Hi!

I am still awaiting approval from insurance and have a question.

This weekend, we went over to a friend's house to play cards and I had some alcohol to drink. It made me think about what happens AFTER the band...do you have to watch how much you drink? I would think that being able to have less food on your stomach would cause the alcohol to effect you sooner.

Anyone noticed a difference?

Thanks...just preparing for a life change!

~~anne

My surgeon said no alcohol for one year after banding, period. Alcohol is a gastric irritant is the reason why. He is more conservative than other doctors, from what I've read on here. It would be best to check with your surgeon.

Mine said no alcohol because it is empty calories. No beer because of the carbonation and empty calories. I was banded in May and have since had a few drinks. Yes, it does affect me much sooner than before. I certainly do not drink nearly as much as before. As a matter of fact 1/2 a drink will affect me as much as 1 or 2 did before. Check with your doctor to see what they want you to do. Every doctor is different and has a different set of rules. Good luck!

I have a glass of wine every now and then. Beer is like soda -- it can hurt going down and some doctors tell you to stay away from it. You may notice that you feel drunk sooner after the band.

Mine never mentioned alcohol. I am young, so I could be different. I drink hard alcohol when I do drink. i make a low calorie mixed drink and it keeps me chillin all night. Just one, your stomach will be so small and your food intake so much less. I saw no beer because of carbination. I didn't drink until about 4 months post op though. and i heal even faster. I'd wait at least 6. I have had absolutely no trouble with it either. No irritation or throwing up. Nothing. But everybody is differnt. You should contact the surgeon you will have and they should let you know.

No alcohol for the first year. Never any carbonated alcoholic beverages. Also, the doctor said alcohol should really be avoided due to the possibility of addiction transfer.

My Doc said after 6 months was fine, like above mentioned-no carbonation! Liquor does affect me much quicker than it did before surgery (learned that the hard way) I can have 1 mixed drink and stop there- that's enough! It's great- between hardly eating and barely drinking, I love my cheap date nights! Cut our bill in 1/2!

I guess I learned the hard way, I was a beer drinker pre lap-band and had gone to a wedding 3 months post band and had wine, which is what most recommended b/c no carbonation. Well I am now on a no alcohol sabaticle!!!hehe I was not used to drinking wine, which should be sipped, b/c I always drank beer which you tend to drink more quickly. Needless to say I was very sick and I cannot even think of drinking wine again!!! Just follow your drs. orders b/c they know best and when it comes time for that drink be very careful b/c it will affect you much differently now.

I also avoid taking shots because when you burp, some comes up with it. Oh man, i have never gotten so sick from drinking in my life. The taste of the alcohol coming back up was horrible. Lets just say, my next shot won't be until i'm 21 hehe :]