Comments on: Alcoholism after Gastric Bypass (WLS): Another Part of My Story http://www.rustykeller.com/blog/2007/03/16/alcoholism-after-gastric-bypass-wls-another-part-of-my-story/ ...because everyone deserves a second chance... Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:30:44 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6 By: Dear Alcoholic Post-WLS Patient: http://www.rustykeller.com/blog/2007/03/16/alcoholism-after-gastric-bypass-wls-another-part-of-my-story/#comment-22144 Dear Alcoholic Post-WLS Patient: Thu, 19 Jun 2008 18:17:19 +0000 http://www.rustykeller.com/blog/2007/03/16/alcoholism-after-gastric-bypass-wls-another-part-of-my-story/#comment-22144 [...] more information, my story, and links to articles and programs, please see my original post on this topic. Alcoholism, [...] [...] more information, my story, and links to articles and programs, please see my original post on this topic. Alcoholism, [...]

]]> By: Saliena http://www.rustykeller.com/blog/2007/03/16/alcoholism-after-gastric-bypass-wls-another-part-of-my-story/#comment-22142 Saliena Mon, 09 Jun 2008 11:28:27 +0000 http://www.rustykeller.com/blog/2007/03/16/alcoholism-after-gastric-bypass-wls-another-part-of-my-story/#comment-22142 Hey Everyone... So, I wish I had the words to say what I am thinking/feeling right now. But, I don't know that I do. I guess I will start off with saying that Alcohol abuse runs in my family. My grandfather... and mother were all drinkers. It did not kill my mother... cancer did. But, it would have it the cancer had not gotten to her first. I had a gastric bypass in Oct 2003. I like most people drank alittle before hand. And, yes indeed there were times pre-surgery that I did drink to much and I have alot of funny stories about those times... being that it was college and all. After my surgery I dropped 180 pounds and went down to my lowest weight in my adult life. And, it has been great...! But, there is the darker side. The side that scaries the hell out of me. I don't know if I drink alot or not. But, drinking now hits me like a ton of brinks. I can drink on average about 2-3 glasses of wine and I am good... and the world is not a bad place. But, I think my addiction comes in... when I hit the 4th drink... and then I start mass inhaling of all alchol in the local region. It is like I am a crazy fiend and I MUST have more... then the bad part... I become very mean... I have thrown bowls at my loving boyfriend (soon to be husband in 10 days!...) and I swear there is this other person who is NOT me that comes out. I grew up with this around my house. I am the alcoholic that my mother was. And, yes I know at this point I could stop drinking. I don't always feel the need or desire to drink. As a matter of fact it is not usually till I others around me or drinking that I feel the need or want to. The problem now adays is that I want to just because... Anyway, I don't know if I am an alcoholic or not. I do know I have done and said some pretty mean and hurtful things to the people I love when I hit a certain point. .... Thank you for letting me share my story... Hey Everyone…

So, I wish I had the words to say what I am thinking/feeling right now. But, I don’t know that I do. I guess I will start off with saying that Alcohol abuse runs in my family. My grandfather… and mother were all drinkers. It did not kill my mother… cancer did. But, it would have it the cancer had not gotten to her first.

I had a gastric bypass in Oct 2003. I like most people drank alittle before hand. And, yes indeed there were times pre-surgery that I did drink to much and I have alot of funny stories about those times… being that it was college and all. After my surgery I dropped 180 pounds and went down to my lowest weight in my adult life. And, it has been great…!

But, there is the darker side. The side that scaries the hell out of me. I don’t know if I drink alot or not. But, drinking now hits me like a ton of brinks. I can drink on average about 2-3 glasses of wine and I am good… and the world is not a bad place. But, I think my addiction comes in… when I hit the 4th drink… and then I start mass inhaling of all alchol in the local region. It is like I am a crazy fiend and I MUST have more… then the bad part… I become very mean… I have thrown bowls at my loving boyfriend (soon to be husband in 10 days!…) and I swear there is this other person who is NOT me that comes out.

I grew up with this around my house. I am the alcoholic that my mother was. And, yes I know at this point I could stop drinking. I don’t always feel the need or desire to drink. As a matter of fact it is not usually till I others around me or drinking that I feel the need or want to. The problem now adays is that I want to just because…

Anyway, I don’t know if I am an alcoholic or not. I do know I have done and said some pretty mean and hurtful things to the people I love when I hit a certain point. ….

