THE BUZZ
(If you know what I’m talking about, read on.)
By: Jennifer Ross Sawyer, MA, LPC, NCC, Jennifer Ross Sawyer, Counseling and Consultation
“I never drank before my weight loss surgery,” she told me. “Now I’m drinking a bottle of wine every night.”
Absurd? Not really. It’s surprising how many times this story is repeated in the WLS population.
Sometimes a patient tries to make up for “the lost days”—the days when he or she had no social life—the days of the isolation of obesity. After the quick weight loss of RNY or DS, before the sense of self has gained equilibrium, the decision is made to take “just one drink.”
Drinking would be dangerous for the weight loss surgery patient if only for the added empty calories. Alcohol seems more addictive in the early stages of recovery. One patient told me that after just one drink, she was hooked on wine. Before she knew it, she was drinking a bottle a night.
Maybe alcohol gets into the bloodstream faster because of the new configuration of the stomach and intestines. I’ve heard that the “buzz” comes immediately and leaves quickly, so one has to drink more and more to keep the buzz.
I am no M.D., but it makes sense to me that drinking more and more could cause damage to the new configuration of those precious insides that we formerly were concerned about preserving! Relatively raw alcohol hits the liver hard. One WLS patient told me that she almost ruined her bladder by drinking. The bladder wasn’t intended to process that much straight alcohol.
It is risky to take that first drink. It feels so good. It’s euphoric. It’s dangerous! Even if you are finally enjoying going out with friends, you’d be wise to be cautious about your behavior. Give yourself time to “grow up” as you adjust to your new body.
Personally, I just wanted to hold one of those pretty glasses. Water with lemon in a plain glass just wouldn’t do it. So, when I go out, I do splurge. I order a Virgin Cosmopolitan. That way, I get to hold that pretty Martini glass and get a serving of fruit juice. And I can act silly most anytime!
A virgin drink can solve so many issues for you, and keep you safe from the journey of addiction.
Don’t get on the addiction train. Keep your body healthy. Don’t risk the effects of alcohol on your brain.
If you are having problems with alcohol, please get help immediately. You deserve a better life.
jrsawyer@southeastbariatrics.com
Jennifer is Support Group Coordinator for Southeast Bariatrics, Charlotte, NC., practice of Dr. David C. Voellinger.
I am 8 months post op Gastric Bypass. I guess I am one of the fortunate ones who can still enjoy one glass of wine about 3 times a week. I have never felt the need to drink more than one glass. I will say that that one glass affects me more than it did pre WLS. The feeling goes away within an hour. I really just enjoy the taste of wine. thanks,