Cokes

Okay I am asking, what is the exact reason we are not supposed to drink coke...other than the sugar? Someone said that it could expand your pouch?? Is that so?

That's what I was told, they say the bubbles in the coke cause the stomach to expand

I was told at one of my support group meetings that it can damage the part that joins the intestine to the new pouch. There was a fancy name for it that I don't remember. It is the carbonation that you can't have, b/c there are tons of dite sodas on the market. I didn't realize that this included beer until we had that support group meeting. Good thing I wasn't a big drinker or I would have been in trouple. My leader did say that if you just have to have a diet coke to let it go flat first. Don't know if that helps... (aint no way I'm drinking flat beer!)

Caffiene itself is a diuretic, and we need our water! Also caffiene stimulates the pancreas to produce insulin which can cause cravings.... As to the carbonation... I don't buy the whole expand the pouch theory so much... there is an exit... so your not gonna explode LOL, BUT the gas stays around for a long time and forces food out faster--- totally working against your new tools ability to help you feel full. My MIL and SIL both have had RNY--- I watched them both go back to soda within months of surgery... my MIL is struggling with regain, and I believe soda plays a BIG part of that. My SIL drinks soda, ALL the time.. she rarely ever drinks water... and I will guarantee you that she will start battling regain soon too.... she also has other very bad habits... Drinking soda makes them both want to snack... I often see chicps in hand when they have a soda.... It's your choice, many are very suvcessful even with drinking soda... I just don't want to go there.

Hi Jana. This is a topic of much debate. My own personal decision has been not to drink soda ever again. If I am drinking soda, I am not drinking water. I know that I can drink caffeine free and diet soda which eliminates the sugar and the caffeine. But I choose to stay far, far away. There are so many theories on soda and whether or not it damages the pouch. For me, that doesn't even enter into my thinking. It's purely a personal choice to help me stay in control of my habits and maximize my ability to take in H2O! - Stephanie

My doctor told me that I was allowed to drink diet sodas if I wanted. Well, I've NEVER been a fan of diet drinks, so that helps out. I've had a little bit of diet soda now and again, and it makes me really gassy. So I only have a little bit if I'm really craving it, and I mean less than a quarter cup. Nothing I would make a habit of as it just doesn't make my stomach feel good. Kim

My Docs said there is no way that carbonation will expand the pouch. He cleared me to have a diet coke every once in a while. Fountain or in a glass of ice because of the carbonization and gas. Good Luck. I'd do what your doctor tells you.

We are at the stage now where it is okay to have an occasional soda but with experiance it give me bad gas an bloats me. not all the time if there is alot of ice. Its really personal prefrance and how it makes you feel but keep it like a treat. LIZZEY