Weight-loss procedures such as gastric bypass and gastric sleeve can be an effective treatment for severe obesity.
However, according to a new study published in the International Journal of Obesity and reported by HealthDay, patients should also be informed about a lesser-known consequence of these procedures.
The researchers also believe doctors should have more thorough discussions with patients about their alcohol consumption before surgery.
This could help prevent problems later on.
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How alcohol affects the body
In the study, researchers examined 33 people before surgery and again three, 12, and 36 months afterward.
At each assessment, participants consumed the same amount of alcohol while researchers measured their blood alcohol concentration.
The results showed that the body absorbs alcohol more quickly after both types of weight-loss surgery.
This means patients become intoxicated more quickly, reach a higher blood alcohol concentration after consuming the same amount of alcohol, and take longer to sober up.
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According to the researchers, one reason is that after surgery, the stomach breaks down less alcohol before it enters the bloodstream.
Higher risk
The researchers also reviewed data from 17,800 Norwegian patients who underwent weight-loss surgery between 2008 and 2018.
The analysis found that people who underwent gastric bypass surgery had a 69 percent higher risk of alcohol-related problems than those who underwent gastric sleeve surgery.
Weight-loss surgery changes the way the body processes alcohol. Therefore, the researchers recommend that all patients receive thorough information about the risks before deciding to undergo surgery.
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This article is made and published by Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk, who may have used AI in the preparation.