Question:
V-8 and Ulcers?

My doc said that drinking V-8 is not good because it is too acidic and can cause ulcers. He said it's like orange juice and should wait about 1 year post op. I'm at 1 mo post op and love the stuff! Any advice?    — Michelle I. (posted on February 12, 2002)

February 12, 2002
Wow...I hope that's not true. I drink orange juice all the time. I've had problems keeping food down, but my doctor hasn't said anything negative about the juice. I'm interested in seeing the other responses to this question.
   — Monica H.

February 12, 2002
My dr's instructions were to avoid tomatoes and citrus for the first couple of months after surgery because the tissues were still inflamed and tender. But he released me after 2 mos to eat anything I can tolerate. Every dr is different but I do drink orange juice (a couple of swigs at a time--about 1/2 gallon every 6 wks) and eat tomatoes and have never had problems (yet!). Then again, I always had a stomach o' steel before. If you have a sensitive stomach it may be different for you. I personally think it is probably wise to avoid anything too acidic until that 2 month mark. That way you know everything that's gonna heal up has done it. Happy losing!
   — ctyst

February 12, 2002
My advice normally is to follow your doctor's instructions. However, my doctor released me from the hospital on full liquids and one of the things he recommended was V8 Juice. I love the stuff and drank about 30-40 ounces of it a day for a week. I have had no problems from it and now, if I feel nauseated, I drink a glass of V8 and my stomach settles right down. I can't explain it, but the stuff has been great for me. I just went for my 10 week checkup and my doctor questioned me about what I am eating. One of the things he asked about was tomatos. I told him yes and he said good. He also said I could have any fresh vegetable and any frest fruit and that citrus fruits were very good. I don't know what to tell you about the V8 - it was a Godsend for me because I couldn't stand any of the sweet tasting things that I was offered.
   — Patty_Butler

February 12, 2002
We're even given V8 during our CLEAR liquid stage! Although it doesn't list the % of tomato juice to the other veggies, it is not very acidic at all or I would not tolerate it. I had not had OJ for years pre-op, because it burned. I don't drink it post-op because of the high sugars. Tomato juice seems to be more acidic than V8. Figure it.
   — vitalady