Alcohol

[TMW2016 36]

I'm only 2 weeks out but I do have some social events coming soon. What's the rule on alcohol? I know the amount just need to know when.

[catwoman7 10,981]

I'm not allowed to drink it until I'm one year out

[Daisee68 2,493]

If you use search for "alcohol", you will see you are going to get a myriad of answers. Many programs ask that you wait 6 months to a year; however, there are many people that imbibe much earlier. As you make that decision, here are a few things to keep in mind: 1) Alcohol is pure liquid calories. You need to track it and only use non-calorie mixers if you are going to drink. 2) Please know that MANY people struggle with alcohol addiction after WLS. It is very common so be very very cautious. 3) Do not eat when you drink. Don't let your drinking lower your resolve to stay on a plan. 4) Remember you are in a honeymoon phase and need to do everything you can to take advantage of that time. Does alcohol really fit in to that? 5) Remember that alcohol may hit you faster and could potentially make you sick. If you are going to drink, I would suggest trying at home first so you know how it will affect you.

Will having a drink this early out kill you - likely not. Just because you can, does it mean you should - likely not. You have to make the best decision for yourself knowing all the risk factors.

Also, let me say this - I am 8 1/2 months post-op. I have had 1/2 of a glass of sangria and 1/2 of a bloody mary during this time (1 around 7 months post-op and 1 about 8 months post-op). I am headed out on vacation to an all inclusive resort where in the past, I have enjoyed a few adult beverages. I talked to my NUT this week and she said I should try to restrict my drinks to 1 per day. That is not likely to happen and I told her that. I will be cautious. I will track it. I will exercise in hopes to keep the calories from stacking up too much, but I am going to try to enjoy my vacation and stay on plan in all the ways I can - Protein, Vitamins, Fluid, exercise and most importantly for me, I have to make sure that when I return I do not use it as an excuse to return to my old lifestyle. We have been given a gift in the form of WLS and I want my life to be different here on out. If alcohol turns out to be a stumbling block for me personally, then it is something I will have to stay away from.

[TMW2016 36]

Yeah, I wasn't going to do anything this week but next month my husband retires from 22 years of service in the Air Force. So there will be a few social events hitting. I don't feel like I have to drink, never have but just didn't know if I did have one in the midst of celebrating if it was going to hurt me. I will keep everything you said in mind. Thank you!!

[jj7481 363]

Don't forget: stay away from carbonation.

[Dub 9,922]

So many responses here.

I had this conversation with my surgeon and he is okay with how I proceeded. I waited a couple-three months before testing the waters.

[cindikevin2 44]

I was 2-1/2 weeks post op and we went to Vegas. I had a drink a day while there and was fine. In fact I could have had more but didn't. I chose vodka cranberry. No carbonation and fairly healthy as drinks go. Good luck and remember moderation

[DaisyAmy 561]

I was 2-1/2 weeks post op and we went to Vegas. I had a drink a day while there and was fine. In fact I could have had more but didn't. I chose vodka cranberry. No carbonation and fairly healthy as drinks go. Good luck and remember moderation

I'll be heading to Vegas at 5 months out. How did you fare with eating there? I was thinking vodka/cran might be my go-to as well, and I don't plan on getting crazy.

Edited February 21, 2016 by DaisyAmy

[CBT 450]

Don't forget: stay away from carbonation.

This can not be overstated. I was my second summer before I could drink beer. That's my only carbonation experience as I don't drink champagne or soda mixers, etc. But it really hurts if your sleeve doesn't yet have capacity for that much air and bubbles and liquid.

Congratulations on DH retirement! I hope you enjoy the celebrations.

[Soexcited 64]

I think that you should not drink at all. At 2 weeks out that your even thinking about it is a red flag in my opinion. I went through a 6 month support / educational class before my insurance would give me my surgery date and all I ever heard when we spoke about alcohol was "no". No more, none, never, full of empty calories and bypassed people have a very high chance of becoming alcoholics......just say no!

[Jennifree 16]

I had to sign a contract with my surgeon stating that alcohol is strictly prohibited. Forever. Not for 6 months, or 1 year. Same with pop/ soda. They say you can stir the carbonation out of diet soda months out if you really want soda, but that's about the extent of bending the rules..

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using BariatricPal

[Jennifree 16]

I think that you should not drink at all. At 2 weeks out that your even thinking about it is a red flag in my opinion. I went through a 6 month support / educational class before my insurance would give me my surgery date and all I ever heard when we spoke about alcohol was "no". No more, none, never, full of empty calories and bypassed people have a very high chance of becoming alcoholics......just say no!

I completely agree! It was the same with me. 6 months of nutrition classes, telling you alcohol is prohibited.

I am currently 5 days post op and can't fathom drinking Tomato Soup yet, much less alcohol. I know no tomato, no citrus right now, and I'm ok with that.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using BariatricPal

[TMW2016 36]

First of all asking a question for the future (not 2 weeks out) isn't a red flag. Second, my surgeon advised having one drink in a social setting is fine. Everyone is different, we all have different programs and backgrounds. So please don't judge. Thus should be safe place for encouragement and inquiries.

I think that you should not drink at all. At 2 weeks out that your even thinking about it is a red flag in my opinion. I went through a 6 month support / educational class before my insurance would give me my surgery date and all I ever heard when we spoke about alcohol was "no". No more, none, never, full of empty calories and bypassed people have a very high chance of becoming alcoholics......just say no!

[AimeeD 4]

My surgeon said to wait 3 months post op. Just no beer or carbonation. So it'll it have to skinny drinks

[CBT 450]

I'm sorry! I didn't realize I was posting on a bypass thread. I have no idea what post op bypass norms are. I take it back. Lol.