Question:
BEER 30'S ????
Hello everyone. I am very pre-op (just filled out my packet from the surgen) and was wondering about a couple things. i have read alot and have found anwsers to most, but i cant find out about drinking beer, wine or hard liquros. Are these something that will be gone forever. I am by no means a drunk (lol) , but i do enjoy going out with the guys after work on a friday for a round or two. Maybe someone can explain how the surgery will effect the beer 30"s ? How does the new much smaller stomach cope with alcohol? — JOHNNNYRAY (posted on June 8, 2006)
June 7, 2006
Ace- this gets asked alot. Surgeons have different protocols because of
the risks of patients getting drunk much more quickly on smaller amounts,
the danger of replacing food with alcohol and the concern that alcoholic
drinks will give you lots of calories and carbs and no nutrition or true
hydration. Plus, there is always the concern that even modest amounts of
alcohol early on can impact your liver (given how hard it's working).
For me, I didn't have a drink for about 8 months following surgery. And,
then it was at best 1/2 drink maybe every month or so. Now, I probably go
out with friends 2x/month and have a maximum of 2 drinks-- I choose gin and
diet coke (because it has no carbohydrates). For beer, you have to be
cautious (although the new Mich Ultra Amber is actually fairly good
tasting). Once again, use caution and good sense. Good luck.
— SteveColarossi
June 7, 2006
I know that with me, about 1/2 of a drink is all I can tolerate now as the
absorption is MUCH faster and the effect is much faster. You may dump with
the sugars in the alcohol though. It will be a trial and error as you try
new things. You may want to wait a few months though before trying
alcohol. Good luck. Shelly
— scharlier
June 7, 2006
First off good luck on your new journey. As for beginning able to drink
after surgery I agree with the last post. When you do drink you absorb it
much faster and can not drink as much. I had my first glass of wine a few
months ago (8 months out) and was able to only drink half of it. It went
right to my head; boy did I feel it!! Also I would warn you about drinking
carbonated drinks as they may not have carbs. but the carbonation does
cause gas in your stomach and can expand your pouch. Again good luck on
your surgery.
— Laural D.
June 7, 2006
There are a few issues to consider...first, beer is carbonated, right?
(isn't that why it foams?) You need to watch liquids that will cause
swelling or stretching of your pouch. Secondly, the absorption of the
alcohol can be a huge factor and everyone is different, so don't plan to
drive! Third, is it the taste of beer or the feeling it gives you? If it
is the taste, O'Doul's non alcoholic beer is not a bad stand in for real
beer.
I went out to a nightclub and had one real beer .....sipped it for a
good half hour and then one O'Douls. I was out for three hours or so.
— LauraA
June 8, 2006
Hi Johnny. I'm not if I can be much help because I had the lap band
surgery. But, for what it's worth, I'm able to drink wine without a
problem. I was told to avoid carbonated beverages, so to date, I've
steered clear of beer. Good luck and cheers! Angela
— angelabee
June 8, 2006
Carbonation can make you feel uncomfortable-- after a few months it will
not stretch your pouch (old wive's tale) unless you forget how to belch.
Of course, this isn't to say that carbonation can not be very uncomfortable
for many people (even longer term post-ops) and that, as far as a beverage
of choice, carbonation can cause a false sense of fullness that can impede
proper hydration and protein intake
— SteveColarossi
June 8, 2006
First of all, carbonated beverages will NOT stretch your pouch, unless you
have an obstruction! There is an opening at each end of the pouch, so the
carbonation will leave one way or the other (belching or flatulance.) The
pouch is made from the upper, thicker, less stretchy part of the stomach,
and the muscle layers are far stronger than the pressure from some
carbonation. Carbonation can make you feel full until the gas goes one way
or the other. (Hence, people "think" the pouch has been
stretched). I know some post op guys that enjoy an occasional beer with
friends after work. Where it used to be 6 or more beers, it's maybe two,
now. As far as the alcohol, since the stomach is shortened and food and
fluid pass right on into the intestine, the alcohol gets into your
bloodstream a lot faster. I am 3 1/2 years out, have an occasional
alcoholic drink with no problems. No buzz if I drink it slowly. I also
drink 2-3 diet Vanilla Pepsi's a week, and I have no problem with it. My
pouch is no larger than any other mature pouch, and trust me, I know where
that carbonation goes!
