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Bariatric surgery is an increasing trend directly correlated to obesity reaching epidemic levels in the U.S. As around 65% of adults are overweight or obese, weight loss surgery often remains the last option for those who truly wish to change their life in better. The benefits of bariatric surgery are tremendous. More than 80% of patients, who undergo gastric bypass or gastric banding procedures, manage to lose significant percentages of their excessive weight within the first two years following surgery. However as all surgical procedures, weight loss surgery has its own set of risks, some of them related to actual surgical risks while others involving long term complications. One of these long term risks is related to increased alcohol consumption and reduced alcohol tolerance.

How does bariatric surgery influence alcohol tolerance?

Various studies involving bariatric patients have revealed that while in the first couple of months following weight loss surgery patients consume less alcohol, later on they tend to have this problem more often. What actually happens is that patients do not reduce their alcohol consumption as part of their weight loss program, but they become more sensitive to alcohol. In these conditions even one or two drinks are enough to reach the legal limit for drunk driving.

Medical specialists explain why gastric bypass patients become more sensitive compared to patients who underwent gastric banding procedures. The reduced stomach size does not allow alcohol to stay long enough in the stomach for enzymes to break it down. As the duodenum is bypassed, the alcohol reaches too quickly the small intestine, where it is absorbed directly into the bloodstream.

The biggest issue is that bariatric patients often do not realize how sensitive they become. As they carefully monitor their meals, they should be just as careful about their drinks. Unfortunately most of them are not used to strictly monitoring their drinks, and even one glass of wine might be too much.

Should the risk of alcohol consumption prevent bariatric surgery?

While reduced alcohol tolerance is undoubtedly an issue, especially for patients who consume alcoholic beverages on daily basis, it cannot be compared with the benefits weight loss surgery has for the overall health.

Patients are advised to openly discuss with their surgeon any alcohol related concerns they might have, before undergoing bariatric surgery. As in addition to weight loss surgery many lifestyle changes are required for a successful long term weight loss, patients should be mentally prepared to strictly monitor their beverages. Becoming aware of the problem is the first step in successfully eliminating it.