Thank you for letting me share my story…

]]> By: bikram http://www.rustykeller.com/blog/2007/03/16/alcoholism-after-gastric-bypass-wls-another-part-of-my-story/#comment-22141 bikram Mon, 09 Jun 2008 04:22:45 +0000 http://www.rustykeller.com/blog/2007/03/16/alcoholism-after-gastric-bypass-wls-another-part-of-my-story/#comment-22141 Alcohol abuse affects millions. This site has a lot of useful information. <a href="http://www.alcoholabusecenter.com" rel="nofollow">Alcohol Abuse</a> Alcohol abuse affects millions. This site has a lot of useful information. Alcohol Abuse

]]> By: Gigi http://www.rustykeller.com/blog/2007/03/16/alcoholism-after-gastric-bypass-wls-another-part-of-my-story/#comment-22140 Gigi Tue, 27 May 2008 23:05:01 +0000 http://www.rustykeller.com/blog/2007/03/16/alcoholism-after-gastric-bypass-wls-another-part-of-my-story/#comment-22140 Hello Rusty... I'm so greatful to hear your story. I had WLS 5 years ago. I had always drank, when I went out or at a social gathering. I could go weeks, months without drinking. I thought it strange that people had a drink at home (for no reason). I was married to an alcoholic. Never understood why he drank like he did. About a year and a half after WLS I discovered those boxes of wine, coming home from work & enjoying a drink. Fast forward, I can now drink a half gallon in a 3 day period. Or sometimes a fifth in one day. I had 2 DUI's in a 3 week period last year. I am so very ashamed, I could have killed soemone. I wouldnt (or wont) admit my problem because I DONT WANT TO BE AN ALCOHOLIC. Kind of like my friend who refuses to admit she's a diabetic (LOL) So here I sit, I have lost SO MUCH (and yes gained back 50 of the 176 pounds I lost) Since my sugery, I had cervical cancer, divorced my husband, recieved 2 DUI's, was carjacked & sexually assaulted, lost my job & finally losing the man I love. Alcohol affects me a little different than some of the people I've read about. Rather than it hitting me fast, I can drink ALOT & then it will all hit me at once. I have looked up AA meetings for tomorrow & will finally face my problem. This past weekend I embarrassed myself terribly. I Thought about hurting myself. I'm grateful that I was strong enough to get thru that. I will use you as an inspriration & I will get thru this. Peace, Gigi Hello Rusty…
I’m so greatful to hear your story.
I had WLS 5 years ago.
I had always drank, when I went out or at a social gathering. I could go weeks, months without drinking. I thought it strange that people had a drink at home (for no reason). I was married to an alcoholic. Never understood why he drank like he did. About a year and a half after WLS I discovered those boxes of wine, coming home from work & enjoying a drink. Fast forward, I can now drink a half gallon in a 3 day period. Or sometimes a fifth in one day. I had 2 DUI’s in a 3 week period last year. I am so very ashamed, I could have killed soemone. I wouldnt (or wont) admit my problem because I DONT WANT TO BE AN ALCOHOLIC. Kind of like my friend who refuses to admit she’s a diabetic (LOL)
So here I sit, I have lost SO MUCH (and yes gained back 50 of the 176 pounds I lost) Since my sugery, I had cervical cancer, divorced my husband, recieved 2 DUI’s, was carjacked & sexually assaulted, lost my job & finally losing the man I love.
Alcohol affects me a little different than some of the people I’ve read about. Rather than it hitting me fast, I can drink ALOT & then it will all hit me at once.
I have looked up AA meetings for tomorrow & will finally face my problem. This past weekend I embarrassed myself terribly. I Thought about hurting myself. I’m grateful that I was strong enough to get thru that.
I will use you as an inspriration & I will get thru this.
Peace,
Gigi

]]> By: Mel http://www.rustykeller.com/blog/2007/03/16/alcoholism-after-gastric-bypass-wls-another-part-of-my-story/#comment-22138 Mel Mon, 19 May 2008 22:41:04 +0000 http://www.rustykeller.com/blog/2007/03/16/alcoholism-after-gastric-bypass-wls-another-part-of-my-story/#comment-22138 I am so glad I found this site. I too am struggling with the same thing. Is there a place we can go to talk about this, like a chat room or something? I had WLS 3 years ago as well and am struggling with the alcohol. I am not saying it is transfer addiction or anything else but all I know is that it hits me fast and hard and I wish there was a group or something with other WLS patients that I could talk to because even though I know there are programs like AA out there I dont feel like they associate with me because they haven't had the surgery. Their bodies are different. I am not saying AA will not help but I just feel like others that have been through the WLS and become heavy drinkers will have more in common with me. Do you know of anything? I would definately appreciate it. I tried to post on ObesityHelp but they never posted my bulletin. Thanks, Mel. I am so glad I found this site. I too am struggling with the same thing. Is there a place we can go to talk about this, like a chat room or something? I had WLS 3 years ago as well and am struggling with the alcohol. I am not saying it is transfer addiction or anything else but all I know is that it hits me fast and hard and I wish there was a group or something with other WLS patients that I could talk to because even though I know there are programs like AA out there I dont feel like they associate with me because they haven’t had the surgery. Their bodies are different. I am not saying AA will not help but I just feel like others that have been through the WLS and become heavy drinkers will have more in common with me. Do you know of anything? I would definately appreciate it. I tried to post on ObesityHelp but they never posted my bulletin. Thanks, Mel.

