Drinking Alcohol 3 Weeks After Gastric Sleeve: Is It Allowed?

Consuming alcohol after gastric sleeve surgery comes with some serious caveats, especially if you start drinking alcohol 3 weeks after gastric sleeve.

After all, alcohol is a drug that can affect a variety of physiological processes in your body, and most Turkish surgeons do not recommend it after gastric sleeve in Turkey.

Obviously, your stomach will be smaller after the gastric sleeve, which will change the way your body digests food and the way you enjoy alcohol because your tolerance to alcoholic beverages will be reduced significantly.

Regardless of diet limitations related to food and drinking alcohol after gastric sleeve, you still actually can enjoy alcohol and your favorite meals, but you must be mindful about the timing and quantity of beverages and meals that you plan to enjoy

Is Drinking Alcohol 3 Weeks After Gastric Sleeve Allowed?

The answer is no. If you eagerly want to drink alcohol 3 weeks after any bariatric surgery, you can do so at your own risk. Your body is still in the healing process, and consuming alcohol too soon can lead to increased sensitivity, nausea, vomiting, and even complications such as stretching of the stomach, which could undermine the success of the surgery. It is generally advised to wait at least 6 to 12 month before considering alcohol consumption and to always consult your doctor for personalized advice.

If your doctor allows it, you must start drinking gradually or slowly, with limited amounts, and after eating food, not on an empty stomach. In any case, avoiding alcohol remains one of the pre-op diet instructions.

Gastric sleeve surgery can affect the secretion of an enzyme called “gastric alcohol dehydrogenase (GAD)”. This enzyme has a role to play in breaking alcohol molecules inside the stomach and liver. The level of this enzyme in women is less than in men, which translates to lower alcohol tolerance.

Although a gastric sleeve doesn’t affect the levels of this enzyme in the same way as gastric bypass surgery, the danger remains obvious because a gastric sleeve results in a smaller stomach, making it more sensitive to alcohol.

According to a study, 84% of patients reported more sensitivity to alcohol after the surgery. This is unsurprising since there will be increased absorption of alcohol due to plummeting levels of alcohol dehydrogenase needed to break down the alcohol.

Alcohol Effect on Blood Sugar

Alcohol causes your blood sugar levels to drop because alcohol molecules can deplete the glycogen, which is a form of glucose in your body. This increases the likelihood of developing low blood sugar or hypoglycemia.

Hypoglycemia is a worrisome condition that can lead to different complications if neglected, including loss of coordination, poor vision, loss of consciousness, or even death. An occasional cup of alcohol is unlikely to cause hypoglycemia, but heavy drinking isn’t. Hence, the portion size should be your priority always.

Furthermore, rapid weight loss and low carbohydrate intake after gastric sleeve can lead to reduced sugar and hypoglycemia. You must drink diluted juice or take a sugar tablet to raise your blood sugar level if you develop hypoglycemia.

Doctors suggest an immediate treatment for hypoglycemia by having snacks with complex carbohydrates and protein.

Alcohol Effect on Metabolism 

Gastric bypass surgery alters the normal metabolic processes in the body, paving the way for alcohol to peak higher in the blood in a very short time. Blood alcohol levels also take longer to return to normal, especially if the patient consumes less food, which is common after the surgery.

A single cup of alcohol is enough to increase the blood alcohol level and generate the symptoms of alcohol intoxication in many patients. The effect of alcohol on metabolism is often overlooked by both doctors and patients, but it remains a crucial thing to consider after gastric sleeve.

Risks of Drinking Alcohol 3 Weeks After Gastric Sleeve

In a nutshell, the risks of drinking alcohol 3 weeks after gastric sleeve include the following:

Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are already common side effects after gastric sleeve. Their severity, however, can get far worse with alcohol. Alcohol can exacerbate both nausea and vomiting, which increases the likelihood of nutritional deficiencies and inflammation, and propels surgeons to recommend a "no alcohol" policy after any type of obesity surgery in Turkey.

Lack of Nutrients

Alcohol is a worthless substance with zero nutritional value for the body. On the contrary, it can inhibit the absorption of different nutrients and vitamins like B12 and B6. It also provides a high number of calories, which can lead to weight gain and bring the results of the gastric sleeve to a halt.

Quick Gastric Emptying

Gastric sleeve induces weight loss by encouraging satiety and reducing food intake. Drinking alcohol leads to quick emptying of the small intestine, which in turn awakens your hunger and encourages you to eat more food, increasing the chance of weight gain.  

Stomach Stretching

The stomach might be dilated or stretched after gastric sleeve surgery due to binge drinking. Clearly, this is counterproductive to the goal of gastric sleeve surgery. If stretching occurs and a large gastric pouch forms, you may need a "re-sleeve" surgery. The re-sleeve surgery carries more complications than the initial procedure according to a study.

Alcohol Intoxication  

Many gastric sleeve patients find themselves quickly intoxicated by just a few drinks of alcohol due to reduced tolerance. As the common wisdom suggests, tolerance to alcohol builds over extended periods of time, not with one or two drinks. Drinking too much alcohol with reduced tolerance can lead to alcohol poisoning.

Alcohol Addiction

Due to reduced tolerance, gastric sleeve patients are more likely to be addicted to alcohol even if they were non-alcoholics before the surgery. The issue is also common among people who have the mental readiness to replace “food addiction” with “alcohol addiction”.

