Question:
I am scared - I had no idea that diet soda could mess up my pouch.
It's only been 5 1/2 weeks since surgery. Things have been going well but for the water intake. So I tried DS and that worked. But I just read that soda will stretch out your pouch. I tried soda for about two weeks or less. Does anyone think that I messed my pouch up already? — Jennifer L. (posted on February 26, 2003)
February 25, 2003
I am 6 1/2 months post-op and I can drink a can of coke or a root beer and
it doesn't bother me. I don't drink diet, I can't stand the taste. But, I
do burp a lot more than usual when I drink soda over water. Obviously.
Don't eat anything when you drink soda, because it's gross when it comes
back up. All carmelly and nasty. I can't eat much, I eat about 4 ounces
in a sitting, within like 20 or 30 minutes. So, I don't really think that
my pouch is stretched, because I don't get to eat a whole lot of solid
foods and hold them down. I can eat endless salads with no meat or extras.
Anyway, don't go over board, I drink about 2 sodas a week and that's about
it. Drink it on ice, it's easier on your stomache. Billi - Down 115
pounds.
— [Deactivated Member]
February 25, 2003
My nutritionist said that soda doesnt stretch your pouch...Ive been
drinking it since 3 weeks post...and no problem...the only thing you have
to be careful with when it comes to carbonated beverages because the
carbonation clings to the calcium in your bones and we all know we have a
high risk of osteoperosis so just becareful...she tells me no more than 2
servings a week...lucky if i get that much in hehe...OPEN RNY 11/15/02 -62
lbs!
— sandrac131
February 26, 2003
I am pre op and EVERY surgeon I have seen or every web site I have visited
said to stay away from carbonated beverages all together. The gas in the
carbonation CAN expand in your pouch and cause it to stretch. Both
nutritionist I have visited have said the same. mk
— Michelle K.
February 26, 2003
Jennifer,We have the same surgeon and I was told that if you want to drink
soda just let it get flat.Flat soda is gross.I have tried the flat diet
soda and I have to say I would prefer not to get into the soda habit
again.I was a 12 pack a day pepsi drinker before surgery.Soda is just not
good for you whether it be regular or diet.I don't think you messed up your
pouch.Good Luck.
— tpajeski
February 26, 2003
Dont worry! I have been drinking diet coke since about 4 months out
(surgery on 2/22/02) and i have lost 142 pounds so far. I find that on
certain days i feel i can eat more, but when i "test" the amount
of meat that i can eat at one time, it is almost the same amount as 5
months ago. My doctor says nothing is bad from carbonated drinks other
than not getting in enough of water and the calcium part. I do not drink
diet coke all the time, but i do drink some every day and i have not had
any problems. As far as the stretching the pouch, i dont think it does
that because you do have the capability of burping, which releases the
"extra" air. A lot of people let it go flat, but i do not. If i
get a bottle i may shake it up some so that it is not as fizzy, but i do
not drink them flat. One thing to remember is to not drink them very fast.
You are doing just fine! Take care!
— Tammy M.
February 26, 2003
I have agree with the many posters in the past. Carbonated drinks are
dangerous for WLS folks. I've not heard of any surgeons that recommend it
as being ok. Think about what it can do to your staples! Also, if you
pour come coke in a zip lock bag and just sit it on the counter, in just a
little while the bag will swell and sometimes burst...not what I want in my
pouch. I've heard where you can pour 1/2 cup of coke in a glass bowl and
put in a nail. The nail will disovle if given enough time. Again, what
does that mean to our staples? I've been off diet coke for 2 years and
glad of it. You said you drink diet coke. Be careful with anything with
artificial sweetners...they stimulate my appetite. I have to ration my
Crystal Light for this reason. Stick to really good filtered water. I use
a Brita pitcher and ice...nothing is as good for you as water.
— Teri D.
February 26, 2003
Come on folks, diet pop does NOT melt your staples, or harm your pouch. If
a surgeon recommends you avoid it the reason is gas distention and
uncomfortableness. Avoid it early on, the first few times I drank a sip I
got bloated pain and did not drink any more. At 4-5 months post I can
drink a whole can slowly without ill effect but don't drink it too often,
maybe 1 can every couple weeks. My surgeon and his 3 office nurses who
have had the surgery all drink Diet Coke and tolerate it just fine.
