I was banded November 23, 2010. I am not a huge alcohol drinker, however I do like to go out with friends for drinks every now and then. I was told no alcohol. Is there any other reason why I should not have a beer or a mixed drink other than the fact that there is no nutritional value? I am also very careful with my sugar intake so I would watch that with the mixed drinks. Suggestions anyone???

My doctor had no problems with alcohol or carbonated beverages other than the carbonated might cause pain. I rarely drink but I did have a couple glasses of champagne on Christmas day.

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Most doctors say no carbonation alcoholic or not. Other than that just the calorie count which is high

My doctor has never said no to alcohol. He even said beer is ok if your not at full restriction. For me I stick to wine or mixed drinks were I can add more of the juice or Water to make sure I dont get tipsy too fast. Sometimes I have baileys and coffee or with milk, wine, cran vodka etc. My doc knows I drink and says it is ok as long as it is not all the time.

Some docs are different and say no alcohol because it is empty calories.

Why would you want the empty calories? Just asking. Seems to me that we should all make every single calorie count and be worth something. Why not just eat cookies then. Same theory. We did this to lose weight not make up excuses why we should do something that we know we shouldnt. Its your choice however you have to deal with that demon

If I go out with friends I have a margarita, wine or whatever I want. I'm really disciplined with my diet and exercise, but sometimes you just have to live a little!

I don't drink often, but I do go out occasionally. I usually go for a drink that doesn't have a lot of sweet stuff in it....I have aquired a taste for martini's. I only have one.....and while they may be empty calories, they are not every day (or even every week or every month) so I don't lose sleep over it.

I would avoid carbonation and drinks that are packed with extra stuff that adds the calories.

Alcohol intake in access amount will definitely affect on ones oral health. That's why Dentists Carlisle PAsuggested to avoid alcohol in accessive amount.

I think the reason my nutritionist stated no alcohol any more was more the empty calories than anything. Call yours and ask the specific reason to be sure. As for the carbonation, i was told to stay away due to the gas pain it can cause. Not a problem here as we don't drink much soda to begin with. Had a sip or two of the hubby's beer last month and i know i don't need that any more. Just didn't taste the same. As for wine & other alcoholic drinks, i think only you can know if those empty calories are worth it. Are you in control of your diet? Can you just have one socially now & then? If you can, then why not. Might mean an extra trip to the gym or a little pre-planning before the event with your diet. Realistically, i am one of those persons that believes if you forbid all empty calories, eventually you are going to want to cave just because you know you shouldn't. If I can do moderation and just sample something now & then, i'm good with that. However, if you know you are the type to fall off the wagon very quickly, then i would look long and hard before taking that step. You need to know your strengths and weaknesses. One of my weakness.....cream cheese fill cupcakes. I love them & can eat them like nothing. Of course my youngest has a birthday this week & wants those in cake form for his family party. NOT happening. So instead i'm making 24 cupcakes that morning & sending them into school with a note saying "throw extras away, do not send home!". Temptation avoided. For his family party he's getting homemade ice cream cake made from fat free cookies, fat free ice cream and fat free cool whip. They've NEVER known the difference & I can have a sliver & not feel guilty.

drinks? You bettya.

I don't drink every night or every week, but I will go out and enjoy with my friends or husband. I usually stick with wine but also will occassionally have a beer. I did some internet searching and vodka is the lowest calorie and I will have that with club soda or have a vodka gimlet. (vodka with lime juice)

Answering some questions above, sure alcohol is empty calories. Sure, you can compare it to eating Cookies but there isn't FAT in a vodka and club soda. Plus, depriving myself feels like a diet and I am not on a diet. I am changing my lifestyle and that for me means not having a drink with sugar like a Pina Colada and instead changing to vodka and club. People with WLS can't live in a bubble--we need to learn to live in our society which would occassionally mean going to a social event. It's how we maneuver though these social events that makes or breaks us.

So, I say bottoms up, with limitations. (meaning I would not do that every night)