We've been talking a lot about beer and beer making lately and it's all been in good fun. I'm not banded yet, but will be soon and In reading, I've found some information

we all should be aware of. I'm no crusader and like a beer as well as the next guy (or girl), but i feel this is serious. I hope I don't get in trouble with the Admins., but here is the

Link:http://www.thinnertimesforum.com/topic/26136-alcohol/ If you think you might like a drink after surgery, Please read this.

(Cut and paste from http to alcohol/) it's the fourth article down.

This article is about gastric bypass patients and alcohol. Alcohol (in any form) contains alot of sugar. Sugar is a huge no-no with gastric bypass. While it's true that alcohol will affect us quicker because of the small amount of food in our systems, this really doesn't apply to us.

Thank you Cindy. I think that is a key distinction that should be made by the original poster in his posting so that people don't get unnecessarily freaked out.

Just a moment. The article I referred to was concerning bypass surgery, but when you think about it, Lapbanders have a pouch much like an egg with holes in each end. That allows alcohol to go (with the help of gravity) straight to the empty stomach that most lapbanders, in their high weight loss period, have. I'm not a spoil sport and like a beer as well as anyone (I was a beer maker for 30 years), but I was also a California Highway Patrolman for 20 years and know what a DWI can do to a family. Now I don't have empirical evidence for all this, I still have two weeks to wait, but I can't imagine this is incorrect. If any medical professionals happen to read this I'd certainly appreciate their input. I only posted this so hopefully no one gets surprised.

In making alcoholic beverages most sugars are converted to alcohol. Any sugar in drinks are from mixes.

Yep, I read that post and I agree that it doesn't really apply to banders. Although I find that I cannot drink as much now because after 2 beers I really feel it. I believe it is the fact that I weigh less not having a band.

Just a moment. The article I referred to was concerning bypass surgery, but when you think about it, Lapbanders have a pouch much like an egg with holes in each end. That allows alcohol to go (with the help of gravity) straight to the empty stomach that most lapbanders, in their high weight loss period, have. I'm not a spoil sport and like a beer as well as anyone (I was a beer maker for 30 years), but I was also a California Highway Patrolman for 20 years and know what a DWI can do to a family. Now I don't have empirical evidence for all this, I still have two weeks to wait, but I can't imagine this is incorrect. If any medical professionals happen to read this I'd certainly appreciate their input. I only posted this so hopefully no one gets surprised.

In making alcoholic beverages most sugars are converted to alcohol. Any sugar in drinks are from mixes.

Yes we do have a small pouch, but when the alcohol passes through that pouch it goes into the main part of our stomach where it metabolizes the same as before surgery....maybe slightly quicker due to the lack of food in there. But in the bypass patient 95% of the stomach is bypassed causing the alcohol to absorb at lightening speeds thus causing quicker and longer intoxication. I'm not saying that bandsters, or anyone else for that matter, should drink and drive. I'm simply saying that the article you referenced does not apply to us.

The main point I was trying to make is that any alcohol beverage will affect Lapbanders much faster than they're used to. I understand the article quoted was directed

at people with bypass surgery, but a lot of what was said also applies to Lapbanders. Reading through the various forums, many posts say that the poster was surprised

by just how quickly alcohol affected them after Lapband surgery. I'm obviously not against drinking (in moderation), but just be careful.

Hate beer, love champagne.

Do I really have to let Li go flat before drinking. I don't care for white wines but love a good bubbly.

Sadly yes anything with carbonation is a no no.

Knaroz,

It is a sad day. Even if I let it go flat? Really? Not one SIP?

I had, no problem with soda, beer or any other coronation but my beloved champagne. NOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WOW.

Well I will be honest, I don't really 100% know. My doc says no forever, although flat would be ok that is just nasty lol. Other docs say no for 6 months, some say no for a year, and some don't say anything about it. Personally I am not gonna take my changes, yeah I will miss beer but not at the chance of messing up my band or hurting myself.

