Author: jefftormey

Coke Zero After Gastric Sleeve Or Gastric Bypass? The Downsides Of Carbonated Beverages

Written by jefftormey on July 26, 2023. Posted in Weight Loss Blog.

Carbonated beverages may seem harmless, but after bariatric surgery, they can significantly disrupt recovery. Whether you’re questioning soda after a gastric sleeve or considering a calorie-free option like Coke Zero, carbonation can be more damaging than expected.

The issue with carbonation after a gastric sleeve lies in how gas expands the stomach pouch. Bloating, pressure on the staple line, and discomfort are common. Even minimal amounts of soda can lead to stomach stretching, which may reduce long-term surgical success.

Coke Zero & Carbonated Drinks: What the Science Says

Many assume Coke Zero after a gastric sleeve is acceptable because it contains no calories or sugar. However, the carbonation still causes gas build-up. Artificial sweeteners found in these drinks may trigger hunger hormones, making appetite control more difficult.

Maintaining hydration and focusing on ways to boost energy after gastric sleeve surgery, like balanced protein intake and gentle exercise, helps patients avoid fatigue and supports steady recovery without relying on carbonated drinks.

Gastric sleeve carbonated drinks are also linked to acid reflux, which many patients already experience post-op. Caffeine in soda contributes to dehydration, another concern during recovery. This raises the question: why no carbonation after a gastric sleeve? The answer is clear; it compromises both comfort and progress.

When Can You Drink Soda After Gastric Sleeve or Bypass?

Patients often ask, When can I drink soda after a gastric sleeve or When can I drink Diet Coke after a gastric sleeve? The general recommendation is to avoid carbonation for at least 12 weeks, though some providers recommend abstaining indefinitely.

Following a guide to the gastric sleeve pre-op diet ensures proper liver shrinkage and nutrient balance, creating the best conditions for surgery and reducing complications during early healing.

Flat diet soda after a gastric sleeve may seem like a compromise, but even without bubbles, these drinks still contain additives that may delay healing and impact gut health. If you’re asking, will I ever be able to drink soda after gastric bypass, know that even long-term, moderate, and medical clearance are essential.

The Hidden Setbacks of Soda Post-Surgery

Soda impacts more than just digestion. Diet soda after gastric bypass has been associated with poor hydration, stimulated sweet cravings, and reduced satiety. Even sugar-free beverages can interfere with weight loss outcomes by encouraging unnecessary snacking.

Gastric sleeve carbonated drinks can suppress nutrient absorption and increase appetite through artificial sweeteners. These setbacks are especially risky when maintaining weight loss and avoiding complications.

Incorporating tips to feel better during gastric sleeve surgery recovery, such as gradual movement and careful diet progression, can ease discomfort and promote faster, healthier healing.

Emotional and Social Challenges of Giving Up Soda

For many patients, soda isn’t just a beverage; it’s part of their daily routine or social habits. Cutting it out after surgery can feel isolating or restrictive. Recognizing these emotional challenges is important. Support groups, mindful substitutions, and professional guidance can help patients transition without feeling deprived.

The Link Between Soda and Weight Regain

Even calorie-free sodas can play a role in weight regain. Artificial sweeteners trick the brain into craving more sugar, often leading to increased snacking. Over time, this undermines the metabolic reset achieved by surgery. By avoiding soda altogether, patients can better preserve long-term results and reduce the risk of slipping back into old patterns.

Healthier Beverage Alternatives That Actually Support Recovery

Instead of focusing on can you drink soda after a gastric sleeve, patients should focus on better options that support hydration and healing:

• Still water or infused water with lemon or mint

• Caffeine-free herbal teas

• Skim or low-fat milk (in limited amounts)

• Non-carbonated electrolyte drinks

These options support recovery without risking pouch expansion or nutrient loss.

Final Thoughts

While diet sodas like Coke Zero may seem harmless, their carbonation and artificial ingredients can lead to bloating, stomach stretching, and stalled weight loss after bariatric surgery. Even flat soda poses risks and offers no nutritional benefit. Long-term success depends on choosing beverages that support healing, hydration, and metabolic health. Patients are strongly encouraged to avoid carbonated drinks and follow medical guidance throughout recovery.

