My boss wants to take us out after work for happy hour. I am almost 7 months out from gastric bypass and have not tried any alcohol yet. Is there anything safe I can order? What would you do or what have you done in this situation. I want to go and have fun with the group I'm just not sure how to handle it.

I'm not a veteran but what about ordering a virgin Bloody Mary or Caeser or a Shirley Temple, Arnold Palmer...I believe the latter two are nonalcoholic .

Non-alcohlic is fine but I don't want to drink sugar or carbonation either. I am so thankful for the life changing surgery I had. I suppose not being able to enjoy a social drink with friends is a small aspect of post surgery life.

I am about 14 months post-op and still struggle with this a little. At 7 months post-op, my boss came in town and invited us out for drinks. I ordered Water. Got an odd look but he didn't say anything. I was frustrated that night because I "couldn't have fun". Sigh.... Now I can (and do on a very rare occasion) have alcohol but I am at goal and trying to figure out maintenance, so I am trying to consider it carefully and ALWAYS count the calories. One thing I find difficult is that once I lose my inhibitions a little, then I feel like "WTH?! I can eat!" and that is dangerous, so I think that reason alone steers me clear of alcohol for the most part.

Now having said that, I just started a new job this week and got invited out for happy hour and I sadly declined. I want to go because I want to get to know my new co-workers better but I knew I wasn't strong enough that day to not go and drink too much. (Then I ended up binging on chocolate when I got home. Stupid stupid choice.) I hope that next time I can go and be responsible. I clearly have addiction issues - both with food and alcohol.

So all of that didn't really answer your question. Early on, I had a spicy virgin bloody mary and I really enjoyed that. It does have calories but I figured I was at least getting some nutrients from the vegetable juice (I could be lying to myself though). When I went on vacation, I drank Crystal Light flavored water mixed with vodka. The raspberry lemonade and the peach tea were both really good that way, so if you can order a vodka water (not soda) and then add a pack of Crystal Light, that might work for you. I have also done well sipping VERY slowly on a glass of wine (but it is the 2nd glass that I have to avoid and am not good at doing.) Don't feel guilty if you want to have an alcoholic drink - as long as it is ok with your doctor and as long as you can do it only occasionally. (Transfer addiction is a very REAL issue in the WLS world.)Otherwise, honestly, the best thing to do is stick with just plain water with a lime or lemon.

I may order water with lemon. I was also thinking of ordering about 4 ounces of wine over ice or watered down. If I sip it slowly and order something with protein to eat at the same time I might be ok. The idea of watered down wine is not very appealing though. lol

I'm 3 years out and drink a screwdriver periodaticly. no carbonation. moderation is the key and drink slowly. and you get buzzed faster.

My boss wants to take us out after work for happy hour. I am almost 7 months out from gastric bypass and have not tried any alcohol yet. Is there anything safe I can order? What would you do or what have you done in this situation. I want to go and have fun with the group I'm just not sure how to handle it.

If you don't want to feel like an oddball, I always make it very clear that I don't drink and drive. At my work we have beer Friday's or sometimes we have little parties in the last hour of work for special occasions. While I would love to enjoy an alcoholic beverage (I'm pre-op) I always decline because I feel very strongly on drinking and driving. I had a family member die bc he had been drinking and fell out of a moving vehicle. I just use the drinking and driving excuse.

Now if that doesn't work, someone once told me what they do is get a drink and carry it around all night. Everyone is drinking and doesn't even notice! Lol.

If you actually think you can handle an alcoholic beverage, here is a great drink I was introduced to as a low cal drink: Malibu Rum with Water over ice. It tastes really good! I was surprised. And there is only 50 calories per ounce, so provided you drink the whole thing, that's 75 calories.

Good luck. I love social drinking and I know I will miss it when ever I do get my sleeve, but it is a small thing I am willing to give up for a bigger better change in my life. Have fun!!

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Edited July 30, 201610 yr by emme.vee