Beer And Bariatrics: What You Need To Know Post-Surgery

Drinking alcohol is a common social activity, but can you still enjoy a beer after undergoing bariatric surgery? The short answer is yes, but it's not recommended. Bariatric surgery alters the digestive system, reducing the size of the stomach and bypassing part of the small intestine, which affects how the body processes alcohol. As a result, it takes far less alcohol to become intoxicated, and the effects are more intense and long-lasting. Alcohol is also high in calories and sugar, which can sabotage weight loss goals. Furthermore, carbonated alcoholic drinks can irritate and stretch the stomach, causing discomfort and potentially leading to long-term complications. It's best to refrain from alcohol for at least six months after surgery, and even then, reintroduce it gradually and responsibly, being mindful of portion sizes and avoiding drinking on an empty stomach.

Drinking alcohol after bariatric surgery can lead to rapid intoxication

The stomach's capacity is also reduced after bariatric surgery, limiting the amount of alcohol that can be mixed with food. This means that alcohol is released directly into the small bowel, leading to faster intoxication. The stomach's enzymes are also limited, reducing their ability to break down alcohol. As a result, patients who have undergone gastric sleeve surgery may be affected by alcohol more quickly than before.

The amount of alcohol that can be tolerated after bariatric surgery varies from person to person and depends on factors such as body weight and genetic makeup. However, it is generally recommended that patients refrain from drinking alcohol for at least six months after surgery. When reintroducing alcohol, it is important to do so gradually and responsibly, avoiding carbonated and sugary drinks.

It is worth noting that alcohol is high in calories and provides little nutritional value. Therefore, drinking alcohol may sabotage weight loss efforts and can cause physical discomfort, especially if consumed in excess. Additionally, carbonated alcoholic beverages can irritate and stretch the stomach, leading to long-term complications.

Alcohol is full of empty calories and can sabotage weight loss

Alcohol is full of empty calories and can sabotage your weight loss. After bariatric surgery, your body will not metabolise alcohol in the same way as it did before the procedure. Weight loss surgery restricts your stomach size and alters your digestive system, reducing the distance from the stomach to the end of the small intestine. These changes affect your body's ability to process alcohol.

Alcohol is full of empty calories. A light beer contains around 100 calories, while mixed drinks can add several hundred calories to your daily intake. These calories can sabotage your weight loss goals and cause weight gain. Alcohol is also high in sugar, which can lead to weight stabilisation or even weight regain.

The changes to your digestive system after bariatric surgery can also affect how quickly alcohol enters your bloodstream. Alcohol passes through your system more quickly, allowing you to drink more. This can lead to intoxication after just one drink. As a result, you may need to adjust your drinking habits and consume alcohol in moderation to avoid weight gain and the negative side effects of intoxication.

It is important to be mindful of the caloric content of alcoholic beverages and to prioritise nutritious foods such as protein, complex carbohydrates, and unsaturated fats. Additionally, carbonated alcoholic beverages should be avoided as they can irritate and stretch the gastric pouch.

To avoid complications and promote weight loss, it is recommended to refrain from alcohol for at least six months after weight loss surgery. This allows your body to heal and adjust to the changes. When reintroducing alcohol, it is important to do so gradually and responsibly, drinking slowly and in moderation to understand how your body processes and is affected by alcohol.

Carbonated beverages can irritate and stretch the stomach

The stomach is particularly sensitive after bariatric surgery, and carbonated beverages can irritate the newly formed stomach sleeve. This irritation can lead to digestive issues and physical discomfort. For this reason, it is recommended that individuals who have undergone bariatric surgery avoid carbonated drinks and slowly reintroduce alcohol into their diets.

Carbonated beverages can also cause dumping syndrome, a rapid emptying of the gastric system that is common after bariatric surgery. This can lead to a range of unpleasant symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and dizziness. Additionally, carbonated drinks are often high in sugar, which can sabotage weight loss efforts and cause weight gain.

It is important for individuals who have undergone bariatric surgery to be cautious when consuming carbonated beverages and to monitor their bodies' reactions. Even a few sips of these drinks can have a significant impact on the stomach and digestive system. It is always best to consult with a doctor or healthcare professional for personalised advice and to determine what is safe to consume.

In summary, carbonated beverages can irritate and stretch the stomach after bariatric surgery, leading to discomfort and potential long-term health complications. It is crucial to reintroduce these drinks gradually and in moderation, if at all, to avoid adverse effects.

Alcohol can lead to low blood sugar and hypoglycaemia

Alcohol can affect your blood sugar for as long as it is in your body. It can cause blood glucose levels to rise or fall, depending on how much you drink. The liver is crucial for regulating blood sugar levels, and alcohol affects the liver's ability to release glucose into the bloodstream.

Alcoholic drinks are often high in sugar, which can cause a spike in blood sugar levels. This spike will be followed by a decrease, as your body releases insulin to lower your blood sugar and inhibits the release of glucose from the liver. As the liver inhibits the release of more sugar, your blood sugar levels will continue to drop. This process can be dangerous for people with diabetes, who may experience hypoglycaemia or "insulin shock".

Bariatric surgery patients are more likely to have reduced glycogen in the body, and alcohol consumption further depletes glycogen levels, which can lead to low blood sugar. It is important to be aware of the symptoms of hypoglycaemia, such as slurred speech, confusion, loss of coordination, and poor vision. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to take a glucose tablet or drink diluted juice, followed by a snack containing protein and complex carbohydrates to help raise and stabilise your blood sugar.

Additionally, alcohol can affect the absorption of nutrients, stimulate your appetite, and increase your risk of making unhealthy dietary choices, all of which can impact your blood sugar levels. Therefore, it is crucial to reintroduce alcohol gradually and responsibly after bariatric surgery and be mindful of its potential impact on your blood sugar levels.

Addiction transfer can occur, with food addiction turning into alcohol addiction

While it is technically possible to drink beer after bariatric surgery, it is not recommended. Alcohol is not conducive to weight loss, and carbonated beverages like beer can irritate and stretch the gastric pouch. After weight loss surgery, you may also be more sensitive to alcohol, and it may only take one drink to become intoxicated.

Addiction Transfer

Alcohol Abuse After Bariatric Surgery

Several studies have found a link between bariatric surgery and alcohol abuse. A 2012 study found that two years after surgery, almost 11% of patients got into trouble with drinking, compared to 7% before the operation. This represents a 50% increase. Another study found that more than 20% of patients displayed symptoms of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) within several years of their surgery.

Preventing Alcohol Addiction After Bariatric Surgery

If you have had bariatric surgery, it is recommended that you refrain from drinking alcohol for at least six months. If you do decide to drink, it is important to reintroduce alcohol gradually and responsibly. Be aware that even small amounts of alcohol can lead to low blood sugar and intoxication, and always drink with food to slow absorption.

Frequently asked questions