Input

I've had some beer and whiskey so far with my jpouch. Nothing very new or untoward happened. Just a bit gassy. But I get gas with many things so maybe not the alcohol.

This is very topical for me lol.  I usually go out for 3 or 4 hours with the guys, make my excuses and leave as I worry about the toilets in bars and pubs.

The alcohol itself doesn't affect my bowel that I've noticed, although I recommend moderation.

I should follow my own advice because yesterday I went out to watch the rugby (England v New Zealand.) Was out from midday and got in around 2am, I had 8 bottles of beer (sol) 2 glasses of red wine with a meal, and a couple of double spirits and coke.  Bowel seems no worse for wear.... But clearly I'm a bit hungover today (I fairly slimly built and have never been famed for my ability to consume alcohol)

I definately wouldn't do that regularly though... It will be several months before I do that again 

Thank you for the input. My concern is I used to be able to handle a few beers or even hard liquor but I got WASTED off on 1.5 beers and couldn’t walk and got sick and didn’t know if the colon removal could have effected my ability to process alcohol? That’s the only reason I can think of for getting so drunk so easy which is so odd for me. It concerned me very much.

If you’ve been off alcohol for a while your tolerance would likely have decreased. Alcohol is fully absorbed long before it would reach the pouch. An additional factor is that alcohol is rather dehydrating, and losing your colon definitely makes you more prone to that. Some symptoms of dehydration could mimic the effects of alcohol.

My tolerance level is same before and after J Pouch surgery and my drinking habits and intake haven’t changed much over time. Abstinence for a period may decrease tolerance levels, however my intake and tolerance has been very consistent before and since.

My only issue is that red wine gives me diarrhea. Port wine for some reason is an exception. I am more of a cocktail guy than beer and wine type of guy. My own alcohol consumption patterns haven’t changed except for avoiding red wines other than Port.

By the way if I may make a recommendation. One of my hobbies is to purchase and sample different liqueurs and cordials. If I see something at the liquor store I haven’t tried before I am likely to buy it.

I always keep a orange brandy or liqueur stocked in my bar (think Cointreau, Triple Sec Mathilde family of cordials). It’s my mother’s favorite type of beverage and I like it too so the apple stayed close to the tree.I recently came across a very above average product in this class of liqueurs: GranGala, which is an orange brandy liquer. It’s around 40% alcohol and is a superior value at around $15 a bottle. Very smooth taste, similar to but better tasting than Mathilde. It’s a Canadian product but apparently uses imported Italian VSOP brandy mixed with orange liquer. 

One other recommendation is my all time favorite holiday drink: Evan Williams egg nog which is egg nog spiked with brandy, rum and bourbon. 15% alcohol. Evan Williams has been making it since the 1700s at their distillery and they use fresh cream and eggs. It’s the best egg nog on the market and I have tried them all. Around $9 for a bottle and is the best value egg nog bar none. It’s very rich and high in calories and not a good choice for those with lactose issues or on a weight loss program.

Red wine did a job on me in Bermuda.  We were on vacation and my brother-in-law kept refilling my glass.  I do drink an occasional glass.  Not a fan of red wines.  During the holidays,  I have a little more but usually while eating, so no big deal.