]]> By: Michelle http://www.rustykeller.com/blog/2007/03/16/alcoholism-after-gastric-bypass-wls-another-part-of-my-story/#comment-22127 Michelle Fri, 25 Apr 2008 19:24:27 +0000 http://www.rustykeller.com/blog/2007/03/16/alcoholism-after-gastric-bypass-wls-another-part-of-my-story/#comment-22127 I had gastric bypass almost 5 yrs ago. I weighed 360 lbs and I had dropped to 144 but I'm back up to 168. Since surgery I have lost almost everything. I started drinking heavily around 3yrs ago and it has grown into a full blown problem. I'm ruining my relationship with my boyfriend, family, what few friends I have and most of all my 3 beautiful children. I've even had to spend a week in a mental hospital. I've tried to OD several times. My latest attempt last night after not working yesterday and drinking a half of a gallon of cheap rum. My Mother who was bringing my 11 yr old daughter to me found me passed out and naked on the couch. She took my daughter home with her but it scared my little girl to death. What kind of person am I? How, can I be doing these things. I didn't use to even drink. I hated it! Now, its all I want to do. Even sitting here typing with my own words about my daughter, I just want a drink. I took almost 40 asprin and sinus pills last night. At some point, I remember talking to my Mom and her saying how could I be doing this to my kids. I remember saying I was doing them a favor. I black out, don't rem anything most of the time. On top of all this, In Feb, I was found passed out in my car at the local grocery store and spent the night in jail!WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH ME? I had gastric bypass almost 5 yrs ago. I weighed 360 lbs and I had dropped to 144 but I’m back up to 168. Since surgery I have lost almost everything. I started drinking heavily around 3yrs ago and it has grown into a full blown problem. I’m ruining my relationship with my boyfriend, family, what few friends I have and most of all my 3 beautiful children. I’ve even had to spend a week in a mental hospital. I’ve tried to OD several times. My latest attempt last night after not working yesterday and drinking a half of a gallon of cheap rum. My Mother who was bringing my 11 yr old daughter to me found me passed out and naked on the couch. She took my daughter home with her but it scared my little girl to death. What kind of person am I? How, can I be doing these things. I didn’t use to even drink. I hated it! Now, its all I want to do. Even sitting here typing with my own words about my daughter, I just want a drink. I took almost 40 asprin and sinus pills last night. At some point, I remember talking to my Mom and her saying how could I be doing this to my kids. I remember saying I was doing them a favor. I black out, don’t rem anything most of the time. On top of all this, In Feb, I was found passed out in my car at the local grocery store and spent the night in jail!WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH ME?

]]> By: Chris http://www.rustykeller.com/blog/2007/03/16/alcoholism-after-gastric-bypass-wls-another-part-of-my-story/#comment-22121 Chris Fri, 18 Apr 2008 01:17:12 +0000 http://www.rustykeller.com/blog/2007/03/16/alcoholism-after-gastric-bypass-wls-another-part-of-my-story/#comment-22121 I'd tell you the story of my life but you would never believe it. I still don't believe it. But I didn't drink for ten years, the first few I woke up sober and without a hangover, life was good. Don't know what got me back here. I’d tell you the story of my life but you would never believe it. I still don’t believe it. But I didn’t drink for ten years, the first few I woke up sober and without a hangover, life was good. Don’t know what got me back here.

]]> By: Chris http://www.rustykeller.com/blog/2007/03/16/alcoholism-after-gastric-bypass-wls-another-part-of-my-story/#comment-22120 Chris Fri, 18 Apr 2008 00:11:17 +0000 http://www.rustykeller.com/blog/2007/03/16/alcoholism-after-gastric-bypass-wls-another-part-of-my-story/#comment-22120 He needs to get help, I fell six months ago. Had a black eye, ended up herniated discs in my neck. In constant pain now. Was taking pain pills, on top of the drinking. Which made it that much worse. The pain has to stop. Looked up AA meetings yesterday. Planning on going Monday, the only one that worked for me. Hopefully, it will help. Cause lord knows, I don't see a happy ending with this picture. He needs to get help, I fell six months ago. Had a black eye, ended up herniated discs in my neck. In constant pain now. Was taking pain pills, on top of the drinking. Which made it that much worse. The pain has to stop. Looked up AA meetings yesterday. Planning on going Monday, the only one that worked for me. Hopefully, it will help. Cause lord knows, I don’t see a happy ending with this picture.