The commitment to long-term health is about more than just eliminating soda; it’s about embracing sustainable habits that reinforce the benefits of surgery. The small adjustments made today can deliver far greater outcomes tomorrow, supporting confidence, comfort, and improved quality of life. For professional support, individualized nutrition planning, and long-term care, the Lenox Hill Bariatric Surgery Program, a trusted resource for gastric sleeve in New York patients, provides the tools, resources, and expertise needed to overcome challenges, stay on track, and achieve lasting success. In addition, we also specialize in bariatric surgery in NY, including lap band surgery, duodenal switch surgery, and more. Contact us to learn more about how our comprehensive program can help you reach your weight loss goals safely and effectively.

FAQs About Soda and Gastric Sleeve Surgery

Will I ever be able to drink soda after a gastric bypass?

Possibly in moderation, but only with your surgeon’s approval. Carbonation and additives may cause bloating, discomfort, or pouch stretching, so most recommend avoidance.

Why is there no carbonation after a gastric sleeve?

Carbonated drinks expand in the stomach, leading to pressure, bloating, and discomfort. Over time, this can risk stretching the sleeve pouch and compromise long-term weight loss results.

Can flat diet soda after a gastric sleeve be consumed safely?

Without carbonation, it’s less irritating, but artificial sweeteners and additives may slow healing, trigger cravings, and negatively affect digestion. Water and non-carbonated alternatives are safer.

When can I drink soda after a gastric sleeve safely?

Most surgeons recommend waiting at least three months, though many advise avoiding soda indefinitely. Long-term success depends on choosing healthier, non-carbonated beverages that support healing and weight maintenance.

Female Doctor Consulting A Patient At The Clinic

PCOS And Gastric Sleeve — How Can Bariatric Surgery Help Symptoms?

Written by jefftormey on July 19, 2023. Posted in Weight Loss Blog.

The path to a healthier life typically begins with dropping excess weight. Many Americans are overweight and even obese. That being said, many people turn to bariatric surgery in NY as a way to safely and consistently reduce their weight over time.

With the right weight loss procedure, diet, and exercise, you can achieve your health targets, even if you’re starting a little bit behind. That being said, let’s talk about weight loss surgery for PCOS.

Additional Reading: Can You Get Pregnant After Bariatric Surgery

What Is PCOS?

The connection between limiting PCOS via gastric sleeve and other bariatric surgery is a growing trend. Before getting into the benefits of bariatric surgery for PCOS, let’s define this term first.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a disorder of the hormones. Up to 10% of women who are of reproductive age have this syndrome. Currently, there is no known cure for PCOS. Additionally, there is no consensus on what the right treatment is for this condition.

Symptoms Of PCOS

When getting gastric sleeve, the PCOS before and after symptoms are like night and day. Until then, symptoms of PCOS can include heavy periods, painful periods, irregular menstrual cycles, higher testosterone, metabolic syndrome, and acne.

Another symptom of PCOS is increased insulin production. If you have increased insulin, it could cause insulin resistance. This is one of the precursors to certain types of diabetes.

How To Treat PCOS

Since excess weight and insulin can contribute to diabetes and PCOS, then losing the weight can help alleviate some of these symptoms. Therefore, weight loss surgery is often recommended to help with PCOS.

Bariatric Surgery And PCOS

Bariatric surgery can help you drop excess fat and balance out your hormones once again. This may indirectly aid with your PCOS condition. In addition, you should stick to a healthy diet and exercise routine.

If you have a BMI of over 35 and are suffering from PCOS, then bariatric surgery may be the right choice for you.

Before And After Weight Loss Surgery: Observations

PCOS and bariatric surgery have a strong link in that the right operation can help you alleviate symptoms. Additionally obese mothers who could have been at higher risk for complications during their pregnancy may be able to create a healthier environment for carrying their unborn child.

Take the Next Step Toward a Healthier Future

Bariatric surgery offers a transformative solution for managing symptoms of PCOS while promoting long-term health benefits. By reducing excess weight and improving hormone balance, procedures like the gastric sleeve can be instrumental in alleviating PCOS-related symptoms and enhancing overall quality of life.

