Alcoholism after Gastric Bypass (WLS): Another Part of My Story
There is another part of my story that I haven’t really shared with others and it has to do with the gastric bypass surgery I had several years ago. I had surgery to lose weight so I could safely have another child. And I did. But after Abby’s birth my social drinking turned into a full blown problem that almost destroyed my family (not to mention packing back on 2/3 of the weight I’d lost). Although alcoholism does not run in my family, I realized fairly quickly that I had a severe problem. I got treatment and I found AA. Now I’m working on all the issues I needed to confront and deal with so many years ago. I never really shared this part of my story because I was afraid the AA fellowship might accuse me of making excuses. I’m not. My gastric bypass and my accelerated trip into alcoholism is part of my experience. Maybe I’m luckier this way. Because drinking after WLS (Weight Loss Surgery) was like injecting alcohol directly into my bloodstream maybe I’m lucky that I had to stop now and start on my spiritual journey in my 30s instead of drinking for another 20 years and trying to clean up that much wreckage. Anyway, I’ve discovered that I’m not the only one who has taken this path. Below are some links that discuss the issue of alcoholism after WLS. I would love to hear from other women (and men) that have become alcoholic after WLS so please email me privately at zenrusty at gmail dot com or leave a comment. We’re always stronger together.
- Beyond Change: Recommendations on the use of alcohol after WLS
- Carnie Wilson and Alcoholism after WLS – here, here and here
- After Gastric Bypass: Drunk Faster?
- WSJ article: The New Addiction
- Personal Stories from alcoholic woman who’ve had WLS
- Alcoholism and WLS
- Patty’s Story
- WLS Center Newsletter
- ObesityHelp’s Message Board Topic: alcoholism
- ABC News: After Gastric Bypass Surgery, Women Battle Alcoholism
Edited 10/22/07: I have received many emails and comments from people in the middle of the struggle I found myself in not so long ago. Your story does not have to have a sad ending. There is help, if you’re willing to get sober at all costs. Let go of your preconceived notions about recovery groups, realize that it is not going to get better until you get help, and then ask for help. Find out where an AA meeting is and GO! Find a local or online WFS meeting NOW! If I can do this thing, so can you.
BTW, I don’t consider my alcoholism a transfer of my addiction. This is a physical disease (with psychological characteristics) that may be tied to, but not caused by my “issues.” I don’t believe that I abused alcohol and then became an alcoholic. I believe I had surgery, had a glass of wine and experienced a completely different reaction to the alcohol almost immediately. I guess the question now is how do we spread the word of the dangers of drinking alcohol (even a small amount) after weight loss surgery? Obviously, it does no good to try and get doctors to discuss this with their patients with so much money at stake….who will care enough?
Please read my letter to post operative WLS patients that think they might have a drinking problem.
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This post has 90 comments
October 16th, 2008
It is amazing to me to read all of the stories from women who have become raging alcoholics. I am 7 years post op, Lost 130 lbs, gained back 30 from boozing. I have embarassed myself beyond belief in front of family and friends. The alcohol addiction hit all at once about 3 years ago. I have a better handle on it now but it is still so bad. I have about 5 black out sessions a week. Today I am so ill and discouraged from last nites excessive wine binge.
Would love to hear from other women and how they are handling this.
