Question:
Waht types of beverages can we have post op?

I am 4 weeks post op and I was wondering if I can drink juices? If so what kind and how much? Also I love tea with sugar. It used to be one cup of sugar to one gallon of tea is that too much sugar? Oh I am also going out with friends this weekend and I would like to have one alcoholic beverage. Can anyone suggest one?    — DENISE E. (posted on May 12, 2003)

May 12, 2003
I had my surgery almost 7 months ago. I usually drink crystal light, flavored water, diet pop occassionally (i try to get caffeine free). As far as alcholic beverages, my surgeon said we couldnt have any until 6 months out. I usually will drink a beer (one gets me buzzed)Hope this helps. Shannon
   — Shannon S.

May 12, 2003
You should really limit your consumption of calorie-containing beverages. As far as sugar goes, it shouldn't be in your post-op diet. If you are prone to dumping, it is going to cause you major discomfort. And if you don't dump on sugar, it's going to lead to a less than successful results from your surgery. What do you need sugar in your tea? What's wrong with Sweet and Low, Splenda or Equal? As far as drinking alcoholic beverages as 4 weeks out - I wouldn't. And I would highly discourage it at any time in the future, although there are those that would disagree with me. With the small pouch, the toxic effects of the alcohol to your brain and your liver are going to be intensified...JR
   — John Rushton

May 12, 2003
I drink iced tea sweetened with 3/4 cup of Splenda (per gallon); Propel flavored water; Kool-aid sweetened with Splenda; Juices (even over 9 months post-op) I dilute with water to cut the sugar, calories and acid in them (avoid the baby food brands - they are LOADED with sugar!); diet soda which is allowed by my surgeon (may not be by yours though); For alcoholic drinks when I have one it's usually a sugar-free vodka Collins (diet squirt with vodka and ice) or rum and diet coke.
   — [Deactivated Member]

May 12, 2003
Denise, that would be too much sugar, I would use splenda instead, probably taste just as good since splenda is made from real sugar. Also, my surgeon said Diet snapple is ok, but not diet soda b/c of carbonation. Crystal light is a great choice. You can have juice, but I'd limit it to 4oz a day. You'd be surprised how many calories and sugar is in just one cup of apple or orange juice! I will do 4oz of OJ and mix it with some water. To be honest though, I only drink water, i just love it- I know many don't know! I was a huge juice and soda drinker before- addicted to coca cola! But now I learned to live w/o it. Goodluck to you :-)
   — Lezlie Y.

May 13, 2003
Hi Denise! I was told by a nutritionist to avoid juices, always. They have too much added sugar, and that isn't good because as soon as the body's insulin level goes up, the body immediately stops burning fat. I find that sugar free Tang breaks up the monotony of water, water, water. Crystal light is good, too, if you like the taste. Be cautious of consuming too much aspartame, tho as it can cause water retention.
   — cherryswitch

May 13, 2003
To clarify, that was fruit juices to avoid. Vegetable juices are okay, but watch the sodium levels - again, water retention.
   — cherryswitch