Question:
Have you started drinking carbonated bev. or started back smoking post-op?

   — Jane W. (posted on April 30, 2010)


April 30, 2010
My Dr told me no soda, and I heard if you smoke you can get ulcers.
   — FSUMom

April 30, 2010
I'm only 6 weeks post-op, and although I do find myself eyeing others sodas, I wouldn't put one in my mouth. I've found that sometimes the IDEA or MEMORY of something seems good, but the REALITY is that it won't be good for you. Carbonation in my little pouch? Ugh. No thanks! I was never a smoker so I can't testify to that. I've had the opportunity to taste things I shouldn't and drink things I shouldn't. My philosophy is not to start back with the bad habits, then I won't have to break them again. Good luck to you!
   — spitfire0379

April 30, 2010
My doctor told me no carbonated drinks EVER! I was not a soda drinker before my surgery, so it is not bothering me, but I am really craving a root beer, Funny, UH? I have friends that had surgery 3 yrs and some 5 years and they were told....by the same Doctor they could have DIET SODAs. Funny how things have changed as the years go by. Then sodas, now no sodas. I for one don't want to risk it. Good Luck to you.
   — Jolee V.

April 30, 2010
I don't drink fizzy drinks as was told not to - know others that do. Yeah I started smoking again about 10mths after surgery! Am a bit worried about it, but old habbits die hard.
   — island651

April 30, 2010
Hi Jane. I must admit although I was told not to I have tried sodas and other carbonated drinks. They hurt my chest when I drink them so I don't. Even taking a sip off of my boyfriends or daughters makes my eyes water, my nose run, and a tight hurt in my chest. In the 2 years since my surgery I bet I've taken 3 sips and not one of them was worth it.
   — Caribou ME

April 30, 2010
I went to an info session before surgery where the surgeon did a demo. Put about a half cup of soda in a ziploc bag and close it. Then shake it up a little.. you will watch the bag expand with the "gasses". The doctor indicated this is what happened to your old stomach. The gas in the carbonation makes your stomach stretch out and eventually it will start expanding and not contracting to it's original size. I dont know about you guys, but I didn't go through all of this to have it happen again. 4 months post op & down 91.8 lbs.......I'm not risking it !
   — KQinNC

April 30, 2010
You have chosen to undergo a life long change for the betterment of your life. Along with this change it has been advised to start excercising. Please think long and hard before you start back smoking. There really isn't anything good about that at all, substitute excercise for that craving. I can say that as I am an ex-smoker. Your body has already started to heal itself if you have stopped smoking, let it continue on its journey towards healthy lungs. As far as soda is concerned, I was a real big beer drinker. I tried carbonated when I was a year out, It didn't sit right. if you want the taste of soda, pour it in a glass, stir it up to get some of the bubbles gone and put ice with it/ The bubbles are not good for our pouches. I hope I didn't sound too preachy, but We are on this journey to become healthy and for many of us we need to change many things and our surgery is just one of the tools we have to work with. Best wishes to you.
   — DeniseHolstege

May 1, 2010
With a RNY....no pop, or you'll stretch your pouch. Smoking, in my opinion, is never good for anyone. I'm an RN, what can I say? I had a DS, so yes, I drink pop. I started 6 mos. after my surgery. You went through surgery to lose the weight, so stretching out your pouch would be counterproductive. Do you really want to undo the benefit your surgery provided? Just my 2 cents. Take care of yourself, Marsha
   — Marsha G.

May 1, 2010
I cannot imagine anyone having the willpower to quit smoking before surgery, and then the insanity of starting it up again, knowing that it causes cancer and other illnesses, not to mention the expense, the stink and the other social restraints against smoking now. I quit smoking cold turkey overnight after 20 years of working up to a two pack a day habit. I didn't have the nicotine patch or the nicorette gum. I just got scared because I had a cough that wouldn't go away. That was in 1992. I haven't smoked since, and you couldn't get me to touch those things with a ten foot pole. In fact, you couldn't get me close to ANYONE who'd touched those things with a ten foot pole. The odor is nauseating and permeates everything you wear or get close too. If you have stopped, please don't go back.
   — Erica Alikchihoo

May 1, 2010
Not to gang up, Jane, but I've got to echo the sentiments from Jane, Denise, Erica and others. You took the first big step to permanently making your lifestyle more healthy - don't counteract that good measure.
   — HLB

May 1, 2010
My doctor's info session prior to surgery said drinking carb beverages was not a good idea. However, it was said that if you feel that you cannot live without one, let it go flat first and then only diet drinks. I haven't drank any yet and plan to try and stay off them.
   — tandalyncarter

May 3, 2010
As a former smoker and Diet Pepsi o-holic, I had a horrible time giving up both of these items in order to get approval for my RNY (12/23/09). I think the pop was even harder to give up than the cigs! I had been a smoker basically since high school and had decided that I would ONLY give up smoking for as long as I had to in order to get past my surgery. Initially, I planned on bringing a pack of cigs to the hospital with me, but as time went on, I decided that I would just take it a day at a time and see how far I could get. I also decided that every week, I would take my cig money and put it in savings to buy one of those new front-loading washing machines. Anyway, I just passed my 6 month no-smoking anniversary and am still going strong. I was the world's worst pro-advocate for smokers. I HATE being told what to do and would light TWO smokes when I saw those ads on TV. All you can do is your best and just try. I can't tell you how much better I feel now! Don't tell yourself you're quitting forever. Just tell yourself that for now, you are choosing to be a non-smoker and then just take it a day at a time. As for the pop, I have to admit that I have tried it a couple times, but to be honest, I don't really like it any more. It feels very uncomfortable to drink and doesn't even taste good to me any more. I'd much rather drink my peach tea thingy's that I get from Kroger and add in my water bottles. No calories, no caffeine, and they help me get all my water in! If you can, try not to focus on the things you shouldn't be doing. All you can do is your best and know that if you want to get the most out of this wonderful gift, you need to do what the doctor tells you. Take care, Kristin
   — taylork25

May 3, 2010
Had my surgery GNY, 11 months ago. Down 98.4 pounds. I think it is human nature to try things especially things we use to like. But you have to decide what it is you want. You have made life changing decisions and you will continue to do so. I have had 3 cans of Root-beer...LOL over the pasted 9 months. The first one I let go completely flat, it was ok, the seconds one I didn't let go flat and had had gas issues. The third one I actually had yesterday. It was flat and I had lots of gas. My orientation and everything I have read say stay away form carbonated drinks, which every one here is telling you. Some additional info I've picked up is that soda contains phosphorous, the stuff that etches metal and glass. Anit-soda folks have always said the ingredients in soda is not good for you but in the old days the size of your stomach and its normal production of stomach juices could deal with reasonable amounts those ingredients, now your small pouch can't. I have very low tolerance for fats and sugars and carbonation. With that in mind I think of what the phosphorous will be doing to my little stomach. There is enough stress on this organ already and there is no reason to add carbonation and phosphorous! Stay away from it if you can. Don
   — Acyducy

May 6, 2010
I'm a year out and I do have an occasional Diet Caffeine Free Pepsi. I know most Drs suggest none.
   — Donna C.




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