Stewart's Root Beer

I'm having my first glass of the summer as I type. I'm not using a straw and I let it go mostly flat, BUT it still tastes so wonderful. Mmmmmmmmmmmmm, SF liquid creamy yum. Robin

Robin~ I am so glad you are enjoying your first Stewarts of the summer! I know how nice a cold, favorite drink can refresh! Your post reminded me of my biggest worry after having surgery next month. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE DIET PEPSI! It is my best friend sometimes.... well, not really, but I do LOVE it! Some days I will only have 1 glass, but I rarely go a day without at least one soda. I am really going to miss Diet Pepsi after surgery Does anyone have any tips for me about giving up my Diet Pepsi.... I am sure I am not the only one who was worried about no soda after surgery. Can I EVER have Diet Pepsi again? Michelle

Hey Michelle: My nut doesn't have a problem with me having diet pepsi - as long as it is not a substitute for water. I gave it up for a few months, but found myself really craving it. I, too, used to drink maybe 2 - 3 diet pepsi's and/or diet mt dew's a day, but now I have it maybe once or twice a week as a treat. Now I have to drink it slowly, so a 20-oz bottle will last me over an hour. You will see - immediately after surgery you will have no problem giving up certian foods / drinks. Food and drink do not call to you the same way. Good luck!!

Hi Michelle The big thing about surgery and pop (ok okay.. SODA for you Jersey folks) is that it has carbonation. You have a pouch, that especially at first you want to treat V-e-r-y gently, which does NOT include carbonation. You ask about Diet Pop. Will you ever be able to have it again? SURE. But, you will have tastes change, I didnt believe it but they DO. Dunno why. But some things you love all your life you wont want any more. Take Lasagna. I was a bigger lasagna fan than Garfield, no lie. I literally know about 8 different recipes for killer lasagna, one I call Bachelor Lasagna with 4 cheese and real fresh spinach... mmmmmmmmm (if only I still liked lasagna). Since surgery I cant stand the stuff . I dont eat many carbs, and I tried it once.... and I spit it out. I dont miss it either. You may still love Diet Pepsi. And then again you might not? You dont know. Some people in the support group were big pop drinkers before surgery and are a couple years out (my wife for example) and dont drink pop at ALL. (or soda for that matter...hehehehe - but it IS pop not soda : PPP) Others in our group drink it but SLOWLY..most wait 6 months or a year. At Six months, I would empty Diet Dr Pepper (my favorite diet) into a 2 liter bottle, or even better a big juice bottle (the 1.5 or 2 quart size)........ squeeze the bottle then seal with it dented in.. then shake. This lets the carbonation escape..... then repeat as many times as necessary to get it flatter than a pancake. I did that at Six months... because I was still worried about the effect on my pouch. At one YEAR, I found I could drink small sips of pop (soda) and swi**** in my mouth to remove the bubbles, then swallow. At about 18 months (about a month ago or so) I found if I drink VERY slowly then I can drink it without removing the carbonation. SLOW is key, a few times I have gulped a little, one or two gulps... and you get what I call... POUCH PAIN. And its NOT pleasant. But yes... you will someday be able to drink pop again (soda again.) Hugs God Bless Timmy Ray

Yummy! I also have diet caffine free pepsi sometimes...as a treat. Enjoy. Shaun

Hey Shaun ! You should post about yourself Shaun, and let us get to know you a little better? If you already have, then mea culpa, my bad. Either way, Hello, greetings and welcome to the New Jersey Board Dude ! I am Timmy Ray, 42, 18 months out, I had my surgery in Iowa, moved to New Jersey, and Im down about 210 pounds or so...with about 150 left to go. So, when you can, post and tell us about yourself, what you enjoy, how your post surgery journey has been, your hobbies, family, where you live...anything that you choose to share to let us get to know *you* : ) Have a super day my man God Bless Timmy Ray

Hey Shaun How you doing today? Do you have any plans for the weekend? Take care Timmy Ray