issues with alcohol after surgery

[mushsbat 1]

I never thought I drank too much until Lap Band. After quitting the alcohol before and after surgery, I found myself needing it. I can't seem to make it two days without drinking. I went through so much to have this surgery and don't want to blow it by wasting calories on alcohol. I lost 15 pounds the first week and haven't lost any since so I know this is affecting my weight loss. It has been 4 weeks since my surgery. I'm just wondering if anyone else has had this issue and if there are any suggestions.

[maryrose 2]

Sorry you are going through this. Seems food addiction and other addictions can coincide.

I have a brother right now over the edge with alcohol and am very, very worried about him.

If you check the other sites here, there is a 12 step program for OA and there are other posts related to this issue.

Being from a family of alcohol issues, I can see where you are really having a hard time and hope you can find the answers you need.

[mushsbat 1]

Thank you so much for your response! I also have a brother in the same boat. It is on both sides of my family. I guess not having food to rely on has brought this to a head. I have read a few post thanks to your suggestion. I hope the best for your family. I was a bit scared to post on here about this because some members expect you to follow dr's orders strictly and on this issue I am having a hard time.

[maryrose 2]

This is a great place to come for help. I have seen a few posts relating to this issue.

Sorry about your brother. It is such a worry.

At the weight loss center possibly you could make an appointment with the counselor?

Replacing one addiction (food) with another is a very real issue with this kind of surgery and this happens.

This is a great place to go for advise!

[adagray 1]

Have you tried just getting the alcohol out of your house? I love wine and gin and used to drink almost daily whenever I was not on a 'diet'. After lapband, I have decided that I will drink just occasionally for special occasions or when I go out w/friends, but not in my house (because the 'daily habit' part has got to stop in order to achieve my health and weightloss goals). Well, I was doing pretty good, but then one day I picked up a bottle of wine just to have on hand in case I was going out I'd have one handy to take to a friend's house or whatever. Well, sure enough, it did not stay in my wine rack long. The first day the kids stressed me out and I thought I 'deserved' it, I popped it open. So, I've decided to just not keep wine or gin (my two favorites) in the house at all anymore. Other alcohol does not seem to call to me. I have a liquor cabinet full of other stuff, but I don't care about it. It just seems that I can't resist temptation for wine or gin if it is in the house... just like I'm sure other people are w/ice cream. LOL I'm either too lazy or have too much pride to go on a run to the store just to pick up wine or gin so this works for me. ;-> Anyway, just figured I'd throw that out there as an easy thing you can try if you haven't already.

[mushsbat 1]

Thanks for the suggestion. I have tried buying a small amount so that I go longer in between. This seems to help with the frequency. I'm happy to hear I'm not alone with this.

[neveragain 9]

You're totally not alone with this. I can't keep alcohol in the house because if it is there, I will drink it. I really like to relax and not be so stressed. It's not that I'm addicted, it's just because I lack an outlet. I'm really trying to find outlets like playing basketball on an intramural team at U of A and exercise. Sometimes, though, I just want to relax and it's difficult to find an outlet... It kind of feels good to know that I'm not the only one...

[mushsbat 1]

Exactly, I guess I'm used to unwinding with something. Be it with food or with alcohol. I will have to learn a new way I'm just haven't found it yet.

[steelergirl 0]

It does not take a long time for your body to become dependent on alcohol. Alcohol is a physically addictive substance. By stopping abruptly, you can die if not properly tapered or detoxed. It can cause tremors, seizures, spike in blood pressure, and many other major medical issues. Please talk to your doctor about this.

I do not know how much or how long you have been drinking so I am speaking in general......

[TinaM 0]

hi there

this has been a topic in my shared medical appt many times

i would suggest you speak with a therapist to help you thru this

i have heard in my group many post op patients who substituted alcohol for food and just swapped out addictions

you have identified that you need help and support which is a huge step so congratulations!

[healthyone 0]

I am experiencing the same problem right now. Prior to my surgery I never thought I had an alcohol problem, I never really drank that much but now it seems like I need to have a drink every night because it helps me relax and unwind. I'am trying to find other ways to help me cope when things get difficult for me.

[mushsbat 1]

I've been making deals with myself to help me through. I can drink today if I don't tomorrow etc.. Also, I have been cutting back a little at the time on how much I allow myself. I added an app on my ipod touch that is from myfitnesspal.com and I have been putting in everything I consume. It helps to see how many calories the alcohol uses up.

[steelergirl 0]

Something else I want to mention...(non-professional

My body hates alcohol. I love it, but my body doesn't use it as just calories taking in. I could have 3 measured drinks and count calories and it would stall my lose or even make me gain. This has been true for the last 25 yrs for me and I know it has something to do with the way my body processes the sugar in alcohol. I can have 2 glasses of wine, literally 4 oz each and my weight is higher for at least 48 hours after. I get puffy and retain Fluid. My body just doesn't do well with alcohol in my diet. Every time I have successfully lost weight I have excluded alcohol all together. And when I start to drink again, I start to gain again.

I want to mention that I am not a regular drinker. Maybe 1-2 times a month....Just some food for thought

[corinne211 0]

food for thought...

To all of you having the "Same Issues" Have you tried going to an AA meeting? I know nobody wants to use the label Alcoholic but if you are experiencing withdrawls and NEED it? Um... I think you need to get some kind of outside support for this.

Didnt mean to offend. :wink:

[mushsbat 1]

I never thought about it Steelergirl but I have heard in the past that it is carbs so I guess that would hender the weight loss even more. Everything I eat is low/no carb. I know what it does to me to include it. So it would make sense that alcohol would be the same. Thanks!

As far as needing help, that's why I was asking here b/c I never needed alcohol before surgery. I would drink often but not addicted or anything. Now that I have no food to rely on I think I needed a cruch. I mainly wanted to see if this has happened to anyone else.