Now that the gastric bypass surgery has been done and the pounds are slipping away, there is cause to celebrate the new you. Why not? Aside from the obvious health factors, other reasons for opting for the surgery could very well have been improving personal appearance and lifting self-esteem. Mirrors and scales have become more user-friendly, and you are feeling pretty good about yourself.

Fair enough. Your efforts have produced dividends, and your work has earned you rewards. By all means, celebrate yourself...carefully.

In a previous sharepost, the pitfalls of alcohol use by weight-loss surgery patients were explored. Simply put, alcohol use for people who have had gastric bypass surgery can be quite problematic. Studies have shown that people who have had bypass surgery had a history of drinking problems prior to the surgery. In addition, a significant percentage of patients reported new-onset alcohol abuse following the surgery.

And how does one know a problem exists? Here are some examples:

. Alcohol use prevents fulfillment of work, school, or home obligations
. Using alcohol in situations where that use proves to be dangerous such as operating a motor vehicle
. Legal problems that stem from use of alcohol
. Continued use of alcohol despite recurring problems caused by that use

One or more of the above situations in a twelve month period could be an indicator of alcohol abuse. Whereas, three or more of the following criteria below in a twelve month period could bean indicator of alcohol dependence.

. Increased tolerance
. Physical withdrawal
. Alcohol is used in greater amounts or for longer periods than was intended
. Inability to cut back or control drinking habits
. Large amounts of time are spent using, obtaining, or recovering from alcohol
. Important social, occupational, and recreational activities lose their importance and are neglected or abandoned
. Continued use of alcohol despite the recognition that such use is causing physical or psychological problems

If you are reading this and saying uh-oh, you may wish to make an appointment with an addictions professional to decide if a problem exists. A therapist who is certified in alcohol and drug counseling would be a good place to begin. If a conclusion is reached that a problem is present or at least brewing, there are logical and useful options.

If the problem has reached such a level where detoxification is necessary, a short period of inpatient care may be required. Please know that alcoholism is a serious illness and that unmonitored detoxification can be dangerous. Also, detoxification under medical supervision is much more comfortable than going it alone. As a matter of fact, social support is critical for a sturdy and functional recovery.

Alcoholics Anonymous will probably be recommended sooner than later. It is a worthy and often times successful program that is worth investigating.

Individual counseling by a trained professional is also an option. Find a counselor who you are comfortable with and allow him or her to help steer you through waters that may sometimes be challenging.