]]> By: Darinda Williams http://www.rustykeller.com/blog/2007/03/16/alcoholism-after-gastric-bypass-wls-another-part-of-my-story/#comment-22119 Darinda Williams Thu, 17 Apr 2008 15:51:47 +0000 http://www.rustykeller.com/blog/2007/03/16/alcoholism-after-gastric-bypass-wls-another-part-of-my-story/#comment-22119 My husband had WLS 3 yrs. ago with many complications which are now under control except for some heart issues. We love to drink & have fun, but it all gets out of control so fast. Like last nite we went to dinner with friends had some drinks and I don't even know what time we got back home. My husband falls down after a few drinks, loses his balance, I am so afaid he will hurt him self badly. At this point, I don't know what to do............. My husband had WLS 3 yrs. ago with many complications
which are now under control except for some heart issues. We love to drink & have fun, but it all gets out of control so fast. Like last nite we went to dinner with friends had some drinks and I don’t even know what time we got back home. My husband falls down after a few drinks, loses his balance, I am so afaid he will hurt him self badly. At this point, I don’t know what to do………….

]]> By: Rusty http://www.rustykeller.com/blog/2007/03/16/alcoholism-after-gastric-bypass-wls-another-part-of-my-story/#comment-22118 Rusty Wed, 16 Apr 2008 19:01:33 +0000 http://www.rustykeller.com/blog/2007/03/16/alcoholism-after-gastric-bypass-wls-another-part-of-my-story/#comment-22118 Chris, if you really want to stop then you need to talk honestly with your counselor about how much you drink. Then you need to figure out how to get help. A lot of people (like me, at one time) have a lot of preconceived ideas and negative feelings about AA so it doesn't always work. It does for me. I wanted to stop drinking so badly that I was willing to do anything...are you? Get help, hon. Stop now and you have your whole wonderful life in front of you. I do still struggle with my weight, but I'm working on myself more holistically now. My health is a package deal. And that works for me. Chris, if you really want to stop then you need to talk honestly with your counselor about how much you drink. Then you need to figure out how to get help. A lot of people (like me, at one time) have a lot of preconceived ideas and negative feelings about AA so it doesn’t always work. It does for me. I wanted to stop drinking so badly that I was willing to do anything…are you? Get help, hon. Stop now and you have your whole wonderful life in front of you.

I do still struggle with my weight, but I’m working on myself more holistically now. My health is a package deal. And that works for me.

]]> By: Chris http://www.rustykeller.com/blog/2007/03/16/alcoholism-after-gastric-bypass-wls-another-part-of-my-story/#comment-22114 Chris Fri, 11 Apr 2008 15:12:43 +0000 http://www.rustykeller.com/blog/2007/03/16/alcoholism-after-gastric-bypass-wls-another-part-of-my-story/#comment-22114 Glad I stumbled upon this, had WLS three years ago, my drinking started about a year and a half ago. Finding it harder and harder to make it through the day without alcohol. I'm a single mom with four little kids. They have figured out that I have been drinking. I have a bf that adores me, although I often push him away because then he would realize I'm drunk all the time. I have been seeing a counselor, but I have been lying to her telling her I don't drink much. And then I wonder why my kids are out of control. I know why, I can barely get up in the morning. When I go to work it is because I can't wait to get home and drink. I'm scared and I'm lost. Would have rather been fat, at least my life was somewhat in control. Plus I am gaining my weight back due to my drinking. Glad I stumbled upon this, had WLS three years ago, my drinking started about a year and a half ago. Finding it harder and harder to make it through the day without alcohol. I’m a single mom with four little kids. They have figured out that I have been drinking. I have a bf that adores me, although I often push him away because then he would realize I’m drunk all the time. I have been seeing a counselor, but I have been lying to her telling her I don’t drink much. And then I wonder why my kids are out of control. I know why, I can barely get up in the morning. When I go to work it is because I can’t wait to get home and drink. I’m scared and I’m lost. Would have rather been fat, at least my life was somewhat in control. Plus I am gaining my weight back due to my drinking.

