I want to know how everyone navigated alcohol? I'm not a big alcohol drinker, but I'm trying to figure out, How is it that I want to live my life .....do I want to live my life with a strict abstinence model where I don't enjoy a cocktail; I don't get to enjoy the drinks that I used to like in the past. Do you all save alcohol for special occasions? did you all just quit drinking cold turkey? I haven't had alcohol since my surgery over a year and a half ago. Interested to see how you all approached it!

Edited August 18, 2025Aug 18 by Mspretty86

I usually only drink on special occasions—girls night, date night, holidays. If it’s just a BBQ or something casual with friends/family, I don’t bother. It’s always beer or High Noons anyway, and honestly the carbonation and calories just aren’t worth it. I get tipsy really fast but sober up just as quick. Like the other night at girls night—I had three cocktails over about two and a half hours (with food in between), and by the time I got home I felt completely fine. I’ve learned I can’t keep alcohol in the house or I’ll end up drinking too much. If I do, I’ll overdo it and it can turn into binge drinking, which I realized about a year post-op.

I didn’t get this surgery to restrict myself forever, I got it so I can live my life. And part of that is letting myself enjoy things once in a while.

After a year, it will be on special occasions. I am not a big alcohol drinker to begin with, so it is not too difficult for me. I take pride in not drinking. I live my life how I want to, but even communion at Church, I take the grape juice instead of the wine. But you do you, just keep in mind that it could become a transfer addiction if not being aware of your drinking. Wishing you luck.

I was an alcoholic at a very young age. I pulled myself out of it. I did drink one occasionally and done great. After my sleeve surgery I found addiction after addiction trying to feed what food did. So, I knew I couldn’t touch alcohol at all.

Addiction is so strong after you stop eating so much. I would say yes you can drink but know it can be an addiction just like shopping or gardening lol (for me)

Thanks all I am scared as hell of addiction. I already have a food addiction and binge eating disorder. I definitely don't need to be having any other addictions. 😩😂

Edited August 19, 2025Aug 19 by Mspretty86

I have a friend that had sleeve surgery 5 years ago and she traded food for exercise and then exercise for alcohol. She has gained back everything she lost. Im in the process of sleeve surgery and in afraid of changing addictions. I don't really drink now, has been over a year. My body processes alcohol really fast now so I figure it will probably be worse after surgery.

It really is a personal thing. Some do. Some don’t. Some do occasionally. As with your food choices, you have to be able to live your life. If that means having a drink that’s your choice & it’s okay. (As long as you aware of addiction transfer.)

I was never a ‘big’ drinker before but I’d enjoy a large glass of wine every night before surgery. After surgery, I lost my taste for it. I had a g&t about 2 or so months after surgery at my cousin’s 40th. I nursed it for hours. After that I might have had a drink maybe once a month or so if I was out & depending upon the situation. Again, would nurse it for hours. Now more than 6 years out I probably still only have a drink about once a month. Of course, there are occasions I may drink a little more often depending on what I’m doing & what’s happening but generally it’s still only one glass over an hour or so. I usually say now I’d rather have one glass of a good quality wine, champagne or spirit over multiple glasses of a cheaper one: quality over quantity. 😁 I am conscious of the wasted calories and that it can slow your metabolism a little but really it just doesn’t interest me as much.

I have a friend who drinks a glass or two most nights since her surgery (5yrs ago) and another (7 yrs ago) who was drinking a lot for a while (a few of us were worried about addiction transfer). Both have regained some weight. How much is related to drinking who knows.

I dont have an issue with drinking, I do or dont as feels right at the time. The only thing I would say is I go for very long drinks now, singles not doubles and use the whole mixer bottle. I still get a buzz off a little so I can be on the same tipsy level as everyone else.

My friends are all in the same age bracket as me so we have all begun to slow down somewhat. Instead of nights out we seem to be ladies who lunch now ? I dont know how. It just happened. We rarely drink at these as we are driving.

Next month we have an annual week away with our other halves at an all inclusive hotel. I will drink all day and night but I will be secretly getting soft drinks inbetween times if it feels right. They eat a lot more than me and can soak up more alcohol. I have to balance it.

DON'T DO IT! We are addicts, food addicts! This disease will transfer! The disease is in our thinking. I am a recovering alcoholic, I drank before RNY occasionally, after I started drinking slowly, in my head I was getting away with it, it became everyday for 10 years. I am now sober 2 years! I use a couple of 12 step programs to work on the head space. I am working on the 60 lb regain, I lost 130 after surgery (2011)

1 hour ago, fabboo said:

DON'T DO IT! We are addicts, food addicts! This disease will transfer! The disease is in our thinking. I am a recovering alcoholic, I drank before RNY occasionally, after I started drinking slowly, in my head I was getting away with it, it became everyday for 10 years. I am now sober 2 years! I use a couple of 12 step programs to work on the head space. I am working on the 60 lb regain, I lost 130 after surgery (2011)

I believe you it's scary like I already think I have a transfer addiction of maybe spending too much money or traveling. I just don't need to add alcohol to the addictions that I already have. Thanks. I am so glad that you are sober two years alcoholism or the overconsumption of alcohol makes gaining weight come quick...I would be f**king pissed off if I gain all the way back that I have lost I worked so hard for it.

Edited August 19, 2025Aug 19 by Mspretty86

I like red wine, like Merlot, can't have more than 8oz ,and it's not sweet , have had bloody Mary drink but sipping wine seems to be best for me.

If I had my time again I would not reintroduce alcohol after surgery. I didn't miss it in the pre-op phase (mine was prolonged because my original surgery date got cancelled). Didn't miss it post op AT ALL. But as soon as I was permitted I restarted and honestly it has no nutritional value and has contributed to my regain since my lowest weight.

Just posted on another thread saying I avoid highly processed food and then thought - yeah you hypocrite, you have a glass of wine sitting on the table in front of you as you type that!!

@Spinoza thanks for your transparency! I decided to not do it! I don't even want to start that Sh%#. Battling the disease of obesity everyday and then adding in alcohol I just cant!

Edited September 11, 2025Sep 11 by Mspretty86

I am still struggling to answer this question myself. I have never been a big drinker, but then I lived with an alcoholic for twenty years so I view it a little differently than some. I like the taste of some mixed drinks, I am not after a buzz just the flavor. I have had a few nonalcoholic drinks or mocktails, but they are so high in calories. I am getting enjoyment being able to have coffee again after more than 6 months with out and that is good enough for me... for now at least. Then again there is always the question of carbonation or not too? So far I have avoided that as well, but I do miss the bubbles.