Is it safe to drink after Bariatric Surgery?
Bariatric surgery is an effective way to help people lose weight. People need long-term changes to their diet to lose weight and keep it off. However, it isn’t a ‘quick fix’ option to lose weight. Successful weight loss will be entirely depend on making good dietary choices and increasing your physical activity.
Some patients are very keen to know can I drink alcohol after bariatric surgery.
Our expert says it is not recommended that you drink alcohol for at least the first two months after your operation, the effect of alcohol is much more quickly than before. Bariatric surgery tends to make patients more sensitive to alcohol and thus patients have an increased risk of developing alcoholism.
Alcohol contains a lot of calories and no nutrients; it can also stimulate appetite – another reason not to drink frequently. Hence, drinking alcohol works against weight loss goals. For example, a glass of wine contains twice as many calories as a glass of lemonade. Alcohol is one of the underlying causes of weight gain following bariatric surgery.
Still, if you decide to consume alcohol, please follow the rules:
- 1. Avoid any alcohol during the period of rapid weight loss at least 6 months post-surgery because it may cause toxic reactions and damage the liver.
- 2. When you try alcohol for the first time after your surgery, Start with small quantities at home.
- 3. After taking a small quantity see how much is safe to drink until intoxication occurs and how long it
- 4. Avoid strong alcoholic and carbonated drinks because they contain sugar and may cause bloating, diarrhea, and dumping.
- 5. Avoid drinking it on an empty stomach Consume alcohol with food. alcohol is very high in calories and contains no nutrients.
- 6. Make sure to take all your vitamins since alcohol may decrease the absorption of certain vitamins.
- 7. You should never drive after consuming alcohol because blood alcohol concentration increases much faster, and alcohol stays in your blood longer. This may lead to losing sense or causing an accident.
Alcohol abuse can also occur in those who were previously indifferent to alcohol. The most dangerous time frame in this regard is 2-3 years post-surgery. Seek help when you find that you are getting addicted. Drinking alcohol regularly elevates the risk of developing alcohol dependence following bariatric surgery. It is suggested to avoid alcohol completely during the first year after surgery, but after the first year just use your senses, be safe, and don’t overdo it.
The way toward a healthy life
You can contact our coordinators for more information, or you can go to the Weight Lose Clinic for obesity treatment in Delhi for any related information.