After some time post-surgery, the question “Will I never be able to drink alcohol again?” often arises. We’re here with this article to answer that very question. If you’re holding your breath, let’s get started…

First of all, during the first month after surgery, as it is the initial phase of the healing process, it’s best to completely avoid alcohol. After the first month, alcohol may be consumed occasionally, socially, and optionally, as what we call a “social drinker.” So, if you have completed the first month, you may choose to drink alcohol in moderation. However, there are some critical points to pay attention to — let’s go through them now:

In your new life post-surgery, carbonated beverages are among the drinks you must eliminate to maintain your health. Regardless of whether you experience reflux symptoms, the first two months are particularly risky in terms of reflux.

For this reason, fermented and carbonated drinks should be avoided. This means that when selecting alcohol, you must consider the production method, and avoid beer, which is produced through fermentation.

Scientific sources sometimes recommend one glass of red wine for individuals who wish to consume alcohol. However, since wine is also a fermented product like beer, it must be consumed with caution.

Another important topic is rakı consumption. Among alcoholic beverages, raki is one of the highest in calories and has very strong effects. Besides its high-calorie content, the foods commonly consumed alongside raki also contribute to a significant calorie intake. Therefore, it is better to opt for spirits like whiskey, vodka, or gin instead of raki.

When mixing your alcohol, you should avoid carbonated drinks like soda, sparkling fruit juices, or tonic water. Instead, lemon juice would be a healthier alternative.

We have chosen our alcohol — so how much can we consume?

At this point, the most important thing is knowing your limit. Even in individuals who haven’t undergone surgery, alcohol absorption begins about 5 minutes after consumption. Due to the reduced size of your stomach, alcohol will pass more quickly from the sleeve stomach into the intestines and be absorbed faster, meaning its effects will hit you more rapidly. Therefore, it’s best to drink slowly, spreading 1–2 glasses throughout the night.

We hear you asking, “Just 1–2 glasses?” Don’t worry — even these small amounts will be enough to affect you. You must listen to your body and respond appropriately to its signals.

To avoid overconsumption, be vigilant to ensure your glass isn’t topped off before you finish it.

Alcohol can cause dehydration early on, so you must not neglect your daily water intake. During the night, continue hydrating to help your body eliminate alcohol more efficiently. Alcohol should be consumed slowly and intermittently.

Alcohol lowers blood sugar levels and sends hunger signals to the brain; Another effect of alcohol is that despite being high in calories, it has a blood sugar-lowering (hypoglycemic) effect. That’s why people often feel hungrier when drinking.

Due to the “solid and liquid separation” rule, there should be at least a 30-minute gap between consuming food and alcohol. The foods you choose should not be overly fatty, salty, or sugary. You can refer to our previous article for suitable food choices. Avoid fruits and desserts alongside alcohol. Since alcohol is absorbed more slowly on a full stomach, it should not be consumed on an empty stomach. Instead, pair it with proteins, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates, which have lower glycemic indices and will help maintain balanced blood sugar levels.

Below is an approximate guide to the calorie content of various alcoholic beverages:

Türkçapar Bariatrics