If you’re struggling with PCOS and considering bariatric surgery in NY, we encourage you to take the first step toward a healthier future. To learn more about our services, including gastric sleeve, Lap-Band Surgery, and other weight loss options. Take the first step toward managing PCOS with bariatric solutions—Contact Us now!

Doctor Presenting Healthy Vegetables On A Plate

Post Lap Band Diet Tips And Best Practices

Written by jefftormey on July 12, 2023. Posted in Gastric Sleeve Surgery, Weight Loss Blog.

Living life as an obese person comes with its fair share of challenges. There are many ways to address your weight, such as improving your diet, exercise, and lifestyle routines.

However, lap band surgery is an incredibly safe and effective operation that you can consider as well. At Lenox Hill Hospital, our lap band surgeons have expertise in helping you lower your BMI, blood pressure, diabetes, and other health problems.

At the same time, you can enjoy a new, slimmer version of yourself every time you look in the mirror. That being said, let’s talk about what kind of diet you should expect after a lap band surgery.

What Is Lap Band Surgery?

Lap band surgery is also called adjustable gastric banding. This procedure is minimally invasive and helps you lose weight. Of course, bariatric surgeries have several additional benefits. One of the main benefits of lap band surgery is that it is completely reversible.

In fact, no big incisions or permanent body modifications to your digestive tract are necessary.

Here’s How Lap Band Surgery Works

Using an FDA-approved adjustable medical device, the surgeon will make your pouch. Essentially, it causes you to consume less food.

By combining lap bands with the right diet, you can achieve both rapid and sustainable weight loss. That being said, let’s talk about what kind of diet you should have after your lap band surgery.

Diet After Lap Band Surgery

Once you’ve undergone lap band surgery in NYC, you’ll begin the recovery process and your lap band post op diet. For the first couple of days during your recovery, the best foods to eat with lap band recovery are clear liquids only.

As you ramp up back to a normal diet, you’ll be able to drink additional liquids and pureed foods. So, don’t worry, eating after lap band surgery is possible sooner than you might think.

Some of the foods you’ll be able to consume during the recovery are protein shakes in order to get the right amount of macronutrients throughout your day. Once a few weeks have passed, your surgeon will be able to help you reintroduce foods to your diet again.

You’ll want to stay in close communication with your doctor.

Scrambled eggs, meats, mashed potatoes, and other soft foods can be reintroduced again. Then, gradually, you can reintroduce harder foods like lean meats, vegetables, or beans.

Restrictions After Lap Band Surgery

There are some diet restrictions to keep in mind. As mentioned, you’ll go on a fully liquid diet in the first couple of days or weeks. After this, you’ll want to keep portion sizes very small. Also limit sugar, fat, and carbohydrates.

These will contribute to extra acid, but they’ll also work against your weight loss goals. Long term after your lap band surgery, you should stick to lean meats, vegetables, and legumes.

Ensure you’re drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated. Also integrate fiber into your diet to aid with digestion since your intestines will function somewhat differently.

Learn More About Lap Band Surgeries Today

Now that you know more about the lap band surgery diet plan, it’s time to take action. Reach out to our friendly team at NY Bariatrics today.

Schedule a consultation to learn what your options are for this life-changing procedure. You deserve to live at the weight that you want to.

How To Get Rid Of Gas After Gastric Bypass & Gastric Sleeve

Written by jefftormey on July 5, 2023. Posted in Weight Loss Blog.

Digestive issues like gas are a frustrating reality for many bariatric surgery patients. While weight loss is the primary goal, side effects like bloating, flatulence, and abdominal pressure can significantly impact daily comfort. Fortunately, there are proven ways to manage and even eliminate post-surgical gas issues, whether they appear immediately after surgery or years down the line.

This blog explores the causes of gas after bariatric surgery, what to watch for, and effective strategies to regain comfort and control.

