When you make the decision to have weight loss surgery, you are making a promise to yourself to improve your overall lifestyle and make needed changes. Eating and drinking will change as the weight slowly comes off, and other tendencies will need to be tempered. If you have made the decision to have weight loss surgery, here is what to know about alcohol & substance abuse.
Biological Changes
Weight loss surgery alters your body’s biology and radically changes how different substances are processed and absorbed. This is especially true of alcohol. Even small amounts of alcohol can cause intoxication and low blood sugar.
You will process alcohol differently after weight loss surgery, and you will become much more sensitive because it doesn’t metabolize like before. It will affect you more quickly and with more intensity.
Tolerance for alcohol becomes much lower. Body fat increases a person’s tolerance. A person with more body fat has a higher tolerance, but as your body fat is reduced, so does your tolerance.
Doctors recommend that you change your drinking habits before and after surgery. You should avoid alcohol, even in moderation, for at least 6 months. It is nothing but empty calories with no nutritional value.
Dangers Of Smoking
It’s important to stop all smoking several months before weight loss surgery. This includes cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and hookah. There is a possibility of infection during the surgery as well as increasing the risk of death. Hope we got your attention.
In addition, Dr. Shawn Stevenson strongly recommends not smoking after surgery. It can increase your chances of developing cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Substance Abuse And Weight Loss Surgery
If you indulge in recreational drug abuse or prescription drug abuse, it can increase the risk of severe complications after weight loss surgery. This includes both heart attack and stroke.
It is imperative someone abstain from all substance abuse for 6 months prior to surgery. Every patient must pass a drug test before weight loss surgery.
If any of these prohibitions will be difficult for you regarding alcohol, smoking, or substance abuse, reach out to your physician for help.
Contact Dr. Shawn Stevenson at (602) 582-5233 if you are considering weight loss surgery or have questions about requirements.
