3 weeks post op and I have a few questions.

Hi all,

I read all the post's on this site and I've seen some post's that have raised some questions.

1. I was told by my surgeon and NUT that carbonated beverages were taboo forever after surgery. I have read some post's where there is reference to drinking beer. What is the skinny on drinking beer? Is it ok or taboo? I was a beer drinker (not alot maybe a six pack while fishing).

2. This is not from any posts just a question I have. I have extreme cotton mouth since surgery. Is this normal or does it go away after awhile? I am getting plenty of fluids(>64 fl ounces)


Thanks in advance

I had really bad cotton mouth for awhile after surgery, it went away for me after a month or so.  As far as beer and carbonated beverages, some surgeons say it's an absolute no-no, some don't subscribe to the theory that it is harmful to your pouch (my surgeon falls in the latter category).  The most important thing to keep in mind is that beer and other carbonated beverages typically have a bunch of empty calories, i've definitley tossed back a few cold ones from time to time (first one was after 3 months), but as i track every calorie, it becomes pretty clear that it really didn't make sense to drink beer on a regular basis.  And you will definitely feel the effects sooner than before, so watch out during social events.

The only thing I drink  after surgery that is carbonated is diet soda. Me and beer or booze of any kind didn't get along to well after wls. Lots of empty cal's in beer that I would rather spend on food. I suppose one every once in awhile wont hurt but for me it got a little crazy...lol My surgeon said no soda because of the snack factor. If I think about it I used to drink soda with chips and crap like that. So he said to just be aware of that and I should be OK.

As far as the cotton mouth the only thing I could suggest is to try to get in some electrolytes. Maybe g2 my surgeon had us drink v-8 juice early on about 8-10 oz before water. He said it would help. Cant remember if it worked or not.....lol

Just hang in there your body is going through hell right now at three weeks out.

Derrick

Take a sip of coke or pepsi and you will find out fast what the problem is.  After about 6 months you will be able to handle a little carbonated diet soda but you will have to pick one with small bubbles (less carbonation).  It took a couple years before I could handle a drink of diet cola's and I still don't prefer them even though Pepsi was my favorite soft drink pre-op.  I now drink a Diet Dew every morning as I dont drink coffee.

Beer - Stay away from it for at least 9 months, and when you try it don't be alone and be at home.  I can have a couple, but they affect me very fast.  Don't even think about going round for round with even your wife.  If I drink one beer as fast as my friends I am drunk on 1, if I drink at half speed I can stay fairly sober, but I am almost 5 years post.  So, you don't need to abstain forever, but do try to abstain until you are on maintenance.

Diet dew is the best! I love that stuff.....There is also some new diet sierra mist ruby splash that we got last week and I like that also.

Derrick

Thanks guys!

Not that I'm thinking of drinking carbonated beverages anytime soon. I figure I better follow my doctors plan for now and when I get to goal and maintaining then I might entertain the idea of one.

 

Ditto on what others have said.  Just want to remind you about a few things.  Alcoholism is real for many post ops.  Some who were social drinkers pre op turn to alcohol big time post op.  As you may know, the part of your body that has been bypassed would take the alcohol awhile to enter the small intestine and blood stream.  Now it shoots through straight to the blood stream.  It can take minutes to get drunk on very small amounts.  It also leaves the blood stream very quickly...so you are high for a shorter time period also.
The other thing I want to share is the mental side of WLS.  We all have reached for food for our comfort and relaxation...What happens when that is taken away??  You'll replace it with something or go nuts.  Some go into exercise big time (socially acceptable).  Others go into shopping.  Others become sex addicts.  Over the years at support groups and on these boards I have see alot of lives torn apart by not being able to cope with their loss of food.  Just giving you the heads up.  I am not a tea totalling guy.  I'll have a 1/2oz of wine once a month (usually for my heart).  Just giving you the heads up on this on what could and does happen.  Brian