February 16th, 2010
Hello, my name is cheri and i am a 4year post op gastric bypass patient. I lost a total of 130+ lbs, kept it off for about a year and then began drinking to fullfill my food cravings. To this day I still throw up about everyting I eat and have turned to alcohol to replace my hunger or “thought” of hunger. Ive gained back 40 lbs and am even more discusted with myself than before gastric. Today I gave temporary custody to my mother of my 12 year old daughter because I had let her see me so drunk she was terrified which i had previously been able to “hide” in the past. I still dont think I have a drinking problem but am devistated that I let her go because I scared her after drinking to oblivious with her with me. Any thoughts about my situation besides get a grip and accept im an alchoholic
April 13th, 2010
hi everyone. I’m sooo glad I found this site. I had my RNY in 2002. Never drank before then. About 2 years after successfully losing 100 lbs and getting to my goal weight, I decided to have a drink. It was just like eating, a total relief from my emotions. It started gradually, once a week when out to dinner. Quickly progressed to everyday – when alone, kids at school, husband at work. I blacked-out everytime, fell down, got bruises and said things I’d never say when sober. I went to rehab in 2008, stayed sober for a year, then relapsed right after my year anniversary. Once I relapsed, I was sober for a month, the relapsed again. Stayed sober five months, now am drinking again. I feel so bad about myself. My family is done with me – my husband goes to Alanon, so he knows all about the disease, but also has ‘boundaries, and tough love’ now. The kids, ages 10 and 16 hate me. My parents don’t ‘get it’, are very religious and think I can just pray it away. I’ve been a member of AA, had a sponsor, but still in full-blown drinking-mode. I’m so sad. I wish I’d had counseling before the surgery but it was so new back then, the doctor didn’t require it. I’ve been in jail overnight, psych facilities, wrecked cars…thank God I haven’t killed anyone. I’ve felt suicidal at times and was diagnosed with bipolar. I take meds for that and I’m not supposed to drink with it, but I still do. I was a nurse, but have lost my license because of my alcoholism. I had back surgery three years ago, and got addicted to pain killers. Guess I’m an absolute addict with anything mood-altering. Now I’m smoking, which I’ve never done in my life and always despised people that did. Now I’m one of those and despise myself. I even lived in my car for 5 days when my husband kicked me out! How sad! I had an abusive marriage years ago, and know that is why I stuff my feelings. Unlike others, when I drink, I lose weight. Kind of appealing actually – got to my lowest weight in my life when I was drinking heavily everyday. Not a good diet, but sometimes I like it. Really sick, huh? You can email me at woobur@cfl.rr.com as I would love some email buddies going through the same thing. Best wishes and sobriety to all.
October 18th, 2008
For the record, this is not a public forum. It is my personal blog…about my life. I do not advocate trying to get and *stay* sober without help and fellowship, nor do I believe that taking “megadoses” of vitamins will provide anyone with longterm sobriety. I refuse to live a life enslaved by alcohol or my weight. I choose to live a life of true recovery. -Rusty
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Hello Sharon,
Don’t be discouraged. You can do it. Try one day at a time. I am doing it without the side effects of withdrawal symptons by using megadozes of vitamins. I have gone 6 days without cravings for alcohol and no tremblings, jitters, anxiety etc. My e-mail is
deya1223@yahoo.com. The added bonus is that a months supply of vitamins costs me as much as a weekend of boozing, I might just be able to save for a trip with my children next year after all. Any one can e-mail me and I will let you know the websites where I gathered info on battling alcohol thru nutrition and excercise. WE CAN ALL DO THIS, although we have gained some pounds back, I refuse to let alcohol ruin MY LIFE AND SPIRIT.October 20th, 2008
Hi Sharon,
Yes, I did gain a bunch of weight back. But I’m working on a healthier and more active lifestyle now.
I was never a problem drinker before surgery. After surgery, though, I noticed immediately that it felt different after just one glass of wine. It quickly progressed to where I was drinking as much as I could and not understanding what the hell was happening. It got worse. Fast. Near the end I was blacking out almost every time I drank. So, I know how you feel and I know that horrible feeling inside of you that’s growing.
What is happening to you is not your fault. Though, everyone’s “bottom” is different. We all try different things to get our drinking under control or stop on our own (like DeeDee’s vitamins). It’s human nature. There are some great programs out there, but the only thing that’s worked for me is AA although I did try SMART Recovery and Women in Recovery. (I know everyone says it won’t work for them…I said the same thing so many times.) That’s really the best I can offer. Be honest and ask for help. It’s amazing the things we can accomplish together.
Much love,
Rusty
November 13th, 2009
hi i had gastric by pass about six years ago becuase i was diagnosed with diabetis type II and hypertention, now i find myself fighting a bigger monster alcohol. The last four years have been a nightmare for me and my family, my husband, and my two teenagers can’t understand what happened to their mother, I have become a full blown out alcoholic. I m trying AA I have a sponsor, but boy, additcion to alcohol is a whole different ball game. This is really a desperate situation.
January 10th, 2010
I too am in AA 5 years post gastric bypass. I gained 60 of the 120 lbs I lost. I started researching this after an addictions counselor talked to me about gluten intolerance and alcoholism. Tomorrow I start a gluten free diet which is supposed to help with the cravings and drive to overeat. Although I still can’t eat large quantities at one time….I end up eating all day. I too have only discussed this with AA at my one year celebration 2 weeks ago….as you, I didn’t want anyone to think I was using it as a “crutch”, because in reality, we all have our road to AA…thank you for writing the article….it brought me great comfort.
