Is It Too Soon to Drink Alcohol After Ileostomy Reversal?

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emma30nino
Jul 19, 2025 7:01 pm

Hi guys, I had an ileostomy reversal going on 3 weeks now. I still have the stitches or staples and haven't had my post-op follow-up yet until the 24th of this month. I feel great except for the problem that it's hard to use the restroom. I'm not constipated; I just have the urge to go all the time. Anyway, the question is, will it be a bad idea to drink alcohol? Has anybody done it so soon? Any experiences out there?

w30bob
Jul 19, 2025 7:53 pm

Hi Emma,

It's always a bad idea to drink alcohol, but that doesn't seem to stop too many people. For someone only 3 weeks out from surgery, it's especially not a good thing to do. Drinking alcohol tends to screw up the healing process, which is something you're smack dab in the middle of right now. Depending on how much you drink.........and if you're asking this soon after surgery, I'm going to assume you drink quite a bit.........know that it messes up blood clotting, screws up your immune system, will delay tissue repair, and probably dehydrate you as well. But other than that..........no worries.

;O)

Justbreathe

MeetAnOstoMate website turned out to be a lifesaver for me. I say this because, for me, this ostomy journey was a devastating event both physically and mentally.
Here, I found folks who understood my feelings even better than my family or friends could. Only a fellow ostomate can understand how you really feel.

Information sharing is key, as well as support and understanding, to ultimately bring more harmony into our ostomy life journey. I found here, virtually no ostomy questions that are not touched upon. Questions which some might feel, may be too trivial to contact a doctor about or even too shy or embarrassed to ask their own doctor about. They are all addressed here.

For me, anonymity was very helpful in seeking answers to each phase of this life changing medical and mental event. Sharing initial trauma feelings, ongoing support and finally acceptance was what I found with my membership here. I am not sure what my mental and physical attitude would be today without having found this site.

Additional benefits included: finding products and ideas to help with daily maintenance, innovative ideas and as a bonus - some great humor.
After all “laughter IS the best medicine”.

I have been a member for 3 years, an ostomate for 4 years - yes, I certainly wish I would have found it immediately after surgery but so very thankful I finally found it when I did as I truly believe it turned my troubled depression and situation into a more positive attitude and acceptance.

Sincerely,
An Ileostomate nicknamed Justbreathe 🫶🏼

Morning glory
Jul 19, 2025 10:03 pm

My opinion is that it is too soon. Take time to heal. Welcome to the site.

Justbreathe
Jul 20, 2025 12:53 am
infinitycastle52777
Jul 20, 2025 3:14 pm

I think it's too soon. It may cause issues for you. You are only 3 weeks out from your surgery, and as you said, you still have stitches and all. You haven't had your post-op appointment. I think you should wait for that appointment and ask your doctor when it's okay to drink.

 

Getting Support in the Ostomy Community with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister

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Kyle
Jul 21, 2025 1:12 am

Depends on how much you're talking about. One glass of wine or a cocktail probably would be fine. I quit drinking alcohol in 1982 because one drink led to so much more.