]]> By: Jane http://www.rustykeller.com/blog/2007/03/16/alcoholism-after-gastric-bypass-wls-another-part-of-my-story/#comment-22112 Jane Wed, 09 Apr 2008 04:55:44 +0000 http://www.rustykeller.com/blog/2007/03/16/alcoholism-after-gastric-bypass-wls-another-part-of-my-story/#comment-22112 This morning I promised myself no drinking today. If "God" or who ever is up there would just spare my health I would not drink today.That was the deal I made. I tried to keep busy and distracted. Around 7 PM I poured a glass of wine and left it on the counter. Just left it there and kept walking past it. Then I decided to google alcoholism and gastric bypass for the umpteenth time to remind myself of all of the deadly health problems it can cause. I am really terrified of the physical damage I may have already done. I'm already suffering a great deal from the personal damage. I read some more to scare myself and then went in and poured out the glass of wine without drinking a drop. Good for me I guess. I'm gonna try to get through tonight but I don't know about tomorrow. My boyfriend loves me but doesn't understand. I didn't have a single drop of liquor until about 8-9 months after my surgery. I was actually encouraged by another patient to "try a little vodka". I was shocked and quite hesitant and told her I thought we weren't allowed hard alcohol. She assured me with a wink and a giggle that there was no harm in it and told me that she had cocktails every weekend and she was one of the bariatric programs biggest success stories. Trusting her (she is actually a leader in the support group and the same person who introduced me to my surgeon! She is very active in the Post-op community and that is why I trusted her) I tried it. Now I want to go find her and slap her silly for the horrific advice that she gave to me and who knows how many others. After what I have been through and am now experiencing I would NEVER pressure or even suggest drinking to any one post-op. NEVER.NEVER. NEVER. I know I made the choice to take that first drink but her reassurances that it was "fine" did factor into it. (Fear can be a healthy thing, remember?) Well, thanks to my poor judgement I now have a whole new set of fears. I want so desperately to be happy and "normal". I hate my butchered -looking ,sagging skin and stretch marks and it deeply affects my self image and my ability to be intimate with my boyfriend but there are worse things right? I know logically that drinking won't help these issues. It only makes things worse. Much worse. II have no real support system but I am strong and tough and have always gotten by on my own so I guess this is no different. It just gets lonely sometimes. I just need to get a handle on this stupid drinking before it kills me or something terrible happens. Well, that was probably way more than you wanted to read but this was a huge step for me as I am an extremely private person so it must be pretty bad for me to admit this stuff in a forum. Even if it is anonymously, it is at the same time very "public". I basically just announced to the world my greatest shame and now there is no denying it. Please don't judge me for my weaknesses. I'm not here to get into a debate. Desperate for help I broke down and called called AA's local hotline and tried to explain to the counselor about the surgery being a special circumstance that factored into my drinking and he basically went off on me saying 'I don't know anything about this surgery you say you had but a drunk's a drunk you don't have any special needs and are no different." I tried to explain that I was in fact physiologically different and therefore my disease in relation to alcohol needed to be addressed differently. I made the mistake of asking if there were any specific AA groups formed especially for people who had WLS. He became very abrasive saying that I was no different than anyone else and insisted that my surgery not be factored into it. I was not making excuses, and was not in deniaI, I was only desperately looking for help and trying to explain how my drinking began.He made me feel even more alienated about my surgery. For those of you that AA works for I am really happy for you but the counselor I spoke too really turned me off to it when he said we should not address my surgery when it is so obviously something that needs to be dealt with in my recovery.So I decided that wasn't the place for me. I guess maybe here is the place for me? At least , for me to take my first real steps toward helping myself by relating to other people with similar issues instead of trying to do everything totally on my own and in secret. Because it isn't working. I just saw your stories and finally felt like I was not alone. I guess that's really the most important thing that I had to say. Thank you.Thanks to all of you for sharing your stories and private pain. You have helped me a great deal. I hope I can give that back somehow. This morning I promised myself no drinking today.

If “God” or who ever is up there would just spare my health I would not drink today.That was the deal I made. I tried to keep busy and distracted. Around 7 PM I poured a glass of wine and left it on the counter. Just left it there and kept walking past it.

Then I decided to google alcoholism and gastric bypass for the umpteenth time to remind myself of all of the deadly health problems it can cause. I am really terrified of the physical damage I may have already done. I’m already suffering a great deal from the personal damage. I read some more to scare myself and then went in and poured out the glass of wine without drinking a drop. Good for me I guess.

I’m gonna try to get through tonight but I don’t know about tomorrow. My boyfriend loves me but doesn’t understand.

I didn’t have a single drop of liquor until about 8-9 months after my surgery. I was actually encouraged by another patient to “try a little vodka”. I was shocked and quite hesitant and told her I thought we weren’t allowed hard alcohol. She assured me with a wink and a giggle that there was no harm in it and told me that she had cocktails every weekend and she was one of the bariatric programs biggest success stories. Trusting her (she is actually a leader in the support group and the same person who introduced me to my surgeon! She is very active in the Post-op community and that is why I trusted her) I tried it. Now I want to go find her and slap her silly for the horrific advice that she gave to me and who knows how many others. After what I have been through and am now experiencing I would NEVER pressure or even suggest drinking to any one post-op. NEVER.NEVER. NEVER.

