Had weight loss surgery 7 years ago. 2 years into it started drinking heavily. I use to drink maybe 2 or 3 drinks a year. Now I'm a full blown alcoholic in recovery. My ex wife also hade bypass and started to drink alot but was able to control it. Anyone else struggling with the cross addiction?

I know it’s so, so common, especially for Bariatric patients and alcohol. I drink a glass or two of wine a night most nights but that was normal for me before and I don’t think it’s excessive. I definitely don’t drink to get drunk and rarely even get tipsy.

But I used to be only a social smoker and I am now up to a pack a week ? I think it’s called addiction transferance? I want to cut back.

I haven't - but I know it's fairly common.

I was never a big drinker since alcoholism runs in my family (so I rarely drank), so I knew that particular transfer addiction wouldn't be a problem for me - but so far, nothing else has been. It's happened to others I know, though...

Yep.

Happened to me, too. Freakin roller coaster.

Have not had a drink since February 2019 and have no plans to resume.

I do think I had/have an addiction to using food for dealing with negative emotions. It took a lot of therapy. I recently had some bad news, and found myself ruminating on where I could take a walk outside. So, I’m glad I seem to have transferred to exercise, but I enjoy making music too (not very good, just fun). So, there is help. I loosely follow a 12 step for over eaters and surrender to a higher power. After surgery the “food noise” is gone, and I choose to waste my negative brain space by envisioning exploring outside. My actual time outside is 5-60 minutes, nothing that is destructive. The transfer is more about ruminating. That’s just what works for me. Addiction is tricky and strong, and very individual. Peace.

On 9/20/2020 at 12:22 AM, Chrispy1 said:

Had weight loss surgery 7 years ago. 2 years into it started drinking heavily. I use to drink maybe 2 or 3 drinks a year. Now I'm a full blown alcoholic in recovery. My ex wife also hade bypass and started to drink alot but was able to control it. Anyone else struggling with the cross addiction?

I have heard that this is very common, although I haven't experienced it myself. It must be very challenging as alcohol and other addictive behaviors are both very difficult to manage. I'm glad you're in recovery! How have you been managing your recovery, and have you found any helpful resources or strategies that work for you?