October 25th, 2008
Wow, All these stories sound so much like me and so much alike. I was not a drinker. I would go out to the clubs and would trade my fresh beer with one of my buddies that finished or were almost finished with theres so it would look like I had drank some. If I drank it would be a glass or two once or twice a year.
I am not sure what happened to me or why they did not warn me about this. A year after I had my operation I started drinking and it just took off. Soon I was having black outs. Got a DUI and then a year from that started just drinking at home so I would not drive. Then hanging with the wrong people, drugs and then arrest. I lost my job and well it has just been one thing after another. I did not get hooked on the drugs but the drinking just does not want to let go of me.
I am in AA and have just begun working on my 4th step. I have to take each day one at a time. Sometimes I just take an hour at a time.
This is a new to me since I am getting started on why I was an addict. If not with drinking…it was food and all that… I am sure people know what I mean.
Still I think the medical world needs to do a better job at warning people before they have the operation. I was not told at all that anything like this would happen.
I have never seen a person get a ticket for being over weight. Then again, if this would of happen like other AA’s I would have drank for years and years. I am happy to find that I needed something more and that I am looking at what is wrong.
Thank you for the site.
Joe
any of you wanna email me please feel free…
nccjoe@aol.com
November 5th, 2008
Thank you for this site, I will be brief
My WLS was in 2002 I started attending AA in 2004. At that time I had trouble believing I was one of them. I was 40 looked great had a great job. Well I am and I sure wish I realized it 4 years ago before all that has happened to lead me back. An alcoholic is and alcoholic no matter how we got here. I am out of rehab and sober 14 days. I will be in AA the rest of my life or I will have no life.
Please don’t worry about how you got where you are, you can’t change it just go forward.
Please e-mail me with any questions. I would be happy to help if I can.
Good luck and God Bless
November 5th, 2008
Sorry E-mail is SuperMetsFan@yahoo.com
December 1st, 2008
Hi all,
RNY, December three years ago, Down 150, Started drinking which was never and issue, soon from once a week went to everyday, blackouts, just can’t remember who I talked with or what I said or where I was, everyone says ” Oh you were very congnigtive, funny, a little mouthy but not drunk” That’s funny can’t remember a thing, plus came home and the front end of my new sports car was wrecked. What did I hit? At that point I drove to Seattle and checked myslelf into rehab, Schick Schadel a unique approach that worked great, I was sober for 68 days, found out my wife of 25 years was having and affair with and employee, I have the answer to that, Drinking, wrong! things just got worse, On my way back to Schick and hopefully can lick this, why let her put me back into a form of slowly killing myself, I doubt we will stay together, I can only say that I wonder how much my behavior pushed her into the affair? Maybe it’s not her, I guess I will never know, but I do know that I will never be there for anyone if I am not sober.
In hind site I wish I would of fought the fight of obesity without the surgery, as nothing but bad has happened since, We are not alone people and I thank Rusty for this site and a place to at least vent. ( Not the Coors kind)
December 10th, 2008
Thank you for this opportunity to touch base with others who have shared some of the same journey in regards to wls & alcoholism….my surgery was 8 years ago this month and I have been able to maintain my goal weight thus far. However, my dark walk with alcoholism has forever changed me and I hope to be able to help others. 4 years ago I went into rehab..lasted 6 months then restarted drinking,,,it got so bad that I tried to commit suicide and ended up in a phycological facility for a week…changed my life forever as I saw incredible suffering…I have been sober for over 2 1/2 years now…AA helped in the beginning, then I went through counseling for issues of sexual abuse as a child. I found that for lasting healing I personally needed to get to the heart of my addictions and pain…I now journal daily to stay in touch with my feelings and participate in a Celebrate Recovery Group which is for people with hurts,hang-ups, and habits. This group is based on 12 step principals but name the Lord Jesus as our higher power which is a great fit for me personally. I still struggle with smoking and when I am ready, will be my next step to improved health. I encourage anyone reading this to not lose hope…reach out for help….love yourself and know that you are so worth it!!! You are a beautiful gift to the world and you do make a difference! I wish you joy and peace….
