drinking alcohol after lap band surgery

Question
Im just wondering how long after surgery is the absolut minimum time i can have a drink? i have heard some people drinking after a week. not sure how long  have to wait and why?

Answer
Monique,
I have a two-part answer for you:

1) If you want to know what your body will tolerate, and what you can get away with, you can drink alcohol at one week after surgery.

2) If you had the Band done for your health and for weight loss, then you should not drink for at least 3 months after surgery and even then you should keep alcohol to a minimum.  This is because alcohol carries a LOT of calories, and in the rapid weight loss phase it is more toxic to the liver and more likely to cause addiction than in a non-operated patient.

Best of luck to you!

Dr JP

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