Weight loss surgeries are becoming increasingly popular to help people improve their health and reduce their risk of obesity-related illnesses.
For example, people with type 2- diabetes can reduce their risk of developing long-term complications by having bariatric surgery.
Read more: How Does Weight Loss Surgery Help People With Type 2 Diabetes?
Although bariatric surgery can be an effective tool for weight loss, it is essential to know its risks. One potential risk is that drinking alcohol after bariatric surgery may interfere with long-term weight loss results.
Read on to understand more about drinking alcohol after bariatric surgery and what risks may be associated with it.
What Are the Effects of Drinking After Bariatric Surgery?
Drinking alcohol after bariatric surgery can have serious health effects. These include:
a) Increased risk of dehydration:
Alcohol can cause dehydration because it is a diuretic, which makes the body lose water. This can interfere with weight loss and lead to complications such as nausea, fatigue, headaches, and muscle cramps.
b) Poor nutrition:
Drinking alcohol after bariatric surgery may reduce your intake of vitamins and minerals as it is a source of empty calories and can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb the nutrients it needs.
c) Risk of complications:
Drinking alcohol after bariatric surgery may increase the risk of developing ulcers, gallstones, and pancreatitis. It can also increase the risk of excessive bleeding and other surgical complications.
d) Worsened blood sugar:
Alcohol can also interfere with blood sugar control and increase the risk of diabetes.
e) Risk of depression:
Lastly, alcohol consumption after bariatric surgery may put you at a greater risk for depression due to its effects on the brain’s chemistry.
How Long Should You Wait?
When it comes to drinking alcohol after bariatric surgery, the consensus is that it’s best to wait six months before consuming any. During this time, your body is adjusting and healing, so introducing alcohol into your system could throw off this delicate balance. Also, since there is a decrease in stomach size, the effects of alcohol will be more pronounced, leading to a higher risk of intoxication.
Other factors to consider include the following:
a) The type of bariatric surgery you have had. For example, gastric sleeve surgery may be more restrictive and require a longer wait before consumption.
b) The type of alcohol being consumed. Hard liquor contains higher levels of alcohol, so it should be avoided immediately after bariatric surgery.
c) Your overall health. If you have a history of substance abuse or addiction, you must speak with your doctor about the risks associated with drinking after bariatric surgery.
It is essential to stay mindful of how your body responds to alcohol and monitor your intake accordingly. Drinking in moderation is recommended for those who have had bariatric surgery, so be sure to consume responsibly.
Call Arch Bariatrics for the best St. Louis bariatric surgery options. We provide different procedures to meet your needs, like gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, lap band, and more. Our doctors will advise you on the proper amount and type of alcohol to consume after bariatric surgery.
