Question for Dr. C. - re: carbonation and pouches

Hi Doctor C., Does carbonation from pop cause the RNY pouch to expand and get bigger? I am fairly religious about sticking to my water and good food choices, but I do have a thing for A&W diet rootbeer. My peers on the April message board are claiming that the carbonation will expand my pouch. Can you advise what your thoughts are regarding this? The only thing I have noticed is sometimes a little discomfort but I haven't increased my food intake since I've been allowing myself to have the root beer(for several months). My understanding is that pop was discouraged because of the sodium and the discomfort from the carbonation, in addition to it not being a good food choice However, with that in mind, as long as I'm getting adequate fluid intake from water, etc to compensate for the additional sodium in pop is it an absolute no-no? Thanks in advance for your input! Regards, Laura

Dr C, Another question to add to the first question. Can a pouch really expand. and what would cause this and does it take years or months, This is one of my biggist fears. It would be terrible. Does this happen to many RNY . and is it more likly to happen to a lapband over an rny. And would the patient really have to over eat everyday. Thank you Barb

I think overeating is a more likely cause for pouch enlargement, although abuse of carbonated beverages certainly could do it. I'd recommend staying away from it altogether, however if you have to have it make sure that it is diet, and let it fiz down quite a bit before you drink it, and just sip, don't gulp. As far as I know, it's never been really studied. Dr. C

Hi Dr. C.! I'm going to add on to Barb's question... as I know that many of us are paranoid about the subject of stretching out our pouches! What kind of frequency does it take to stretch the pouch & do you have to overeat by large volumes. Does the occassional "wow, I probably shouldn't have eaten that much... but, I'm not really all that uncomfortable" feeling hurt anything in this regard??? I've never eaten to the point of being uncomfortable... but, often wonder if I'm drinking my fluids too quickly.... again, with no real discomfort. But, the concern (paranoia) is ALWAYS present. Could you please expand upon this?!? Thanks bunches & bunches for your support & taking the time to read/answer all of our questions!!! You are WONDERFUL. Karen

Laura Don't know if this will help you or not. I too have been having cravings for pop. (diet dr. pepper). I just open a can and put it in a glass in the fridge overnight and it is flat be the next evening. Works for me, if you like flat pop. Aimee