I've found the question of alcohol consumption and vsg posed before on here, but most of the responses were lectures on empty calories or "I don't even like alcohol since the sleeve"- good for you! But I'm not interested in hearing from non-drinkers or about the empty calories. I have dinner with my European family every week, and wine is a huge part of it.

Can your stomach tolerate alcohol on the sleeve? Is it painful? When in your journey (how many weeks) were you ok to have alcohol?

I have no intention of abusing alcohol, but I would like to have a glass of red wine with my dinner once or twice a week, and occasionally have a vodka martini when I'm out. I do not enjoy sweets or soda, alcohol is my only empty calorie thing I want to enjoy.

I don't mean to sound hostile about people that proudly have not had a drop of alcohol since VSG, I think it's great to abstain from something that can become easily unhealthy. However, I want to have some answers about alcohol and VSG!

Beer wasn't a great experience. The fizz...oy. Wine is fine, though I used to prefer reds and now have an aversion to them. I don't do mixed drinks because of the juice being too sweet or the mixers being fizzy and not sitting well.

A lot of people will say it is empty calories, but I am sure they have treats that are empty calories as well. I believe the same with alcohol as I do food, everything in moderation. I monitor my calories, make sure I meet my daily nutritional requirements and enjoy one or two White Russians or glasses of wine just about every night. I know a lot of people will frown on me for that, but at least I am honest. Presently, I am in a great deal of physical pain due to severe back problems. Having those one or two drinks in the evening helps me relax and sleep better. I will be having spinal surgery next month. Will I continue to have my one or two glasses of wine or whatever at night after that, probably, but that doesn't make me an alcoholic. Not by a longshot.

hi susan

i've seen you lurking around the block before. Sorry to hear about your spinal problems - I'll be sending you good healing thoughts for next months surgery.

To a great New Year, and health to all

Kathy

Awww, thanks Kathy, that is so sweet and much appreciated. Heather, I agree, I really can't do beer or sodas, the carbonation does not agree with my sleeve at all.

I started drinking at about 4 1/2 months out and its definitely a different experience than before surgery. I get drunk fast, but sober even faster. A couple weeks ago I went a little overboard on vodka/diet cranberries and kept drinking because I kept sobering up. Anywhos, long story short... I ended up with my head in the toilet for the rest of the night.. but to make it even worse, my stomach was completely empty! (Dry heaving is not fun). I figured I would share my story to caution people to drink SLOWLY because you never know when it will hit you like a ton of bricks!

Drinking was an area I was worried about prior to surgery. I like my drinks and didn't want to give them up. I've had no problems drinking after I hit the 3 month mark. I get a buzz really fast now though. 1 drink is all it takes, then I just sip slowly for the rest of the night and maintain just fine. I've done a few shots and they really hit me hard. I try to stick to the mixers.

I'm a drinker...BIG TIME I certainly cant drink as much as I could pre-op just because my stomach cant hold it. I was given the okay at about 8 weeks, and i've had no problems at all with alcohol... I dont even get drunk quickly like many people say they do (i didnt pre op either).

i am so glad i found this thread. my bday is Saturday and today makes 4 weeks. i was wondering about drinking. i dont want to get wasted but i would like to have at least a glass of mascato for the night and pray to high heaven it doesnt make me run to the bathroom.

I drink 2-4 drinks a week, and my BMI is down to 22......22

My BMI hasn't been under 25 since 6th grade! =0 So I say, enjoy responsibly.

I'm a drinker...BIG TIME I certainly cant drink as much as I could pre-op just because my stomach cant hold it. I was given the okay at about 8 weeks, and i've had no problems at all with alcohol... I dont even get drunk quickly like many people say they do (i didnt pre op either).

I am the exact same way! I maybe get a little bit drunker, but I attribute that up the fact there's usually not food in my tummy!

I love to drink! However, I must concur with everyone else that I am a really cheap date now and just don't quite recover the same in terms of hangovers. The silver lining is that my hangovers are now so sever that my inability to barely eat anything the next day makes up for the extra calories represented by drinking in the first place. Cheers!

yup, I had my first drink after my 3rd month of surgery and it's been every friday and saturday evening thereafter, I'm going into my 3rd year and am lovin my life!