Dr. Manish Motwani- Bariatric & Metabolic Surgeon (Aastha Bariatrics)
Obesity is a huge medical problem. With Obesity, a host of medical problems like Diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems, Sleep disorders, back and knee pain and multiple other problems too make an entry into the body. Bariatric Surgery is the branch of medicine which deals with major weight loss.
Though the origin of Obesity is considered to be hereditary or Genetic, it has been proven beyond doubts that Obesity has turned out to be a Lifestyle disease. Since Alcohol and bad eating habits have been important causative factors for Obesity, we strictly make it a point to ensure that these habits do not continue after Bariatric Surgery.
Infact, in Obese patients, the immunity is already at its lowest and there are multiple coexisting medical problems in the body, alcohol can be a deterrent to smooth healing after Bariatric Surgery. We have strict instructions for patients to refrain from drinking alcohol for 2 – 3 weeks before surgery. The requirement of anesthesia drugs to induce anesthesia in alcoholic patients is more than in patients who drink socially. This is also one reason why the prohibition of alcohol before surgery is essential.
Impact & Change Your Stomach Size:
Bariatric surgery irrespective of whether it is Sleeve Gastrectomy or Gastric Bypass or Mini Gastric Bypass, changes the size of your stomach, which strongly impacts how you can eat and what you can eat. Even fully-recovered patients are limited to small portions, protein-heavy diets, and a reduced intake of foods with high carb and sugar contents. In part, this is also what contributes to your desired rapid weight loss.
Due to these changes, beverages must be consumed at least one to two hours after eating. When food and drink are enjoyed simultaneously, beverages may fill up the stomach prematurely in a way that can increase malnutrition risks. Diets should be planned very carefully, focusing on nutrient-rich dishes rather than nutritionless substances like alcohol.
Avoid & Suggestion:
It is always suggested to avoid alcohol for the first six months after bariatric surgery. When you get permission to start drinking alcohol again, avoid carbonated beverages and sugary drink mixers. Remember that after surgery, even small amounts of alcohol can cause intoxication and low blood sugar. You’re not allowed any carbonated beverages for the first year after Bariatric surgery. This is because carbonation can seriously upset your stomach when consumed so soon after surgery.
After the surgery, patients get merry faster and take longer to level up, says Dr Manish Motwani, Director and Head Department of bariatric surgery at Aastha Bariatrics. Bariatric surgery stimulates changes to your body’s biology that can radically alter how different substances are processed and absorbed, including alcohol.
Gastric bypass surgery results in alcohol moving much more quickly from the stomach into the small intestine. Because 80% of beverage alcohol is absorbed in the small intestine, this surgery results in a much higher peak BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) than with the equivalent amount of alcohol consumed before the surgery.
Additional Guidelines:
If you must drink alcohol after Bariatric Surgery, please adhere to these additional guidelines:
- Do not drink after the first six months post-surgery.
- If you find you only drink only in times of emotional distress, seek the help of a professional before you develop alcohol dependence.
- Check the calorie content of your alcoholic beverage before consuming it.
- When your doctor approves that you can begin drinking once more, avoid sugary and carbonated drinks.
“Drinking alcohol with a gastric sleeve is a personal choice and can be safe when done in moderation and with caution. After you’ve gone through the initial healing period, there’s nothing that contraindicates moderate and responsible alcohol use after gastric sleeve surgery”, Says Bhakti Mange, Senior Nutritionist with Aastha Bariatrics, Mumbai.
Gaseous drinks such as beer, cider, champagne may not be tolerated following bariatric surgery as the bubbles can exacerbate reflux and cause pain. For the same reason, fizzy drinks are strongly discouraged. Alcohol is high in calories and excess intake can lead to weight regain or inability to reach goal weight.
The Final Verdict
Even if you only drink socially on special occasions, alcohol use is not suggested after bariatric surgery. Alcohol contains empty calories with little nutritional benefit, filling your stomach with the wrong things without leaving room for the right ones.
After Bariatric Surgery, patient will be more sensitive to the effects of alcohol. Body is swiftly losing weight, so it will naturally process alcohol differently than it did before. It is typically advised during this period of rapid weight loss to avoid alcohol until your weight stabilizes.
Says Dr Manish Motwani, “Though it is recommended to avoid alcohol in the initial days and limit your intake, you can drink alcohol after undergoing a weight loss procedure, but in moderation.”
Aastha Bariatrics is a high-volume leading Bariatric Surgery Centre in Asia and is a Centre of Excellence in Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Aastha Bariatrics also has the rare accreditation by the Internal Excellence Federation of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons.
