When i met with my pcp and told he about getting banded, she told me, the only thing i need to know is, i can never drink alcohol again...it will ruin my liver...but my nutritionist, who is affiliated with my surgeon, has told me no alcohol for 6 months, then after thati just have to take it easy because it affects you differently. And obv its a good idea to stay away from high cal drinks. Who is right?

Ps. I am not and alcoholic. Lol. Just enjoy a drink once or twice a week.

The way my surgeon explained it in my educational seminar. Bypass patients metabolize alcohol differently and will feel the effects much faster. Band patients do not. He does not like his bariatric patients to consume alcohol because of the calories that have no nutritional value.

My opinion is next: As far as ruining your liver, yeah, alcohol is hard on it, but so is tylenol. Was that a general statement about alcohol's effect on everyone or bariatric patients in general?

When I told her I was going through with the band, she said no alcohol ever again. Then explained the liver stuff. Then said "I'm basically trying to to put the fear of God in you"....mmk.

I have a glass of wine a few times per month...actually, Dr. Paul O'Brien, affilitated with True Results, said a few glasses of wine per week is ok, even a glass daily is ok...

Since banding, I've been to teacher happy hour and had an alcoholic drink each time....the first (my usual pre-band) was a margarita/sangria mix, but post=banding it was WAY too much!!! I've also had a spiked sweet tea and that was good...but it did hit me fast!! Now I just drink a sangria and have them add extra fruit to it, and drink it very slowly.

Good luck!

My doc said that an occasional drink is ok, after the first three months. In my nutrition seminar, the dietician cautioned that a significant number of bariatric patients experience a "transfer addiction" and replace a food addiction with alcohol.

I had wonder the same thing! I drink every friday after work Tequila! Just on fridays long week from work. Maybe saturday, but not like I would on fridays! I am a Tequila drinker stright! Bad......!

My surgeon said I was OK to drink alcohol, but to be aware of the empty calories.

Its just a bunch of empty calories that you dont need the first six months to a year. Whats more important losing weight or having a drink.

All the material I was given from True Results and my doctor both said that I could have 1 drink per day if I want to. I've been banded for almost 3 weeks but I haven't tried drinking anything yet.

I enjoy a light beer on a Friday evening, does it bother the band like a soda will?

My doctor said the occasionally having a drink won't be a problem. he said that it will probably effect me quicker than before. I also wondered about how beer effected lap band patients. I like an occasional beer. I am talking one or two a month.

My doctor never said I could'nt have alcohol. I am not now nor have I ever been a drinker however. If I was given the choice between 200 calories of alcohol and 200 cal. of cake there would be no competition.

I have beer from time to time. I find it easier to drink than soda. It will sometimes give me the hiccups. Which is terribly embarrassing. Sipping one beer and HICCUP! Oh well. I just recently went to one of my surgeon's support groups (surgeon was not there). A patient going through screening says his nutritionist is now saying alcohol is ok 1 year post-op.

I cannot remember what he told me this late in the game.

I enjoy a light beer on a Friday evening, does it bother the band like a soda will?

Yes it will. The carbonation will effect, cause bloating, and could casue vomiting.

I have heard six months to a year. My doctor said six months, then occasional wine is ok. No carbonated beverages and no hard liquor. So in other words the last time I had Patron was the last time I will have Patron.