— Dana S.
February 26, 2003
I do not drink soda on a regular basis, but occassionally I will have a can
of diet root beer or diet Big Red. I would just say drink slowly. The
ziplock bag theory really doesn't fly because unlike a sealed plastic bag,
your stomach has an opening at both ends where gas can escape. Keep in mind
though, your stomach does not drain immediately. So, if you drink soda
really fast it will sit in your stomach for a short time and the gases will
expand. As for the claim that coke will corrode your staples, I think
that's bogus too. If they make staples that can withstand the potent acids
found in the human stomach, I think they can stand up to a few ounces of
Coca-Cola. And it is my understanding that the stomach tissue eventually
grows around the staples. So my answer is cola is not your enemy. If you
take small sips and burp when you need to, you should be fine. (IMHO) open
RNY 07-08-02 down 133lbs. current weight 254lbs.
— Jenny S.
February 26, 2003
I am 16 mos post op and have been drinking flat diet soda since about 7-8
mos out. I have had no problems at all. I have lost 179lbs. I drank so
much water the first 6 mos it got to a point where I gagged every time I
looked at it and I had to drink something....I am sure for the short time
you drank soda it was no problem....
— Marcie B.
February 26, 2003
I agree with Dana, that soda is not harmful, nor will it stretch the pouch.
Remember its not like the sealed plastic bag, a pouch has 2 openings, the
esophagus and the stoma for the gas/liquids to go into. I think, though,
that due to the small space in the pouch, the soda can cause a temporary
distended pouch due to the gas in such a small area. I used to have a 6
pack of soda a day pre-op. Since surgery a year ago, I have tried 2 sodas
and both times, it felt uncomfortable in the pouch, burped alot-too much,
and was too sweet. Besides, I have a hard enough time trying to get in all
my water-don't need the soda. But I do know quite a few in the support
group that can drink it no problem.
— Cindy R.
February 26, 2003
Preop and post op I have loved diet Dr. Pepper. I drink 3-4 cans per day
and have from my six month anniversery from surgery. Currently 16 months
postop, down 170 pounds and doing great. I still cannot eat alot even
though I drink diet pop. If you like it and your body can tolorate the gas,
go for it. We still must live an enjoyable life.
— MICHAEL Z.
February 26, 2003
I drink Fresca over ice. It loses a little carbonation that way, and it
doesn't make my stomach feel bloated. My surgeon says not to drink ANYthing
with carbonation unless you either let it go flat, or diffuse the bubbles a
little with some ice. It's not because of the ingredients in soda, it's
because of the bubbles and gas it can cause. Every once in awhile, I'll get
a craving for a Coke, but I drink Fresca instead. I'm off caffeine and
don't want to start back on it again. You're fine, you didn't hurt
yourself with soda. You aren't meant to slave away and deprive yourself of
every little pleasure. That's why there IS such a thing as diet soda. ;)
— Diana L.
February 26, 2003
As the Coordinator of a Bariatric Surgery Program I feel compelled to put
in my two cents worth here......please don't flame me and please understand
that I'm just wanting to provide you with some facts. One poster said it
isn't the ingredients in carbonated beverages that is bad for you. This is
wrong! It's wrong for two reasons - carbonated beverages leech calcium
from our systems and as we all know - we have enough issues with calcium
absorption as it is. Secondly, carbonated beverages are very acidic and
are notorious for causing ulcers. I've seen it time and again in our
patients. Now, would I say that you should never had a carbonated beverage
again? No - I'd say it's like anything else - you have to do it in
moderation. I wouldn't drink it every day. Maybe once a week would be
o.k. and it should be defizzed a bit. Another thing to consider is that
scientific studies have shown that carbonated beverages can be a trigger
causing us to eat other junky foods. Personally, I have about 1 carbonated
beverage a month and I don't find that it makes me want to go on a junk
food binge but it might affect some people that way. Anyway, I just wanted
to let you know that drinking several carbonated beverages a day is NOT
good for you and that's a fact. Hope I didn't offend anyone - I'm really a
nice gal! Best wishes!
— ronascott
February 27, 2003
I've been drinking diet coke daily since 2 months post-op. It has NOT
stretched my pouch (I've lost 120 pounds in 10 months and am at goal)and
I'm 16 months post-op.
— Patty H.
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