Why Gas Happens After Bariatric Surgery

Gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy procedures dramatically change how your digestive system processes food. After these surgeries, many patients report experiencing gas after gastric bypass, including bloating, foul odor, and abdominal pressure. These symptoms may result from changes in gut bacteria, faster digestion, or food intolerance.

Some individuals experience excessive gas years after gastric bypass, indicating that post-op symptoms don’t always resolve with time. Factors such as diet, gut flora, and medication all influence how gas behaves in the long term.

Introducing solid food after gastric sleeve surgery too soon can strain the healing stomach and trigger discomfort or complications. Following the recommended diet phases, liquids, purees, soft foods, and finally solids, protects recovery and supports long-term success.

Common Triggers for Gas After Surgery

Gas after bariatric surgery is typically caused by a combination of food intake and digestive changes.

Dietary Offenders

Foods high in sulfur (like broccoli, cabbage, and eggs)
Sugar alcohols (found in sugar-free gum or candy)
Dairy products (if lactose intolerance develops)
Carbonated beverages, which introduce air into the stomach

These contribute to flatulence after gastric bypass and may also trigger discomfort in sleeve patients.

How You Eat Matters Too

Certain foods to avoid after bariatric surgery are best left off the menu to reduce irritation and promote steady healing. High-fat fried dishes, sugary treats, and raw fibrous vegetables are particularly difficult to digest.

Swallowing excess air during meals or eating too quickly can worsen bloating. Even healthy foods can create trapped gas after a gastric bypass if not properly chewed and digested.

Symptoms That Need Attention

Not all gas is routine. If you’re experiencing persistent discomfort, it’s important to rule out more serious complications.

Smelly gas after gastric bypass may indicate food malabsorption or gut bacterial imbalance
Gas accompanied by bloating, cramping, or sharp pain could point to an obstruction
If flatulence is combined with diarrhea or nausea, check in with your bariatric care team

Learning how to relieve gas pain after a gastric sleeve or bypass is key to long-term recovery and comfort. Consistently eating past fullness after gastric sleeve surgery can lead to risks of overeating after gastric sleeve surgery, gradually stretching the stomach pouch and undermining weight-loss goals.

Ulcers after gastric bypass surgery often develop from excess stomach acid, irritation caused by certain foods or drinks, the use of pain relievers like NSAIDs, or infection with H. pylori. Effective treatment combines acid-reducing medication with dietary adjustments and the elimination of triggers such as smoking, helping patients protect their digestive health long-term. Addressing these risks is important when persistent gas is paired with pain or bleeding.

How To Get Rid Of Gas After Gastric Bypass

Fortunately, relief is possible with the right approach. Here are several proven strategies:

1. Adjust Your Diet

Avoid known gas-forming foods, especially those that include sugar alcohols or high fiber content. Keep a food journal to track your body’s responses. The key to how to prevent gas after gastric bypass often lies in what (and how) you eat.

2. Eat Slower and Chew Thoroughly

Rushed meals introduce air into your digestive system. Slowing down your eating pace reduces air swallowing, making it easier for your body to process food without bloating.

3. Use Targeted Supplements

Some patients find relief through:

Simethicone (Gas-X) for short-term relief
Probiotics to rebalance gut bacteria
Digestive enzymes, if recommended by a provider

Always consult your bariatric team before starting supplements, especially if you’re dealing with excessive gas after gastric bypass.

Physical Techniques to Relieve Pressure

Daily movement and light activity go a long way in helping your digestive system work efficiently. Walking after meals, yoga stretches, and even simple breathing exercises can ease the discomfort of trapped gas after gastric bypass.

Many patients also benefit from lying on their left side or using heat packs to ease abdominal pressure.

Managing Gas in Social Settings

It’s one thing to manage gas at home, but public situations are another challenge.

Planning Ahead

Avoid known trigger foods before social gatherings. Keep simethicone on hand for emergencies and wear odor-neutralizing undergarments if needed.

Mental Strategies

Embarrassment is common, but shouldn’t keep you isolated. Learning how to get rid of gas after gastric bypass includes building confidence and having quick, calm responses ready if a situation arises.

When to Seek Medical Support

If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, it’s time to speak with a bariatric professional.

