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Alcohol and drugs after surgery

jmc534

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IncredibleShrinkingMan    437

IncredibleShrinkingMan
Posted

Can't advise about the drugs, but I agree that people need to be more supportive, and should only have clicked here if they had a useful answer.

As to the booze, I had a drink at 4 months out and it went perfectly fine. I had been scared out of making that move, and perhaps if I tried earlier I would've been in some trouble, but I enjoy happy hour regularly nowadays and am very grateful for the sleeve for allowing me to do it the right way.

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theantichick    2,204

theantichick
Posted

ER nurse here. No judgment, but I will advise that you tell your surgeon about your use. The cocaine in particular can create some serious complications with surgery, and it will make it all the more important that a cardiologist do a full screening on you pre-op. And the cardiologist needs to know about your use as well. There will be medical people who will judge, I wish I could say that doesn't happen. But you VERY MUCH need to be with a medical team that you trust, and who have all the facts. You also need their input about how soon is safe for some of these things. The alcohol, especially since it has to be processed by the stomach. You wouldn't want to put something that stressful in your stomach too soon or you'd risk a lot of complications.

As for the effects post-sleeve, I'm still in the decision stage, so I can't help with that info. The people I know with either sleeve or bypass report that alcohol affects them much more and faster than before surgery, but they haven't shared about other substances.

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dunnadunna    26

dunnadunna
Posted

I spoke to my dietician and told him not to bullshit me lol. I quit smoking six months ago for this surgery. I'm allergic to hops so I can't have beer, anyway, but I smoke weed, and three months after my op I will be going to Jamaica. I asked him if I could smoke. He said, and I quote, "I don't give a fuck how much weed you smoke. Just no nicotine. Smoke it out of papers or a pipe, no blunts."

I wouldn't know about Coke, I don't really do that.

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None of it is okay within a certain period preop, though.

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VSGAnn2014    12,992

VSGAnn2014
Posted

Briefly, although tobacco wasn't mentioned -- the reason tobacco is contraindicated before and after WLS is that nicotine reduces the body's ability to heal wounds.

And after surgery, after you've healed, tobacco / nicotine can contribute to the development of stomach ulcers -- NOT a good thing when you have only 15% of your original stomach left. ;)

You can google that stuff if it applies to your situation.

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4MRB4PHOTO    3,900

4MRB4PHOTO
Posted

I spoke to my dietician and told him not to bullshit me lol. I quit smoking six months ago for this surgery. I'm allergic to hops so I can't have beer, anyway, but I smoke weed, and three months after my op I will be going to Jamaica. I asked him if I could smoke. He said, and I quote, "I don't give a f**k how much weed you smoke. Just no nicotine. Smoke it out of papers or a pipe, no blunts."

I wouldn't know about Coke, I don't really do that.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

None of it is okay within a certain period preop, though.

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I wonder if he gives advice about drinking, "Drink as many mixed drinks as you want, just don't use a straw".

:)

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dunnadunna    26

dunnadunna
Posted

I spoke to my dietician and told him not to bullshit me lol. I quit smoking six months ago for this surgery. I'm allergic to hops so I can't have beer, anyway, but I smoke weed, and three months after my op I will be going to Jamaica. I asked him if I could smoke. He said, and I quote, "I don't give a f**k how much weed you smoke. Just no nicotine. Smoke it out of papers or a pipe, no blunts."

I wouldn't know about Coke, I don't really do that.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

None of it is okay within a certain period preop, though.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I wonder if he gives advice about drinking, "Drink as many mixed drinks as you want, just don't use a straw".

:)

lol, he says be easy with the drinks because a shot will get you drunk, and it's all empty calories.

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Fatush    28

Fatush
Posted

Dude...if you're still succumbing to peer pressure at the age of 40...you have more issues than just needing weight loss surgery. Get a backbone, stay off the drugs, get some healthier/more mature friends and grow up already for your children's sake. At your age and as a parent, there are plenty of ways to "unwind" without doing cocaine.

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Gd94134    4

Gd94134
Posted

Please don't judge me but I enjoy my beer and marijuana and occasionally cocaine in very small doses. I'm a very social person and I have a lot of friends and we like to have a good time. I know that my alcohol intake will change dramatically but if I do a little Coke or smoke some weed, how will this effect my new stomach and my tolerance. This is a very serious question so please be understanding. Thank you everyone

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post-288627-14613341787669_thumb.jpgDude? Just watch the DVD's and back off the Bong and the coca Bro....

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Talaria    50

Talaria
Posted

I know you didn't want to discuss it with your surgeon, but please do disclose the drug use to your anesthesiologist-this is something they would NEED to know for your safety.

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smg    471

smg
Posted

I don't know for sure as I'm not a doc but I would imagine the beer would fall under the same "warnings" as any other carbonated drink. I can't imagine marijuana causing any issues down the line (although I'd check with your surgeon), and as far as coke goes, I would HIGHLY recommend that be the one you put away for good. Good luck to you.

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Fatush    28

Fatush
Posted

"Please don't judge me but I enjoy my beer and marijuana and occasionally cocaine in very small doses. I'm a very social person and I have a lot of friends and we like to have a good time. I know that my alcohol intake will change dramatically but if I do a little Coke or smoke some weed, how will this effect my new stomach and my tolerance. This is a very serious question so please be understanding. Thank you everyone."

Whatever guy...I think your beer, marijuana and occasional cocaine use is impairing your memory.

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Samara1974    116

Samara1974
Posted (edited)

I would be honest with your surgeon and ask them these questions.

I know they have you quit smoking because it delays the healing process after surgery & can cause ulcers. I am not sure if marijuana has the same effect though but they would know. The other concerns I've read from other posters was the munchies sidetracking weight loss.

Most doctors for drinking suggest 6 months to a year and some say never again. I am three months out and had two sips of a drink and was done not only could I not hold any more liquid physically I was buzzed, so your sleeve may force you to change your habits.

There is actually a WLS Magazine article about alcohol on this site I would recommend it, it was a good read.

http://www.bariatricpal.com/page/articles.html/_/healthy-living/bariatric-realities-%e2%80%93-medical-professionals%e2%80%99-guidelines-about-alcohol-use-wls-r601

Edited by Samara1974

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pinklantern    23

pinklantern
Posted

I am 3 weeks post-op. I smoked weed from a vape pen 4 days post-op once home from the hospital and stayed away from the pain meds. It relaxed me, controlled my pain a bit, and did not give me munchies, although weed has never had that effect on me. I also had a vodka on the rocks with a tiny splash of cran 2 days ago. It didn't even give me a buzz. Although I am not making a habit of drinking this early in the game, nor do I intend to, I really don't think my tolerance has changed. Prior to surgery I drank quite a bit. Having had a failed lapband prior to the sleeve, I know that in order to be successful with this, you have to change your lifestyle. But it should be what works for YOU and what is best for YOU. The doctors and nutritionists will give you guidelines but ultimately your choices will define your success. I will never stop enjoying a drink, especially working in a brewery. I'm passionate about food, beer, and craft cocktails and that will never stop. I do know that for my personal success, I need to find a balance and keep focused on my goals of why I had surgery in the first place. The magic formula for success is the one that works for you my friend. Just take decisions as they come and keep your eyes on the prize. Good luck!

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Go To Topic Listing PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

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    • LeighaTR

      LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.

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