About 2 1/2 years ago I had gastric bypass surgery. You're not supposed to drink after this surgery because it can really mess w/ your organs. Well, after I lost weight and started feeling good, the hubby (of 22 years) had an affair and I left him. (This is typical of this surgery.) I was devastated to say the least and I started self medicating w/ alcohol. I was a mess for a little more than a year. I got loaded quickly then detoxed just as quickly, so I drank more and more and more every day. Long story short, I put myself in dangerous situations and blacked out a lot. I admitted myself 3x in a year, and it finally worked last June. I am happy to say I feel solid, but has anyone else had this experience? I am the only one I know who's been through this.
I hope I'm reading this right, you have one year sober, right ??? ... if so Congrats ... that's a good start ...
Are you currently part of a 'recovery program' ???
I was just going to say I wouldn't be too quick to blame your 'alcoholism' on your surgery ... or anything or anyone else either ... We drink basically because of the way it makes us feel ... but once we drink that first drink, the phenomena of craving hits us and we keep drinking til we get ourselves in trouble ...
If you're not part of an AA group, I highly suggest you start going ... the program is soooo much more than just not drinking ...
Love ya and God Bless, Pappy
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'Those who leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything.'
Switching addictions is pretty common for over eaters which is why they put you through all those questionnaires and therapy sessions about alcohol before they allow you to have the surgery now... also why they warn you it is likely to happen. Check out some 12 step meetings, AA is free and friendly : )
My best friend of 28 years had the surgery last year, and told me all about the warnings and screening for alcohol use - was fully warned and laughed it off. A year later - like you... feeling great... she has started drinking a lot... or is she feeling great?
Glad you're here - welcome to MIP!
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Thanks for everything. Peace and Love on your journey.
A friend went through the gastric bypass. she told me about the warnings with drinking alcohol, plus the total life change. she and her boyfriend broke up when she lost weight, too. life changing events are so difficult, as you found out. keep coming back and please keep us posted on your recovery. your experience will help others. you have a lot to offer with your experiece strength and hope. jj/sheila
Hey Lisa, welcome to the board. At this point the affects of the surgery really doesn't mean a whole lot. The bottom line is that you don't seem to be able to drink normally or safely any longer. We have a saying in here "Once a pickle, never a cucumber again". The big step forward for us, with this disease, is to stop focusing on how it happened , and IF was can ever drink again, and except that we just can't ever drink again. Then go about not drinking one day at a time. Soon we find out that we need to change (read grow) as a person, so that we don't Need to drink.
I have heard of alcoholism progressing after gastric bypass frequently. Yes. This is not uncommon and i know a couple people tha thave this as part of their stories.
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