Persistent pain
Offensive or extreme odor
Inability to pass gas or stool
Frequent gas after bariatric surgery disrupts daily life

Your surgeon or dietitian can assess for malabsorption, SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), or nutrient deficiencies that may be contributing to symptoms.

Final Thoughts

Gas is a frustrating but manageable part of life after bariatric surgery. Whether you’re dealing with smelly gas after gastric bypass, pressure after meals, or discomfort during social outings, solutions are available. Diet changes, mindful eating, targeted supplements, and physical activity all contribute to reducing symptoms and restoring comfort.

For ongoing support, individualized dietary planning, and help understanding your unique symptoms, the team at Lenox Hill Bariatric Surgery Program provides expert, long-term care. Their specialists guide patients through every stage of recovery, offering practical solutions to manage gas and other post-surgical concerns. With professional support and evidence-based strategies, patients seeking services for a gastric sleeve in New York can feel confident knowing relief and lasting digestive wellness are within reach. In addition, we also specialize in lap band surgery, duodenal switch surgery, and gastric bypass surgery in NYC. To learn more about which option best fits your health goals, contact us today.

Woman Checking Herself In Front Of A Mirror

What Tests Are Done Before Gastric Bypass Surgery & VSG?

Written by jefftormey on June 28, 2023. Posted in Weight Loss Blog.

With obesity becoming such a common problem in the U.S., many people are looking for effective solutions such as bariatric surgery. Gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy are two weight loss operations that are incredibly common today.

You can regain the look you had in your earlier years with weight loss surgery. Of course, you’ll need to put some work in. The right diet and exercise regimen is crucial for keeping the weight down. But everyone loves to look younger these days.

Bariatric procedures can be performed safely and effectively by qualified surgeons. That being said, you might be wondering what kind of tests you may need to undergo before qualifying for these weight loss operations. Let’s talk about some of the common tests you should plan for.

And if you’re considering weight loss surgery in New York City, reach out to our clinic today., reach out to our clinic today. We offer a variety of bariatric procedures that can help you maintain your ideal figure.

What Tests Are Done Before Bariatric Surgery?

Before you get weight loss surgery, there are some common gastric bypass and gastric sleeve pre-op tests that your surgeon may request or require. So what tests are done before gastric sleeve and other bariatric surgeries?

These tests can include:

Physical Exam

Before your operation, your surgeon will want to examine your overall physical state. These can include BMI, blood pressure, sleep apnea, and more. They may also review your medical history and the medications that you’re currently on.

If you have any kind of allergies or pre-existing conditions, be sure to inform your surgeon of these before going any further. This allows your surgeon to assess your risk and potential benefits of undergoing bariatric surgery.

Blood Tests

In order to reduce complications that could arise during surgery, a blood test will be ordered. Blood tests before bariatric surgery are very common. They’re an important step for determining if you’re qualified for weight loss surgery.

These look at your kidney function, electrolyte levels, and liver function, as well as your blood count. You may be iron deficient, for instance.

Read More : What To Know About Iron Deficiency After Gastric Surgery

This allows the surgeon to suggest diet, lifestyle changes, or supplements before the procedure, if necessary. This will keep your risk level low during and after the procedure.

Barium Test

An upper GI series or barium swallow may be required before you undergo weight loss surgery. This evaluates your upper digestive system, your stomach, your small intestine, and even your esophagus.

It involves drinking barium, which is a chalky liquid, and allows the surgeon to see your digestive system on an X-ray.

Ultrasound

An ultrasound can assess the size of your gallbladder and liver, and see if there are any abnormalities that need to be addressed before your procedure. That’s why pre-op testing for gastric bypass and VSG is so crucial.

Get Bariatric Surgery With Confidence

You should love what you see when you look in the mirror every morning. Gastric sleeve in NYC can help you slim down to the figure you’ve always dreamed of.

Health, diabetes, heart disease, and other illnesses can be caused by obesity or excess weight that you’re carrying around. By investing in weight loss surgery, you can help mitigate these risks as you age. Contact us today to learn more about your options.

