You’ve Had Bariatric Surgery… Can You Ever Drink Alcohol Again?

Summer is here, and you may be planning a vacation, or even a stay-cation. What if you wanted to sip on something a little special? Just because you’ve had weight loss surgery doesn’t mean you can’t partake (responsibly!) in an adult beverage or two. However…

Post-surgery bodies metabolize alcohol differently, meaning you’ll likely feel its effects more quickly and intensely. That can raise concerns about safety, blood sugar fluctuations, and calorie intake. So yes, you can enjoy an occasional drink – but it comes with caveats.

Alcohol and Weight Loss Goals

Alcohol provides empty calories, meaning it contributes energy without nutrients. It’s like eating chips, candies, and pastries – foods that fill you up with calories but without fueling your body’s nutritive needs. Overindulging in these types of consumables may have played a role in past weight loss struggles, and you don’t want to take two steps back for the incredible step forward you’ve just taken. After bariatric surgery, you’re working with a reduced stomach size and must prioritize nutrient-dense foods.

Your decision to travel the road of bariatric surgery and the lifestyle reconfiguration that goes along with it took a lot of determination. It’s best to keep in mind that regular drinking can disrupt your metabolism, impair judgment around food choices, and even interfere with the absorption of vitamins. While one glass won’t undo your progress, frequent or excessive drinking can stall or reverse it.

Safe (and Unsafe) Ways to Drink After Surgery

First things first: be aware of any other health concerns that would limit you from drinking at all. If you’re cleared by your provider to let your hair down with an alcoholic drink, don’t let yourself get out of control with it. Drinking can be okay in moderation. Your provider will most likely recommend putting it off for some time after surgery to give your body time to readjust and heal.

When, or if, that time comes, here are some general rules to live by:

• Eat before drinking. After surgery, alcohol is absorbed much faster, especially without food to slow it down. Eating a protein-rich snack or small meal beforehand helps buffer alcohol’s effects, preventing blood sugar crashes, dizziness, or getting intoxicated too quickly.
• Sip slowly and choose low-sugar options. Drinking too quickly or downing high-sugar cocktails can cause dumping syndrome. This is when food, especially sugar, moves too quickly from the stomach to the next phase of the digestive tract, causing abdominal symptoms like diarrhea, cramping, and discomfort.
• Avoid carbonated drinks. Your stomach is smaller now, and carbonation will expand it, causing bloating and discomfort. Even light beers or sparkling wines can cause pain. It’s best to skip the bubbles altogether.
• Drinking and driving is NEVER okay. Making big decisions is also ill-advised. Why? Post-surgery, alcohol hits harder and faster. A drink that once had minimal effect may now leave you feeling buzzed – or even impaired. Always plan for a designated driver or use a rideshare service and avoid compromising situations.
• Know yourself and your limits. Some patients turn to alcohol as a substitute for emotional eating. If you find yourself drinking to cope with stress, sadness, or boredom, it’s time to talk with a therapist or support group. Even occasional drinking can lead to higher risks of alcohol use disorder in post-bariatric patients. Aim for no more than one to two drinks on special occasions and avoid making alcohol a regular habit.
• Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water daily is already on the agenda. But your body will be especially grateful for the extra H2O you consume before and after drinking. Alcohol acts as a diuretic, meaning it pushes liquid out of your body at a faster pace than usual, so drinking water before, with, and after drinking is advisable.
• ALWAYS check with your healthcare provider. Medications, vitamin levels, and individual recovery timelines can affect how your body responds to alcohol. Get the green light from your bariatric team before reintroducing it into your lifestyle.

It’s Not Being Bougie, It’s Being Healthy

By being selective about your alcohol consumption post-surgery, you aren’t being extra or fussy, you’re protecting your health and progress. Being picky about what you consume is part of that lifestyle realignment your providers, dieticians, and therapist keep mentioning.

Alcohol comes with risks, in more ways than one. When it comes to the health component, beer is the worst choice for post-bariatric patients. The carbonation can cause discomfort and bloating; the high (and empty) caloric count adds up quickly and can work against your progress; and while beer typically has lower alcohol content than spirits, you could wind up drinking more to feel its effects. Also notable is the effect of the hops. Some studies suggest that hops, a main ingredient in beer, may have mild estrogen-like effects that could contribute to hormonal imbalances or increased fat storage – especially in the abdominal area.

Also wise to avoid are sugar bombs like sweet wines, liqueurs, and mixed drinks made with soda or juice. Frozen drinks are especially sneaky, often packed with sugars, syrups, and hidden calories. Opt for “fresh” drinks, ones that incorporate fresh fruits, water, and handmade or low-sugar mixers. Clear spirits like vodka or tequila are also better tolerated than darker counterparts like whiskey, and using a half-shot in a tall glass for your mixed drink can help you pace yourself without missing out on the social experience.

Being responsible doesn’t have to spell drudgery. Keep it fun! Try experimenting with mocktails using fresh fruits, herbs, and even veggies – almost like a smoothie, but more festive. It may taste so good that no one will care that it’s booze-free. Choose wisely, sip slowly, and when in doubt, skip the drink altogether in favor of something that truly supports your goals.

Final Thoughts

No blog can take the place of medical advice tailored to your body. Always check with your bariatric surgeon or nutritionist before reintroducing alcohol. And be honest with yourself – if alcohol has been a coping tool in the past, it might be best to steer clear altogether. Bariatric surgery is about more than physical change – it’s a lifestyle and habit overhaul. Alcohol has its place when approached with awareness and care.