A gastric bypass is a medical procedure for weight loss. There are a few different types of gastric bypass procedures, with the most common being bariatric surgery. Gastric bypass alters the way the human body processes food. Gastric bypass surgery involves making a stomach pouch and connecting the small intestine to the new stomach pouch.

Essentially, when a gastric bypass is performed you eat smaller amounts of food and feel full quicker. The decreased appetite aids in weight loss. Gastric bypass surgery has been known to rid people of diabetes, high blood pressure, and other obesity related illnesses.

Gastric bypass surgery has many benefits. However, because of the changes to the digestive system alcohol is processed differently. People who have had gastric bypass procedures are at greater risk for alcoholism than they were before having a gastric bypass procedure.

People who have had a gastric bypass have increased risks of problematic drinking, even if they never had issues with addiction before. In fact, 1 in 5 people who have had gastric bypass surgery develop problematic drinking behaviors. There are several reasons why there are changes to the way alcohol is absorbed and metabolized.

Research has shown that the dangers of complications from alcohol can last years after surgery. Studies found that increased risks for alcohol dependency are not caused by replacing addictions, such as replacing alcohol for food. After gastric bypass, the body processes alcohol differently.

Gastric bypass surgery makes the stomach smaller, in an effort to reduce food intake and provide a feeling of being fuller with smaller amounts of food. Consequently, alcohol is absorbed faster than pre-surgery. Gastric bypass patients report feeling the effects of alcohol after a few sips or one drink.

People who have had gastric bypass procedures reach legal intoxication after smaller amounts of alcohol. There have been cases of gastric bypass recipients getting DUI’s after just one or two alcoholic drinks. After weight loss surgery, alcohol hits the bloodstream faster and you can be legally drunk after small quantities. Some people may not even realize that they are legally intoxicated.

If you have had or are considering bariatric or gastric bypass, please be aware of the dangers of alcohol use after the surgery. Your body will no longer process alcohol like it did pre-surgery. You are at greater risk of developing alcohol dependency, alcohol related illnesses, and legal consequences if you consume alcohol.

Getting healthier can be a great feeling. Don’t let alcohol interfere with the new you. Alcohol can cause serious complications and we want you to live life to the fullest. Call us now at 855-4-KCENTER, we can help you accomplish your goals of health.