Before I even signed up for an orientation, I checked out forums like this to make sure VSG was right for me. I have always been an Atkins oriented eater, so the whole protein first thing wasn't a problem. I am a social drinker (weekends only -- no high calorie drinks) and observed that most VSG veterans who were drinkers before the surgery seem to do so without problems after.

I also listened closely to my surgeon during orientation who clearly stated that one of the big differences between the VSG and RNY was that that the recommended no one ever drink alcohol after RNY; okay in moderation with VSG.

I also found that most threads on the topic of alcohol are full of people who didn't drink castigating people who did, which tended to distort the true information exchange, so before I get tp the questions, I humbly request that people who never drank, or gave it up since their surgery feel free to troll, but please don't comment -- I'm only interested in first hand factual responses!

QUESTIONS:

1. How long did you go before having your first drink?

2. Have you had any MEDICAL complications with your surgery that were attributed to drinking alcohol?

3. Have you gained back significant weight from drinking alcohol?

4. Have you developed an alcohol addiction post VSG after having been able to control your drinking before?

As I said, I have read all the guidelines and see questions 2, 3, and 4 listed as "risks of drinking alcohol". At the same time, I see lots of comments from people who have returned to drinking post-opt with no complications, weight gain, or sudden addiction.

By the way, I have also read all the "doctor's orders" and have found total inconsistency (ranging from never drink again to a month or two). My own program doesn't even have a consistent answer, which is why I'm asking for real stories...

Thanks!

1. How long did you go before having your first drink?

3 weeks - a small glass of wine for my friend's birthday.

2. Have you had any MEDICAL complications with your surgery that were attributed to drinking alcohol?

None at all.

3. Have you gained back significant weight from drinking alcohol?

No, still losing.

4. Have you developed an alcohol addiction post VSG after having been able to control your drinking before?

No.

It certainly effects me differently. I feel like I get the buzz from the first sip, but I don't get tipsy, just that lightly buzzed feeling then I feel like I have to stop.

Try vodka and crystal light

3 months, no, no, no.

I still choose not to eat and drink at the same time just because I don't want to risk getting sick from being full and taking in liquids too soon after that.

I don't feel like I'm affected any more now by alcohol than I was before surgery. I've tried wine, mimosas, amaretto sours, but will usually stick to cape cods (vodka and light cranberry juice). Can't drink fast and carbonation of champagne has to go even slower.

Still kind of nervous to try my luck with shots, but if someone else who answers has any advice, I'd love to hear that too.

Edited December 9, 201510 yr by theother_onefoot

can yall think of anything to drink with rum? maybe cranberry?

I did try a fireball shot but literally could only do about 1/2 of it and was in 2 different sips lol

I waited a few months after vsg to drink anything. I was not much of a drinker so it was no biggie. I am 14 months out. I can drink what I want. I still don't drink much though. I might have 2 glasses of wine on a sat night now and then. If I drank more it would not be a problem. I have no ill effects.

Edited December 15, 201510 yr by JCP

I was a huge beer and wine drinker before surgery and didn't have a drop for 90 days after. Since then I have had a few glasses of wine and don't really notice a difference.

I was warned to not try beer by several VSG veterans (was told it would be painful and I would feel like my chest was going to explode), but today ended up at a brewery that didn't serve anything except beer and was with my sister who doesn't know about my surgery and I didn't feel like explaining it all today so I just ordered a beer. It did make me feel a little full and I sat there and nursed one beer for 90 minutes (I think I would have drank 3 in that time, before). Nothing bad happened and I didn't feel very drunk.

So far, in my case... I think all the dire warnings I was given about never drinking again were a bunch of crap.

No, I can't drink like before but I can't eat like before either and that's the whole point. I plan to have an occasional beer or wine when I want to and not stress about it anymore.

About beer and carbonation ... I have never been a frequent or big beer drinker. But I had my first beer post-op about a month ago.

I was pleasantly surprised that I had no difficulty drinking it or any bad digestive after-effects.

I can't say the same for diet sodas, which dramatically increase my GERD.

BTW, I'm 17+ months post-op.

I haven't tried beer yet, but I was never a big beer drinker (too many carbs).

That said, on the boat on a hot summer day, it was my beverage of choice.

I did try seltzer Water and vodka. It didn't go down as smooth as bourbon and water or red wine, but it did go down, just filled me up.

When we go out to dinner, the only thing I can drink is red wine. One glass (5 ounces) lasts the whole night, and doesn't interfere with my 5/6 ounce dinner.

It's a good discovery because my wife really likes dinning out and it's only 100 calories.

I probably won't try beer until summer and I'll stick to Mich Ultra.

I can't wait to have an ice cold beer this summer!!! 2 weeks post op, no drinks yet!!!

I can't wait to have an ice cold beer this summer!!! 2 weeks post op, no drinks yet!!!

How long did you abstain pre-opt?

I quit 6 weeks before surgery and I'm glad I did. Not only did it help me lose 30 lbs per-opt and accelerate obtaining my goal, but each week I abstained, the easier it got. By the time on went on a liquid diet, alcohol was the least of my fond memories.

3 months

No

No

No

I found that my favorite red wine tastes like vinegar initially and anything sugary was overwhelming. So I guess my tastebuds changed. That's ok, I only needed 1/4 of what I would have usually drank to get a happy buzz.

I had a cape cod the Friday before surgery, ( Monday )

3 months

No

No

No

I used to put away half a bottle of rum every weekend, pre-surgery. I drank dessert wine all the time, and fruity, sugary cocktails. These days, if I really want a liquor drink I'll have cranberry and vodka, but it only takes one.

The only alcohol I drink regularly (2 glasses per week) is wine. Usually Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Grigio. Sugar content is almost non existent, pretty low cal, and I don't overdo it. I also only drink Water, G2 (on long run days), or coffee with SF creamer otherwise. No soda or sweet tea or any of that crap.

So I drank about 3 months out. I used to drink large quantities of beer pre surgery. However, I haven't had a beer since surgery, about 7 months now. For me I'm avoiding the carbonation. I very rarely drink soda now and when I do is isn't much at all. Sometimes I just want the bite, but I digress. My drink of choice now is Cirac Citroen (sp?) on the rocks. I don't know if my stomach handles liquor differently now or if it is because I've lost 66lbs or both, but I don't have much of a tolerance any more. I drink when I want to now with no complications or concerns other than getting drunk easily but I do avoid beer now.

i think I had my first drink about 3 to 4 mos after my surgery. At first I couldn't finish one LIT so now I switched to shots lol. my logic is that it's doesn't run the risk of my getting too much sugar and dumping. My tolerance was kinda off but now I'm back to normal ( I can tolerate a lot). as for being afraid that I will become addicted.. I could see that being a problem since you don't have your old ways of handling things. I just work out