Overall, it’s recommended that you avoid all alcohol (beer, wine, liquor, cocktails) after surgery.
Why?
- Alcohol is high in calories. It can reduce weight loss and lead to weight gain.
- Tolerance of alcohol changes. It’s absorbed much faster into the bloodstream and stays in your system longer.
- Alcohol may increase the risk of an ulcer.
- Alcohol increases the risk for low blood sugar (a dangerous condition that can lead to loss of consciousness, and brain or nerve damage).
- Alcohol can increase the risk for developing a new addiction, especially in people with a history of addiction.
- One in five patients develop alcohol-use disorder within 7 years after surgery.