— koogy
June 8, 2006
All the information about getting drunk is true. Jus t use caution, and
wait a few months. i did not have a wine before 6 mos out, and then it ws
about half at best. You will eventualy be able to enjoy a beer. Susan
Kennedy said it correctly, although surgeon is different, there is no
scientific backing that carbon stretches your pouch. Per my Dr. The gas
escapes like everything else through the bottom opening or you burp...
Beer was very uncomfortable for me therefore I did not drink it. Recently
though I can finish a bottle. (3yrs post-op) Maybe even two. I had a
glass of wine last night w/dinner and was pretty high.
Best wishes
MaryLyn
— Kriola
June 8, 2006
I'm 6 months post-op and have had both vodka and beer. With the vodka I
would mix it with sugar free fruit punch...and it actually tasted pretty
good. With beer I generally try to open one up in the frig and let it sit
for a while to let some of the fizz go out....still tastes great...and as
long as you don't do it daily...you should be ok. Keep in mind that
alcohol does not digest in us like it used too...so your blood alcohol
levels will go up fast...don't tempt a DUI.
— mmcphee1
June 8, 2006
I know a lot of people said that fizzy/foamy drinks don't stretch the
pouch... but I just came back from an upper G.I. a few days ago (pre-op)
and they made me drink about 1/4 cup of these fuzzy pellets in water that
reminded me of alka seltzer. They said the fizzy drink gassed up and
stretched the stomach so they can get a better picture. I know I won't be
taking any chances after my surgery.
About the drinking... I do know the drinks get to you a LOT faster. I had
a friend who had RNY and had been a now and then drinker. But months after
surgery they went out with friends to a bar and had ONE mixed drink and had
to be carried home. lol. Now that's a cheap date.
— Sandy~Diamond
June 8, 2006
Hello! I am 10 months post op and I drink 1 beer a few times a week with my
boyfriend, sometime i drink 1 1/2. I feel good and don't have any problems.
I think each person is different. Good Luck! I too enjoy "Beer
30" in fact I am enjoying one right now!
— TraciB06
June 8, 2006
Hey hun , I am a yeah and a half out of gastric bypass and I have been
drinking a little . I usually drink the tom collins its vokda and 7-up and
a cherry . I get drunk real fast and my sugar levels stay stable . I was
always scared to drink . so two weeks ago I went to vegas and that was my
first time drinking . But you should wait for several months after surgury
before you try it . Beer seems like it would take to much to get drunk on
lol . anyways good luck , dear !!!
— LongBeachDiva
June 9, 2006
What everybody has said is so true. I am almost 3 yrs post op. The effect
that alcohol has on me is still just as intense as it was 2 yrs ago. I am
a cheap drunk! A little more than a 1/2 a beer and I am loopy, a
margarita and I am stumbling, two shots of patron, well just don't go
there....seriously!!! It definitely hits you quick but for me it wears off
quick too. And if I eat a piece of bread, it really helps the alcohol
effect wear off quickly. Anyway, just my two cents. Good luck with your
surgery! ~Michelle :)
— Michelle_S
June 9, 2006
I am 2 years post op now, and I have had a similar experience as those
shared above concerning alcohol. I would like to add however, that while
the alcohol in a drink does hit you hard and fast, it seems to me that it
also goes away quickly as well. I would also like to add that most
cocktails are sweet which presents a danger of dumping, but I find that I
don't dump if I sip a standard Martini, or better yet, a Bloody Mary. I do
feel uncomfortable when I drink beer because of the sensation of needing to
burp but then burping foam. Takes the fun out of the beer for me. My
favorite thing to drink hands down is a nice quality wine, which lends
itself well to sipping, and savoring and sloshing around in your mouth.
L'Chiam!