December 29th, 2008
My sister had WLS four years ago. She is now a raging alcoholic who has been told by doctors that if she continues drinking she will die within the next year. She carries vodka in her purse, car, there are bottles in her bed, closet, bathroom, kitchen, everywhere.
Today my sister is in detox again, forced by my mother this time, last time it was her husband, and the time before that the whole family. We go to Al-anon meetings, we support her, and we love her, but we can’t make her stop – we feel so helpless. It is like my sister is a completely different person and I don’t know her at all. She speaks like she has dimentia, she throws up every time she eats, she slurs her speach and picks fights with anyone around her. It’s awful and not her at all.
My family is in utter chaos. Her husband is ready to leave, she has lost her 6 year old son, and is about to lose her job. We never know if she is alive or dead – she doesn’t answer the phone, the door, her house is a mess, empty vodka bottles everywhere.
Rehab has not worked. She will be sent to an inpatient facility after detox tomorrow – or however long detox will take. I hope that this time it works. I want my sister back. She is such a loving, caring, and giving person.
I appreciate your web-site. It has taught me a lot, and I know now that my sister is not alone, and not just too weak to stop.
Thank you for listening. I could go on forever. My heart hurts for her. I want her back.
This effects everyone – not just the person suffering from this awful disease. We are so afraid that we are going to lose her.
Ashley
January 29th, 2010
Ashley I know how you feel. I am going through the same thing with my partner. I love her so much but she is so out of control. I feel your pain and will keep you in my prayers.
January 11th, 2009
WOW. I had no idea this was a problem for other WLS patients. I thought I was all alone. I have been drinking about 3 bottles of wine a day; drinking from morning to night. I had my surgery in 2004, and just started drinking out of control about a year ago. I had blackouts all the time, and never went a day without drinking. I finally realized I needed to save my life so I went to my doctor and got mediciation (Librium) for the withdrawal and started to go to AA. I also joined an online AA group for 24/7 support. I am only 3 days sober but I know I can do this.
January 30th, 2009
Hi Rusty,I had gastric bypass 5 yrs ago and lost all my weight,was down to 104 lbs, perfect for me at 5 ft tall. I was a social drinker before surgery,but after surgery I didn’t drink at all for about 2 yrs,than I started having a glass of wine once in awhile for social occasions and it quickly got out of hand and I hate it! I have gained 20 lbs back and feel heavy and that makes me mad,as I didn’t go through that surgery to ruin the purpose of having it. I am looking forward to turning myself around and to stay away from alcohol so I can lose the weight I have gained. Looking for a diet buddy who has the same problums to buddy up with for support and encouragement. email bluebyrd@att.net
April 14th, 2009
just wanted to let everyone know that my brother just passed away at the age of 42. he had gastric bypass a few years ago and thought he could drink afterwards. his alcoholism manifested and affected his pancreas. he ended up in the hospital with pancreatitis, afterwards, things spiraled down quickly for him. he went through a lot, kind of like be gutted like a fish. he had half of his colon removed, developed a PE in lung, his greater omentum removed, developed sepsis. we thought he was on his way to a slow recovery. one day he started to bleed from his trach and colostmy site. the medical team went down with a scope and discovered that he had a massive blood clot in his abdomen. they tried to wash it out, he then went in to cardiac arrest and then his lungs failed. it was only hours after that he met his death. i keep thinking to myself, was there something i could of done differently for him. i miss him and wished i would of tried to force him in to rehab. i am also a gastric bypass patient, knowing what my brother went through, i will never take a drink.
April 28th, 2009
I am truly sorry about your brother. I’m so proud of you for making the connection between his drinking and his surgery. And for making the decision to take another path. Your brother’s death is not your fault. Maybe if he’d have understood the real risks involved, he would have chosen another path, like you. Thank you for sharing his story.
May 7th, 2009
I had my surgery Aug 07, I lost 74#'s and felt great so I decided to have a glass of wine about 10 months later and now I am 3 days sober and I now know that I can not drink alcohol anymore. I turned into a slurring, falling down, crying idiot. My husband or son has had to walk me to bed on many occassions and I have cried myself to sleep many a night and was so ashamed of who I have become, I've gained back 15#s I was not a drinker before and now I know I can no longer continue, I tried having only 1-2 glasses it never worked and only got worse, I hid bottles and drank when I was alone. This is not who I want to be.
I have been reseaching how the alcohol effects my new stomach and it says that it is like I am mainlining the alcohol directly in to my bloodstream and that all of my organs will be effected by it alot quicker than others.
