Hello. I wanted to say welcome as well. I went through the denial really hard but I eventually got through it and came to terms with what I am. Acceptance seemed to help me in my recovery more than anything else.
I also wanted to say that I understand completely about your friend. I also had gastric bypass in 2005. I lost all my excess weight and about a year and a half after surgery I started drinking and gaining my weight back (not all of it though, thank goodness). Unfortunately those of us who have had gastric bypass experience alcohol in a whole new light. My reactions to alcohol since my surgery have been terrifying to look back on now but very different from before my surgery. I hope that helps a little and I hope your friend works through things as well. If you ever want to talk further about it, just drop me a line.
Again, welcome.
J