There is no correct answer to this question as the tolerance of each J Pouch even after more time is variable by the individual.

I have never been able to digest red wine and others report the same, but others have no problem with it.

It's all trial and error. Try small quantities and see what happens. Things may change after one year. Good luck.

Hi Kast,
My only rule is that alcohol dehydrates your body rather quickly and contains a lot of sugars...so alternate: a glass of Water, alcohol, water...so that you are sure to get enough 'safe' fluids.
And stop before you overdo it. Give your pouch a chance to get used to it.
Sharon

Don't know what kind of mindset I would be in if I couldn't have my own "happy hour" every day with a glass of red wine. No problems with alcohol for me, but always in moderation and never with a week of any of my surgeries.

Definitely not too soon! Just be sure to stay hydrated. I usually have a glass of diluted Gatorade with a sprinkle of salt (homemade Pedialyte, basically) before I go to bed if I've had more than a couple of drinks.

Alcohol isn't a problem for my pouch really. Moreso the things I tend to eat when I've been drinking, but that's really unrelated

No problem with bloody marys at least 2 a week out at lunch with friends, in fact it slows me up .

I find drinking alcohol bothers me to. I do have a drink sometimes but I stay away from red wine

Dry red wine is my go-to drink, and the one I have the least problems with. I do worse with beer, but I think the FODMAP portion of it gets me (in the wheat; also, draught beer makes me very gassy). I used to drink vodka now and again, but my avoidance of spirits is more from taste vs. the pouch having issues. Overall, most alcohol has not been an issue for me.

Thank you everyone for their responses! I tried alcohol last night. I had a beer and a mixed drink and I was good! I did go to the bathroom a couple of more times during the night but it didn't bother me.

Hi Kastuhlm,

My advice is to experiment over time to see what works for you. I too was fairly concerned that I would not be able to drink socially. I have learned that wine and beer are ok after a decent amount of food. Drinking a beer or two after a meal is typically fine. A BM later in the day may be a little looser than usual, but it wont send me running to the bathroom.

Spirits on their own or mixed with sugar free mixer causes me absolutely no dramas at all. I've gotten white-man drunk a couple of times and all has been fine.

Have a play and pick your poison!

I have found my tolerance has gone up after my colectomy I am able to drink more before becoming impaired. but beer does loosen me a bit.

I was a little nervous a few months ago about drinking. I waited for over a year to try any kind of alcohol. I can tell you I can drink as much if not more than I did before and have absolutely no issues with it. I try and stay away from beer because it makes me feel bloated and I feel it causes a lot of gas the next day. Just take it slow and experiment with different drinks. Just because you had surgery doesn't mean you have to give up the things in life you used to enjoy. If your body can tolerate it go have fun.

I am so glad to hear that so many are not having issues with having a few drinks. I realize that everyone is different but at least it sounds encouraging. I like a drink of rum but have not had any for over a year; first due to medication that I was taking and then because of high output ostomy with perpetual dehydration and electrolyte and magnesium depletion. Had take-down surgery 5 weeks ago. I am doing very well but hesitant to try any alcohol right now. I plan to wait for at least another 3-4 weeks. My neighbour has a $200 bottle of rum and says he is not cracking it until I am able to enjoy a drink with him and his wife. great neighbour eh? I don't have any problem if all I get is a few extra trips to the loo. My fear is the dreaded butt burn.