Drinking Alcohol After Bariatric Surgery
Having bariatric surgery doesn’t mean you can’t raise a glass on St. Patrick’s Day or any other holiday. There are many healthy options to choose from that will allow you to toast with your family and friends on special occasions.
Before you consider drinking after bariatric surgery there are some steps you should take.
New York Bariatric Group surgeon, Dr. Alph Emmanuel recommends waiting at least 6 months after surgery before drinking alcohol. Also, make sure to speak to your doctor about how much alcohol is appropriate for you to drink to keep your long-term weight-loss goals on track. Dr. Emmanuel adds that even small amounts of alcohol will affect you quickly. He says it’s always best to consume alcohol in moderation for your overall health and be mindful to stay well hydrated.
Drinking DO’S And DON’TS
Here are a few great tips to ensure your cocktail is bariatric surgery friendly:
- Do choose low calorie and sugar-free beverages
- Don’t drink cocktails with juice or simple syrups
- Don’t drink carbonated beverages like beer or spiked seltzers (which can cause reflux and can cause your stomach to stretch)
According to NYBG Registered Dietician, Shara Lazar, alcoholic beverages will add extra calories into your diet. She recommends plain or flavor infused liquors as a great base for a cocktail, as they often contain about 100 calories with no added sugar. Make sure to measure out your alcohol of choice!
She also suggests using fresh fruits and herbs for additional flavor. Lemons, limes, berries, cucumbers, as well as mint and basil leaves can elevate your cocktail without adding a ton of calories and sugar. If liquor isn’t for you, try a dry white or red wine. Red wines typically have very little added sugar.
DELICIOUS LOW-CALORIE RECIPE
If you are looking to enjoy a festive low-calorie cocktail this St. Patrick’s Day, consider trying this recipe!
Cucumber Mint Lemonade Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 large cucumber scrubbed and cut into chunks
- 6-7 lemons (you will need ½ cup juice)
- ¼ cup mint leaves
- ¼ cup agave
- 2 cups water
- Ice cubes
- Lemons sliced for garnish
- Mint leaves for garnish
- Liquor of choice (optional)
Instructions
- Juice lemons. You will need ½ cup juice.
- Place cucumber, lemon juice, mint leaves and agave in a pitcher and stir.
- Add water, stir and taste. (Add more lemon or sweetener if desired).
- Add liquor of choice (optional).
- Pour over ice to serve. Garnish with mint leaf, lemon slices and fresh mint.
Check out NYBG’s TikTok page to see how the recipe is made.
CHEERS TO YOUR FUTURE
When it’s time to start a successful weight-loss journey, it’s time to call NYBG! We’re the best practice around and our numbers prove it:
- 21 skilled surgeons who are leaders in bariatrics, 4 Plastic Surgeons, 21 PA’s, and 1 Colorectal Surgeon.
- 30,000 successful procedures performed with more every day
- The #1 gastric balloon practice by volume – most balloons placed in the United States
- Access to online seminars, support groups, cooking demos, and Q&A sessions
- 100s of videos for patients explaining procedures, answering common questions, and showcasing previous patients
- Multiple offices located in three states; NY, NJ, CT
- Since 2000, we boast over 20 years of success!
Our commitment to patient success and excellence has earned us accreditation from the Metabolic Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP). This prestigious achievement recognizes only the top bariatric practices. Stop waiting; start achieving better health today. Together, we’ve got this!
New York Bariatric Group is implementing and enforcing strict guidelines put out by the Center of Disease Control and the Department of Health in order to keep our staff and patients safe.
We are offering in-person and virtual consultations to ensure that everyone is able to get the information and care they deserve without feeling pressure to leave their home.
