Understand the Nutritional Challenges of Gastric Bypass Related Alcoholism

Over the last two decades many Americans turned to the Gastric bypass surgery to confront obesity.  Research now indicates that nearly 21 percent of patients develop a drinking problem, sometimes years later, and medical professionals are advised to include long-term follow-up to watch for and intervene against problematic drinking.

So what's going on here?

Gastric bypass surgery quickens the hit of alcohol's intoxicating effects because it travels through the stomach faster, coursing into the bloodstream more potently via the intestines.  In addiction, the faster the hit, the greater the intensity, and the more increased risk for addiction.  (Consider how IV-users are more at risk for devastating addiction than those who misuse drugs orally).

Why does this concern a clinician like myself?

After years of working in substance abuse facilities, Patrick M. DeCarlo noticed a connection between gastric bypass surgery and alcoholic “wet brain.”

Alcoholism already comes with increased risk for nutrient deficiency.  An important nutrient alcoholics should concern themselves with is thiamine, otherwise known as vitamin B1.  It is instrumental to the functioning of neurotransmitters and for the protection of neurons in the brain.  Because alcoholics often limit food intake, they aren't absorbing this important nutrient that promotes brain health.  Alcohol additionally prevents nutrients from being absorbed into the body properly, so even when food intake isn't limited, alcoholics can still be thiamine deficient.

Prolonged thiamine deficiency is directly linked to Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, otherwise known as "wet brain."  Common features of WKS include pronounced confusion, memory issues, and loss of muscle coordination, often similar in appearance to dementia.  Continued brain damage may occur as those with WSK experience head injuries from falls and the toxicity of alcohol or its withdrawal-related stress.

Gastric bypass surgery increases risks for thiamine deficiency and adding alcohol into the mix can become fuel to set brain health ablaze.

In treating alcoholics I've learned of the importance of assessing for medical procedures such as Gastric bypass surgery.  Many people simply aren't familiar with the risks associated with the surgery and found relief in learning how the mystery of alcoholism crept into their lives like a thief in the night. 

In treating addiction it's important to look at the body and mind as a complex system, informed by nutrition, medical history, and environment -- not just a client's willpower to change.

To find a nutritionist near you visit The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.