When you get bariatric surgery, your goal is to live a better life. While you understand that comes with restrictions, that doesn’t mean you want to give up everything that gives you pleasure. Nor do you have to.
But what about alcohol after surgery?
Your Lap Band and Alcohol
After your lap band surgery in Lubbock, you won’t be drinking or eating much. It takes roughly a month before the new stomach structure is headed, and during that time, you are placed on a highly restrictive diet.
Once you are healed, things are still restricted. You can’t eat or drink much at a time, and if you consume even small portions too fast, you are going to vomit. Keep in mind, this vomiting can be quite sudden, catching you off guard.
Alcoholic drinks tend to be sugary or carbonated, both of which are a no-go after lap band surgery. However, not all alcoholic drinks fall into these categories. Should you enjoy alcoholic drinks that aren’t high in sugar or carbonated, you can drink them. But there are some things to keep in mind.
1. Alcoholic Drinks Are Often High in Calories
Once you have the lap band, you don’t want to get calories from your drinks; they should come from nutritionally balanced meals. Drinking your calories means it is easier to get more in, and do so without getting any nutritional benefit.
2. Drinking Is Often Accompanied by Eating
Most social situations that feature drinking also feature eating. After getting lap band surgery in Lubbock, you won’t be able to eat and drink at the same time. In fact, you’ll need to space these around an hour apart to avoid stretching your stomach. This means you’d need to decide between drinks and food in most situations.
3. You’ll Likely Feel Drunk Faster
As your body mass drops, so will your tolerance for alcohol. Add to that the fact that when you drink, your stomach should be empty and you can expect to feel drunk on a lot less than you once did. This can make drinking risky in certain situations. If you really want to enjoy alcohol, do so cautiously.
Keep in mind that if you have problematic alcohol behaviors or diagnosed alcohol use disorder, lap band surgery and other bariatric procedures should be delayed until you seek treatment. In terms of what to expect after lap band surgery, going through such a big life change can make it far too easy to slip into bad behaviors if you aren’t prepared. If you have further questions about consuming alcohol after having Lap-Band surgery, be sure to speak with a qualified bariatric surgeon in Lubbock. They will be able to help you out and ensure that you are making the best decisions for your health.