The Differences Between A Gastric Bypass Vs Sleeve Gastrectomy

Written by jefftormey on June 21, 2023. Posted in Weight Loss Blog.

After losing weight, many people consider bariatric surgeries. Two common types of bariatric surgery are gastric sleeve and gastric bypass. That being said, there are some similarities and differences that you should know about.

So keep reading this post. We’ll explore gastric sleeve vs gastric bypass and their differences. Keep in mind, you should always consult with a surgeon before considering any weight loss procedure. But this basic understanding will help you know your options.

Related Reading: Can You Get Pregnant After Bariatric Surgery?

What Is Bariatric Surgery?

Before getting into the difference between gastric sleeve and gastric bypass, let’s talk about bariatric surgery. After all, the sleeve vs bypass depends on some basic understanding.

Essentially, bariatric surgery just means weight loss surgery. When someone has obesity, it can cause issues with their health. This includes hypertension, diabetes, and more. Therefore, bariatric surgery is any kind of surgery that helps you reduce your overall weight and fat content.

What Is Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

When looking at gastric sleeve surgery vs bypass, it’s important to know that gastric sleeve surgery is incredibly effective, just as a bypass is. Gastric sleeve surgery is also sometimes referred to as laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

During a gastric sleeve surgery, around 80% of your stomach is removed via surgery. This causes your stomach to produce less of the hunger hormone called ghrelin. Your new stomach will be shaped like a banana and be significantly smaller.

So while you’ll have less hunger, you’ll also be able to consume less food physically. This combination allows you to drop weight faster than before. It can help you keep your blood sugar under control as well.

What Is Gastric Bypass Surgery?

As the second part of the sleeve gastrectomy vs gastric bypass comparison, let’s look at the bypass.

Gastric bypass surgery is also sometimes called the golden standard of weight loss surgery. Depending on your needs, it may be the best operation for you in order to lose weight safely. During this operation, the surgeon will staple your stomach and create a smaller pouch while blocking off a lower portion of your existing stomach pouch.

From here, part of your intestine is connected to your small upper pouch. After the middle section of the small intestine is newly connected, food and liquid will bypass your existing stomach.

You will absorb fewer calories because the food will also bypass the first section of your small intestine. Along with feeling less hungry, the effect of absorbing fewer calories will lead to better weight loss and overall health.

Read more: Calories Intake After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

What’s The Difference Between Gastric Bypass And Gastric Sleeve?

Choosing the right procedure is key. And when it comes to what is the difference between gastric bypass and gastric sleeve, there are a few important factors to keep in mind.

A major difference between bypass and sleeve is the amount of your stomach that is removed.

Whereas gastric sleeve surgery is fairly straightforward, gastric bypass requires additional steps. Again, the surgeon must connect part of the intestine to the upper stomach pouch.

For this reason, gastric bypass can also come with additional side effects. Still, gastric bypass can often provide longer-lasting weight loss results and better control of blood sugar.

Understanding which operation is best for you requires a consultation with a qualified medical expert.

Learn More About Bariatric Surgery Today

If you’re considering roux en y vs gastric sleeve, reach out to our offices today. Our best bariatric surgeon in NYC can help you safely and quickly lose the weight you’ve always wanted while keeping it off long-term. Let’s begin your new future today with VSG or gastric bypass surgery in NYC.

Moderate And Severe Constipation After Gastric Sleeve: Is It Normal?

Written by jefftormey on June 14, 2023. Posted in Weight Loss Blog.

If you’re overweight, then it can have a negative effect on all areas of your life. There are a lot of sacrifices you have to make. For these reasons, many people look to bariatric surgeons to help them drop excess fat. At Lenox Hill Bariatric Surgery Program, our friendly expert weight loss surgeons are dedicated to your long-term health goals.

Gastric sleeve surgery is a popular route to start feeling better and slimming down. However, as with any procedure, there are some side effects to consider. Gastric sleeve constipation is a relatively common occurrence.

So in this blog post to keep reading, we’ll explore the nature and causes of constipation after gastric sleeve, and make sure that you have a great game plan to mitigate this discomfort after your procedure.

