One question that may pop into your head is what if any role alcohol will have in your life in the post-surgery period.
Post-Surgery and Drinking
Once you have had the Lap Band surgery, your body will react differently to alcohol. Another thing to remember is that if you stick to the food intake required by your doctor and/or nutritionist, consuming alcohol will add calories and slow your weight loss, preventing where you want to be with your weight.
Lap Band specialists will tell you that you need to quit smoking and avoid all carbonated beverages (soda, carbonated water, beer, etc.) following the procedure.
Individuals who have had Lap Band surgery can have alcohol in normal quantitites, but beer and champagne are not considered a good idea since they are carbonated. It is also advised that you do not drink with food, but remember that drinking on an empty stomach is not advisable whether you have had Lap Band surgery or not.
Alcohol Impact on Lap Band
Many medical experts have wondered for years now just what impact drinking after Lap Band surgery will have on the procedure and the body itself. The data is being studied as many patients report that the surgery has changed their response to alcohol.
One theory that has been passed along is that when patients remove one addiction behavior, such as compulsive eating, they will replace it with another addiction, one such as excessive drinking.
One report suggests that individuals who have undergone Lap Band surgery may need more alcohol to feel euphoric, therefore leading to possible addiction, although studies and ideas among Lap Band specialists differ on this matter.
While Lap Band patients generally feel better about their self-esteem following the procedure and taking the pounds off, there is no direct correlation that they in turn will then drink more when they are out socializing more.
If you have had the Lap Band procedure, it is advised that you follow your doctor's and/or nutritionist's advice when it comes to eating and drinking. The rule of thumb on drinking should be that you drink responsibly, whether or not you have had the procedure.
For more information about Lap Band, call 1-800-953-5000.
