Question:
How easily do most post ops tolerate carbonation?
The dietician I had a consultation with seemed disappointed that I rarely drink soda, even diet. She urged me to begin, I guess as a liquid source alternative. I was too new to think to ask her about it. — Stacey R. (posted on March 11, 2003)
March 11, 2003
Stacey, I am not sure if this is 100% true but a doctor friend who had me
on one of my medicall supervised diets told me that he did NOT want me
drinking carbonated beverages. This was not a problem I felt because I did
not drink regular soda but I drank a TON of seltzer water. He then
explained that even though it had no calories the carbon dioxide in the
soda was not allowing me to properly digest protien. I had an enzyme
deficciency (amalyse I think) and this may have been the reason as well. I
would double check to the nutritionist because what she said seems odd.
Good Luck, Melissa
— meliss0725
March 11, 2003
I was told by my Surgeon NEVER to drink Carbonated drinks...EVER!! I'm 9
1/2 mos. out and never have! I did take a sip of a soda once, but it made
me feel creepy! I'd get another opinion on this!!
— Tambi B.
March 11, 2003
I was told by both the nutritionist and my surgeon, NO Carbonation , NONE
ever after surgery, they said it would stretch my pouch. I am not willing
to risk it after going through all that comes with surgery. Ans I was a
Diet Coke addict. :)
— plsmom
March 11, 2003
Stacey, I am very surprised she wanted you to drink soda! Crbonation is
supposed to be one of those forbidden things post-op. Although many do
drink diet soda afterwards, and some surgeons say it is ok after 6 months
or so, I personally don't drink it. My surgeon said the only carbonation I
should have is drinking champagne when I get married! LOL a little extreme,
but I got his point. I've had a sip or two here and there of soda since,
but my stomach growls for a while, and I burp imeediately for like 5
minutes. And it's too bubbly for me now, it's weird. I was a Coke addict
pre-op, but I don't miss it much now. There are many other ways to get in
fluids; water, crystal light, diet teas, protein drinks, milk, fruit20,
even coffee. Goodluck to you!
— Lezlie Y.
March 11, 2003
My surgeon said none for the first 6 months... just to give the poiuch time
to heal... other wise the reasons to not drink it were caffine, carbonation
caused gas & perhaps triggered snacking... I drink diet soda... no
problems at all... yes at first I dealt with the gassy stuff, but I have
found with the fountain drinks I do quite well... I get my fluids in and my
b\labs are fine... I am down 109 pound so I feel its fine for me... I know
not everyone is the same... so follow your gut...
— MF
March 11, 2003
Hi Stacey. I agree with others in that I'm surprised your doctor
encouraged you to drink soda - it seems there are many other possibilities.
However, having said that, I have no problem drinking soda. I drink 3 or
4 a day, and I don't drink diet sodas - I prefer regular. I also don't let
them go "flat". I drink them right out of the can, and I glug
them down like always. So, while some people can tolerate them (like
me!!!), there are certainly better choices for people (post-WLS and
otherwise). Good luck to you. Kevin
— meilankev
March 11, 2003
I'm 7 months post op and right now the only thing my stomach agrees with is
7up or Sprite. Granted I drink it on ice because it has to be cold. But,
I started drinking coke out of the can in October. It doesn't bother my
stomach unless I'm eating or have something in my tummy when I take a sip.
A lot of people in my support group and drink soda and it doesn't bother
them, canned or on ice.
— [Deactivated Member]
March 11, 2003
I don't believe that carbonated beverages will actually stretch your pouch,
at least not permanently. I do believe that very much of them will make
you uncomfortable unless you let them get a little bit flat first.
However, one of the biggest reasons not to drink them is that they leech
calcium out of your body. That's enough reason for me to stay away from
them. And, while I haven't found anything else that tastes different to me
now than it did pre-op, diet Coke just tastes awful to me and I used to
drink it all the time.
— garw
March 12, 2003
I would ask the dietician why she is recommending soda to you. There are
many different alternative liquid sources that do not have all the
carbonation, empty calories and sodium that soda has. The great majority
of surgeons and dieticians recommend we stay away from carbonation. I do
not agree that it stretches the pouch (we do have two openings from the
pouch, remember?), however, the previous poster brought up a good point
about calcium, and the carbonation is often uncomfortable in such a small
area, especially as a new post-op. I have had 3 caffeine free diet Cokes
in 13 months. This from someone who used to drink a sixpack or two pre-op!
It no longer tastes the same, and I spend too much time burping. But I do
know many post-ops who drink soda regularly and have no problems with it.
— Cindy R.
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