Question:
To Fizz or not to Fizz?
I see many people still consume carbonated bevarages (diet soda/beer); still others proclaim that carbonation will strech your pouch. Is there any evidince on this one pro or con? I just slowly drank a carbonated bevrage, poured it in a glass, gave it a couple of stirs with a fork and over the course of 1hr consumed 12oz. Am I hurting myself? PLEASE ADVISE. — Ray O. (posted on July 18, 2002)
July 17, 2002
I had my first sip of diet, caffeine free soda at 2 months post-op. I
don't do it regularly. The carbonation tends to make me feel uncomfortable
and bloated at times so I try to avoid it. I do on occassion have a diet
soda, 1 can throughout the day and I don't particularly like beer but every
now and then have a Smrinoff Ice when I go out. I don't think a little
every now and then will hurt but I wouldn't make it an everyday thing. I
have never heard any evidence of it stretching the pouch. Just start
drinking water, after awhile you don't crave the carbonation. Take it from
a recovering soda addict, I used to down a 12 pack of regular Coke in a
day, sometimes more. I say enjoy a little bit every now and then. If you
let it go flat then there's nothing to worry about but flat soda, what the
point? LOL
— Angie B.
July 17, 2002
My doctor insists that the gas from the carbonation will stretch out your
pouch and negate the effects of the surgery. So according to him, yes, you
are hurting yourself and sabotaging your surgery. I don't know personally
since I'm not a medical professional. I am guessing it's OK to let a soda
sit open and go flat then you can drink it. I miss my fizzy drinks. I
really liked them but oh well. I guess I'll just have to live without
them. For me, Crystal lite is a big help in that department.
— Carmen K.
July 18, 2002
Pour some carbonated beverage in a small zip lock bag- seal it- now give it
a shake- see how the gas expands- that is what happens inside your small
pouch- now you decide if you want that inside you!
— ~~Stacie~~
July 18, 2002
My surgeon has told me that yes the carbonation does stretch out your pouch
and I agree with the previous poster pouring it in a ziplock bag, that is a
great demonstration! I personally don't think it is a wise choice to drink
them but its up to you, everyone is different. Good luck!
— Rebekah A.
July 18, 2002
Carbonation makes my pouch feel like it is going to explode! When I just
HAVE to have a soft drink, I pour a small amount over lots of ice and swirl
it real good to get some of the carbonation out. Then I can drink it
comfortably. I usually only have a couple ounces and I'm satisfied. I only
do this every couple months or so when I get that craving. It only makes
sense that the carbonation would stretch your pouch PLUS I heard that the
acidity is not good for the staples. Don't know for sure but I'd hate to
find out the hard way!
— ctyst
July 18, 2002
Hi, at 6 weeks post-op, I have just had my first sip of diet soda, since my
surgery, and let me tell you ... it tastes HORRIBLE! I don't see how I
lived off this stuff prior to surgery. My doctor says he doesn't discourage
his patients from drinking diet soda, he just says "everything in
moderation". Well, my body is moderating for itself, and it says
"Pass me the water,please!" :)
— Dawn M.
July 18, 2002
I use to put Splenda in my diet drinks as it would take the fizz out and
sweeten it like regular. Now I just drink it plain. I'm still losing weight
and I still eat small meals. So it is'nt expanding my pouch. If anyone
feels pop is damaging theirs, then please don't do it. But as for me, it
is'nt hurting anything. And as long as it's diet it is'nt adding calories.
Everyone has to try it and see how they feel. But as far as I can see, the
most important thing is NOT to drink it fast. That way it WILL stretch it
out. Just go easy until you find YOUR comfort level. Mine is NOT someone
else's and their's is not mine. Best of luck to you.
— Danmark
July 18, 2002
Ugh! I just have to say something here. In terms of the whole pouring some
soda into a plastic bag. Ahem! Your "pouch" isn't air tight like
a plastic zip lock baggy is. Our body has a way of releasing the extra gas,
that perhaps you've heard of... it's called burping! Also, your drink isn't
going to stay inside of your pouch for hours and hours to the point where
it explodes. It will move through you.
— Heather H.
July 19, 2002
My doctor is adament about WLS patients NOT consuming carbonated drinks
stating that it WILL stretch the pouch and contribute to failure. I have
no intention of ever touching soda again. I worked to hard to get this
surgery and succeed. I don't want any chance of sabotaging my results.
— Suzanne D.
July 19, 2002
The great carbonation debate continues! Every surgeon has a different
opinion on this. You could get 500 differing opinions on this site, but
that does NOT mean that your surgeon is WRONG with his own opinions. My
surgeon told me at 4 weeks postop I could have diet soda as tolerated. I
have about 2-3 ounces of diet coke maybe three times a week....over ice to
take out some of the fizz. I can only tolerate it after I put it over ice
and let it set for a few minutes. As my doctor stated.....drink it as
tolerated. There is no proven evidence anywhere that carbonation stretches
out the pouch. Let the debate continue....!!
— Getting H.
July 19, 2002
You also need to consider the fact that carbonation hinders the absorption
of calcium. That is one very good reason to stay away from the bubbly!
— Cheri M.
July 19, 2002
Just wanted to add some "Food Science" trivia at you. Diet Pop
has more carbonation in it than regular pop. This is to fool your mouth to
compensate for the absence of sugar, which gives a particular "mouth
feel". If you think that diet pop tastes disgusting when it is flat,
you may be on to something. Other than that, Dr. Atkins taught me a
wonderful trick. A diet pop with 1 Tablespoon 1/2 and 1/2 and two packets
of splenda makes a fabulous "farmers soda" that is creamy and
sweet and delicious -- the additions render it "uncarbonated".
Maybe this will work for those of you having pop withdrawals. Don't say
yuck until you try it!
— Karen F.
July 20, 2002
ORIGINAL POSTER**
-Thank you to all who contributed. Just a word about the site, it truly is
a magnificent tool/outlet, but most of all an abundant source of
information for all of us who have undergone this life altering procedure.
Unfortunately often in life information is distributed with an air of
superiority and sometimes plain old nastiness. Such is life I guess.
I am truly grateful for all of the input.
— Ray O.
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