It’s 5:00 Somewhere: To Drink or Not to Drink?

Tiny Tummy Tips, Issue #63: Post Bariatric Boozing

If you ask a bariatric surgeon, bariatric dietitian, or do an online search, you’re bound to find conflicting answers to this burning question!

Some say never again. Some suggest waiting 6 months to a year. Others recommend holding off until you hit your goal weight.

Beyond just being sneaky little calorie bombs that might mess with your weight loss goals, alcohol interacts with your body in a whole new way after surgery.

So let’s dive into the wild world of post bariatric boozing.

Here are the Facts

Lightweight Life

Well, in all the months and years post-surgery, your alcohol tolerance is about as sturdy as a sandcastle in a tsunami.

The bottom line is that you get drunk faster.

While being a “cheap date” sounds great, there’s a dark side. Your tolerance is so low that you could go from sober to sloshed in a matter of minutes.

This rapid intoxication can lead to some pretty embarrassing moments—like declaring your undying love for a burrito or attempting to dance on a table that clearly can’t support your enthusiasm. Just sayin’!

Two-Fer

You stay drunk longer.

The Rollercoaster Ride

You might feel fine one minute and then be profusely sweating or even hugging the porcelain throne the next.

Your new digestive system processes alcohol differently, and not in a fun way.

And if you have a drink on an empty stomach, be prepared to really hang on tight for the ride ahead!

The Dreaded Dumping Syndrome

Consuming alcohol can trigger this unpleasant condition, which includes symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and rapid heartbeat.

Basically, your body’s way of saying, “Nice try, but no, you shouldn’t have done that!!”

Calories

It IS possibly that you just may tolerate a little bit of alcohol at some point after your surgery.

If this is the case, don’t forget to take the alcohol calories into account.

All calories matter...both solid and liquid.

Alcohol has 7 calories per gram.

For comparison:

• Carbohydrate: 4 calories per gram
• Protein: 4 calories per gram
• Fat: 9 calories per gram

Drinking your calories can produce the same amount of weight gain as chewing them.

Think of each can of beer or glass of wine as the calorie equivalent of ~ 2 slices of bread!

So even if you "only" drink "a couple glasses of wine a few days a week," that pattern is really the equivalent of 1 1/2 bottles/week. That's 78 bottles/year or the calorie equivalent of 12 pounds!

The Double Whammy

Not only does that drink you're consuming have calories, but it's also making you less conscientious about your diet.

You're more likely to eat more than you'd planned when you're drinking.

Its hard enough stone cold sober to pass up the free stuffed cheese sticks (750 calories) and buffalo wings and blue cheese dressing (1100 calories) at the happy hour buffet, but after a glass of wine, a beer, or a cocktail, you’re lucky to pass up the stale nuts (200 calorie per small handful) and pretzels (110 calories per handful) served at the bar!

Nutritional Sabotage

Nutrient deficiencies can lead to a host of other issues, from fatigue to hair loss.

One drink likely won’t cause this problem, but getting in the habit of drinking regularly, can. It’s not uncommon to swap one addiction (food) for another (alcohol). So be aware of the potential.

Alternatives

If You’re Hosting a Party

Mocktails

At a Bar

Request water (or sparkling water/diet soda if you tolerate it) in a martini glass. Add an umbrella or some olives or lemon/lime wedge and no one will ever know you’re just drinking water!

Also, you can use the Mocktail recipes as inspiration, and if you’re at a bar, tell the bartender how to make the mocktail you’d like to have.

The Verdict: To Drink or Not to Drink?

While the prospect of becoming the life of the party with just one drink is tempting, lol, the potential downsides are enough to give anyone pause.

So, the next time you’re faced with the choice of a boozy night out or a sober one, remember: it’s all fun and games until the dumping syndrome kicks in. ;)

Cheers to making informed decisions and finding joy in your new, healthier lifestyle!

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In Health,