— carlaruth
June 9, 2006
WOW! I GUESS THAT WAS A GOOD QUESTION. THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR YOUR
INPUT.....OK OK, I GOT THAT THE DRINKING AFFECTS EVERYONE DIFFERNT AND IM
JUST GONNA HAVE TO WAIT AND SEE HOW IT WILL AFFECT ME. ALSO THAT I DO NEED
TO WAIT A LITTLE BIT B4 I DO ANYTHING. SOUNDS LIKE IT COULD CHANGE THAT TOO
IN MY LIFE FOR A LONG TIME. NOT THATS ITS A BIG DEAL, BUT ITS NO FUN GOING
TO A BAR AND DRINKING WATER. ILL JUST HAVE TO PUT THE DRINKING GAMES UP IN
THE CLOSET AND PUT THE QUARTER IN THE PIGGY BANK. I LIKE TO LOOK AT THINGS
IN A PRACTICAL WAY AND ASK PRACTICAL QUESTIONS. I THINK WE ALL KNOW HOW
GREAT THE OUTCOME CAN/WILL BE OF THE SURGERY. JUST WONDERING HOW MANY TIMES
THE WICKED WITCH WILL POP OUT AT ME ALONG THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD.
THANK YOU ALL! ...JR
— JOHNNNYRAY
June 9, 2006
Each individual doctor has their own protocol as far as carbonated
beverages and other alcohol. My doctor says no carbonated beverages, beer
included. My husband's WLS doc says carbonation is fine after 3 months PO.
I really do not want to drink them because it makes my pouch feel too
bloated. I do have a diet Pepsi every once in awhile but it takes me a real
long time to drink one. As far as wines and alcohol I use them sparingly
and only when I have a desiginated driver or I am at home. The alcohol goes
right to my head fast and funny thing is that it leaves almost just as
fast. For some people they do not have any problems with alcohol. But, just
be aware that it may affect you either way. I did not drink any alcohol for
almost 6 months PO. The alcohol really is empty calories and has no
nutritional value. Your surgeon may have you give it up for a while PO so
you can loose all the weight you possibly can. But, that is something that
is small to pay considering what you are gaining with loosing weight.
— ChristineB
June 9, 2006
One of the problems with wine and other alcohols is the sugar content.
You also have a smaller stomach and absorb differently. I have ehard that
others have an occassional drin, but I have so far been content with
sipping from my husband's wineglass and have not had any mixed drinks yet.
(1.5 yo)
— Novashannon
June 11, 2006
Hi Johnny! First of all - the best of luck with your surgery. You will do
great. I had surgery last July and, like you, would enjoy drinking
socially before surgery. I had my first drink of alcohol in September and
WOOOOOO! I had about 3 sips of wine and had to sit down. I became very
flushed and very hot, breaking into a sweat. So I stayed away for a few
months. Tried again, this time beer. Couldn't handle the beer because of
the amount of carbonation, it was very uncomfortable to drink. So, I am
now almost 1 year out. I have tampered with drinking different things. I
have found that for me the easiest think is to drink harder alcohol like
bourbons or rum in shots. But I will order 1 and sip on it. For me,
alcohol effects me much differently than before surgery. I am very much a
cheap date. For reference, I do not dump. My doctor said to drink very
minimally, so when I do drink, I limit myself to about 2 - 3 ounces every
two hours, and that is effective. I drink about once a month - once every
2 months. It has definately made going out much cheaper. You will just
have to see how your body reacts with trial and error. Word of caution -
the first time I drank hard alchol, i became so intoxicated that I did not
remember anything about the evening, and apparantly was acting a little
crazy - so be sure to have some friends or loved ones with you! And I
would take your doctor's advice - whatever that is.
Good luck!
— apriltragesser
June 13, 2006
Well I had my surgery a yr. ago last April the first time I tried alcohol
was a week ago I had bloody mary's because I felt the other liquors have
way to much sugar. Soda does not settle well with me it feels like it burns
my stomach. I did drink 4 of them over a 4 hr. period I did get tipsy alot
faster but then I ate a pc. of chicken and I was as sober as a judge. my
daughter and sister-in-law have both had the gastric bypass also they
always said you get tipsy fast but sober up as fast and boy were they
right. Hope this helps.Cindy
— NYCindy
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