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

After surgery... enjoying a few drinks with friends?



Recommended Posts

Alcohol...

I am a young person. I don't go out very much anymore (once a month if i am lucky), but in my day, I was quite the party animal. :)

I have searched this site over and have not seen many posts on this. It is probably a bit of a taboo subject. I know alcohol is empty calories and suger. So, it is not good... but i'm not thinking 2 or 3 months from now... I am thinking months and months (if not a year) from now. Once I am well on my way and have accomplished some goals. I would like to be able to go out, Celebrate, and enjoy myself again. (once a month or every two months)

If I go out with my friends and want to drink a few (since it is liquid)... and if I go no carbonation... would it hurt anything?

Does your body metabolize alcohol quicker? Do you get tipsy easily after the surgery?:faint:

I just want to be careful if I ever do decide to enjoy a drink with my friends.

I know other people have had to think about this... and somebody has to ask. I'll be brave. I guess it gets to be me!

Just be gentle (ha)

Thanks!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I drank for the first time a few weeks ago and I was banded 6 months ago. I got tipsy sooooo much faster! Apple martinis... yummy! I was careful not to overdo it though.... throwing up is not fun and throwing up with the band scares the crap out of me!

I don't think there is anything wrong with the occasional drink, a glass of wine or some sort of mixed drink. Do try to be aware of the calories and don't over do it and you should be fine!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have had a couple of glasses of wine since banding. It's hard, because I used to drink it while I ate, and I can't do that now.

I don't do carbonated drinks like beer. I had some sparkeling cidar over the weekend, just a sip at a wedding toast, and it didn't sit well.

And yes, I notice I get buzzed a LOT easier. One glass of wine and I can feel it.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You definitely will feel the effects of the alcohol much sooner. Probably one drink will do it. :) I've had wine at parties and also an occasional margarita. I try to count the calories and definitely don't eat and drink. The no eating is probably why I feel it faster. :)

Most of the time I just skip drinking because its not worth it to me. For someone young like yourself its OK. Just be aware that you will only need to drink a little to get the effect. :Banane33:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I drink all the time! But I always count the calories into my day. Recently I found sugar-free drink mixers online that only have 10 calories per 8 ounces!!! I got sugar free cosmo mix, appletini, raspberry martini, and margerita! I am soooo excited as they are made with Splenda and are delicious! Otherwise, I drink wine.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I too go to happy hour every friday. i used to have to drink alot to feel a good buzz (5 or 6 mixed drinks) - probably from all the appetizers that come along with the drinks!! now i am a light wt and 1 maybe 2 mixed drinks will do me for the whole night. i know it slows the wt loss but i am one of those people that want to be out there partying with my friends and if it slows down my wt loss i am ok with that as long as the number keeps getting smaller. i plan on living with my band forever and although i am tweaking my lifestyle and making better choices i still want to live and be me - which includes partying. becareful in over doing it though... i have a terrible fear of throwing up from drinking too much with my band so that alone makes me not push it like i used to. btw - yes i am still on full liquid stage, but to me alcohol qualifies as a liquid and yes i did discuss this with my doc and nutrionist prior to banding. i definetely stay away from all beer and soda.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I have a few drinks every now and then, maybe 2 or 3 glasses of wine in a session over a meal out or something like that. In moderation, like anything, its fine.

For a while, I did find I got tipsy very quickly (and unexpectedly!) but my alcohol tolerance is now what it alwasy was.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

The morning I left the hospital I asked my NP when I could have a cocktail... again, being a vibrant 31 and coming from a family that loves to sit and talk with a bottle of vino, I had to ask.

The answer was something along these lines...

While the nutritionist will tell you not to drink your calories, the doctor will never tell you not to enjoy your wine.

It was about 10 days after the surgery that I had finally had some wine. I had a business lunch to go out on and my entire team was able to eat and I was still on liquids. The glass of wine made me feel like I wasn't missing a thing!

I still haven't had a beer yet and I think I'll keep it that way until I see my doc for the 1st fill. The beer has actually been the harder of the two since my favorite Fall Sundays include heading to the bar with my cousins for some Bud Light and the Jets game.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I too go to happy hour every friday. i used to have to drink alot to feel a good buzz (5 or 6 mixed drinks) - probably from all the appetizers that come along with the drinks!! now i am a light wt and 1 maybe 2 mixed drinks will do me for the whole night. i know it slows the wt loss but i am one of those people that want to be out there partying with my friends and if it slows down my wt loss i am ok with that as long as the number keeps getting smaller. i plan on living with my band forever and although i am tweaking my lifestyle and making better choices i still want to live and be me - which includes partying. becareful in over doing it though... i have a terrible fear of throwing up from drinking too much with my band so that alone makes me not push it like i used to. btw - yes i am still on full liquid stage, but to me alcohol qualifies as a liquid and yes i did discuss this with my doc and nutrionist prior to banding. i definetely stay away from all beer and soda.

Hi Kym,

Other than all your partying (haha) how are you feeling these days?? I fly to Mexico on Saturday and have my surgery on Monday. I'm soo looking forward to it. And glad to hear that I can still have a glass of wine at Xmas! :biggrin1:

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am already to that stage where it doesn't amount to much, but I still want to be able to go out every once in a while. I figured it was pretty much off limits... so i am happy to hear that I will allowed to indulge sometimes.

As one who spent decades arranging social functions around and including various liquids as well as food frenzies, I was concerned about 'what would happen when I give it up'. I quit drinking due to diabetes in 1990.

I was surprized to learn these things: 1) most of my real friends had moved to a point in their lives where THEY weren't much into drinking either; 2) my social circle evolved into mostly settings that were alcohol neutral--ie, NOT a sports-bar where such behavior is mandated; and 3) I was fortunate in finding my sensation was not like 'loosing something important-like drinking'....but more like gaining something more important--like keeping my kidneys and eyeballs functioning...

I realize this isn't quite what you asked about. Don't be surprized if your very ~desire~ for alcohol changes. My own alcohol consumption always preceeded such as pizza, more pizza, bread, Pasta, larger dinners, etc.

Good luck.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was told to wait 2 months after surgery to have a drink. I usually choose white wine and I feel the affects of the wine more easily. I save alcohol for social events and don't drink at home. Too many calories!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Yeah, I certainly dont drink to get drunk. Been there, done that, absolutely not interested anymore. I just like good wine!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Back in the day I was an extreme partier...as I aged I slowed down on the number of party nights, but now and then I like to go out have a few with friends. Since banding I definitely stay away from beer and bubbly wine. I have found a drink that is very potent, non carbonated, that I can sip for a long time and keep adding ice to.

I used to be able to drink most men under the table, but now I'm a pretty cheap date (maybe I should say inexpensive..lol). Since you can't eat much there is nothing to soak up that alcohol so you get the buzz much quicker. The reason I picked something I couldn't drink very fast was so I would know when I had the buzz and could stop, because the thought of a drunken barf session scared me.

You said you went out drinking about once every 1 or 2 months...go for it...but be VERY careful...don't get sick!

Oh and my potent little drink...now don't you all go yuck until you try it...tequilla & amaretto (preferably Patron tequilla and DiSaronno) on the rocks.

Party On!

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

    ×