CROSS-BONDING AFTER OBESITY SURGERY AND THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT ALCOKOL CONSUMPTION

Obesity surgery is the most effective method in the treatment of obesity and comorbid diseases today. Our purpose is to have new and healthier habbits after the surgery. In particular, alcohol use and cross-dependence are at the top of the list of issues that need to be addressed.

Cross addiction means to replace a bad habbit with another one while getting rid of it.

How could this be related to obesity surgery?

Some U.S based researches shows that; People with pre-operative food dependence may develop 5% -20% cross-dependence after surgery. Eating dependence is an unavoidable desire for food, especially for certain foods (including high sugar and carbohydrates), and is a serious health problem. Eating dependence is an unavoidable desire for food, especially for certain foods (including high sugar and carbohydrates), and is a serious health problem. Because of the limitation of the stomach volume after obesity operations, the person feels early satiety with solid food, although there is little to eat. With the acquisition of new habits, the eating disorder can be transformed into other addictions such as alcohol, cigarettes, coffee, shopping, sexuality. The main reason for this is the desire to search for dopamine and serotonin, the hormones of happiness that are secreted while eating. The person should be assessed very well before the operation and carefully followed up after the operation. The most important method to prevent such addictions is to include ‘SPORTS’ in the life of the operated patient and make it a habit. We must know that the hormones of happiness secreted by eating or other addictions will begin to be secreted with exercise after a while.

If we are enlightened about cross-dependencies, now we come to the most curious topics; ‘ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION’

Will I not drink alcohol after the obesity surgeon?

Ofcourse you will….As long as you consume it in a certain layout.

Alcohol consumption is not desirable after bariatric surgery. Let’s have a look at the reasons together;

* Alcoholic beverages contain very high calories. High-dose alcohol consumption will prevent losing the desired weight.

* Alcohol consumption damages the stomach mucosa and triggers overeating.

* As the sugar rate is too high, it may triggle dumping syndrome.

* It may cause liver problems

* It may damage brain cells.
* It may cause lack of vitamin and minerals

* Alcohol goes through the small bowel more quickly after obesity surgery, and the person gets drunk earlier and gets rid of its effects much later than before.

For these reasons, people who have undergone obesity surgery should definitely consider the advantages and disadvantages of taking alcohol. Alcohol preference should be avoided with raki and whiskey which have the highest calorie and alcohol ratio, and should be used in favour of wine which has the lowest calory values. The one can prefer 1 glass of wine in the social environment since the 3rd mind of his/her post operation period.

Yours,
Bariatric Surgical Nutrition Consultant

Pinar SEYREK