the back of my mind since I have started to look into this procedure. Can you drink beer? I am by no means an alcoholic but I do enjoy hanging with friends and haveing a few (sometimes several) beers every few months.

I know that loosing weight is way more important than having a few beers once in a while. But, if I will never be allowed to have them again I need to break it slowly to my inner Homer Simpson.

AL

Hi Al -

this is one of those things that the post-op "directives" do not agree on, simply because of the carbonation factor.

Many docs say absolutely no carbonated drinks again EVER - some put them off limits for a set amount of time, others say "as tolerated."

Banded peoples' tolerance of carbonated drinks vary just as widely. Some of those whose docs actually "allow" it find they cannot tolerate carbonated beverages.

My doc says NEVER, so I don't. I used to drink a lot of diet soda, and can't say that I miss it. Pre-banding I did on very rare occasions crave an ice cold beer on a very hot day, or in conjunction with a greasy burger, but I consider that to be a thing of the past, and I don't regret it.

You are right that drinking alcohol is basically the same as eating candy as far as weightloss goes, so that can make your weightloss journey challenging.

Check w/ your doc regarding his "requirements" in regards to carbonated beverages, and bear in mind regardless of what is recommended, you may not be able to tolerate carbonation post-banding.

Hey I love a cold one now and again. I haven't had any problems drinking a couple beers. I have had maybe four or five since banded and as many mixed drinks. Doesn't bother me any. Its me though you know it may tear you up???