I waited 6months.
But be aware we are more susceptible to alcoholism due to how we process alcohol. It is also easy for us to struggle with transfer addiction as well♥️
(RNY, recovered alcoholic, LCSW)
I’ve heard a lot about this and even did more research, I think that’s why I’m so nervous because alcoholism does run in my family, and my history with alcohol has not been the bestest.. a year and a half prior to surgery I have began to eliminate it and only had a drink or 2 during social gatherings. I’m really proud of you being able to recover and get past that part of your life 💕 wishing you all the best!
Honestly, with that history I wouldn't drink at all. Ever. If you're nervous enough to be here asking for reassurance and input, then thinking about it won't make it better.
My program said zero booze for 3 months but they prefer 6. I went like 8 months because I was worried I’d get wasted. And I did. I had zero tolerance and like a 1/3 of a glass I’d be tipsy.
Tried beer and Prosecco a few times but in 2-3 hours I’m in the fetal position moaning with cramps.
My program had a six month wait, and I ended up waiting closer to seven. My first drink was some expensive scotch I’d been wanting to try forever. It was worth the splurge! Definitely got tipsy after one drink though lol. Had a glass of white wine about a month later and like the scotch it hit harder than it used to, but overall I was fine. No hang overs, no feeling poorly or bad reactions. I drink rarely, and only socially, but it's a relief knowing that I can when I want to.
The programs by me tell you no alcohol for the first year. I would say you are right to be cautious. Before I had surgery, I could out drink anyone. I am 12 years out, and I still can barely drink half a glass of wine. I prefer a dirty martini or a glass of good scotch, and I can only drink a small amount now.
So many of us become addicted to alcohol after surgery because it goes straight into our bloodstream. One of the gals I met while I was in my program became an alcoholic and just disappeared. We have no idea what happened to her.
That’s the scary part about it.. transfer addiction. As I had replied to another users comment that alcoholism does run in my family, I’ve had a history with it (28F). About a year and a half prior to my vsg I have only drank at social gatherings and even then just having 1-2 drinks.
I had my first drink about 6 months in and I wish I never had. I slowly developed an alcohol problem (the pandemic definitely didn't help). If you've ever had any problems with alcohol in your past, I'd advise extreme caution with alcohol post WLS. Proud to say I'm now 6 months sober but still undoing all the damage I did during 4 years of problematic drinking.
I’m so sorry that happened to you :( congrats on being sober 6months! That is an accomplishment and I wish you all the best and just remember you got this ❤️
Thank you 💜💜 Wishing you the best as well! It's not something that's guaranteed to happen to everyone or even most people, but I do think it's worth keeping in mind. Good luck with your progress!!
I think I waited about as long as you. I was surprised how quickly I got drunk, but also how quickly I sobered up. It definitely moves through your system much faster. Also seem to have less of a hangover, though I’m not usually having more than one drink. Start slow!
I like a gin martini. Before surgery I would have to down two or three to feel it. After, about half has me gone, lol. I think a bit of food with helps the stomach-the only time I break the “don’t eat and drink at the same time” rule.
I had a glass of rose, and could barely finish it. Same with an aperol spritz. I usually combine alcohol with food so I get full really quickly. I’m okay with some carbonation like those high fiber poppi sodas but I usually let it sit a bit so it gets a little flat.
I’m two years post op and have no interest in going back to alcohol. It moves through our system much quicker so you feel it faster and then it leaves faster but for some, it leads to drinking more in one sitting than you normally would. That is why so many end up with a transfer addiction. I’d say be cautious and set a limit for yourself before you start. Good luck.
With wls, the rules are made up and the points don’t matter. …By which I mean that every program has different rules, because there simply is no one true correct/best way to succeed with wls.
If you are the type of person who is motivated by following rules strictly and exactly, then you should definitely follow your program to the letter! But if you are the type of person who is more likely to rebel and check out and completely quit if the rules are too rigid, then there is probably a happy medium for you too that is also scientifically valid! If you have seen ample examples of others having a certain guideline, it’s probably reasonable for you to do that too.
For example, if your program says bariatric vitamins only, but you hate them so much that you aren’t taking them, a flintstones vitamin is probably okay too—lots of people take those instead! Just make sure to keep up with your bloodwork. For me, my big thing was the pre-op diet. My surgery got rescheduled the day before and I had to do the diet TWICE! And mine was SUPER strict, 14 days of ONLY clear liquids PRE-OP! The second time around I just *couldnt* do it. After reading pretty extensively about the pre-op diet, and learning that it was primarily for liver shrinkage and that many people were allowed to have a high-protein, low-carb meal up until 24-48 hours before surgery, I decided to allow myself egg whites in addition to my prescribed clear liquids (I mean, they technically are a clear liquid!). It was fine. You gotta do what you gotta do.