Read More: Tips For Losing Weight After A VSG

Constipation After Gastric Sleeve & Gastric Bypass

If you have mild or even severe constipation with gastric bypass or gastric sleeve, there’s nothing to be alarmed by, necessarily. Constipation after VSG is a fairly normal occurrence.

Let’s talk about some of the reasons why it occurs and how you can improve the symptoms — without necessarily needing miralax after gastric sleeve.

The causes of constipation after gastric sleeve are:

Not Getting Enough Physical Movement

You need to be exercising on a regular basis as much as possible based on your body’s limits. This improves your overall metabolism, which also leads to better digestion. Gastric sleeve and constipation often go hand in hand because people don’t keep their metabolism running high enough.

Ultimately, you can prevent constipation with some frequent walks or other cardio exercises.

Calcium And Iron

Taking vitamins may not be the most exciting thing in the world. However, it will help your constipation significantly.

Read more: What To Know About Iron Deficiency After Gastric Surgery

Narcotics

Narcotics are useful for relieving pain, however, they do slow down your digestive system and small intestine. Ultimately, your small intestine will absorb more fluid. This means your stool is drier and does not move through your body as quickly.

Not Getting Enough Fiber Or Water

If you fail to hydrate and get fiber in your diet, then you could experience additional constipation after your bariatric surgery.

What To Do If You’re Feeling Constipated

If you’re feeling the symptoms of VSG constipation, keep to the tips above. However, if it goes on to such an extent that you’re using the bathroom less than twice per week, you should consult a doctor.

Let them know about any additional symptoms you’re experiencing and follow their suggestions.

Speak With A Surgeon About Gastric Sleeve Surgery Today

If you’re considering gastric sleeve surgery in NYC, then reach out to Lenox Hill Bariatric Surgery Program now. Gastric sleeve surgery can be safe and effective when losing weight and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

If managed right, you can reduce constipation after sleeve surgery. Our surgeons are highly trained in the most cutting-edge techniques. When necessary, we use surgery to help you achieve your weight loss goals, as well as other options. So let’s begin your new life today.

Two People Holding Glasses Of Whiskey With Ice Cubes

Drinking Alcohol After Gastric Sleeve & Other Bariatric Surgery: Can You Do It?

Written by jefftormey on June 7, 2023. Posted in Weight Loss Blog.

For many patients, the road to better health through bariatric surgery is filled with major milestones, one of the most misunderstood being alcohol consumption. As the body transforms following procedures like the gastric sleeve or gastric bypass, so does the way it reacts to substances like alcohol. The common question, when can I drink alcohol after gastric sleeve?, doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. But what is certain: drinking after bariatric surgery is no longer business as usual.

Whether you’re a few weeks post-op or approaching the one-year mark, understanding when and how to safely reintroduce alcohol is crucial. Let’s explore what you need to know.

How Alcohol Impacts You Differently After Bariatric Surgery

Alcohol metabolism changes dramatically after bariatric procedures, particularly the gastric sleeve. The surgery reduces your stomach’s size and alters digestion, meaning alcohol passes into your bloodstream faster and more intensely. Patients often report feeling the effects of one drink as if they’ve had three, an alarming shift for anyone used to social or occasional drinking.

This is also why asking how long after gastric sleeve can you drink alcohol isn’t just about healing timelines, it’s about whether your body is physically ready to handle alcohol at all. Your new anatomy no longer processes alcohol like it used to. This puts you at greater risk for overconsumption, dehydration, and in some cases, alcohol dependency.

Drinking alcohol after bariatric surgery demands caution because the body absorbs alcohol faster, increasing the risk of discomfort, nutrient issues, and long-term dependency.

When Can You Safely Start Drinking Alcohol Again?

Most surgeons recommend waiting at least 6 to 12 months after surgery before considering alcohol. That may sound extreme, but this guideline exists for a reason: your body is going through a complex period of metabolic adaptation and internal healing.

The first year after bariatric surgery focuses on phased eating plans, hydration, and vitamin support, helping patients adapt physically and emotionally while maintaining steady weight loss.

