New Pics & A Few Questions

Ok, first of all I had my hubby take some pics tonight now that I have lost 42 pounds. They are right here in the post-op folder. http://www.picturetrail.com/kgslaugh Second, how do we all feel about drinking straws? My doc says no, but I feel like I can get more liquid in when I use them. Anyone else have a thought? Also, is anybody drinking diet soda yet?? Thanks KT

WOOHOO KT you look awesome! I know you must feel amazing! as far as the straws go... I have gotten in the habit lately of iced coffee with a straw, it definitely makes me get in much more liquid. Plus, it's a wonderful appetite suppressent (the coffee that is...) As a former diet coke lover, that is one thing I am choosing not to go back to. At the Obesity Help convention in Southern California, Dr. Simpson talked about coffee, sodas and drinking with meals. His take is that coffee is just fine and does not give you an ulcer, soda is probably fine, but the most successful post ops tend NOT to be soda drinkers. He did say that he felt it was impossible for the carbonation to stretch a pouch, since he felt the gas would come out either through the top end or the bottom end of a person just like pre-op... By the way, drinking with meals is also something that the most successful post ops tend NOT to do. However, he did say that having an occasional sip to just moisten your mouth wouldn't do any harm at all. Just don't take constant drinks or chug a beverage with your food. ~Sue

I second Sue's post. You look GREAT!! I am staying away from straws as much as possible. I do sometimes forget though. My husband usually snatches it before I even get the drink to my mouth. I am also going to stay away from soda. I work in a restaurant and it is always around me, so, it is hard sometimes. But, I have become so addicted to water that the cravings are going away. Kell

The nutritionist at my doctor's office told me at my two month checkup that I could try to drink with a straw but if I felt that I was getting too much air, then I was to stop for a couple weeks and try again. I, so far, have had no problem with straws and I get alot more liquid in when I use them. As far as soda, she said that a sip or two of diet was fine but that was it. She says that once the carbonation hits our stomach it starts to heat up and expands which could possibly stretch your pouch. I have taken a couple sips of my daughter's soda when out to dinner and have had no problem. Amy

You look great!! Congrats!! I drank from a straw in the past, I never knew you that it was a no-no, but all docs are different. I dont recall having gas, I do know that I try different things to make the water drinking not so monotonous, I've switched to diet, caffeine free ice tea, thats much easier to get down and I sometimes use a straw.

Thanks for your posts gang! I deifinitely am glad to hear more successful post-ops don't use straws or drink soda. I am going to check with my doc on the 10th of december. I'll let y'all know what he says! -Keep up the good work! KT

I was told no soda - ever. No carbonated drinks. As for straws - I don't see the harm.

Anything with carbination can potentially stretch your pouch..... is a diet coke , bubbly water , carbinated alcohol drinks really worth that ? Something you need to ask yourself. Drinking from the straws could lead to excess air in your tummy which will cause gas and uncomfortable feelings as well. Gotta be smart and safe.