Gastric Bypass Surgery Support Group

Gastric bypass (GBP) is any of a group of similar operative procedures used to treat morbid obesity, a condition which arises from severe accumulation of excess weight in the form of fatty tissue, and the health problems ("co-morbidities") which result. If you are considering gastric bypass or have had it, join the community where we share our experiences and find support.

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BruisedHeart43 12/29/2007

I had my first drink, a small cup of vodka and club soda last week and everything went okay. I was never a heavy drinker but I do enjoy good cap every now and then and when out with friends socially which isn't very often. I'm about 3 months out from my op. I know this is forbidden in the Bible of the Bypass but I let the social pressure get to me and I accepted a free drink from one of my good friends. A friend of mine had bypass surgery over 3 years ago and she drinks occasionally as well, her thoughts are that she follows every single bypass rule so she deserves a drink every now and then. Interestingly enough, she still looks great and hasn't gained a single pound. Anybody else still take an occasional drink?

deleted_user 12/29/2007

I don't believe alcohol is an absolute no-no post surgery, but something to be very careful of because of how fast it hits us GBS folks. Make sure you always have a designated driver, even if its for one drink.

Alcohol is empty calories, but once I'm several months post-op, I plan to have the occasional sip of wine on special occasions.

deleted_user 12/30/2007

I actually drink sugar free kahula in my coffee or hot cocoa and wine coolers. I'm 1 year post op.

deleted_user 12/30/2007

At 2.5 mos postop, I had a few shots of Jameson the other night at the bar. It was my first time out in about 3 years and I rewarded myself. Although it kinda burned going down (duh--it's whiskey)... I didn't encounter a problem.
My advice is, if you're going to do it--make sure you have a DD since you get wasted really really fast.

deleted_user 12/30/2007

I am only 6 wks postop and I have wondered about this alot. I am not a big drinker but I like others, like to have a drink once in a while. I do agree to have a dd when drinking but it is nice to know that maybe i will be able to have a drink once in a while

deleted_user 12/31/2007

Im 6 months post-op and I had my fist drink at 2 months post-op and I was fine. I drank crystal light mixed with vodka. I also am not a heavy drinker, but I enjoy it occasionally when out or at gatherings. I dont believe their is anything wrong with drinking, but everything in moderation. My doctor also never advised me against it, and actually said it was ok after 2 months post-op. I now have tried wine and at bars I order vodka with a splash of cranberry juice, (which is not enough to go above the recomended sugar, but enough to cut the vodka taste), and lots of lime (natural sugar and cuts the taste of the vodka also). I would try something not so strong first, but just a suggestion for the future.

CindyLS 12/31/2007

I used to enjoy a good glass of wine with meals occasionly. I'm almost 5 months post-op and have been afraid to try it.

My nutritionist says it's okay in moderation but warned about watching how much you drink because of rapid absorbtion (getting drunk faster than normal) or of replacing one addiction (food) with another addiction (alcohol).

butterflyxlife 12/31/2007

Amelia has given out a few links in different threads about the physiological risks of effects from drinking with our altered anatomy. From my understanding, there is a higher risk for liver problems from alcohol etc. because of the way we are now plumbed and the way alcohol effects our systems.

That being said, I believe like others that moderation is the key.

For Christmas, I sipped on a shot of kahlua that got me pretty pretty toasted. First drink I have had since surgery, and likely the only one I will have for a very long time seeing as I'm not a drinker~ but felt like celebrating with the family--

BruisedHeart43 12/31/2007

During my preliminary group sessions we were advised about alcohol consumption and the increased risk of liver damage. That was really my only concern but it looks like moderation is the key factor to enjoying one's self. That being said, I hope everyone has a great New Years and that you all achieve even more success and happiness in the upcoming year!!! Cheers!!

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