Carbonated beverages?

Does anyone know the specifics of why you are not supposed to drink carbonated beverages?

I'm no medical professional here, but my understanding re: carbonation (besides the sugar in the non-diet ones, which is likely to make you dump and be empty calories) is that the air takes up space in the stomach. I would think that would be a little tough on a 'new' pouch, as well as filling you up on non-nutritious food when you need whatever nutrition you can get in your new calorie intake. Make sense?

I was told the carbonation can stretch your pouch so I have stayed as far away as possible from it. I'm not sure but my doctor says stay clear away. I'm 2 years out now. Sherry

My surgeon said the stretching of the pouch was an Urban Legend - but that said he does not recommend drinking them - as they do take up space that you need to use for protein. I know early out - when I drank them - they made me very uncomfortable. (The carbonation) I have had them a couple of times in the recent few months - but if you stay away from them - you eventually get to where you don't miss them. Anne

According to my doctor, there are three reasons: 1. empty calories; getting back to bad habits 2. the air/carbonation slightly stretches the stomach and 3. NOBODY (WLS or non WLS) should drink carbonated beverages because they are somewhat corrosive to the lining of the stomach. He also said letting them open to "flatten" does not matter a whole lot, and in general WLS patients should stay away from them and chose a healthier beverage for their sensitive pouches. Samantha

I am a nurse and most of the posts make sense, but I'll just answer as a 11 month post-op. I never was big on dringing sodas, but occassionally I would drink a Dr. Pepper (with sugar). Now I rarely will take a sip of Diet Dr. Pepper and it hurts from the first sip. It makes my little stomach spasm. I don't think it's necessary to stop drinking them to avoid a bad habit. The pouch is there as a tool, but it is certainly not taking care of what your brain tells you. My brain still says that I can eat a BIG hamburger and French Fries and large Dr. Pepper, but my pouch goes to work after the first BIG bite of a hamburger and so I have to throw most of it away. I LOVE TO EAT. That's how I got to 300 lbs. The pouch is there for a tool, but it doesn't override the brain until it gets full. Long answer for such a short question.