lap band and drinking

[JessicaGeiger 5]

Has anyone's doctor told them not to drink in the first year, and if so, why did they tell you that?

[DELETE THIS ACCOUNT! 12,703]

If you mean alcohol, it's usually because it can lead to band erosion. It's also empty calories and there is also a risk of transfer addiction (trading food addiction for alcoholism).

I would ask your doctor his specific reasons to be sure.

[GuyMontag 1,264]

I don't remember any specific drinking restrictions but Mis is right about the extra calories and the danger of alcohol abuse. Many weight loss patients become alcoholics because they trade one coping mechanism for another. Also alcohol makes you tighten way the heck up from dehydration. IF you drink I'd highly recommend drinking lots of fluids before you start drinking alcohol and then drink one glass of Water for each alcoholic drink you consume AND drink plenty of fluids the next day and maybe even think about following up with some liquid motrin for the swelling.

That being said, I don't drink often but I've never had it mess with my band other than the tightness the next day.

[2muchfun 8,928]

One more? If you drink excessively, you run the risk of getting sick. Hurling your guts out and damaging your band position is a big risk to take. I sometimes have a beer or glass of wine. But it takes very little to give me a buzz now so it would be very easy for me to over-indulge and get sick to boot.

tmf

[GuyMontag 1,264]

I'm Irish so I never get sick from drinking I hadn't even thought of that potential downfall. Good point though. Lol.

[DetChatt 188]

I was told to wait 6 months and then stick to liquor (as opposed to beer) but in moderation, of course. I rarely drink now (and never did much), because even 1 mild drink hits me hard, I'm guessing because of the weight loss. But my doctor told me it was perfectly fine to go out and have a margarita or something with friends now and then. I do still like my beer and have started having maybe half of one every now and then, but I'm 2 years out from surgery.

[cflick 303]

I was also told not for the first yr

[Bandista 7,466]

Thanks for bringing this issue up as it's something I've been wondering about while I wait for a date to get banded. I guess the empty calories and potential for transferring addiction from eating to drinking are enough to keep me away from wine and spirits at least for the first year or so while I get myself in a new rythmn with the band. Maybe after I lose the weight I could have a very occasional glass of wine.....a reward for the journey ahead.....but in the early days I am going to want to stay very clear and be sure that everything I'm putting into my mouth is good for my body. Alcohol is just sugar, sugar, sugar.

[NWgirl 574]

I was just told to wait 6 weeks post op. Obviously the empty calories are something you dont want to over indulge in, but as far as actually consuming alcohol, I was told it was fine.

[lellow 1,713]

I wasn't told to avoid alcohol. I am Australian, we drink . I have learnt not to drink to the point of needing to hurl (did once and that was enough) but I definitely drink.

[srussell8 111]

Ditto, ditto, ditto! liquid calories is the most basic reason (and probably least important, in my opinion). The research is beginning to pour in about the VERY high rate of alcoholism among bariatric surgery patients. As others have said, there are very few bariatric patients who can honestly say that food was not a coping skill for them. I think I'm pretty well put together, but the transition from being able to drown emotions with food kind of messed with my head for a while. With the weight loss, it takes less to get a buzz because of body weight and metabolism. Plus, we don't/can't consume as much food to slow down the rate of absorption like before.

Using this new body takes some getting used to and we really have to think about what we are ingesting like we never did before surgery. At least I know that eating was a pretty unconscious process for me pre-band. Habits, habits, habits. I quit smoking 3 years ago and I still think I should smoke when I'm drinking. It just feels weird because it goes together for me. Same goes for food. There's a reason people love bar food. It just goes with the alcohol. Plus, when I drink - even if I'm not getting plastered, I know that my judgment and perception are impaired. A whole plate full of appetitzer/bar food looks much different to me after a few margaritas. Suddenly it sounds like a great idea! (when I probably wouldn't seriously do much damage without the margaritas).

I think, in general, that first year after WLS is all about learning a whole new way of life and adjusting to a healthy lifestyle. Unless the lifestyle changes, we stand very little chance for long term success. Limiting alcohol is part of that healthy lifestyle. (I never heard the thing about risk for erosion, but it makes sense).

All in all - I think it's good advise to just avoid it for a while.

Shelly

[JessicaGeiger 5]

Thank you for the insight. I really appreciate it!

[dawalsh 919]

I have an occasional dirty gin martini but it is so rare. If I have one every two to three months that's a lot but I do indulge in an occasional drink. I gave up smoking 30 yrs ago and I was up to two packs a day. I gave it up cold turkey. That is one vice I'm glad to be rid of. So if my vice is an occasional cocktail every 2 or 3 months I'm fine with that. I haven't traded off food for alcohol at all. I still love my food over alcohol any day. I'm just eating smaller portions and savor inch every bite. I would never trade alcohol for food.

[addison5903 2]

My nutritionist said drinking was fine in moderation. She said I could drink through a straw if it didn't make me gassy..

[addison5903 2]

Thank you for the insight. I really appreciate it!

We have the same last name.. Geiger where are you from?