Alcohol Post Op?

 I know some people may look down on me for even asking this question, but...

Is it okay to drink alcohol about a month after surgery?

I don't plan to drink frequently, and I only ask because May 10th is my 21st birthday, and I've been waiting for it for... well, 21 years... Just curious as to whether it's safe or not? Anyone have any bad experiences with alcohol post op?

I am very scared for you! 1 month after surgery and turning 21 that is hard but I will tell you this my opinion is NO! The Dr. told me is it about the way your body absorbs or rather doesn't absorb and he said one glass of wine will have me drunk! He said not to drink for 2 years after the surgery.

Honestly look at it like this what does alcohal do for you? Make you happy and giddy? Really find another way to get that feeling...go out with your friends and do something fun like roller skating, a funny chick flick, go and do something that you never thought you could.

If you do decide to drink I would say make it for your 22nd bday not your 21st this is just to soon in my opinion.

I don't look down on you BTW  I think it is smart to ask....also ask your Dr see what they say and they can give you a better reasoning on why not to or why it would be ok.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

Just be very, very careful!  I had my first post-op drink at a wedding at about 3 months post-op.  I was just sipping on a glass of white wine, but I could feel those sips almost immediately. 

I was probably about 2 years out when I was at a bar with my hubby & sister, and they wanted to do tequila shots.  I asked for a half of a shot.  I downed it, and almost immediately got so dizzy I couldn't stand up. 

Alcohol will affect you very quickly and differently now.  So just be careful.

P.S. - Happy birthday!

 I'm a month post-op, and I gotta tell you, the thought of drinking alcohol makes me entirely ill.   I have a friend who had a shot five months out and ended up very sick.  It's hard to explain, but your body will still be healing a month out, and unless you are very lucky (possible, since you are so young), you will still be having tolerance issues.

So, it's not that I'm anti-alcohol on special occasions, it's just that it's inconceivable to me that you will feel ready for it at a month out. 

Basically, as my surgeon explained it to me, since we have no pyloric valve and are missing a segment of intestines, the alcohol hits your bloodstream much quicker, which makes you closer to or over the edge of drunk much faster. Then it hits your liver much faster than before you were rerouted, which sobers you up but leaves you with a really pissed off liver (not a good thing), and then you will likely feel really crummy.

I get that 21 is typically celebrated in our culture with alcohol, but please find another way. A pissed off liver is not a fun thing.

I'm certainly not looking down on you but it's a bad idea even though I understand where you're coming from. The truth is that your body is still healing and that the most you should even try would be a single sip. ONE SIP. Will you really feel like it's a celebration if that's all you have? Will you really only have a little? Will the people who take you out understand how quickly you will get intoxicated on a very small amount of alcohol? How about getting a miniature bottle of champagne to have at home and share it with your loved ones in a controlled environment. You could all have a tiny bit- make a game of it and pour it into medicine cups to acknowledge your new limits and commitment to your new life! But, I really think if you go out, order a drink, you will drink it...it's bad for your healing pouch and could actually hurt you...what sort of celebration is that? Think about it. You have options but the traditional "go to the bar and order a drink" should really be off the menu unless you ask for a shot glass worth of something since that's the most you should have. I don't mean have a shot- I mean have like a shot glass worth of margarita or whatever you like. Then be done. Also, do some reading about transfer addiction to alcohol since it's important to know the risks before you indulge. Whatever you choose to do I hope you have a happy birthday!

I had my first drink 1 month post op.
My surgeon preferred that I wait at least 6 months, but I asked and he said there's nothing wrong with an occasional drink, if you can tolerate it.
It's just empty calories, can lead to transfer addiction, your body is already working over time.

 No, the liquid diet doesn't include that type of clear fluid for you right now. How about doing something else that you can only do at 21 to mark the day like go dancing at a club? You can legally get in now. Remember, now that you're an adult, you gotta suck it up and make adult choices, and this is going to be one of the harder ones. I don't envy you this one.

Quick question: You have never had an alcoholic beverage and were saving it until you were 21?

You mean vodka isn't a clear liquid?