Gastric bypass, or bariatric surgery, is the most frequently performed type of weight-loss surgery according to MayoClinic.com. Gastric bypass has fewer side effects than other types of bariatric surgeries, but alcoholism can pose special risks to the patient undergoing this procedure.
Alcoholism
Alcoholism is a treatable disease but it can be very difficult for the alcoholic to admit he has a problem. This can be compounded by the patient's desire to have bariatric surgery performed. Additionally, patients may not be aware of the surgical risk alcoholism poses. However, if the surgical team is aware of the history of alcohol abuse, the risk of surgical complications can be reduced by planning rehabilitative treatment.
Gastric Bypass Surgery
Gastric bypass surgery is a major operation. There are several types of bariatric procedures, including stomach stapling; pinching the stomach into two smaller sections with a device called a lap band; and removing part of the stomach. Each of these methods is effective but carries a risk of side effects, including bleeding, kidney stones and blood sugar problems.
Alcoholism and Surgery
People who abuse alcohol are three times more likely to die after any surgery than are those who do not abuse alcohol, according to Oxford Journals. The most frequent causes of death are infections, heart problems and diseases like diabetes.
Alcohol Withdrawal
An alcoholic who stops drinking suddenly can face delirium tremens, or DTs, which are a severe medical condition which begins to present itself two to four days after the last drink. About 95 percent of alcoholics have withdrawal symptoms, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center. The gastric bypass patient may suffer seizures, vomiting and acute illness during the post-operative period. If the medical staff is unaware that the patient's decline is because of alcohol abuse, proper treatment may be delayed.
Post Operative Drinking
Alcohol will have a more powerful effect on someone who has had gastric bypass surgery. The alcohol will be absorbed into the body more quickly, and the person will feel more intoxicated on a smaller amount of alcohol than before surgery. Additionally, alcohol is high in calories so drinking may cause unwanted weight gain.
Treatment
Alcoholism should be treated in a medical facility before gastric bypass is performed. Withdrawal from alcohol can be life-threatening and needs to be resolved before an elective surgery like a bariatric procedure is performed. Treatments for alcohol withdrawal include sedatives to keep the patient calm, as well as IV solutions to keep the body well hydrated.
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