This topic is about enjoying alcohol in moderation after having ostomy surgery. The person sharing their experience used to drink heavily but has mostly stopped since their surgery. They occasionally enjoy a whiskey or two without any noticeable issues and are curious if this is safe.

Here are some helpful insights and advice from others who have been in similar situations:

1. Moderation is key. Many people with an ostomy find that having 1–2 drinks, like a glass of wine, whiskey, or beer, doesn't cause any problems with their stoma.

2. If you are taking any medications, it's important to check with your doctor or pharmacist to ensure there are no interactions with alcohol.

3. Staying hydrated is crucial:
- Alcohol can dehydrate you quickly, especially if you have an ileostomy.
- It's a good idea to alternate each alcoholic drink with a glass of water. Some people also drink electrolyte beverages like Gatorade afterward.

4. Be prepared for changes in your output:
- Drinks like beer and sugary or carbonated beverages can cause excess gas and watery output, which may fill your pouch quickly.
- Clear spirits such as whiskey, vodka, or gin usually result in less output than beer or sweet cocktails.
- Eating foods that thicken your output before drinking can help slow things down.
- Some people with an ileostomy take Imodium (loperamide) before drinking and keep extra on hand in case their output becomes too liquid.
- Anti-gas tablets like Beano can help reduce gas from beer.

5. Everyone's tolerance is different:
- Some people can drink more without issues, while others may feel the effects of alcohol more quickly or find they can't tolerate it at all.
- With less intestine, alcohol might enter your bloodstream faster, affecting your tolerance.

6. Be mindful of health risks:
- Long-term, heavy drinking can harm your liver and other organs. Some people have shared their experiences with the risks of alcoholism.
- Recent studies have raised concerns about the overall safety of alcohol, leading some to quit for health reasons.

7. The UOAA Ostomy Guide suggests avoiding alcohol due to its dehydrating effects, sugar content, and potential to cause gas.

8. If you have any concerns or questions about your alcohol consumption, it's a good idea to talk with your surgeon, stoma nurse, or physician. They can provide advice tailored to your specific situation and health needs.