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How Does Alcohol Affect the Body After Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
After gastric sleeve surgery, your body undergoes significant changes — especially in how it digests and absorbs substances like food, nutrients, and alcohol. While the occasional drink may eventually be allowed with your doctor’s approval, it’s crucial to understand the risks alcohol poses during recovery and beyond.
Here’s how alcohol affects the body after gastric sleeve surgery:
1. Faster and Stronger Absorption
Because the stomach is now much smaller and digestion is altered, alcohol passes more rapidly into the small intestine and is absorbed into the bloodstream more efficiently. This means that:
- Even small amounts of alcohol can feel stronger
- Patients may feel intoxicated more quickly
- The effects may last longer and be less predictable
This can increase the risk of accidents, poor decision-making, or alcohol sensitivity.
2. Increased Risk of Dehydration
Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it causes your body to lose fluids. After surgery, maintaining hydration is already a challenge — and alcohol consumption can make it worse. Dehydration can slow down healing, increase fatigue, and lead to complications.
3. Impaired Nutrient Absorption
Alcohol can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B12, folate, iron, and calcium. Since gastric sleeve patients already need to be careful with nutrient intake, alcohol may increase the risk of deficiencies if consumed regularly.
4. Stalled or Reversed Weight Loss
Alcohol is not only empty of nutrients, but it’s also high in calories — especially mixed drinks, wine, and beer. Regular alcohol consumption can slow down weight loss or even lead to weight regain if not monitored carefully.
5. Greater Risk of Post-Op Complications
Drinking alcohol too soon — especially within the first 3 months — can increase the risk of:
- Stomach irritation or inflammation
- Bleeding or ulcer formation
- Delayed healing and digestive discomfort
That’s why most bariatric teams recommend avoiding alcohol completely for at least the first 3–6 months after surgery.
💶 Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Turkey – Starting from €3,000
At CosmetoCity, we provide gastric sleeve surgery in Antalya and Istanbul for €3,000, with a full focus on long-term safety, education, and post-op success.
Our all-inclusive package includes:
- 🏥 Surgery, hospital stay, and anesthesia
- 🧪 Pre-op blood tests and evaluations
- 🏨 Hotel accommodation & VIP airport transfers
- 💊 Post-op medications & personalized diet planning
- 💬 English-speaking coordinators
- 📞 Lifetime aftercare and support from your bariatric team
✅ Final Thoughts
Alcohol affects the body differently after gastric sleeve surgery — and not in a good way. It can slow weight loss, reduce nutrient absorption, and lead to dangerous complications if consumed too early. Always follow your doctor’s guidelines, and if you choose to drink later on, do so carefully and in moderation.
📞 Want to learn more about life after surgery?
Contact CosmetoCity today for a free consultation and let us support your weight loss journey from start to finish — with safety and success in mind.