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Guidelines for Drinking Alcohol 3 Weeks After Gastric Sleeve

It’s better to stay away from alcohol for at least 6 months after the surgery. Although it’s unlikely for your doctor to give you permission to drink alcohol 3 weeks after gastric sleeve, here are some guidelines to follow:

• Choose alcoholic beverages with low alcohol content
• Avoid the creamy, boozy sweet mixers that have a high level of sugar
• Don’t overdrink since a small amount of alcohol has large effects
• Don’t ever drink on an empty stomach

Best Alcoholic Drinks for Gastric Sleeve Patients

For patients who have undergone procedures like gastric sleeve, gastric balloon, or gastric bypass, developing and maintaining healthful routines is important. It’s advisable to eat a small, high-protein snack before consuming alcohol to help prevent overeating. If attending a social event, bring a healthy snack or help plan a menu that aligns with your dietary needs. Also, always arrange for a designated driver, as your reaction to alcohol might differ post-surgery.

Here’s a guide to the best alcoholic drinks for gastric sleeve patients, focusing on options that minimize discomfort and align with dietary needs.

• Wine: A 5-ounce glass of red or white wine contains fewer than 150 calories and offers some antioxidant benefits. Wine is generally easier on the stomach compared to more sugary or carbonated drinks. Opt for dry wines with lower sugar content to avoid excess calories and potential digestive issues.
• Light Beer: Light beers are lower in calories compared to regular beers, typically containing around 90-110 calories per 12-ounce serving.
• Bloody Mary: Made with no-sugar-added tomato juice and loaded with vegetables, a Bloody Mary can provide some nutritional benefits while being relatively low in calories. Avoid pre-made mixes, which can be high in sodium and sugar.
• Hot Toddy: A Hot Toddy made with hot herbal tea, a small amount of whiskey, and natural flavorings like lemon and cinnamon is lower in calories and less likely to irritate the stomach compared to many cocktails.
• Spirits on the Rocks: Drinking a small amount of your favorite spirit over ice, without mixers, reduces calorie intake and avoids added sugars.

The Bottom Line

Drinking alcohol 3 weeks after gastric sleeve isn’t a wise thing to do. Although some doctors allow their patients to drink alcohol after gastric sleeve, the general consensus of doctors recommends patients drink only after 6-12 months of the surgery. Simply put, alcohol is very harmful to the newly shrunk stomach and can cause complications that may add up to the gastric sleeve cost in Turkey.

International Clinics in Turkey offers gastric sleeve surgery to international patients who seek affordable, safe bariatric surgery abroad. Our doctors have successfully provided the surgery to thousands of patients from Europe and North America. You can contact us immediately using the button below.

FAQs About Drinking Alcohol After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

What Happens If You Drink Alcohol 2 Weeks After Gastric Sleeve?

Drinking alcohol 2 weeks after gastric sleeve isn’t recommended because alcohol affects blood sugar and metabolism and puts you at risk of hypoglycemia. After the gastric sleeve, the alcohol tolerance becomes low, so a small amount of alcohol can have a huge effect.   

What Happens If You Drink Alcohol 4 Weeks After Gastric Sleeve?

Drinking alcohol 4 weeks after gastric sleeve is also not recommended. Your body needs at least 6 months to build a gradual tolerance for alcohol. Drinking alcohol before that can lead to metabolic problems. 

Can I Drink Alcohol 1 Month After Gastric Sleeve?

Although 1 month seems enough for recovery after gastric sleeve, doctors highly oppose the notion of drinking alcohol before 6 months following the surgery. Therefore, you cannnoty drink alcohol 1 month after gastric sleeve.

What Can I Drink 2 Weeks After Gastric Sleeve?

You can drink thicker liquids 2 weeks after gastric. Such liquids include yogurt, puddings, creams, apple applesauce, protein shakes, and sugar-free ice creams.

What Should I Be Eating 3 Weeks After Gastric Sleeve?

You can start eating pureed or soft foods 3 weeks after gastric sleeve. Such soft foods include ground meats, soft fruits and veggies, and cooked eggs. 

Why Do You Get Drunk Faster After Bariatric Surgery?

You get drunk faster after bariatric surgery because the surgical intervention has altered the normal metabolic processes inside your body. In addition, people get drunk faster because they eat less food after the surgery.

When Can I Have a Glass of Wine After Surgery?

Regardless of the nature of the surgery you underwent, surgeons recommend people avoid drinking alcohol at least in the first 2 weeks following the surgery.

How long after gastric sleeve can i drink alcohol?

After gastric sleeve surgery, it is recommended to wait at least 6 to 12 month before drinking alcohol. This waiting period is important because your body needs time to heal and adjust to the changes in your digestive system. Drinking alcohol too soon after surgery can lead to several risks, including increased sensitivity to alcohol, nausea, vomiting, nutritional deficiencies, and even potential complications with weight loss progress.

Can you drink beer after gastric sleeve?

Beer contains alcohol and carbonation, both of which can cause discomfort and complications. The carbonation in beer can lead to gas and bloating, while the alcohol can be absorbed more quickly and have a stronger effect due to your smaller stomach size. If you do choose to drink beer after gastric sleeve surgery, it’s best to wait at least 6 to 12 months and consult your doctor.

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