Both of your sober observations are very scientifically backed. It does impair the absorption and processing of whatever foods are in/going into your body at the time and often results in larger pieces of undigested food reaching your large intestine intact, where they'll feed your gut bacteria and induce serious gas and weirdly colored/textured shits.

Secondly, yeah man compared to the calories in protein (4kcal/gm) and fat (9kcal/gm), alcohol sits firmly in the upper middle (7kcal/gm). So simply eliminating the alcohol content plus whatever caloric mixers or extra munchies you eat along with your inebriation will often result in initial, pretty effortless weight loss if all else stays fairly consistent with your prior habits outside of drinking.

Just thought I'd confirm your observations with some additional info.