I don't want my son to be ashamed of me like my husband was ashamed of his mother's alcoholism.
Knowledge is wisdom and this website has helped alot. Thank you Rusty
July 13th, 2009
You are not the only one who experienced alcoholism after gastric bypass surgery.
Four years ago I ended up in treatment for my alcoholism shortly after my gastric bypass surgery.
If you want to read more about my story, here it is on the Sober Living blog:
http://www.soberliving.com/blog/2009/06/gina-fs-r...
July 27th, 2009
OMG! I am so happy I found this I am in tears reading the article and stories I now know I am not alone. I had my WLS surgery in 2004 and did great went from a size 24 to a 12 almost a 10. I lost my father in 2006 on Christmas day and not saying that loosing him cause me to drink because I was drinking prior to that I just started doing it every day to help deal with the pain. With the loss of my father came several other family related stresses that I found I could only deal with when drinking. Three years later and although I am not as bad as I was before I am still drinking at least 3 to 4 times a week and not just 1 to 2 glasses but 1 to 2 bottles at a time. I hate it, I wake up every time mad at myself and disappointed. I say to myself every time that I won't do it again but eventually I do. Needless to say I am back up to a size 18 and that makes me sad and angry as well. I didn't know what to do, my husband is not very supportive (because he's a drinker too) he tells me I need to stop but then will bring home a bottle of wine after a couple of days and I am guessing so he doesn't feel guilty for his own drinking. I have searched for AA meetings previously but cannot find any. I wish wish wish that someone made me aware of this prior to my surgery then at least I could have tried to prevent it. Thank you to all for your stories this is now my favorite place to go for help.
August 9th, 2009
I wish my family had known this. My cousin is currently in the hospital with kidney and liver failure. I visited and said my good byes today and came and googled her WLS and alcoholism. Thank you for this post.
October 17th, 2009
I understand…..I had WLS in 03 and now find that I have a drinking problem….I must get help…..I have also gained 15 lbs.,which is making me crazy…..KP
January 1st, 2010
hi everyone, im the one who posted about my brother passing away in april of 2009. i wish and hope that who ever reads the stories on this website seek help immediately for their alcohol addiction. please, its a serious matter and not to be brushed off and think you can recover by yourself. you need intensive therapy and support by your family and friends. it saddens me to think of when i was cleaning out his closet and had to push 15 empty bottles of black velvet into the garbage can. what hell he was going through and i was mean to him at times because i was sick and tired of seeing him drunk. when he went into the hospital in march, he had his first attack of pancreatitis. most alcoholics suffer for years with this and his first attack was deadly. quick note, i helped him before to dry out and it did not work. so it may take a few tries. this past year was so sad, i had to place a wreath on my brothers grave at christmas time. i hope you think about this and want to live a longer healthier life without alcohol. your family and friends want you around a little longer. life is too short not to remember what you did the day before because you were too drunk. you are missing out on your life. peace to everyone
January 1st, 2010
rusty
hope all is well with you. kuddos to you for creating this site. happy new year!!
becky
January 6th, 2010
I went to see my cousin today, she had the surgery about 4 months ago. She was so drunk, that she could hardly walk to my car. I wanted to cry. She is so skinny a weak looking. She was only about 280 pounds when she had the surgery and now she look s to be no more than 120 lbs. She never excercises or anything so she looks pretty bad. She used to drink before the surgery, but never like this. I am so scared for her. I found this site when I got home. I too was thinking about the surgery since I am 327 and 5’1. But, since she looks so bad, and has that drinking problem I don’t want it.
January 23rd, 2010
I had bypass surgery in 2002, my weight is around 125 now. In 2006 I suffered congestive heart failure & a month later had a drink & never stopped. Prior to this I was a non-drinker. I have not gained any weight back, but the drinking is all I think about. I can’t understand how someone can go from being a non-drinker to a full blown drunk in the blink of an eye. My doctor says I drink like someone who’s been drinking for 30 years not 3 years. I’ve tried AA & other programs, but no luck, as a matter of fact, the last stay in a treatment program I actually took up smoking,(something I haven’t done in 20 years!) I can’t explain or control my need to drink, I feel I’ve lost a part of me.