Still, plenty of people start searching when can you drink alcohol after gastric sleeve or how long after a gastric sleeve can you drink alcohol just weeks into recovery. And some even experiment with drinking alcohol 3 weeks after a gastric sleeve, thinking a few sips won’t hurt. This is where complications start.

Drinking too soon can:

Irritate your healing stomach lining
Interfere with nutrient absorption
Trigger dumping syndrome
Leads to addiction due to altered alcohol tolerance

So if you’re wondering, alcohol 1 month after gastric sleeve, is it safe?, the answer is a hard no. One month in, your body is still adjusting, and even mild alcohol exposure can undo progress or cause severe side effects.

What Happens If You Drink Too Early?

Let’s say someone ignores medical advice and indulges anyway. What happens?

First, they’re likely to feel alcohol’s effects much more quickly. Even half a drink can bring on symptoms like dizziness, nausea, or vomiting. The stomach, now smaller and more sensitive, absorbs alcohol rapidly, sending it into the bloodstream with minimal buffering. As a result, patients become intoxicated faster, and crash harder.

This reaction can create a false sense of tolerance: I only had one drink, and I feel fine.But it’s deceptive. Your blood alcohol level may be higher than it feels, impairing your judgment and potentially leading to dangerous situations. This risk is especially high during the early post-op period.

Understanding the Long-Term Risks

While many people focus on how long after bariatric surgery can you drink alcohol, it’s equally important to ask what happens long term. Studies show that post-bariatric patients may be more prone to developing alcohol use disorder. There’s a physiological basis for this. The surgery not only changes how alcohol is absorbed, but also how the brain responds to it.

You may find yourself craving alcohol more often or drinking more than intended. This is why bariatric professionals encourage patients to treat alcohol as a long-term lifestyle consideration, not just something to resume once the waiting period ends.

Knowing the foods to avoid after bariatric surgery, such as sugary drinks, high-fat meals, and dry or tough foods, protects digestive health and supports lasting weight management.

Best Practices If You Choose to Drink Later On

Once you get the green light from your medical team and you’re several months (preferably a year) post-op, it’s possible to enjoy a drink occasionally. But strategy is everything.

Here’s how to do it safely:

Eat beforehand to slow alcohol absorption
Avoid sugary or high-carb cocktails that can trigger dumping syndrome
Stay away from carbonated mixers which expand in the stomach and cause bloating
Sip slowly, don’t down drinks like before surgery
Avoid alcohol on an empty stomach, as it hits harder than ever

The question isn’t just how long after gastric sleeve can I drink alcohol, but rather how can I drink responsibly without compromising my results?

Avoid carbonated drinks after bariatric surgery, as carbonation can cause bloating, stretch the stomach pouch, and interfere with proper healing and digestion.

The Problem With Carbonated Drinks and Alcohol Mixers

Some patients might assume switching to hard seltzers or bubbly wine makes things easier, but carbonation brings its own set of problems. After gastric sleeve surgery, carbonated drinks can stretch your stomach pouch, cause gas pain, and make you feel uncomfortably full, or worse, nauseated.

Many surgeons recommend steering clear of carbonation entirely. If you’re set on having a cocktail, stick to flat mixers like diluted juice or water-based infusions. The less stress you put on your digestive system, the better your chances of avoiding complications.

Final Thoughts

The decision to resume alcohol isn’t as simple as flipping a switch once you hit the six-month mark. It’s about weighing the risks, listening to your body, and being honest with yourself about why you want to drink. Not everyone can return to alcohol safely, and that’s okay.

If you’re still asking how long after gastric sleeve can you drink alcohol or when can you drink after gastric sleeve, it’s time to speak with a bariatric care team that understands your full journey, not just the surgery itself. The Lenox Hill Bariatric Surgery Program, a leading provider of gastric sleeve in New York care, offers comprehensive post-operative support, helping patients navigate long-term lifestyle decisions, including whether and how to reintroduce alcohol. Our multidisciplinary team guides each step of recovery, ensuring your choices align with your health goals. In addition, we offer a full spectrum of weight loss surgery in NY, including lap band surgery, endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, and more, to support your journey toward better health. Contact us today to begin your personalized path to recovery.