Alcohol after bariatric surgery
Can you drink alcohol after bariatric surgery?
Today, I want to address a common question I often hear: Can you drink alcohol after bariatric surgery? This is an important topic, especially for those who enjoy a social drink. The answer isn’t a straightforward yes or no—there are a few crucial factors to consider. Let’s look at how alcohol can affect you after weight loss surgery and what you should keep in mind.
- Jon Armstrong
In this video, Perth-based Bariatric Surgeon Mr Jon Armstrong talks about drinking alcohol after bariatric surgery
Healing after weight loss surgery
Right after bariatric surgery, your body is in full-on healing mode. Whether you’ve had a gastric sleeve or a gastric bypass, your stomach needs time to recover.
“In those first few weeks, your stomach is inflamed and highly sensitive, which means you’ll want to avoid anything that could irritate it. Alcohol is one of those things that can aggravate the stomach lining, increasing the risk of inflammation and, in some cases, even causing leaks.”
Think of your stomach as a fragile, freshly healing wound. You wouldn’t want to expose it to anything harsh, and alcohol definitely falls into that category. So, at least in the initial recovery phase, staying away from alcohol is essential.
Weight loss and alcohol: not the best combo
Now, let’s talk about how alcohol might impact your weight loss journey. It’s easy to overlook, but alcohol is packed with empty calories. No matter what you’re drinking, alcohol itself is high in sugar, and your body metabolises it into more sugar. Consuming alcohol while trying to lose weight might slow your progress, as it’s adding calories without giving you any nutritional benefit.
When you’ve had bariatric surgery, your goal is to drop those kilos and improve your health. But drinking alcohol can work against this. If you regularly have alcohol, you might not lose as much weight as you otherwise would. In some cases, alcohol might even contribute to weight regain over time. So, if you’re serious about seeing the best results, avoiding or limiting alcohol could make a difference.
Alcohol and long-term health risks
Another important thing to remember is that alcohol is a toxin. We know that it’s linked to a range of health issues, including several types of cancer. Bariatric surgery can be a fantastic opportunity to reassess your lifestyle and set new health goals. Many people find that this is a good time to take a look at how much alcohol they’re drinking and consider cutting back.
“After bariatric surgery, you’re likely to lose a lot of weight, feel fitter, and have more energy. This could be the perfect moment to think about your long-term health choices. Reducing alcohol might be one of those choices that help you get the most out of your weight loss surgery, both now and down the road.”
Take-home message
So, can you drink alcohol after bariatric surgery? The answer is yes, but it comes with some risks. Having an occasional drink may be possible, but regular drinking could slow down your weight loss, put stress on your healing stomach, and add other health risks.
If you’re ready to start your health journey or have more questions about how to make the most of your surgery, get in touch. We’re here to help.
