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Bariatric Surgery/lap band and drinking

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Expert: - 6/13/2007


Question
My question is what happens if you have a few too many drinks. How does it affect the lap band? I have read its ok to have a glass of wine occassionally, but what if you were to go out like on new years and drink a little too much. I don't have a problem with alcohol, but I am only 22 and my friends like going out and having a good time occassionally. Thanks for your help.

Answer
Christi,
I'm going to leave aside concerns about drinking too much, in terms of your general health.  Suffice it to say that there IS such a thing as drinking too much and too frequently.

As far as alcohol and the Band, there are two concerns.  One is that you will be a bit more sensitive to alcohol as you lose weight and MAYBE more susceptible to alcoholism.  The other concern is that you will definitely be taking in excess (zero nutrition) calories and interfere with your weight loss.

There should not be any direct damage to the Band UNLESS you drink enough to make yourself sick, in which case the throwing up could increase the chance of a Band slip.

So the key is that you should keep alcohol to a minimum!

Best wishes,
Dr JP

Bariatric Surgery

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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

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