I know I made the choice to take that first drink but her reassurances that it was “fine” did factor into it. (Fear can be a healthy thing, remember?)
Well, thanks to my poor judgement I now have a whole new set of fears.

I want so desperately to be happy and “normal”. I hate my butchered -looking ,sagging skin and stretch marks and it deeply affects my self image and my ability to be intimate with my boyfriend but there are worse things right? I know logically that drinking won’t help these issues. It only makes things worse. Much worse.

II have no real support system but I am strong and tough and have always gotten by on my own so I guess this is no different. It just gets lonely sometimes. I just need to get a handle on this stupid drinking before it kills me or something terrible happens.
Well, that was probably way more than you wanted to read but this was a huge step for me as I am an extremely private person so it must be pretty bad for me to admit this stuff in a forum. Even if it is anonymously, it is at the same time very “public”.
I basically just announced to the world my greatest shame and now there is no denying it.

Please don’t judge me for my weaknesses. I’m not here to get into a debate. Desperate for help I broke down and called called AA’s local hotline and tried to explain to the counselor about the surgery being a special circumstance that factored into my drinking and he basically went off on me saying ‘I don’t know anything about this surgery you say you had but a drunk’s a drunk you don’t have any special needs and are no different.” I tried to explain that I was in fact physiologically different and therefore my disease in relation to alcohol needed to be addressed differently. I made the mistake of asking if there were any specific AA groups formed especially for people who had WLS. He became very abrasive saying that I was no different than anyone else and insisted that my surgery not be factored into it. I was not making excuses, and was not in deniaI, I was only desperately looking for help and trying to explain how my drinking began.He made me feel even more alienated about my surgery. For those of you that AA works for I am really happy for you but the counselor I spoke too really turned me off to it when he said we should not address my surgery when it is so obviously something that needs to be dealt with in my recovery.So I decided that wasn’t the place for me.
I guess maybe here is the place for me? At least , for me to take my first real steps toward helping myself by relating to other people with similar issues instead of trying to do everything totally on my own and in secret. Because it isn’t working.
I just saw your stories and finally felt like I was not alone. I guess that’s really the most important thing that I had to say.

Thank you.Thanks to all of you for sharing your stories and private pain. You have helped me a great deal. I hope I can give that back somehow.

]]> By: jackie http://www.rustykeller.com/blog/2007/03/16/alcoholism-after-gastric-bypass-wls-another-part-of-my-story/#comment-21532 jackie Wed, 16 Jan 2008 14:52:36 +0000 http://www.rustykeller.com/blog/2007/03/16/alcoholism-after-gastric-bypass-wls-another-part-of-my-story/#comment-21532 Hi, Dana. As I was reading your story it felt like I was reading mine. I realize that I still have everything, but that soon I am going to lose it all. The desire to drink is so strong, I don't think I'll be able to stop. Hi, Dana. As I was reading your story it felt like I was reading mine. I realize that I still have everything, but that soon I am going to lose it all. The desire to drink is so strong, I don’t think I’ll be able to stop.

]]> By: Rusty http://www.rustykeller.com/blog/2007/03/16/alcoholism-after-gastric-bypass-wls-another-part-of-my-story/#comment-21133 Rusty Tue, 08 Jan 2008 17:24:48 +0000 http://www.rustykeller.com/blog/2007/03/16/alcoholism-after-gastric-bypass-wls-another-part-of-my-story/#comment-21133 "Drinking too much s not a good habit." Well, no fucking duh. Uh, Ashley, I'm thinking you didn't really read my entire post or the comments following. If you really have something of value to add to the discussion, please do...otherwise go sell your stuff elsewhere. “Drinking too much s not a good habit.” Well, no fucking duh. Uh, Ashley, I’m thinking you didn’t really read my entire post or the comments following. If you really have something of value to add to the discussion, please do…otherwise go sell your stuff elsewhere.

]]> By: Ashley http://www.rustykeller.com/blog/2007/03/16/alcoholism-after-gastric-bypass-wls-another-part-of-my-story/#comment-21128 Ashley Tue, 08 Jan 2008 16:06:48 +0000 http://www.rustykeller.com/blog/2007/03/16/alcoholism-after-gastric-bypass-wls-another-part-of-my-story/#comment-21128 Drinking too much s not a good habit. If you really want to stay fit and healthy you should discipline yourself. Especially when you undergone a Gastric Bypass Surgery. Have you heard about Julianne Kennedy's report? Well, she has all of this informations about Gastric Bypass Surgeries. I hope this will be a big help to you. http://www.weight-loss-surgery-secrets.com/controversial/free_wls_report.htm Don't be afraid, just click and visit her site. Drinking too much s not a good habit. If you really want to stay fit and healthy you should discipline yourself. Especially when you undergone a Gastric Bypass Surgery. Have you heard about Julianne Kennedy’s report? Well, she has all of this informations about Gastric Bypass Surgeries. I hope this will be a big help to you. http://www.weight-loss-surgery-secrets.com/controversial/free_wls_report.htm
Don’t be afraid, just click and visit her site.

