Alcohol

[bellabloom 2,467]

I'll chime in in case someone cares.
Research shows that bariatric patients' blood alcohol levels increase two to four times as high as typical folk after consuming the same amount of alcohol.
2-4 times! So 1 beer for us postop is equal to 2 to 4 beers preop.

Yup. And I have a nice little scar on my eyebrow to prove it when I face planted into a dresser year one. After a couple glasses of white wine.

If you want to drink, drink. You’re an adult. You’re making a conscious choice. Just know that it’s very likely you could end up UNCONSCIOUS. [emoji38]

[Redo2017 247]

For me, the biggest concern with alcohol consumption is that I get a huge appetite when I'm drinking. At 4.5 month out I limit myself to a glass of wine on special occasions. It's not worth it to me to get totally derailed on my diet for an evening of intoxication, especially when I still have 30+ pounds to lose. I also know myself, and I am not the best with moderation. Not a good idea to tempt myself. I think that alcohol consumption post surgery has to be something that is decided by each individual, using doctor's advice as a compass. Best of luck to you.

[nmuro313 18]

My doctor says 1 year. However I've read quite a few threads on here where people waited way shorter amounts of time. I love my cocktails and can't wait to have a few myself and I am not an alcoholic either.
For all the judgemental people out here.. Grow up its the holidays and people enjoy a few drinks food and family. Some have to have the drinks to deal with the first two lol
Seriously though it's a legit question and it's been asked so much lately I think because of the holidays.

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I completely agree with you. I've been thinking about it a lot myself. My sister just got married and that was hard to not have a cocktail at the reception. I was never a big drinker, but I've been curious about when people have had a drink post op. I'm 4 months out. I'm going to continue to wait just to be safe.

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[BarbieVSG14 66]

The most important reason for abstaining from alcohol has just been barely mentioned in the comments above--empty calories that offer no nutritional value.

My surgeon warned me the easiest and quickest way to gain weight back is drinking your calories. High calorie coffees, sodas, sweet tea, and yes, alcohol.

The "Honeymoon" period lasts roughly a year to 18 months. In that time, it's in your best interest to do absolutely everything you can to take full advantage of the lack of hunger, great restriction and easy weight loss, because frankly it doesn't last. During that time, I concentrated on doing what I needed to do to get the best results from the surgery, and alcohol had no part in that for me. I knew that as soon as I reached my weight loss and fitness goals and was comfortably in my maintenance phase, I could imbibe occasionally as part of my higher calorie maintenance routine. And I do on occasion. But that roughly 8 month wait I did to drink pales in comparison to being a healthy weight and fitting into the size I wanted all along.

I'm not saying to not touch a drop during the weight loss phase. Odds are it won't effect your losses at all if you just do it on occasion. Hell let's be honest, during those early months we could be eating oreos and chasing them down with McFlurries and still lose weight. But why take the chance of doing anything to sabotage your weight loss when we've got so much invested into it? Wait until you're where you want to be, and then enjoy alcohol as an occasional treat as part of an otherwise healthy diet.

We've really only got one shot to get this right. I see too many squander it because they can't seem to ever learn to delay instant gratification as opposed to thinking about the more important long term results. Its a shame.

[ctdan 35]

I found that I no longer like the taste of beer or wine. I have not given away my Scotch or cognac, but my guess is I loss my tongue

[nmuro313 18]

Good choice. I don't miss the alcohol whatsoever and I'm in no rush to have a couple of drinks but you're right it does suck when everyone is celebrating and we're chewing ice lol. The end result of our journey is worth skipping the party but it would be nice to relax socially and have a good time with other adults!!
I don't know about you but since surgery I've gotten zero invites anywhere. It's like everyone thinks I'm gonna break smh! Anyway, good luck stay in touch and Happy Thanksgiving
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Ugh I get that! I have to constantly remind people that I'm not damaged and I can still go out with everyone and have fun. I can find something to eat every where I go (typically), but people are hesitant to go out with me. I feel like a shut in sometimes.

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[GwennyPenny 108]

I used to drink a lot once but now I don't drink at all. Everybody knows I don't drink so I get to do all the fun things like be the designated driver. Sit at a party with a group of drunk people and pretend I know what they are rambling on about! However I am also the one with the clear head and the good memory so I get to tell everyone what they did and who they did it with. I can get at least a week out of that stuff.. Do you know you did.... [emoji23]

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[Sullie06 1,013]

My doctor said 6 months and I waited the 6 months. Alcohol is no issue for me so I don't drink it very often. A glass of wine at special events or dinners is usually it for me. I suggest waiting your surgeons allotted time and then proceed with caution. As mentioned above some people are effected highly by alcohol and some aren't. My tolerance was the same as prior to surgery but I really don't want to waste the calories so that's a decision maker for me.