I've been thinking about having the surgery, but I'm nervous. I'm 6'3" 353lbs. I've tried every diet out there. Lost weight but usually gained it back plus some.

I hope people don't think this is shallow. But it's me.

I would call myself a binge drinker.

I won't drink during the week, but on the weekends I might go to the bar.

My wife and I enjoy camping. When we do that we like to drink beer around the campfire.

I guess you could say when we do something it usually revolves around drinking beer. Most of my friends drink.

I'm a part time DJ. Drinking is involved of course.

We like to go to the beach. Drink there.

I guess it sounds bad, but it's what we do for fun. Don't get me wrong. I might not drink for 3 weeks.

I know after the surgery you have to heal.

What about after that?

What's everyone's views?

Alcohol is *ridiculously* high in calories. From a weight management (and health!) perspective, I'd drop it completely. Learn to socialize without drinking.

I'd consider seeing a therapist, or joining AA for help and support.

Im with you....I love to drink socially.... Sometimes my friends like to get together for a few cocktails after work....I love going to wine fests....My DR advises against drinking because of the empty calories and the effect on the liver. The liver needs to adjust to the new sleeve and all the disruption so he says wait at least 6 months....

I'm a big dude myself. 6' 6" with a heaviest weight of 430. I never was a big drinker, but more of a big eater. People that have this surgery can still drink, but you have to have a lot less. And I would stay away from beer just because of the carbonation and the problems with the sleeve filling up with the gas.

It's just one of those things. You have to stare down your demons and decide who's going to win. We all face this in some way or another.

Give up the alcohol if possible. If not, then cut back a lot and ask the doctor how long until you can have some. I can't remember what mine said, but I think it was around 3 months postop.

Wow ok,

Honestly you will be able to drink again but not for quite a while. Beer is one of the harder things to drink because of the carbonation...

Now for the reality slap part.

Food addiction and the way you drink now.

I worry about the very real problem of "cross addiction" issues. Unfortunately a fair number of weight loss patients become alcoholics.

If you are not one now becoming one is a very real possibility.

I would say that a real deep look into this issue and perhaps counseling, before you take this step. Why trade one really bad thing for another.

Wow ok' date='

Honestly you will be able to drink again but not for quite a while. Beer is one of the harder things to drink because of the carbonation...

Now for the reality slap part.

food addiction and the way you drink now.

I worry about the very real problem of "cross addiction" issues. Unfortunately a fair number of weight loss patients become alcoholics.

If you are not one now becoming one is a very real possibility.

I would say that a real deep look into this issue and perhaps counseling, before you take this step. Why trade one really bad thing for another.[/quote']

I guess I don't consider myself a alcoholic. I know some. They drink almost everyday. When I mentioned 3 weeks, it was just a example. I might not have a drink for more than a month. It just depends. I've been staying home more the older I get. Plus I'm taking care of my grandson also. So we don't have much of a chance to go out.

I think I'm a social drinker.

I guess I don't consider myself a alcoholic. I know some. They drink almost everyday. When I mentioned 3 weeks' date=' it was just a example. I might not have a drink for more than a month. It just depends. I've been staying home more the older I get. Plus I'm taking care of my grandson also. So we don't have much of a chance to go out.

I think I'm a social drinker.[/quote']

Oh I know, I'm definitely not calling you one!

I just wanted you to have all the information you can to make the right choice for you.

I will say there are some great male members that will most likely see this tomorrow (not saying that the people who answered already aren't great members they are) and will be able to give different views on this.

I do not and never had a problem with alcohol,

But soon after surgery, after having my beloved food yanked away from me, I started to find comfort in other things without even realizing it!!

I started taking my liquid pain meds every night

(Same time I used to do my best eating too)

Long after I actually needed it for pain.

I am better now and I stopped after I came clean to my husband but it did open my eyes to something I had never even thought possible.

At one time, I really enjoyed drinking beer. I mean I REALLY ENJOYED IT. It was a weekly, social thing. My life changed in the last few years and I don't do it much at all. Now, I got sleeved 4/12, and asked my dr about drinking alcohol. My birthday is next month and thought I might want a glass of wine. Per my dr, he said that was fine, but only wine. For me, beers are off limits because of the carbonation and empty calories. And I've seen first-hand someone trade food addiction for alcohol addiction, so I don't want to hit any hard liquors.

Don't let alcohol questions keep you from making a decision that could really change your life in so any ways. If you have questions, go to seminar in your area to find out more. Good luck!

At one time' date=' I really enjoyed drinking beer. I mean I REALLY ENJOYED IT. It was a weekly, social thing. My life changed in the last few years and I don't do it much at all. Now, I got sleeved 4/12, and asked my dr about drinking alcohol. My birthday is next month and thought I might want a glass of wine. Per my dr, he said that was fine, but only wine. For me, beers are off limits because of the carbonation and empty calories. And I've seen first-hand someone trade food addiction for alcohol addiction, so I don't want to hit any hard liquors.

Don't let alcohol questions keep you from making a decision that could really change your life in so any ways. If you have questions, go to seminar in your area to find out more. Good luck![/quote']

I did go to a local seminar already. I kind of figured the doctors would say no alcohol. I was juat hoping for some real life examples.