The gastric sleeve surgery is a surgical procedure in weight loss surgery. In this procedure, the stomach is reduced in a tubular shape to achieve a reduction in the amount of food that can be ingested to about 10%. It is one of the most frequently performed and safest surgical procedures for treating obesity in the world. On average, gastric sleeve surgery results in a 70% reduction in excess weight and a significant improvement in concomitant illnesses.
Gastric sleeve and alcohol
In preparation for gastric sleeve surgery, a two-week so-called ‘protein phase’ is carried out. During this time, you should also avoid drinking alcohol. The aim of this preparation is to lose some weight and thus improve the conditions for anaesthesia, surgery and recovery after surgery.
In addition, a diet plan should be followed even after the surgery to achieve the optimal weight. For this reason alone, alcohol consumption must be significantly reduced for calorie intake reasons.
Side effects of alcohol after weight loss surgery
Low in nutrients
In the postoperative phase, appetite is significantly reduced. This is partly because the production of the hormone ghrelin, which controls hunger, is reduced. Therefore, the food after the surgery should be selected and contain the most important nutrients. Otherwise, there may be a pronounced nutrient deficiency. Although alcohol is a source of carbohydrates that contains more calories than other carbohydrates, it contains no other nutrients. A dependency on alcohol as an energy source can also quickly develop, which can lead to weight gain.
Furthermore, alcohol hinders the absorption of the water-soluble vitamins B12, B1, B6 and folic acid. In conjunction with the generally reduced food intake after surgery, this can lead to vitamin deficiency.
Saturation
One of the main effects of gastric sleeve surgery is the reduction of food intake through rapid satiation. Since alcohol is a liquid, the stomach empties more quickly after drinking. This can cause you to feel hungry again more quickly and to consume more calories than you would like. The rapid emptying of the stomach after drinking alcohol also causes the alcohol to enter the intestines, where it is absorbed more quickly and in greater quantities. This significantly increases the effect of the alcohol.
Addiction
Since the alcohol is absorbed more quickly and in greater quantities, the effect is intensified. You may become unfit to drive more quickly than you might be used to and the risk of becoming addicted to alcohol is significantly higher!
Stretching of the stomach
Whether a significant stretching of the stomach can occur after a technically correct gastric sleeve surgery is not without controversy. However, large quantities of liquid, such as those that can occur when drinking beer, certainly have the ability to stretch a gastric sleeve somewhat. In conjunction with the other effects mentioned, this can then lead to weight gain.
Liver damage
The most common form of liver disease in the Western world is alcoholic fatty liver disease. Less common is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In most patients who undergo weight-loss surgery, fatty degeneration of the liver can be observed during the surgery. This can lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which in turn can cause liver cirrhosis. In extreme cases, a liver transplant is then necessary. Weight-loss surgery leads to a significant decrease in fatty liver and thus to the recovery of an already diseased liver. Alcohol doesn’t just counteract this through the calories. Alcohol is also toxic to the liver:
Liver toxins (toxins that damage the liver)
It is well known that alcohol is toxic to liver cells. Since the appetite and calorie intake decrease after surgery, the liver has to work harder. It serves as an energy reservoir and must convert the stored energy (fat cells) into usable energy. Alcohol is also broken down in the liver, where it has to compete with other tasks. In extreme cases, this can lead to liver failure.
Alcohol consumption is not prohibited after weight loss surgery. As already mentioned, small amounts of alcohol can also have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system. But this effect is also achieved through diet and exercise. Therefore, you should weigh the benefits of drinking alcohol against the risks. However, from a medical point of view, a complete abstinence from alcohol would be recommended.
Recommendations for alcohol consumption after weight loss surgery
If the above advice has not convinced you to give up alcohol completely, then you should follow these simple recommendations:
- No alcohol during the first six months after the surgery
- No alcopops (mixed drinks containing alcohol, juice and/or cola or lemonade)
- Remember that even small amounts of alcohol can lead to hypoglycaemia and alcohol poisoning!
- Always consume alcohol with food. This reduces the absorption of alcohol.
- Check the calorie content of alcoholic beverages.
