People considering weight loss surgery often ask if it is possible to safely incorporate alcohol into a healthy diet and lifestyle after surgery. Since this is quite a frequently asked question, the answer for you in short is “yes” but gradually and with changes. It is important to do this. Because your stomach shrinks after the surgery, the alcohol capacity it can take is much less. In addition, your alcohol resistance will be low. You can understand the reasons for these by reading our content.
Altered Metabolism
According to studies, the altered metabolism that results after gastric bypass surgery causes blood alcohol levels to peak higher and faster and return to normal later. Additionally, many post-surgical patients who drink alcohol tend to eat less while doing so, which speeds up the bloodstream’s absorption of alcohol. One drink is often enough for many post-operative patients to raise blood alcohol levels to the point of legal drunkenness. This is crucial to keep in mind both before driving and when maintaining a balanced diet.
Low Blood Sugar
A reduction in sugar or glycogen in your body might result from rapid weight loss and minimal carbohydrate consumption. Following bariatric surgery, drinking alcohol increases the chance of experiencing low blood sugar because it further depletes glycogen, which lowers blood sugar levels.
Low blood sugar, often known as hypoglycemia, is a serious disease that, if untreated, can cause unconsciousness, damage to the brain and nerves, and even death. Therefore, it’s crucial to pay attention to signs including loss of balance and coordination, slurred speech, blurry vision, and confusion.
If you suffer hypoglycemia symptoms, quickly raise your blood sugar level by drinking diluted juice or taking a glucose tablet, followed by a protein- and complex carbohydrate-rich snack. Make sure to get the appropriate medical care if hypoglycemia episodes frequently happen even when no alcohol is consumed.
Excess calories
Alcohol is high in calories and low in nutrients, so excess calories from alcohol can slow weight loss and even contribute to weight gain. Therefore, it is important that you do not drink alcohol as long as you continue your diet. However, if you are determined to drink alcohol, you should do it once a week. More will trigger weight gain.
Addiction Transfer
Patients who have previously struggled with addiction are more likely to do so again. Following bariatric surgery, some individuals may trade their food addiction for other addictive habits, such as drug use, excessive shopping, gambling, sex, and alcohol consumption.
Guidelines For Drinking
Follow these guidelines to re-introduce alcohol without compromising your commitment to a healthy lifestyle after weight-loss surgery:
- For the first six months following bariatric surgery, refrain from drinking.
- When you’re given the go-ahead to resume drinking, stay away from fizzy drinks and sugary drink mixers.
- Keep in mind that even little amounts of alcohol might result in drunkenness and low blood sugar following surgery.
- Never drink and drive, even if you’ve only had a little bit.
- Only consume alcohol with meals or while eating to help the body absorb it more slowly.
- Be mindful of the calories in alcohol.
- If you frequently turn to alcohol to deal with stress or emotions, get help by speaking with your doctor.
Alcoholism Is A Side Effect Of Bariatric And Weight Loss Surgeries
It is true that following bariatric surgery, you will be more susceptible to the effects of alcohol. Your body will naturally metabolize alcohol differently than it did previously because you are losing weight quickly. It is advised that you refrain from drinking alcohol during this time of rapid weight reduction until your weight reaches a stable level.
Only a “small fraction” of people who undergo bariatric surgery experience alcohol drinking issues thereafter. The majority of people who drink alcohol after surgery had experienced alcohol abuse issues in the past.
Be sure to communicate your worries with your bariatric surgeon before the procedure if you have alcoholism issues and believe that they may persist after surgery. They will be able to help navigate available resources to help address and monitor the issue.
