Hello all!

I know that this conversation has been had a million times, but I would really like feedback from people who are further out post op then I am!

I was sleeved on 10/13/14—and I am doing great!

I’m 25 and like to go out with my friends and have drinks. Birthday parties, New Years Eve, girls night in, etc. Nothing Crazy. I drink responsibly (got all of the blackout stupid behavior out of my system in college) But I’d like to plan ahead because I’m apprehensive about how what I drink will affect me—I don’t want to get sick!

I saw the nutritionist right before thanksgiving and she said I could drink to be careful because I’ll get drunk quick. She said to avoid anything carbonated, sugary wines, sugary mixes like Pina Coladas, and also sugary juices. I stuck with Cranberry and Vodkas when I went out and I was fine—got buzzed but nothing crazy! I’d like to try something else!

I am weary of beer but has anyone had hard cider and been okay?

I really, really enjoy Riesling but I’m worried about volume and sugar.

What about other hard liquors, gin, vodka, tequila whiskey, etc? What do you mix them with?

Low sugar wine coolers?

Also, my friends LOVE doing shots, so has anyone done shots? Do you put the shot in the glass and Water it down or take it straight?

Does anyone have any suggestions or horror stories?

Thanks in advance!

Well I will chime in here.... I am a bourbon and Water gal.. so my choice is pretty simple... I used to drink wine and beer but cannot stand the taste of either since surgery, besides beer being carbonated which I avoid.

My 2nd choice is a Bloody Mary, that way I can at least pretend there is some nutritional value in the drink

I would AVOID like the PLAGUE any and all fruity, frothy, frozen drinks with any kind of mixer... including, Margarita's, Daquaris and the like, as those mixers are loaded with SUGAR.

I shudder to think of dumping a shot into my sleeve! You would probably have to scrape me up with a spoon!

Martini's made with Gin and Vermouth or Vodka and Vermouth, Gin and Tonic and other similiar drinks have less sugary mixer in them . Although again Tonic water does have 16 grams of sugar in 6 ounces. Again Avoid the fancy pink, girly, chocolate versions... sugar sugar sugar.

GOOGLE low calorie cocktails, experiment a bit and find one or two you like. Memorize or write down the recipie(s), when you first get to the bar ask the bartender to make your drink according to your recipie, tip him/her generously and you should be set for the evening. As long as you don't go ordering shots!

Now that I have lost 81% of my weight. I thought I would give a drink a try. I ordered a skinny girl drink of the menu. It was a citrus drink (sugar free) but with a shot of vodka. I had a few sips. I now realize what others on the board were talking about when they say low tolerance level...Oh my it caught me off guard. For me It's a once in a while treat. I really don't like the way it makes me feel.

I didn't try a drink till about 6 months post-op (mainly because I didn't want the empty calories), and it was tequila mixed with Crystal Light Lemonade. That's my preferred drink now. But I've drank beer and Mike's Hard lemonade several times. I'm real careful of the carbonation in both and usually pour them over ice to release some of the bubbles. And I drink them slowly.

I do get drunk quicker than I did pre-surgery, but the buzz goes away quicker. I'm a pretty cheap drunk to begin with, 2 beers and I'm done for the night.

Personally, I don't even bother with the empty calories of alcohol... I'll have an unsweet tea...if they don't have that, an iced coffee... I keep sugar free flavoring in my purse, so I'm ready... don't need the alcohol to have a good time... but that's me... never was much of a drinker anyway...

I haven't had a drink yet. Just not interested. I think if you are careful everything but the shots would be okay. Just be mindful that you may get drunk quicker & it's empty calories any way you slice it.

Honey, you're talking mostly to people who don't drink like 25-year-olds anymore.

The most alcohol I've had post-op in a 24-hour period was 5 ounces of wine, which I nursed all night. On a few other occasions, I've had vodka neat or single malt scotch.

Most of us have been cheap dates for several decades.

I used to drink wine now I will have vodka with Crystal Light at home or order a skinny Margarita at the bar. Nothing too much because I want to eat as well.. Its a hard balance when going to happy hour I have to decide if I want to drink or eat.. cant do both anymore...

Red wine does not agree with me, but moscato and rieslings are fine in my system. I do occasionally have a mixed drink. I also find I do not get drunk any faster than before surgery.

This is a great opportunity to find out how much fun you can have without drinking. You know how they say we shouldn't drink fruit juices because they are pure sugar with no food value? That goes double for booze. Besides... Catching a buzz leads to other less than optimal choices -- eating, driving, and otherwise. Yeah, I'm a Dad. But think about it, okay?

I have no problems with Riesling or other white wines. The carbonation in beer and the hard lemonades do give me trouble.

I was sleeved on 10/14...so close to you! I have my 7th wedding anniversary Monday night, and I know my hubby is itching to get me to at least "out and about" for a little while. I don't plan on much, but I would like to sip on something besides Water for a change and feel a little like an adult again. Moderation is a big part of our vocabulary, so I think that's key here too!

Carbonation is out for me...I don't think beer even sounds good.

Thanks for the suggestion of cranberry and vodka! Was also thinking OJ and little rum??

Have fun with the girls...I think we have to live a little...especially since we are probably feeling the best we have in years!

I sip virgin bloody Mary when out....

chardonnay for me and cranberry and vodka if im going hardcore!

@@BigGirlPanties - OMG, you could be my twin!! I thought I had written your post!!!

I'm going to go with a red wine when I get out - low in carbs and not a ton of chemicals.