Gastric bypass surgery and alcohol sensitivity

After undergoing gastric bypass surgery last year, having a glass of wine affects me much more than it used to. Is this typical?

A: Yes. In fact, the effects of are nearly doubled in people who have had , compared with those who haven't had the procedure.

Gastric bypass - one of the most common types of in the U.S. - helps you reduce your by creating a small gastric pouch. Before the surgery, food enters your stomach and passes into the . After surgery, most of the stomach and the first part of your small intestine (duodenum) are bypassed, and a digestive route directs food into the middle section of your small intestine (jejunum). This helps you lose weight by limiting the amount of calories you can consume and absorb.

But, this direct route to your small intestine also allows your body to absorb alcohol more readily - and much faster. Your gastric pouch is unable to break down alcohol as effectively as your old stomach would have. In addition, your body weight is likely much lower than it was before your surgery, meaning you get a higher dose of alcohol per pound.

Several studies compared blood alcohol concentrations in women who'd undergone with those who hadn't had the surgery. The studies showed that, for women who'd had the operation, blood alcohol concentrations peaked sooner and at approximately double the level of those who hadn't had the operation. Women who'd had the procedure also felt much more inebriated for longer.

To answer your question, increased sensitivity to alcohol is real. For you, having two drinks is the equivalent of having four drinks, at which point you're likely well above the legal limit. It's an important limitation to keep in mind for your safety and the safety of others. (adapted from Mayo Clinic Health Letter)

©2016 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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