January 23rd, 2010
I find I’m drawn to writing more on this site because after reading the comments there are people who are more in tuned to me than any AA group. I do not come from a family that has addiction problems. I feel strongly that several deep emotional issues caused me to pick up & drink, however, I feel that the bypass opened it up for excess. I have issues still with the bypass, such as still getting food “stuck”, 11 hours is my record for standing over a toliet. I really wish I had never had the surgery. I like being skinny & has stated above I’ve not gained any weight back since I’ve lost it all, but between having issues with food stuck and the drinking I feel I made a deal with the devil.
January 29th, 2010
Hello everyone, I am writing on behalf of my own experience. My partner of 7 yrs had wls in 6/06 and let me tell you our life has been turned upside down. She is checked into rehab for the 5th time and I am almost out of hope. Reading this site that I just stumbled upon has given me comfort that I am not alone. I love this woman with all of my heart and I hope she finds the strength to get and stay sober. There needs to be better education and exposure to this side effect that is obviously bigger than any food addiction. My girlfriend who used to have a corporate job, has been unemployed for 3 yrs, 3 dui’s, spent a week in jail, and totaled a vehicle. I wouldn’t beleive it if I didn’t see it for myself. Thanks for listening at least I know we’re not alone.
February 22nd, 2010
I had weight loss surgury in 2003. I lost 150 pounds down to 180. Stayed sober for 2 years then had a drink. It steadily got worse and worse. I gained bak about 80 pounds because of alcohol then went on a no fat diet. Sure is easy to loose weight after the surgury if you want to. I put myself on a 2000 cal a day diet with 1000 of it being wine. Took up running and lost back to 180 lbs. I have now joined AA and it appears to be a good program not only for drinking but for addition in general.
February 27th, 2010
I too have had WLS. I wasn’t a drinker before but now, wow. I fight everyday to not think about it and I can make it a week without it, but once I start, I can’t stop. I do stay home and I only purchase a small bottle but I black out every time I drink and some how manage to drink the whole bottle. I know this has to end, this is crazy. So my question is, has anyone tried hypnosis? If so, did it work for you? I’m at my wits end. I just don’t know what else to do.
March 27th, 2010
OMG! I divorced my hubby in ’93 because of his drinking. I never drank much and in fact didn’t have anything for 15 years. Within 6 months after my WLS surgery, I started drinking. Now, I’m a full blown alcoholic, drinking a bottle or two of wine every night. I have a very hi profile job, so I’m freaked out about confidentiality. My family and boyfriend are freaking out because I’m so out of control. How the hell did this happen to me? I don’t regret my surgery. In fact, I went to see my surgeon a couple of weeks ago and was sobbing in his office due to my new problem. I think I can beat this, but who the hell knew we would be so susceptible to alcoholism?
May 1st, 2010
No Isabella…I am here for you to talk to…you are not alone..I swear…..this is hell….I have a Facebook page and we can talk…..look it up Gastric Bypass women who have developed Alcoholism…
March 27th, 2010
Sad thing for me is that I can’t go to AA because of my job. I’ve been told I need to go to detox and can’t quit overnight due to my physical dependence. My mom went thru advanced breast cancer that was misdiagnosed. My way to handle my anger was to drink. Now she’s cancer free and I’m the pain in her heart. I’ve been suicidal, but think I can’t put my family through that kind of pain. We really need more information and support on this.
May 3rd, 2010
I’m fortunate that I’m able to be open and accountable with my alcoholism and my membership in AA. Not everyone is so lucky. Obviously, I don’t walk into business or PTO meetings and announce that I’m a recovering drunk. But I do make myself known when appropriate in the hopes that I might be able to help someone else who believes they might have a problem and don’t know what to do about it. Hence, my posts here about gastric bypass and alcoholism here.
In truth, if you keep drinking, chances are that you won’t be able to hide it at work for very long. That being said, you’re just making more excuses, Isabella. I mean this in the kindest way. It’s what we do. AA is anonymous. Go to closed meetings and you will be surprised at the level of support and anonymity. I had every excuse for not going to a meeting in my community. And the one meeting I located closest to my house was the one I was most afraid to attend. Now it’s my homegroup.
Start your recovery right now. Stop the self loathing, stop the excuses, and stop drinking. There is a rich, full life after drinking. It is not always great, but in sobriety you can handle the good and the bad. I promise.
March 27th, 2010
Let’s not even talk about blackouts after a couple of glasses of wine and the risky behavior that goes with being impaired.
