soda poll.....

I am craving a pepsi so bad! I was addicted to it before surgery but have been good since 2 weeks prior to surgery and not had one. My question is...who on here has had soda and what do your doctors say about it? Is it REALLY bad or is it okay in moderation? Does it really stretch the pouch? I have heard some say no some say yes?!

I don't believe it is that evil. I do know that it doesn't work will with calcium supplements. I have not tried soda as yet. I was not addicted to soda before hand though. Maybe when summer is here I will venture to try it. I have been real good with my do's and don'ts. I stay away from caffine also. I know on the main board many post ops drink sodas. Take care, Janice

I've been craving soda too. Regular Coke or Diet Mt. Dew Code Red. I have tried some diet soda, but I couldn't handle it...the bubbles were too much. I'm not going to try it again, because I've heard it's not good for you, too, and I'm struggling enough as it is. Also, I know someone who had WLS about 27 months ago and all she does is drink caffeine-free Diet Coke--since about 6 months after her surgery. Her weight loss has been stalled since about 18 months out. I wonder if that's the reason?

I will NOT touch the stuff... i too was a soda addict.. but i have made so much progress that I am not even going to derail myself... it is not worth it to me.. And soda is bad for you even not having the surgery... when you drink a pop it is cold and once it enters into your stomach it then warms up and gases do cause expantion... whether or not it will do this to the pouch.. Well im not willing to find out... there is no good reason to drink a soda... it doesnt do anything for you and gives you nothing your body needs... but, we are all grown ups and do what we must.. good luck to you on your decision.. to me it is just not worth it.. Leslie 333/245/170 -88 lbs

Hi Christine! I also was a total soda addict before surgery. I've given it up except for a couple times a month when I have a diet coke. I really enjoy it when I have it and havn't had any ill effects I've also heard that it can stretch the pouch, but I havn't had any pain or anything bad happen to me when I've drank it. I think as with anything, moderation is the key. Craigerzz

I just started drinking a little bit of diet soda (caffeine free type). It seems to be fine. I can't drink it fast or in large amounts though. I drink probably 4-6 ounces and that is enough for me. I think this last week I have had it 2-3 times. My doctor doesn't say no for it anyhow. I am Post op from DS though, so maybe RNY is different. Do what your doctor recommends if you are worried. Robin G DS 10/26/04 249/181/130's

Hello Christine, I personally was also addicted to diet soda but have not craved it as of yet. I did try a sip of my son's and it just didn't feel right going down. My doctor said if I do drink it, to let it sit out for 1 hour so it goes flat, for me this is gross so I just rather do w/out. I did meet a lady in my support group that is 2 years out and she has lost 100 LBS. she weighs 200 lbs. now and says she needs to loose 70 more, but she can't because she is addicted to regular soda and she drinks a 2 liter every weekend. Just my 2 cents if you really want it it should definetely by diet!

Hi Christine, Yes, I was a big pop drinker also. But after going through all of this, I am not going to take a chance. I drink a lot of iced tea now. That seems to hit the spot. My sister had the surgery 4 years ago. She is again a big pop drinker and sometimes alcohol. Her pouch has stretched out. Don't know if that is releated, but she is now looking into having a revision. Good luck on your decision. It is one that only you can make. Shelia

My post-op diet states that at 4 months out I can incorperate carbination back into my diet. However, it does stress that it must be diet. Regular sodas have like 9 spoons of sugar in them! I must admit that I did try soda before 4 months(I wont be 4 months for 2 days) and I have had no problems. I don't have it often, at lease not often compared to before surgery. I have maybe 3 cans per week. Pretty much, my surgeon doesn't recommend it before the 4 month mark because it can make us "feel yucky" I have never been told by my surgeon or her office that soda will stretch the pouch. Just to be on the safe side, when I drink soda I pour it in a glass from high above the glass. This tends to help lessen the bubbles, but it still tastes good, not flat! I hope this helps you. Just remember moderation is the key! Go ahead, try it. Just don't go overboard! Remember, caffine helps to dehydrate you so when you have it you still have to make sure you get all of your water in... plus some! Sodas do not count toward your daily liquid requirement! Have a great day! Amber

I was a HUGE Diet Coke junkie prior to surgery. But I haven't touched one since the surgery and don't plan on it. My doctor said the carbonation will cause your pouch to expand. I'm doing good just getting in my water for the day!