Bariatric Surgery and Alcoholic Beverages

Because we are not quick weight after bariatric surgery period we need to stay away from alcoholic beverages. Even small amounts of alcohol can cause toxicity during this period.

There are many reasons for not wanting to consume alcohol after the operation. Alcohol is first and foremost a high-calorie liquid carbohydrate. Even if we drink a small amount of alcohol during this period, it will cause rapid drops in our blood sugar.

A glass of alcoholic beverage we consume has a high calorie content to meet our daily calorie needs. The body does not use the calories it receives from alcohol.

It has no effect on the metabolic rate and is very difficult to destroy. Long-term alcohol consumption disrupts the metabolism and makes you gain weight again.

In addition, most of the products consumed with alcohol (nuts, chips, appetizers and sweets) contain high calories and it is definitely not recommended to be consumed during this period.

The liver is in the task of metabolizing alcohol. The effects of alcohol on the liver are quite high. Excessive alcohol intake will cause destruction in liver cells.

How long after sleeve gastrectomy can you drink alcohol?

• It should be waited for the completion of the healing process of the stomach.
• Previous use will cause discomfort such as gastritis.
• Drinking alcohol 6 months after the operation is a personal preference.
• It is highly recommended to avoid alcohol for 1 year.
• The first year is the period when weight loss is the fastest. This is the period most susceptible to the sensitizing effects of alcohol.

The effect of alcohol on patients who have undergone gastric sleeve surgery

• The first year is the time when you are most sensitive to the numbing effects of alcohol.
• After the operation, the feeling of numbness quickly spreads to the body, as the food passes into the intestine very quickly.
• It has been observed that patients feel the effects of alcohol more quickly with less alcohol after bariatric surgery and it takes longer than normal to recover. For this reason, be sure to have someone with you when you drink alcohol.
• Alcohol use during the first recovery periods will cause vomiting and nausea in the stomach.
• Vomiting can cause inflammation and bloating.
• It was observed that alcoholic beverages because of their high sugar content leads to Dumping Syndrome which is a painful and undesirable consequences by holding body of water.

Alcohol use disorder after gastric sleeve surgery

• Addiction can be observed in some patients after surgery.
• It is a worldwide phenomenon observed in obese individuals that the eating disorder turns into alcohol dependence after surgery.
• Individuals who eat little and have little sense of pleasure tend to be addicted to things they enjoy.
• Many of these patients say that they struggled with alcohol problems before surgery.
• For this reason, it is very important to adjust the dose of alcohol. We should try to keep the dose of alcohol use to a minimum.
• Individuals with alcoholism problems can only successfully benefit from bariatric surgery after receiving alcoholism treatment.
• Bariatric surgery procedures on obese individuals who did not complete the treatment of alcoholism cannot work.

Which Alcohols Should You Consume?

• Alcohols are separated according to the way they are produced. Those produced by fermentation and those produced by distillation.
• We need to stay away from fermented alcohols. Just like the consumption of carbonated beverages after surgery, fermented beverages are prohibited just like this group.
• For example, because beer is both a carbonated and fermented product, it is definitely not suitable for us to consume.
• In fermented beverages; these are drink groups that have a great effect on the gastrointestinal system. After gastric sleeve surgery, reflux is very difficult from fermented drinks.
• For example, we should stay away from alcohols with high carbohydrate content such as raki, these are the alcohol groups that are the most difficult to break down. It is also very difficult to expel from the body.
• Beverages produced by distillation are a little easier to expel from the body and their caloric value is lower.

How  Much Alcohol Can You Consume?

• Plan how many drinks you will have in advance and try to stick to the plan. Make sure your tummy is full.
• The recommended amount is 1 glass per week.

  Calorie Content of Alcohols