May 2nd, 2010
How sad… and now it is me, a raging alcholoic! I love the booze! Not beer, hard core, RUM for me. I buy it by the half gallon, I drink it like water. I LOVE it. I am ashamed to say, I wake and drink, I drink until I black out or pass out, all because of Gastric Bypass, as I NEVER drank before. I feel like I can function, work, kids, life, so it must be ok, I know it isn’t. I would rather be FAT and able to drive, function, think, remember then be DRUNK all the time. But it is what it is, the doctors want $$$$ they don’t warn you, you lose 100lbs or more and feel great, have ONE drink and feel FANTASTIC and the next thing you know, you drink booze like it is water, and you are NUMB and look good and feel good, at least what you can REMEMBER. Maybe I will write a book about it, my life as a Gastric Bypbass INDUCED alcoholic, because that is what it is. WE didn’t get morbidly obese because we couldn’t DIET, IT was becuase we had problems, an addiction to FOOD and what comforted us and made us feel good, take that away and we subsitute sex, drugs or BOOZE, duh?!? No one will tell you and I hope you don’t go here, me, I am stuck in a bottle and hope you don’t follow me, time for another drink (any type-o’s due to drunkeness on my part)!.
Love to all
May 3rd, 2010
The sad truth is, Susan, that you don’t get to make the choice between surgery and alcoholism anymore. The only thing you can choose to do is move forward towards sobriety or keep spiraling downward with the booze you say you love so much. It would be great if we could just blame it all on the surgery or the doctors or whatever. Blame is irrelevant. It doesn’t change a fucking thing. The only thing that matters is that you get help, if you want it.
So here are some questions: if you’re drinking rum all day and seem to be functioning okay at work and home, are you driving while drunk? Ever have your kids in the car? Are you cooking meals? Ever burn anything? Ever forget how your kids got to bed? Ever try to piece together a phone conversation from the night before? And that’s all okay with you?
I know I sound like a bitch, but honestly, I care. I care so much. It breaks my heart that so many of us are still suffering in the middle of our addictions. If I can find recovery, so you can you. I swear it. I was not a joiner. I didn’t believe in god. I still love my wine. But I was broken and I had just enough willingness to know that I couldn’t keep living the way I was.
Please get help.
May 22nd, 2010
drink wine ocasionally most of my adult life. Loved having my wine rack filled with bottles. Six months post WLS I started to drink wine every day…a bottle a day. Black outs! Called the doctor saying hey what is going on I NEVER drink wine like this…2 years later I have started going to AA. It has turned into alcohol abuse and it WAS CAUSED BY WLS. After two years of driving myself crazy and screaming what is happening to me…I have decided it is what it is…..I BLAMED WLS…..but I have to fix it…
June 6th, 2010
My journey has begun. It will be three years in July since I have had WLS and two years since I could not stop drinking wine. Six months after surgery when I started to drink wine like I did before WLS I immediately felt a different effect the wine had on me. I IMMEDIATELY called my surgeon and spoke to his nurse who also had WLS she told me the same had happened with her the summer before that she would loose her memory, etc. I continued drinking wine and and I was constantly testing why it was different on me. After 2 glasses of red wine I would loose my memory and long story short I was drinking a bottle of red wine every day for the last two years this month. I have come across several woman that the same thing is happening to them. I do not share with people that I have had surgery. I had Metobolic Syndrome and I had gained 75 pounds in 4 years. I ate healthy and worked out 3-5 days a week at the gym. I had always been on the thinner side during my life…even though I had always thought I was fat. Until I became fat I realized that I had been thin…I just joined AA and it is now 10 days that I have been sober. I want my life back! I am a happy person and after WLS and the craving of the wine and losing my memory had taken a big piece of my life away from me (US). We have walked a different road to Alcoholism then some other stories that I have heard. I am being true to myself and sharing my story…There is no doubt in my mind that the medical field will admit the cause of this in the future. It is not a transfer of Addiction…that may be a small piece of the pie but, there is a lot more to it then that. After my first few AA meetings back in January trying to figure out if I was an alcoholic and why? What happened to me? I have finally let go and let God….It is what it is…I need a solution to get my life back to where is was before WLS and even better…God has given me a voice and I feel he has a purpose of this project for me. Don’t be ashamed of your drinking and afraid to go to AA to help yourself. Be strong and go…get your life back…
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