Calling All Past Soda Lovers

Good evening everyone!!!

So all of the soda lovers out there. I am hearing that one of the things you cannot have after this lifestyle change is soda. As a lifetime soda lover - it must be an addiction to the carbonation- this makes me sad but only for a moment because I know this is what needs to be done. How did you cope with this change, are there any substitutes that help - even with the transition. I have weaned myself off of the soda before and have been successful, but I would treat myself here and there. I know this isn't something that I can do anymore after the surgery.

Today is day 1 without soda-Pre-op. My first appointment with the Bariatric program is November 15th.

I missed the flavor of the soda I used to drink, not the carbonation. I drink one now and then, but I let it go flat before I drink it.

is it OK flat? Or does the sugar make you sick?

Oh, only diet soda, I never eat or drink anything with real sugar.

I have zero trouble admitting to a Diet Coke addiction. Both pre and post op.

My first soda post op was somewhere around six or nine months out. Today I consume probably more than I should, but it is something I am unwilling to give up at this point. (I am nine years out this December).

Follow your surgeon's plan obviously until you are completely healed. But once you are at that point there is no medical reason to avoid soda if you enjoy it. There are studies correlating soda intake with weight gain. But there is nothing proving (diet) soda leads to weigh increases. If it takes 3500 calories to produce a pound, how many zero calorie Diet Cokes can you drink before gaining? See what I mean?

Take it all with a grain of salt and then do what's best for you. That is what will work. We are all different.

For the love of God though please don't fall into the lie that soda/carbonation stretches your pouch. Doesn't happen. Your pouch has an opening in the top and in the bottom. Gas bubbles are released through these. There is absolutely zero danger of pouch "stretching" due to carbonation buildup. =)

But it burns like he'll. Still. All these years.

To the OP. After surgery it will be important to eat your calories not drink them. Sugared soda pop will never be a good choice.

Another Diet Coke addict before/after surgery here. I try to limit to one per day (one...large one) but that doesn't always happen. My answer to those who have argued with it is basically: I don't drink, I don't smoke, I don't do drugs, & I barely eat, BACK OFF.

This is great to hear. I have heard rumors of the carbonation making your pouch stretch before its healed. However, I havent seen my surgeon yet to ask. I LOVE coke but also love Coke Zero so hopefully later on when I have healed I can enjoy a little can here and there. Idk what it is - that is also my addiction I guess haha. I do not smoke, drink, or do drugs. Food and pop have been my drug. Thank you so much!

I waited about 18 months after surgery to have soda, but I drink it all the time now. I drink bottles that have been shaken up, and go flat a little bit. I have no trouble drinking a fountain soda from McD's or any other restaurant. One think I don't drink in soda in a can, because it has way too much carbonation for me. It hurts to drink too much carbonation.

Ditto. Cans and small bottles seem to have the most carbonation, and are uncomfortable. Fountain drinks have less.