I read people who have wls are more likely to abuse drugs or alcohol is this total crap or what? My brother found the article have you guys ever heard this?

I read people who have wls are more likely to abuse drugs or alcohol is this total crap or what? My brother found the article have you guys ever heard this?

yes, cross addiction is very common. In many cases, we are "addicted" to food....we use it when we are stressed, sad, happy, depressed, etc. We use it to Celebrate and to soothe us in bad times. A big part of successful WLS is learning how to not use food this way. We have to find another way to deal with our emotions. And yes, in many cases, food is simply replaced with another addiction.... shopping, gambling, drugs, alcohol, sex, exercise, etc.

This is where the psych eval, counseling and therapy comes in. You have to find a constructive way to deal with the mental and emotional aspects of your relationship with food. Alcoholism and drug addiction are definitely seen in post WLS patients.

It is very common.

I've noticed that since my surgery I can't tolerate most medications. I've not had any alcohol yet though I suspect today I'm going to test the waters.

I take Xanax for anxiety. I used to take 2 MG and it would calm me down. Now I take 2 MG and it makes me sleepy as ever.

I also used to be able to take adderall XR but something about the gastric sleeve and the way it absorbs makes it not effective. Instant release is fine.

As far as addictions, I don't think I have any to drugs or alcohol since my surgery. Def. not Alcohol as I haven't had any.

Thanks I haven't had my psychological evaluation yet but I never really thought about it

My surgeon mentioned it on several occasions. Sees more folks become alcoholics with RNY rather than VSG. That's what his take was.