]]> By: Rusty http://www.rustykeller.com/blog/2007/03/16/alcoholism-after-gastric-bypass-wls-another-part-of-my-story/#comment-21067 Rusty Fri, 04 Jan 2008 01:35:39 +0000 http://www.rustykeller.com/blog/2007/03/16/alcoholism-after-gastric-bypass-wls-another-part-of-my-story/#comment-21067 Well, Melissa, I hope you mean that you're choosing a life without alcohol. You can stop. Do whatever it takes and get yourself sober. You're not alone anymore. Your comment takes me right back to where I was 3 years ago...in pain and wondering how I could have possibly drank a second bottle of wine. It sucks. And, honestly, I've been spending a lot of time trying to figure out how to let people know about the real risks involved with wls. We're certainly not going to get the doctors who are getting rich to start warning patients about the very real and unexpected dangers after gastric bypass surgery. And most researchers aren't looking at the real medical data behind addiction and alcoholism. I don't buy the whole "trading one addiction for another" mentality. It's a cop out....an easy answer to a very complex problem. I'm not sure what the answer is, but I know that sharing your story with someone else helps. I thought I was the only one, but I'm not. And you aren't either. Soberchick, I can't even tell you how totally thrilled I am that you're sober and working your program. I just adore you and know that you can have a wonderful and rewarding life in sobriety...free from alcohol, bulimia and cutting. Stay strong, hon, and keep doing the next right thing. :-) Well, Melissa, I hope you mean that you’re choosing a life without alcohol. You can stop. Do whatever it takes and get yourself sober. You’re not alone anymore. Your comment takes me right back to where I was 3 years ago…in pain and wondering how I could have possibly drank a second bottle of wine. It sucks.

And, honestly, I’ve been spending a lot of time trying to figure out how to let people know about the real risks involved with wls. We’re certainly not going to get the doctors who are getting rich to start warning patients about the very real and unexpected dangers after gastric bypass surgery. And most researchers aren’t looking at the real medical data behind addiction and alcoholism. I don’t buy the whole “trading one addiction for another” mentality. It’s a cop out….an easy answer to a very complex problem. I’m not sure what the answer is, but I know that sharing your story with someone else helps. I thought I was the only one, but I’m not. And you aren’t either.

Soberchick, I can’t even tell you how totally thrilled I am that you’re sober and working your program. I just adore you and know that you can have a wonderful and rewarding life in sobriety…free from alcohol, bulimia and cutting. Stay strong, hon, and keep doing the next right thing. :-)

]]> By: Melissa http://www.rustykeller.com/blog/2007/03/16/alcoholism-after-gastric-bypass-wls-another-part-of-my-story/#comment-21014 Melissa Wed, 02 Jan 2008 01:30:09 +0000 http://www.rustykeller.com/blog/2007/03/16/alcoholism-after-gastric-bypass-wls-another-part-of-my-story/#comment-21014 I had my surgery in August,2004 I went about 8 months without drinking and then I became more and more obsessed with drinking I have never had a problem with drinking! I was never told that this would or could be a problem after I lost all of my weight 150lbs....Why don't they tell you beforehand? I have been to rehab and tried to kill myself twice while under the influence I was a much happier being before I had the surgery. If I had been informed I might have chosen another route for myself. Is there any way that people can be more informed of the fall out after the surgery? I drink two bottles of wine a night and I am sick in the morning with diarrhea and fever but every night I need it. I can't live like this anymore I am done with it! I had my surgery in August,2004 I went about 8 months without drinking and then I became more and more obsessed with drinking I have never had a problem with drinking! I was never told that this would or could be a problem after I lost all of my weight 150lbs….Why don’t they tell you beforehand? I have been to rehab and tried to kill myself twice while under the influence I was a much happier being before I had the surgery. If I had been informed I might have chosen another route for myself. Is there any way that people can be more informed of the fall out after the surgery? I drink two bottles of wine a night and I am sick in the morning with diarrhea and fever but every night I need it. I can’t live like this anymore I am done with it!

