You are here:

Bariatric Surgery/drinking alcohol after lap band surgery

Advertisement

Expert: - 9/30/2008


Question
Im just wondering how long after surgery is the absolut minimum time i can have a drink? i have heard some people drinking after a week. not sure how long  have to wait and why?

Answer
Monique,
I have a two-part answer for you:

1) If you want to know what your body will tolerate, and what you can get away with, you can drink alcohol at one week after surgery.

2) If you had the Band done for your health and for weight loss, then you should not drink for at least 3 months after surgery and even then you should keep alcohol to a minimum.  This is because alcohol carries a LOT of calories, and in the rapid weight loss phase it is more toxic to the liver and more likely to cause addiction than in a non-operated patient.

Best of luck to you!

Dr JP

Bariatric Surgery

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

John Pilcher, MD

Expertise

I can answer medically oriented questions about bariatric surgery including: patient selection, preparation for surgery, differences between types of bariatric surgery, aftercare following bariatric surgery. I can answer detailed questions about gastric bypass, Lap-Band, gastric sleeve, and revision bariatric surgery. I am only somewhat familiar with Biliopancreatic diversion. I am not prepared to answer insurance or other financial questions related to bariatric surgery.

Experience

I have been a practicing bariatric surgeon since 1995. About 85% of my current practice consists of bariatric surgery, including all of the above procedures except biliopancreatic diversion. I am the senior surgeon of a 5-surgeon group. I am recognized among surgeons and other medical professionals as the most experienced bariatric surgeon in my region.

Organizations
Fellow of American College of Surgeons Member, American Society for Bariatric Surgery

Education/Credentials
BA in Biochemistry - University of Virginia Medical Degree - University of Virginia Surgical Residency - University of Virginia

Awards and Honors
Alpha Omega Alpha

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.