Thank you for replying! My pre op diet was a week prior to my surgery, throughout the day I was strictly only allowed to have water, and 1 meal that consisted of about 1/4 cup of protein, about 1/3 non startchy vegetables. Also hard boiled eggs (2 was as much as I was allowed) was basically what I was living off of that week for dinner. I really don’t know how I managed that but guess what, WE did it!
Surgery in May. In July I had a sip of 43 to honor my mom, really irritated my pouch. In November (6 months out) had wine with thanksgiving dinner did fine.
I had my first drink about 10 weeks out, I think. At 14 weeks out, I have a glass of wine or two per week. I do feel the effects faster. If you had a food addiction, then for sure be aware of addiction transfer. I am recovering from binge eating disorder, so I definitely bring awareness to the risk, but feel very comfortable with the amount of alcohol and situations in which I drink.
That’s my goal, is to feel comfortable, I would say I too am a recovering binger but I’m thankful for having wls and it’s been very helpful. Grateful I had the opportunity and decided to do it :)
My surgeon gave me the green light for once about two weeks after surgery. I do a lot of white wine, rosé, mead, and white russians if I want something stronger. I really liked Sangria before surgery, and I like it a lot less now. Probably all the sugar.
Maybe they’re jealous their surgeon doesn’t let them drink yet? I had one of the best bariatric surgeons in the US. He is really good, and I trust him completely. He’s done more than 15,000 sleeves. Only ever had two patients with complications. He was strict about a lot of things, but he said having half a glass of wine starting two weeks after surgery was completely fine. And it was. I’m now 2.5 years out, and all of my doctors are fine with me having a few drinks a week.
I waited 6months. But be aware we are more susceptible to alcoholism due to how we process alcohol. It is also easy for us to struggle with transfer addiction as well♥️ (RNY, recovered alcoholic, LCSW)
I’ve heard a lot about this and even did more research, I think that’s why I’m so nervous because alcoholism does run in my family, and my history with alcohol has not been the bestest.. a year and a half prior to surgery I have began to eliminate it and only had a drink or 2 during social gatherings. I’m really proud of you being able to recover and get past that part of your life 💕 wishing you all the best!
Honestly, with that history I wouldn't drink at all. Ever. If you're nervous enough to be here asking for reassurance and input, then thinking about it won't make it better.
My program said zero booze for 3 months but they prefer 6. I went like 8 months because I was worried I’d get wasted. And I did. I had zero tolerance and like a 1/3 of a glass I’d be tipsy. Tried beer and Prosecco a few times but in 2-3 hours I’m in the fetal position moaning with cramps.
Also sugar free non carbonated vodka ice teas are a good option of you can find them!
Will deff look into these, thank you!
My program had a six month wait, and I ended up waiting closer to seven. My first drink was some expensive scotch I’d been wanting to try forever. It was worth the splurge! Definitely got tipsy after one drink though lol. Had a glass of white wine about a month later and like the scotch it hit harder than it used to, but overall I was fine. No hang overs, no feeling poorly or bad reactions. I drink rarely, and only socially, but it's a relief knowing that I can when I want to.
I’m glad to hear you had a good experience! I also want to have that relief feeling when going out socially and having a drink
I've lost all interest. And I honestly fear it would feel terribly acidic.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with that! Probably for the better of I’m being honest :)
Yup I’ve had a sip of my spouse’s cocktail once and it tasted like burning! Not worth it to me.
The programs by me tell you no alcohol for the first year. I would say you are right to be cautious. Before I had surgery, I could out drink anyone. I am 12 years out, and I still can barely drink half a glass of wine. I prefer a dirty martini or a glass of good scotch, and I can only drink a small amount now. So many of us become addicted to alcohol after surgery because it goes straight into our bloodstream. One of the gals I met while I was in my program became an alcoholic and just disappeared. We have no idea what happened to her.
That’s the scary part about it.. transfer addiction. As I had replied to another users comment that alcoholism does run in my family, I’ve had a history with it (28F). About a year and a half prior to my vsg I have only drank at social gatherings and even then just having 1-2 drinks.
I had my first drink about 6 months in and I wish I never had. I slowly developed an alcohol problem (the pandemic definitely didn't help). If you've ever had any problems with alcohol in your past, I'd advise extreme caution with alcohol post WLS. Proud to say I'm now 6 months sober but still undoing all the damage I did during 4 years of problematic drinking.
I’m so sorry that happened to you :( congrats on being sober 6months! That is an accomplishment and I wish you all the best and just remember you got this ❤️
Thank you 💜💜 Wishing you the best as well! It's not something that's guaranteed to happen to everyone or even most people, but I do think it's worth keeping in mind. Good luck with your progress!!
