Hi All:

So here is is Labor Day and I really just want to have a nice cold beer! I am 1 month post op so obviously I have been avoiding all carbonation... I haven't even tried it to see how I feel. But I'm curious if anyone else has... I'm a beer drinker not much of a liquor girl... Lemonade Vodkas are good but just too sweet after awhile. What are your go too picnic drinks?

PS: I'm a social drinker not an alcoholic just to make that clear...lol

I'm a once in a while social beer drinker too. I love an icy cold one. But, I have been avoiding beer because of the carbonation. At three months, my stomach is starting to tolerate more and more things, but I would not want to push it with that. I can't say that I will NEVER have a beer again, but I will probably wait at least three more months (probably longer) before even making an attempt. I have had sangria with fruit in it that a friend made. It went down very smoothly. I had a half a glass and nursed it all night. Just that little bit gave me a buzz, so I am glad I did not try to have more.

Not to say I would recommend but before I quit drinking I always would have a stout or lager as a choice. I had grown tired of the strong carbonation in some and found lagers to be smooth not fizzy.

Hi All:

So here is is Labor Day and I really just want to have a nice cold beer! I am 1 month post op so obviously I have been avoiding all carbonation... I haven't even tried it to see how I feel. But I'm curious if anyone else has... I'm a beer drinker not much of a liquor girl... Lemonade Vodkas are good but just too sweet after awhile. What are your go too picnic drinks?

PS: I'm a social drinker not an alcoholic just to make that clear...lol

If you did NOT have one... it would be okay. Like any craving or annoying itch, it will pass. At the end of the day, no regrets! Safety first

Enjoy the holiday no matter what you decide.

I am a year out and cant really take carbonation at all still. I have had a beer since surgery, but it took me about 1.5 hour to drink it, and of course it was flat and warm by then. knot very enjoyable. I do not recommend it at all for those of you that are in your early months. you will not like the feeling it gives your sleeve!

you could always put some in your mouth like a mouthwash, swish around and spit it out...lol!

If it's bothering you so much try a sip or two. Instead of trying to drink an entire beer, pour two oz. in a glass and slowly sip that. There's a way to satisfy the craving without overdoing it, and learning moderation is key for all of us.

I can say that at one month out I hadn't had any beer but I did drink a very small glass of wine with dinner once a week. Carbonation is not forbidden for some people and is for others - it varies by surgeon. Mine never told me to avoid carbonation, but he did stress choosing healthier beverages to drink.

And I agree that there is something to be learned by simply NOT indulging and knowing that you can some day, but choosing not to do so today.

But a small glass of beer isn't a terrible choice in the long run. Just record those calories so that you're keeping yourself accountable, and remember that if we make great choices 90% of the time, we do get 10% to flex.

~Cheri

Girl, I hear ya. I love an ice cold beer, especially on a holiday like this. But I am three weeks out and now way am I trying alcohol, much less anything carbonated. Figure this craving will pass like any other.