With The LAP-BAND, Is Alcohol Consumption Allowed?
It is not harmful for you to drink an occasional glass of wine or other alcoholic beverage with the LAP-BAND, but drinking alcohol on a regular basis will likely hinder your loss of weight. Alcohol is very high calories and breaks down vitamins that your body needs to remain healthy, so talk with your dietitian or surgeon for what amount of alcohol you can reasonably enjoy. Carbonated Alcoholic beverages like champagne and beer should either be avoided, or have their carbonation reduced by pouring the beverage between glasses to release as much gas as possible before drinking. Carbonation can stretch the stomach above the LAP-BAND, allowing more calories to enter with each meal and slowing your ability to lose weight.
