Circle of Care, weight Loss Surgeon, Bariatric Surgeon, Upper GI Surgeon, Obesity Surgeon, Westmead, Bella Vista, Norwest, Sydney, NSW | Circle of Care Program | Alcohol and Weight Loss Surgery

Alcohol and Weight Loss Surgery

If you are planning to have weight loss surgery, it's very important to understand how alcohol can affect your health and your results after the operation. Please read this page carefully, particularly if you are dependent on alcohol- difficulty stopping despite noticing negative consequences.

What You Should Know

  • Weight loss surgery can make alcohol problems worse. Your body handles alcohol differently after surgery. You may feel drunk faster, and this can lead to serious problems with alcohol use.
  • Alcohol is a common reason people don’t lose enough weight—or gain it back.
    Alcohol has a lot of calories and no nutrition. It can stop you from reaching your weight goals.
  • Alcohol makes it easier to eat more food. This means you might eat bigger portions, which can stretch your stomach.
  • Alcohol can cause vitamin and mineral deficiency. It stops your body from taking in important nutrients. This can cause tiredness, nerve pain, memory problems, and other serious health issues.
  • Alcohol can upset your stomach and bowels. It can lead to diarrhoea, dehydration, and other gut problems after surgery.

References:

  1. British Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society (BOMSS). "Professional Standards and Guidance." 2020.
  2. "Alcohol Use Before and After Bariatric Surgery." American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, 2016.
  3. Suzuki et al. (2012). "Effect of Bariatric Surgery on Alcohol Metabolism and Alcohol Use Disorders." JAMA Surgery.
  4. Conason et al. (2013). "Substance use following bariatric weight loss surgery." JAMA Surgery.

Alcohol Support Services – Western Sydney

If you’d like help to reduce or stop drinking, your GP is a great first step. They can support you with quit plans, medications, and referrals.

Below are additional local services available in Western Sydney.

Clean Slate Clinic

  • Telehealth-based GP- and nurse-led alcohol detox program (12-month support)
  • No referral needed
  • Phone: 1300 975 890
  • Website: www.cleanslateclinic.com

Western Sydney Local Health District – Drug Health Services

  • Public outpatient & inpatient detox, alcohol counselling, support groups
  • Locations: Blacktown, Mt Druitt, Parramatta
  • Phone: (02) 9881 1230
  • Website: www.wslhd.health.nsw.gov.au

WentWest AOD Program

  • Support and referrals for alcohol and drug use, with mental health support
  • Services tailored for adults and culturally diverse communities
  • Phone: (02) 8811 7100
  • Website: wentwest.com.au

Odyssey House NSW – CDAT (Community Drug Action Teams)

  • Community-based counselling, education, and family support
  • Phone: (02) 9281 5144
  • Website: odysseyhouse.com.au

Alcohol & Drug Information Service (ADIS) – NSW

Windsor Road Private Clinic

  • Private inpatient mental health care including alcohol dependency
  • 21-bed unit, structured 21-day program
  • Phone: (02) 9686 0808 (business hours) / (02) 9686 0810 (after hours)
  • Website: windsorroadprivateclinic.com.au

The Hills Private Hospital

  • Acute inpatient care for mental health and substance dependence
  • 24-hour inpatient unit
  • Phone: (02) 9639 3333
  • Website: thehillsprivatehospital.com.au