Can You Drink Alcohol After Bariatric Surgery?

Undergoing bariatric surgery is the beginning of a new life chapter. After surgery, your lifestyle must support the changes to your gastrointestinal (GI) tract, additional nutritional needs, and physical wellness. Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet, including controlling your alcohol consumption, is a vital aspect of post-surgery life.

In general, most healthcare providers recommend eliminating alcohol completely immediately following bariatric surgery to reduce the risk of post-op complications. However, long-term every bariatric program is different, and some healthcare providers do not require their bariatric patients to eliminate alcohol from their diets after surgery completely. Be sure to follow the instructions from your healthcare team regarding alcohol consumption. If it is something you contemplate including, it is crucial that you thoughtfully consider if alcohol consumption should fit in with your post-surgery lifestyle.

This article addresses the multiple ways alcohol can impact someone who has received bariatric surgery, what incorporating alcohol into a post-surgery lifestyle may entail, and the steps you can take to avoid over-consumption.

If you have questions about drinking alcoholic beverages after bariatric surgery, read along to learn more, and be sure to discuss your questions with your healthcare team.

Bariatric Surgery and the Effects of Alcohol: Overview

Following bariatric surgery, patients who imbibe alcoholic drinks may experience:

• Nutritional deficiencies
• Inhibited weight loss and/or weight gain
• Addiction transfer
• Rapid intoxication
• Extended recovery times
• Increased sensitivity to alcohol
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)

As a bariatric patient, consult your healthcare team before adding any new substance to your diet.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Alcohol can contribute to nutritional deficiencies, which are already a concern for bariatric surgery patients. Alcoholic drinks are low in nutrients. And, as a bariatric patient, the more alcohol you consume, the less room you have for food and essential nutrients in your stomach. The decline in vitamin and mineral absorption can exacerbate deficiencies in vitamin B12, folate, and iron. These deficiencies can have worrying health implications.

The main nutrient of concern when it comes to alcohol consumption following bariatric surgery is thiamin. Alcohol blocks the absorption of thiamin, which is another common deficiency among some bariatric surgery patients. Thiamin stores in the body deplete quickly in a normal situation but even faster with chronic vomiting or increased alcohol intake. This is because thiamin is needed for glucose metabolism and the breakdown of alcohol.

Regular alcohol consumption is strongly correlated with thiamine deficiency, which may include symptoms such as headaches, brain fog, nausea, muscle aches, and pains. It can worsen symptoms such as depression, amnesia, unstable gait, motor weakness, peripheral edema, hallucinations, and even congestive heart failure. Unfortunately, there have been deaths related to thiamin deficiency following bariatric surgery, so it is important to report any of these symptoms to your healthcare team immediately.

Inhibited Weight Loss and Weight Management

Consuming alcoholic beverages can have adverse effects on weight management goals. Alcohol is high in calories and low in nutrients, which can interfere with the weight loss process. Additionally, alcohol can lead to poor dietary choices, fatigue, reduced motivation, and even depression.

Addiction Transfer

Some research suggests a phenomenon known as "addiction transfer," where individuals who have had bariatric surgery might develop new addictions, including alcohol use disorder (AUD), after their surgery. This can occur because someone’s compulsive behavior, which they previously focused on food consumption, might transfer to other substances or behaviors. Possible “transfer addictions” include:

• Alcohol
• Drugs
• Gambling
• Sex
• Shopping

If you are drinking to cope with emotions and feel it may be an issue, seek professional support to address the underlying issues related to possible alcohol addiction or dependency.

Extended Recovery Times

Bariatric surgery reduces the body’s levels of alcohol dehydrogenase, an enzyme in the stomach lining that jump-starts the processes to metabolize alcohol. The altered metabolism can cause alcohol to stay in your system for a more extended period, potentially leading to prolonged intoxication.

Increased Sensitivity and Rapid Intoxication

Typically, the less body fat an individual carries, the more susceptible they are to the intoxicating effects of alcohol. As a bariatric patient begins to lose weight, it is not uncommon for their alcohol tolerance to decrease.

Ultimately, patients may become intoxicated more quickly and from smaller amounts of alcohol post-surgery. This rapid intoxication can increase the risks of alcohol-related harm, including alcohol poisoning, accidents, injuries, and legal implications

Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)

Rapid weight loss and a notable decrease in carbohydrate consumption are associated with bariatric surgery and can cause your blood sugar levels to drop. Alcohol can also deplete your blood sugar. The combination of rapid weight loss, a decrease in dietary carbohydrates, and alcohol consumption may result in hypoglycemia.

Symptoms of hypoglycemia include: 

• Confusion
• Poor vision
• Slurred speech
• Loss of consciousness
• Brain and nerve damage
• Inhibited balance and coordination
• Potential fatality 

Guidelines for Drinking After Bariatric Surgery

Given the potential effects of alcoholic beverages, healthcare professionals advise bariatric surgery patients to avoid alcohol for at least the first six months up to the first twelve months of the postoperative period or during the rapid weight loss phase.

Protect your well-being by discussing your alcohol consumption with your healthcare team to understand the appropriate guidelines and risks. After discussing the risks versus the benefits with your healthcare team, should you choose to partake, be particularly mindful of taking the necessary steps for responsible alcohol consumption:

• Avoid carbonation and sugary mixers.
• Never drink and drive (even after one drink).
• Remain conscientious of calorie content.
• Do not use alcohol to manage emotions and stress.

Being aware of the symptoms of alcohol misuse and seeking help if you notice problematic drinking habits developing will also help you avoid serious consequences.

If you do move forward with alcohol consumption, it is commonly recommended that your first attempt at consuming spirits and other alcoholic beverages should be in a safe environment with people you trust, as it may cause unfamiliar—and potentially dangerous—side effects.

Protect Your Health with ProCare Bariatric Supplements

Bariatric surgery is a single step in your journey toward sustained success. ProCare Health is a dedicated, passionate resource for bariatric vitamins, supplements, educational resources, and community support. With products like our incredible, once-daily multivitamins and bariatric education from our in-house professional, Brenda Hoehn, MSN, BSN, RN, CHTP, we believe that individuals from all walks of life can find the solutions they need with ProCare Health.

To learn more about ProCare Health’s products and resources, please visit https://procarenow.com/.