Can alcohol be drunk after bariatric surgery?
Written by: Laura Arantegui / Date: 03-12-24 / Reading Time: 5 Minutes
Bariatric surgery is a procedure that transforms people's lives by helping them lose weight and improve their overall health. However, this change also requires significant lifestyle adjustments, including alcohol consumption. For those who have undergone this surgery, it is crucial to understand how alcohol may affect them differently and what precautions they should take to protect their health and achieve their weight loss goals.
Table of Contents
- 1. Effects of alcohol after bariatric surgery.
- 2. Medical recommendations on alcohol consumption.
- 3. Impact of alcohol on weight loss and recovery.
- 4. Alternatives and strategies to avoid alcohol consumption.
Effects of alcohol after bariatric surgery
After bariatric surgery, the body undergoes significant changes that affect the way substances, including alcohol, are absorbed and metabolized. Here are some of the most important effects:
Changes in alcohol absorption:
Due to changes in the digestive system (especially the stomach and small intestine), alcohol passes quickly into the bloodstream. This can lead to a more rapid and pronounced increase in blood alcohol levels compared to before surgery.
Calories and alcohol:
Alcohol provides a large amount of calories, called "empty calories", that is, it does not provide any food or nutrient to our body. In addition, they have a high sugar content in their composition, which will be transformed and stored in our body in the form of fat when we consume a lot of alcohol.
Increased sensitivity to alcohol:
Bariatric patients often experience an increased sensitivity to alcohol. This means that they may feel drunk on a much smaller amount of alcohol than they were used to before surgery. In addition, the effects of alcohol, such as intoxication and hangover, can be more intense and longer lasting.
Risks associated with post-surgery alcohol consumption:
Alcohol consumption after bariatric surgery carries several risks, including an increased risk of addiction, since some patients may substitute alcohol for food dependence. There is also an increased risk of vitamin and mineral deficiencies, ulcers, stomach irritation and complications related to scarring.
Medical recommendations on alcohol consumption
It is critical to follow medical recommendations when it comes to consuming alcohol after bariatric surgery. These guidelines are designed to minimize risks and help patients maintain their health goals.
Recommended period of abstinence:
Total abstinence from alcohol is preferable during the first postoperative year. During this time, the body is in a state of significant adjustment, and the introduction of alcohol can complicate this process, as well as interfere with weight loss and healing.
Advice for patients who decide to consume alcohol
For those patients who, after the recommended abstinence period, decide to consume alcohol, it is essential to do so in a conscious and moderate manner.
Less harmful types of alcoholic beverages:
If you choose to consume alcohol, it is preferable to opt for beverages with lower alcohol content, such as diluted wine or light alcoholic beverages. It is important to avoid cocktails with high sugar content.
Importance of moderation and vigilance:
Moderation is key. Even small amounts of alcohol can have a stronger effect on bariatric patients, so it is essential to limit intake and do it slowly, watching how the body responds.
Impact of alcohol on weight loss and recovery
Alcohol can have a significant negative impact on weight loss and postoperative recovery.
Negative effects of alcohol on weight loss:
Alcohol is high in calories and can slow weight loss by adding empty calories to the diet. In addition, it can decrease the body's ability to burn fat, which counteracts weight loss efforts. It is also common for alcohol consumption to decrease inhibition, which can lead to poor eating decisions.
Interference with weight loss goals:
Regular alcohol consumption can interfere with weight loss goals and adherence to a healthy eating plan. In addition, it can contribute to dehydration and a lack of essential nutrients, which can affect the patient's overall health.
Alternatives and strategies to avoid alcohol use
For those who want to avoid alcohol, there are alternatives and strategies that can help keep you on track without feeling like you are missing out.
Non-alcoholic beverage options:
There are many non-alcoholic beverage options that can be enjoyed in social situations. Sparkling water with a touch of lemon or lime, cold infusions, or non-alcoholic cocktails (mocktails) can be excellent alternatives that allow you to participate in celebrations without the risks associated with alcohol.
Strategies for handling social situations without consuming alcohol:
In social settings, it can be helpful to have a plan for handling the pressure to drink. This may include preparing a polite excuse for refusing an alcoholic beverage or bringing/ordering a non-alcoholic beverage to enjoy while others are drinking. It is also helpful to remember that alcohol is not necessary to enjoy the company of friends and family.
In summary, while it is possible to consume alcohol after bariatric surgery, doing so carries risks and should be approached with caution. Following medical recommendations, opting for moderation and being aware of the effects of alcohol on the body can help minimize these risks and ensure that patients maintain their path to a healthier life.
Bibliographic references
Ivezaj V, Benoit SC, Davis J, Engel S, Lloret-Linares C, Mitchell JE, Pepino MY, Rogers AM, Steffen K, Sogg S. Changes in Alcohol Use after Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery: Predictors and Mechanisms. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2019 Aug 13;21(9):85. doi: 10.1007/s11920-019-1070-8. PMID: 31410716; PMCID: PMC7057935.
2. Heinberg LJ, Ashton K, Coughlin J. Alcohol and bariatric surgery: review and suggested recommendations for assessment and management. Surg Obes Relat Dis. 2012 May-Jun;8(3):357-63. doi: 10.1016/j.soard.2012.01.016. Epub 2012 Feb 2. PMID: 22425058.
Other supplements that will help you in your bariatric post-operative period
See other related articles:
