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New Study Links Gastric Bypass Patients With Alcohol Related Disorders
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New Study Links Gastric Bypass Patients With Alcohol Related Disorders 7/13/12

Felicia Bolton
fbolton@cbs7.com
CBS 7 News Reporter
7/13/12

Odessa,TX – According the medical officials at Medical Center Hospital, alcohol is just one of the many coping mechanisms weight loss patients could abuse after their surgery.

A new study by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) states that people who’ve had Roux-en-Y gastric bypass are twice as likely to develop alcohol related disorders.

“The things about the gastric bypass is that the patient's absorption is altered. When they drink alcohol they absorb it very quickly…they feel the effects very quickly. It gives them a sense of euphoria,” said MCH coordinator for weight loss surgery program, Jessica Chorney-Wilson.

The hospital holds public education seminars twice a month to prepare patients for weight loss surgeries. Wilson states that having healthy coping skills are essential for these patients.

“The main thing is… they have to have healthy coping skills, which is why all of our patients go through a psychological evaluation with a psychologist. This helps identify what their coping mechanisms are,” said Chorney-Wilson.

She states that in addition to the first psychological evaluation, the hospital also has support groups for the long term.

For more information contact Medical Center Hospital at (432) 640-4000.