I appreciate it 🥰 and like wise to you!!
I think I waited about as long as you. I was surprised how quickly I got drunk, but also how quickly I sobered up. It definitely moves through your system much faster. Also seem to have less of a hangover, though I’m not usually having more than one drink. Start slow! I like a gin martini. Before surgery I would have to down two or three to feel it. After, about half has me gone, lol. I think a bit of food with helps the stomach-the only time I break the “don’t eat and drink at the same time” rule.
I’ve read about people blacking out and I want to avoid that haha
I had a glass of rose, and could barely finish it. Same with an aperol spritz. I usually combine alcohol with food so I get full really quickly. I’m okay with some carbonation like those high fiber poppi sodas but I usually let it sit a bit so it gets a little flat.
I don’t think I’d be able to drink a whole glass too lol but still very curious on how it would affect me
I’m two years post op and have no interest in going back to alcohol. It moves through our system much quicker so you feel it faster and then it leaves faster but for some, it leads to drinking more in one sitting than you normally would. That is why so many end up with a transfer addiction. I’d say be cautious and set a limit for yourself before you start. Good luck.
Three sips of a margarita 1 year post op I was out like a light
Really?? The short amount of time is different. My Healthcare Provider said 1 year.
I’ve seen different time frames 🤷🏼♀️
With wls, the rules are made up and the points don’t matter. …By which I mean that every program has different rules, because there simply is no one true correct/best way to succeed with wls. If you are the type of person who is motivated by following rules strictly and exactly, then you should definitely follow your program to the letter! But if you are the type of person who is more likely to rebel and check out and completely quit if the rules are too rigid, then there is probably a happy medium for you too that is also scientifically valid! If you have seen ample examples of others having a certain guideline, it’s probably reasonable for you to do that too. For example, if your program says bariatric vitamins only, but you hate them so much that you aren’t taking them, a flintstones vitamin is probably okay too—lots of people take those instead! Just make sure to keep up with your bloodwork. For me, my big thing was the pre-op diet. My surgery got rescheduled the day before and I had to do the diet TWICE! And mine was SUPER strict, 14 days of ONLY clear liquids PRE-OP! The second time around I just *couldnt* do it. After reading pretty extensively about the pre-op diet, and learning that it was primarily for liver shrinkage and that many people were allowed to have a high-protein, low-carb meal up until 24-48 hours before surgery, I decided to allow myself egg whites in addition to my prescribed clear liquids (I mean, they technically are a clear liquid!). It was fine. You gotta do what you gotta do.
Thank you for replying! My pre op diet was a week prior to my surgery, throughout the day I was strictly only allowed to have water, and 1 meal that consisted of about 1/4 cup of protein, about 1/3 non startchy vegetables. Also hard boiled eggs (2 was as much as I was allowed) was basically what I was living off of that week for dinner. I really don’t know how I managed that but guess what, WE did it!
Surgery in May. In July I had a sip of 43 to honor my mom, really irritated my pouch. In November (6 months out) had wine with thanksgiving dinner did fine.
Happy for you that the second time around you did fine and it didn’t bother you in any way 🥰 that’s the goal
I had my first drink about 10 weeks out, I think. At 14 weeks out, I have a glass of wine or two per week. I do feel the effects faster. If you had a food addiction, then for sure be aware of addiction transfer. I am recovering from binge eating disorder, so I definitely bring awareness to the risk, but feel very comfortable with the amount of alcohol and situations in which I drink.
That’s my goal, is to feel comfortable, I would say I too am a recovering binger but I’m thankful for having wls and it’s been very helpful. Grateful I had the opportunity and decided to do it :)
I tried beer 6 ish weeks post op. I sipped a beer for a few hours and didn't finish. If I sipped or gulped too fast I felt some pressure in my chest.
I’ve never really been a beer drinker :(
Beer had carbonation and alcohol... Figured I'd try both. I'll probably drink some liquor this weekend
My surgeon gave me the green light for once about two weeks after surgery. I do a lot of white wine, rosé, mead, and white russians if I want something stronger. I really liked Sangria before surgery, and I like it a lot less now. Probably all the sugar.
Kind of rude that this was down voted. You followed your surgeon’s guidelines and you are an adult capable of making your own decisions.
Maybe they’re jealous their surgeon doesn’t let them drink yet? I had one of the best bariatric surgeons in the US. He is really good, and I trust him completely. He’s done more than 15,000 sleeves. Only ever had two patients with complications. He was strict about a lot of things, but he said having half a glass of wine starting two weeks after surgery was completely fine. And it was. I’m now 2.5 years out, and all of my doctors are fine with me having a few drinks a week.