In this episode of the Food Junkies Podcast, Dr. Vera Tarman speaks with Dr. Jon Davis, a principal investigator on the study Changes in Alcohol Use After Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Dr. Davis is a principal scientist at Nova Nordisk, where he researches how gut-brain signaling mechanisms regulate appetite and metabolic disorders. His work explores the neurobiological connections between obesity, bariatric surgery, and substance use disorders—examining how bariatric procedures may increase the risk of alcohol use disorder (AUD) through gut microbiome and brain reward pathway alterations.
The Food Junkies Podcast team is particularly interested in whether similar mechanisms might predispose post-bariatric surgery patients to sugar or food addiction.
🔹 Dr. Davis’ Background & Research Journey – From an interest in neuroscience and memory formation to studying brain plasticity, substance use, and ultimately, bariatric surgery.
🔹 Unexpected Discoveries – How interviews with post-bariatric surgery patients and their spouses revealed a pattern of increased alcohol consumption.
🔹 Clinical Findings – Research has consistently shown that some patients who were low consumers of alcohol pre-surgery develop AUD post-surgery, while frequent drinkers pre-surgery may actually reduce their consumption afterward.
🔹 Mechanisms at Play:
✔ Bariatric surgery alters the gut-brain axis, leading to changes in both alcohol and sugar sensitivity.
✔ Some post-surgical patients are at increased risk for developing AUD due to heightened alcohol absorption and reward pathway changes.
✔ Neurobiological and hormonal factors contribute to food cravings and hedonic eating post-surgery.
✔ Obesity is often associated with low dopamine levels, and bariatric surgery may help restore dopamine balance, reducing food cravings.
✔ Long-term post-surgery weight regain is common, raising questions about sustainable solutions for metabolic disorders.
🧪 Neuroscience of Post-Bariatric Surgery – More studies are needed on brain dopamine changes post-surgery.
📊 Longitudinal Studies – Tracking post-surgical patients' eating behaviors, alcohol consumption, and cravings over time.
🧠 Behavioral & Psychological Interventions – Combining pharmacology, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and digital tools to personalize weight loss and addiction treatment.
💡 Preventive Approaches – Identifying high-risk individuals pre-surgery to provide better education and support for long-term success.
"If I could give my younger self advice, I’d say: Keep an open mind. Science is about asking what if and following the data wherever it leads."
🔗 Study: Changes in Alcohol Use After Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
🔗 Learn more about Dr. John Davis’ research at Nova Nordisk
🔗 Food Junkies Podcast – Subscribe for more episodes on food addiction, recovery, and science-backed solutions
🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform!
💬 Join the Conversation:
Have you experienced changes in alcohol or food cravings post-bariatric surgery? Let us know in Vera's Facebook Group: Sugar-Free for Life: I'm Sweet Enough
The content of our show is educational only. It does not supplement or supersede your healthcare provider's professional relationship and direction. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, substance use disorder, or mental health concern.
