I was banded on the 23rd september, so its been one week. I feel great no pain almost feel back to normal. Im still on liquids and my on a fact sheet i recieved from my doctor it says i shouldnt drink alcohol for one month after surgery. Im wondering does anyone know what will happen if i do a have a few drinks? Is this the same information that everyone else has recieved? any insight will be great!!! thanks

Alcohol can impair healing, it relaxes inhibitions and if you overdo you could become nauseated...and vomiting before the band heals is a no no. Plus many of us are on a restricted diet for the first 4 weeks (liquids, full liquids, mushies) and drinking on an empty stomach really isn't good for you, especially post op.

It's only 4 weeks...(some docs require much longer!) so I'd say just tough it out.

And remember alcohol is empty calories...while you are trying to lose, they aren't really a good choice (but you know that!) :biggrin:

Hi - I was banded August 15th. I agree with Restless. Alcohol is empty calories. I truly have enjoy my beer and wine and vodka...etc over the years. . Alcohol, in addition to the love of food, are the main reasons I am obese. The band is a tool and a reminder that we need to change our old habits. I know that I can drink a few beers, but ....I am trying to lose weight. So far, I haven't endulged... I am sure I will, but for now, I am dedicated to lose weight. The band isn't a magic wand, we need to work at it. Try to limit all calories including limiting the booze. This is from a person who has loved his libations for years.....Good Luck..

Alcohol is a stomach irritant. Plus risking vomitting in the early stages isn't a good idea, and drinking alcohol would only increase the risk of vomitting.

Many docs require you not drink for long periods of time (mine says 1 year).

I am really dreading the no booze thing. Especially will be missed after a stressful day at work. I will try to abstain all together but I figure occasional white wine on weekends will be ok. None this month of recovery at all of course and I will try to stay that way as long as I can. I think booze is bad for me because of what it does to my judgment. like: "yeah baby! lets eat McDonald's" or " common, lets go to the store I want some snacks" I'm not so afraid of the occasional calories of the wine but more my ability to control myself after I've had a few. ;-P

Can't go 4 weeks without a drink? Alcohol is empty calories and no doubt has contributed to your needing a lap band -- if you can't give it up for 4 weeks and then cut way back on those empty calories you just wasted a lot of money (yours or the insurance companies).

The lapband is only a tool, you still have to watch what goes into your mouth.

Can't go 4 weeks without a drink? Alcohol is empty calories and no doubt has contributed to your needing a lap band -- if you can't give it up for 4 weeks and then cut way back on those empty calories you just wasted a lot of money (yours or the insurance companies).

The lapband is only a tool, you still have to watch what goes into your mouth.

Well, I guess I am the bad seed out here but I had surgery Sept 15, I have given up smoking rich sauces and my love of Pasta.........I went out to dinner for the first time last Fri. evening and had 2 vodkas & Water w/ sweet n low and lemon, ate tender veal very slowly & did not TOUCH the pasta and bread, even tho the pasta was ON MY PLATE and the yummy bread was right in front of me....I, personally, had NO trouble.....I know it is BAD but u can only give up so much, I may or may not tell Doc........he would prob. just laugh and say, don't over do.....I did not eat more than I had planned or get drunk or any of "those things". I have followed EVERY damn rule and I treated myself and that, my friends, is THAT!

:biggrin: Joy

I have been told no alcohol as well. Maybe eventually ONE glass of wine now and then. I have had 1-3 glasses of wine in an evening since my banding {9-02-08} even though I know better. I have never felt any restriction so it didn't upset my new tiny tummy. I can eat anything and swallow large pills too. I am trying to schedule my first fill now. The doc wants me to wait 6 weeks but I just gained a pound in the last week :thumbdown: so I want a fill yesterday. I need to feel the restriction......fast!

And Gary, in case your doc didn't mention it, beer is carbonated and my understanding is that ANY carbonation is a no-no, forever. The bubbles can stretch your pouch and defeat your whole purpose. Maybe find another libation to love.

Best of luck to all.

Barbara

Can't go 4 weeks without a drink? Alcohol is empty calories and no doubt has contributed to your needing a lap band -- if you can't give it up for 4 weeks and then cut way back on those empty calories you just wasted a lot of money (yours or the insurance companies).

The lapband is only a tool, you still have to watch what goes into your mouth.

mnn, That seems pretty harsh and judgmental. Isn't this forum supposed to be a support forum. I think the guy was just supposing what would happen. I can rather understand that he might be feeling really stressed and it is all a bit overwhelming. I thought of booze as an escape myself the first couple of days as well as all sorts of other depressing stuff. Of course good advice is to abstain especially if your in the frst month as it could harm your body.

Can't go 4 weeks without a drink? Alcohol is empty calories and no doubt has contributed to your needing a lap band -- if you can't give it up for 4 weeks and then cut way back on those empty calories you just wasted a lot of money (yours or the insurance companies).

The lapband is only a tool, you still have to watch what goes into your mouth.

That was a bit rough don't you think?:thumbup:

I personally am not willing to test the waters but you know your body better then anyone. Though I couldn't because the idea of throwing up right now scares me. Let me know what you opt. to do and how it works out for you.