Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Alcohol After The Lap Band



Recommended Posts

Ok, I know that alcohol contains empty calories, and it should be limited or avoided to maximize weight loss, but that being said, does anyone drink with the lap band?

A few times a year, I wind up out with my girlfriends, and we tie one on. Is that going to be something of the past, once I have my band? A friend of mine, who is going to be banded after me, thinks that the band will lower our alcohol tolerance. Is that true?

What was your experience?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You're going to get a ton of different responses in regards to this. When I went through my pre-op my dr told me that it would be okay to drink, but I would be a cheap date because my tolerance is going to drop. He said to try my first drink at home or at a safe place in case I have any adverse reactions.

I'll tell you what though, last Friday, I went out with some friends to our local casino for a birthday. I ate dinner around 7 ish I would say, and it was a total a cup of food. By the time we got to the casino it was like 11pm or so. I didn't start drinking until 1am, had three drinks and was black out drunk. Mind you I'm 6 feet tall and 288 lbs, that should be nothing. But since I didn't eat much that day it affected it. So please please please be careful with drinking! And it is empty calories but everything in moderation!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

It took me 3 months to tolerate drinking margaritas, but now i go to happy hour twice a month.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I drink about 2xs per month and all is fine. I haven't noticed anything different on how fast it affects me.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have gone out drinking a few times recently and generally I do get drunk of fewer drinks, it also differs by who makes them because if you are at a place where they don't go by standard amounts you can get in trouble

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

After going through a Divorce I have been drinking Steady for about 3 months. I nrmally Drink Vodka Water with a Squeeze of Lemon. But I am a very cheap date! Beer Makes me have gas so I do not do that anymore!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

When you eat less the alcohol will hit quicker. Also as your body weight drops it will take less alcohol before you are affected. So by all means have a drink or 2 but be very careful and make sure you do not inadvertently end up over the limit.

One of my worst experiences since having the band was when I drank too much wine at a friends. I woke up in the middle of the night with a headache and feeling like I wanted to hurl. Preband that is what i would have done - stuck my finger down my throat to speed the process up . Unfortunately vomiting post band is not so easy ( and it is not recommended either as true vomiting can cause the band to slip) so I had to suffer for far longer. Lesson learnt, I have not done it again.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I rarely drink anymore, only when I go out and I try to limit it. For me, there are several reasons:

1. I'm a cheap date now. Two glasses of wine and I am trashed.

2. Alcohol slows weight loss. I'm working too damn hard to sabotage myself.

3. Drinking lowers inhibitions and makes me crave fatty foods. After a few drinks all I want is Mexican and ice cream. And more drinks.< /p>

All in all, alcohol is something I'd rather avoid for now.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

This may sound bad, but I drink often. And I don't find I get drunk THAT much quicker. Sometimes alcohol helps loosen my band if it's a bit tight and I'm having a stuck day. I usually drink once a week (a few), maybe another night a couple glasses of wine. As above, many people get drunk quicker because they aren't eating as much, so just be careful.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am glad you asked this question too. I like to have a drink occasionally as well and was wondering how I would feel after my band. Got banded on 2/21 so I havent ventured there yet but maybe I will try a glass of wine soon and see how it goes.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am glad you asked this question too. I like to have a drink occasionally as well and was wondering how I would feel after my band. Got banded on 2/21 so I havent ventured there yet but maybe I will try a glass of wine soon and see how it goes.

my surgeon said no alcohol for 4-6 weeks after banding. Then thereafter in moderation (which i admit i sometimes go overboard). There's something about alcohol and the healing stomach that they are concerned with. When you said you may try wine soon i just thought i'd share in case your surgeon had rules on when you could have your first "nip". ;)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I've enjoyed some wine since surgery, but not nearly as much as before. I haven't noticed a change in my tolerance yet...I think that will affect me more as I lose weight.

The hardest part of drinking is the dumb food decisions that I make when I drink too much. So moderation is key so I don't get myself to that place of fuzzy decision making.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

A lot of good posts. I drink less as I want to keep losing weight. I save it for night out with my hubby or friends. But not only I am a light weight I find that I get wicked heartburn. I can't drink red wine anymore unless I eat an 30-45 mins before. I tend to drink martini's - dangerous. I like them as I can make them low in sugar. I find when on vacation and I drink daily it tightens my band up so much I can't eat. And if I drink I need to eat and can eat to close to bed which creates brutal acid reflux. Becarefull and do not drive after having a drink. Be safe all!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I didn't drink any alcohol for the first 6 months after being banded. When I did drink those first couple times I did get drunk very fast on a very small amount. Now I drink wine or a margarita now and then. I still do feel it faster and on small amounts, but not as much as I did in the weightloss phase. Any type of carbonation causes discomfort for me.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • vsg.with.sharon

      Hey everyone!
      I’m new here! Looking for some friends! 🥰
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • LeighaTR

      Four days post surgery. I am sipping as fast as I can and getting NO WHERE near the goal of 60 - 80 grams of protein or the 64 oz of liquids. I just feel FULL. I don't know if it can still be the gas build up (I would think by now that would be gone) but it is a struggle to drink. And so far I have not had the nausea or spasms and don't want to wander into that territory by pushing too hard with liquids. I about passed out today as it was my most "strenuous" day. Went from second story to basement for shower and I was sure I was going to pass out. Looking back on my last few days I have had a total of less than 1000 calories. Am I just not getting enough nourishment in me? Once again a friday where I can't get ahold of the doc until Monday rolls back around so I am hoping maybe someone here has some experience on how to keep energy going. I do have fibromyalgia too and that may be where some added fatigue comes into play. How did you all fair with the goals the week after surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      2 days until I fly out to San Diego to have my Bypass Surg. in Tiajuana Mexico. Not gonna lie, the nerves are starting to surface. I don't fear the surgery itself, or the fact that I'm traveling alone, but its the aftermath that I'm stressing about the most, after this 8 week wait. I'm excited to finally be here, but I am really dreading the post surgical chapter. I know its going to be tough, real tough and I think I'm just in my head to much now that the day i here. Wish me luck, Hopefully I'm one of the lucky ones, and everything goes smoothly. Cant wait to give an exciting update,. If there is anyone else have a June bypass or even a recent one, Id love to have someone to compare war stories with. Also, anyone near San Antonio Tx? See ya soon with the future me. 💜
      · 3 replies
      1. Phil Penn

        Good Luck this procedure is well worth it I am down to 249.6 lb please continue with the process..

      2. Selina333

        I'm in Houston so kind of near you and had the sleeve in Dec. Down 61 lbs. Feeling better. Was definitely worth it. I hope the everything is going well for you. Update us when you can!

      3. Doughgurl

        I am back home after my bypass surgery in Tiajuana. I'm post op day 4. Everything went great! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who have not encountered much pain at all, no nausea thus far and I'm having no problem keeping down broths and water. Thank you for your well wishes. I cant wait to keep up this journey and have a chance at better health and simply better quality of life. I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, and everything won't be peaches and cream, but at least I have a great start so far. 😍

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×