I am 31 years old and have basically done whatever I wanted (within reason) whenever I wanted since mid-college. I'm self-employed in the financial industry so I have been able to take off on a vacation, golf, or whatever reasonably easy (since I didn't have to ask my employer first.) This do whatever, whenever is partly why I'm in the shape I'm in, I love to eat... and eat good.

One of the things that I'm most worried about is the possibility that I won't be able to drink carbonated beverages such as beer or things that mix with alcohol after surgery. I'm not an alcoholic by any means, but, I have a lot of fun. And drinking on the golf course or during a cocktail hour in business settings has been a big part of my life over the past 10 years. Not to mention, most of my friends like to kick back and drink on the weekends.

I'm confused because I have read many things that a lot of folks aren't able to handle alcohol or drink carbonated beverages at all... Yet, I have a good friend who had the surgery and in some ways, I wouldn't hardly notice a difference in his eating/drinking unless he had told me. He still drinks a few beers, drinks a ton of wine, and some mixes and seems to be fine. The main area I can see a difference is that he seems to get drunker quicker.

What are your experiences? What is the norm? Is it just that this surgery affects everyone differently? I mean, I am obviously willing to give up some of this for my health for my family... But, I'm just trying to figure out what to expect. Any input is appreciated. Oh, and my surgery is scheduled for this coming Monday. Thanks.

Dude here. There's a thread in the guys' forum about this topic as well. The consensus opinion I've found on this is that you can drink anything you want if you can handle it, but don't expect to lose as much weight that way.

I fully intend to have a couple fingers of bourbon every now and then after my surgery. Maybe even a cigar. What's the point of adding 20 years to my life if I can't enjoy it?

This is what I was thinking as well... Thanks for the input on the guys forum, I will check it out.

The carbonation will stretch out your sleeve. Your friend is not doing the right thing. If he keeps it up he will fail and gain weight back. Alcohol is an issue because of the sugar. My niece had the lapband and lost 150 lbs. The problem that I see is the band can be loosened or tightened therefore consuming more food. I am worried about her because she is gaining some back. I've also read that the alcohol will hit you system faster and I have read to use caution when driving. I also read somewhere that you can have alcohol after 2 months up to a year. Question I have for my doctor. All I drink are margaritas and a beer occasionally. With the condition I am in now I will not miss the alcohol. I bet you will find you don't need it because you are going to be involved with so many new things. If these guys are friends they will support you. Going with this surgery is major, which is more important, getting healthy or having a beer with the boys.

Good luck to you. Please post how you surgery goes next week !!

I am a "chick" but I could out drink most guys I've ever met before surgery. It's almost like I'm immune to the effects of alcohol. Sure, I could get puking, stumbling, falling down drunk in college and in my 20's, but as I got older it's like I couldn't get "drunk" anymore. 12+ beers and numerous shots of whiskey and other mixed cocktails in a single day camping or boating would leave me a little buzzed but mostly sleepy. I had 2-3 very strong whiskey or vodka cocktails everyday after work just to "relax". (This was after my brother died and a food and alcohol daze is the way I chose to cope) I would definitely call myself a productive alcoholic.

I was actually looking forward to alcohol affecting me more strongly after surgery, like so many people have reported. After 4 months out I had a glass of wine.....nothing. Then I had 2 glasses....nothing. Then one weekend at a golf tournament I had 3 vodka cranberries....got a little buzz, but nothing special. Had a Bloody Mary at a Kentucky Derby party but could only finish 1/2 because I got so full. As for carbonation, I've tried beer, sprite, and hard cider. They were all a no go. The bubbles burned and hurt. I've managed to take a sip or two if some new local brews, but a whole bottle would be out of the question.

And to tell you the truth, I really haven't been that interested in drinking postop. I've been to several parties and out with friends and I am easily the only non-drinker in the crowd. The examples I listed above were more of "I wonder if I can" kind of experiments, but my craving for alcohol is totally gone. No one is more surprised about that than me! So I guess you will just have to wait and find out your yourself how you feel about drinking and whether or not you can tolerate carbonation.

I was a big alcohol/beer/diet soda drinker before surgery. I drank like Kindle said she did. I have not tried alcohol since my surgery 4/9. I have not touched a diet soda since the day before surgery, butttttt I do have about 1/4 cup of Dr. Pepper every morning. I do not drink coffee, my Dr. Pepper is sort of my "coffee". I do not have any problems from it. I don't over do it. I make sure I do not drink more than 1/4 cup each morning. I say go for it. Within reason. I wouldn't drink a 12 pk...ONLY because of the calories, but I would partake.

Enjoy it while you're young. You only live once. Don't listen to all the preaching. It drives me NUTS!