]]> By: Soberchick http://www.rustykeller.com/blog/2007/03/16/alcoholism-after-gastric-bypass-wls-another-part-of-my-story/#comment-20268 Soberchick Wed, 28 Nov 2007 03:32:32 +0000 http://www.rustykeller.com/blog/2007/03/16/alcoholism-after-gastric-bypass-wls-another-part-of-my-story/#comment-20268 Hi Rusty how wonderful for you to put this out there. I don't have experience with this but have struggled with bulimia first before I became allergic to alcohol. I still am active in bulimia but am attempting to conquer each disease one at a time. So far I have an abstinence date from cutting/self injury and a sobriety date. These foundations must be strong and I am doing all I can to remain in the middle of AA as suggested by m y sponsor and grandsponsor. They too are recovered bulimics. I am grateful that they put their stories out there just as you have. This is so important, some may feel so alone and that they are insane. By sharing your story, what a gift (to not only them but yourself as well). Hi Rusty how wonderful for you to put this out there. I don’t have experience with this but have struggled with bulimia first before I became allergic to alcohol. I still am active in bulimia but am attempting to conquer each disease one at a time. So far I have an abstinence date from cutting/self injury and a sobriety date. These foundations must be strong and I am doing all I can to remain in the middle of AA as suggested by m y sponsor and grandsponsor. They too are recovered bulimics. I am grateful that they put their stories out there just as you have. This is so important, some may feel so alone and that they are insane. By sharing your story, what a gift (to not only them but yourself as well).

]]> By: Rusty http://www.rustykeller.com/blog/2007/03/16/alcoholism-after-gastric-bypass-wls-another-part-of-my-story/#comment-20255 Rusty Tue, 27 Nov 2007 21:35:04 +0000 http://www.rustykeller.com/blog/2007/03/16/alcoholism-after-gastric-bypass-wls-another-part-of-my-story/#comment-20255 Hi Terri. I'm so glad that you got help and are fighting back. I completely agree with you: the key is to keep moving forward. And when you fall, get back up and dust yourself off. Try not to beat yourself up...we're only human. Honestly, the only way I know how to help anyone is by being open about my experiences and my recovery. That doesn't work for everyone. The thing is that it seems like post-WLS alkies put way too much thought into how/why they became alcoholic. The truth is that it doesn't matter - it is what it is. I'm an alcoholic and the only way I know to not drink myself to death is AA. It was only recently that I really started to explore the link between alcoholism and my gastric bypass surgery. The thing that frightens me most is how brutally and suddenly the disease manifests in our bodies. For us, there is no going backwards, there is a physical change in us that will only get worse and worse. I wish you luck with your friends and hope you will contact me privately and let me know how you're doing. http://www.rustykeller.com/blog/2007/11/19/dear-alcoholic-post-wls-patient/ Hi Terri. I’m so glad that you got help and are fighting back. I completely agree with you: the key is to keep moving forward. And when you fall, get back up and dust yourself off. Try not to beat yourself up…we’re only human.

Honestly, the only way I know how to help anyone is by being open about my experiences and my recovery. That doesn’t work for everyone. The thing is that it seems like post-WLS alkies put way too much thought into how/why they became alcoholic. The truth is that it doesn’t matter - it is what it is. I’m an alcoholic and the only way I know to not drink myself to death is AA. It was only recently that I really started to explore the link between alcoholism and my gastric bypass surgery. The thing that frightens me most is how brutally and suddenly the disease manifests in our bodies. For us, there is no going backwards, there is a physical change in us that will only get worse and worse.

I wish you luck with your friends and hope you will contact me privately and let me know how you’re doing.

http://www.rustykeller.com/blog/2007/11/19/dear-alcoholic-post-wls-patient/

]]> By: Terri http://www.rustykeller.com/blog/2007/03/16/alcoholism-after-gastric-bypass-wls-another-part-of-my-story/#comment-20228 Terri Tue, 27 Nov 2007 15:45:44 +0000 http://www.rustykeller.com/blog/2007/03/16/alcoholism-after-gastric-bypass-wls-another-part-of-my-story/#comment-20228 Rusty, Thank you! November 2004 I had WLS and within a year and a half was a raging alcoholic. I went to a 28 day program, found AA and have started the journey to address my true opportunities. I have fallen, beat myself up emotionally, dragged myself back to a meeting and pick up where I left off. Life gets better and better the key for me is to keep moving forward positively. The journey of self discovery is enlightening and the best thing to happen in my life - ever. I have given up wishing it happened years ago to being thankful for the experience. I have at least 4 other WLS friends who are struggling with the same issues however have not "come out". What are your recommendations for bringing more awareness to these issues in my area? Rusty,
Thank you! November 2004 I had WLS and within a year and a half was a raging alcoholic. I went to a 28 day program, found AA and have started the journey to address my true opportunities. I have fallen, beat myself up emotionally, dragged myself back to a meeting and pick up where I left off. Life gets better and better the key for me is to keep moving forward positively. The journey of self discovery is enlightening and the best thing to happen in my life - ever. I have given up wishing it happened years ago to being thankful for the experience.
I have at least 4 other WLS friends who are struggling with the same issues however have not “come out”.
What are your recommendations for bringing more awareness to these issues in my area?

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