The alcohol is always a big question and big issue. I am quite sure my alcohol consumption had something to do with my excessive weight. I am being sarcastic of course, but alcohol should always be accompanied by moderation, self-control, etc. My brother had a gastric bypass and his doctor gave him two stern warnings: 1) your body cannot process this stuff like it used to and 2) if you drink and drive with a bypass you will get a DUI. The physical difference between the band and bypass is obvious. For me, I need to be aware of my new diet (and changes) and change my definition of moderation.

Personally, I like Bombay Sapphire martinis - dry with two queen olives. It has been two months and my wife and I will be going to Vegas on business the end of this month. I would love a martini, but if it is not on the diet or advisable then I will just wait. I like a good single malt scotch too (as well as a good Churchill). I like chicken fried steak to but that is over. I guess it is a matter of personal preference, ability and need. I have made the mental adjustment to booze early in the game because above all else - a good Delmonico needs an excellent cabernet. I just need to adjust the portion size accordingly.

Let's clarify this. I've had my band for 3 years and I'd be lying bold-faced if I didn't say I've gone through phases of enjoying a martini or three every now and again. haha. The claim that alcohol affects bandsters more than non-banded people is purely circumstantial. It has mostly to do with how often you drink, how much you eat, and if you're a man or a woman. The band, in and of itself, makes no change in anatomy, so the physiology of alcohol metabolism doesn't change.

HOWEVER, in someone with a gastric bypass, the anatomy is modified. The little pouch that they have dumps right into the small intestine, bypasses where the stomach would begin metabolizing the alcohol, so when the alcohol hits the small intestine, it soaks it right in, which increases blood alcohol level MUCH quicker.

Hi interesting post, My Dr. never really talked about drinking, I am not a big drinker due to the calories, since being banded I do have a drink even beer once in awhile,

I am also not a big beer drinker so maybe I might have a half of a beer or drink it over a bit of time. I also find that alcohol seems to affect me much faster than before.

Also a friend of mine is thinking of getting the band, she is just 21 and asked specifically about alcohol as she has only recently legally allowed to drink and the Dr. said that you should avoid due to the Calories, and carbonation is not really good but that a drink once in awhile is fine.

I went to my orientation today. I met with the bariatric head of the hospital. The hospital has performed over 7,000 lapbands and are a center of excellence.

With that said, the lady was banded 7 yrs ago. Her husband and son are both banded as well. And on top of it, she runs hundreds of support groups so has a LOT of experience.

Today she mentioned she orders a shot of vodka and then a glass of Water. Then she mixes her crystal light into the water and add's the shot. She also said she DOES have carbonated bevvies. Not often and she said it much slower because you have to let the bubbles go down. But she said every once in awhile she craves a diet orange soda or a beer.

So with all of her experience, I trust her in not giving out bad info as she keeps pretty up to the minute. Anyways, champagne may be tough to drink and may not be your regular go to, but I am sure a few sips here and there will be ok just like having a martini every so often.

I went to my orientation today. I met with the bariatric head of the hospital. The hospital has performed over 7,000 lapbands and are a center of excellence.

With that said, the lady was banded 7 yrs ago. Her husband and son are both banded as well. And on top of it, she runs hundreds of support groups so has a LOT of experience.

Today she mentioned she orders a shot of vodka and then a glass of Water. Then she mixes her crystal light into the water and add's the shot. She also said she DOES have carbonated bevvies. Not often and she said it much slower because you have to let the bubbles go down. But she said every once in awhile she craves a diet orange soda or a beer.

So with all of her experience, I trust her in not giving out bad info as she keeps pretty up to the minute. Anyways, champagne may be tough to drink and may not be your regular go to, but I am sure a few sips here and there will be ok just like having a martini every so often.

THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT I DO!!! i order a shot of vodka in a tall glass with ice water and i add crystal light - can have 3-5 of those during an evening - BUT go much lighter on calories during the day to make up for it. I'm steadily losing and i drink like that about 1 time every 2 weeks. I do not ever do carbonation, however. Haven't touched it since surgery.