Question:
WILL I HAVE TO GIVE UP PEPSI ?

I AM A VERY HEAVY PEPSI DRINKER PRE-OP. I AM AWARE THAT I WILL HAVE TO GIVE UP MANY THINGS AFTER THE SURGERY, I'M READY WILL AND ABLE TO MAKE ALL OF THE CHANGES, BUT THE HARDEST THING I FEEL I WILL HAVE IS GIVING UP PEPSI. IS ANYONE OUT THERE WITH THIS ADDICTION ? WILL I HAVE GIVE IT UP ? IF NOT HOW LONG AFTER SURGERY WILL I BE ABLE TO DRINK IT AGAIN ? IF NOT PLEASE GIVE SOME SUGGESTIONS ON HOW I CAN KICK THIS PEPSI MONKEY ON MY BACK ?    — EDDIE S. (posted on November 22, 2002)


November 21, 2002
I personally am not a Pepsi drinker. I mean, I like it, but even pre-op, a sip or two would be enough for me and most times, the rest of the can would be thrown away. BUT I have a friend who is 18 months post op and she still drinks her Pepsi. Another thing to consider is this. The problem may take care of itself because what you crave before surgery may not be a problem after surgery. Your tastes change. And if you had to cut down to a Pepsi every now and then, isn't it worth giving up the "liquid candy" for a better quality life? I think it's a minimal trade. And here's a little secret that most on here would flip their lids over.....every now and then I drink a beer. Is it a no-no? Yes. But life goes on. I'd rather drink a beer than a Pepsi anytime. So you see I'm no expert but I am giving you my opinion. Best wishes on your journey and may God be with you every step of the way.
   — Annie H.

November 21, 2002
I was also a big Pepsi drinker, since my surgery I have had a pepsi once in a while I found I craved it more during the first few weeks, and I did sip on decaf pepsi a can would last me a whole day. Now I dont crave them at all. My husbad drinks pepsi and I took a sip of this the other day and saif yuk.....it was too sweet. I think you will be fine.
   — Schatzie1

November 21, 2002
I too am a big time diet Pepsi/Coke drinker. I had to give it up at first due to the carbonation in it. That fills you up too fast. But did also like A&W diet Vanilla Cream Soda. About a month before the surgery I started to let the drinks go flat, thats right, flat. Put lots of ice in a glass and began drinking, and have acquired quite a liking to drinking it that way. Now almost 6 months post op and can drink carbonated drinks but only small amounts at a time. I suggest you try it my way. Why punish yourself if you can make this small adjustment in your drinks. By the way, I also carry an insulated cup or glass with me everywhere that has the pop or plain ice water in it. This serves as a quick "free" snack between meals.
   — Bryce K.

November 21, 2002
How about diet Pepsi? If you can make that change you should be ok. I drink diet coke like it's going outta style. I have all along. My surgeon's only limitation with drinks is that they be low or no calorie. I personally would rather eat the calories than drink them (I know many who don't feel that way though). Just a thought. -Kim open RNY 7/17/01 -140
   — KimBo36

November 21, 2002
Can I just tell you that I NEVER thought I would EVER do without my diet Pepsi! (Even my kidlings were probably betting on that one!!!) Today, 14 months post op, I still haven't had any. Even though I know I CAN, I figure it's probably better for me to stay away from it. (did I really just say that??) I do water,and when I need somethins sweeter; Crystal Lite & Lipton flavored tea instead. I "know" I can also eat sweets and "curse" the day I ever started back on them!! SO yes you'll be able to go back... but do you really want to???
   — Denise W.

November 21, 2002
Eddie, I used to drink 6-10 diet cokes w/ lemon a day pre-op...I went cold turkey on 8/14 the night before my surgery. My nutrionist said I could have one about 6 wks ago b/c I was craving one, and let me tell you YUCK! Gave me a headache for 2 days, and tasted nasty. Your taste buds change after this surgery!
   — heathercross

November 21, 2002
I also love soda. I drank ALOT of Diet Sundrop before surgery (10/2/02 lap rny). I had my first sip the other day and it wasn't quite as good as I thought or wanted it to be. I had to remember not to gulp it! I think it just has something to do w/the way it feels in your mouth. I do miss it. I think the key is moderation. You will be fine. I did not think I was going to be able to make it if I did not have my soda, but I have and you will too.
   — rmsh78

November 22, 2002
Let me just add one more voice. I was a 6 Coke (regular) a day drinker before surgery. Now about three sips of diet Coke every other week is plenty. I couldn't drink a whole can on a bet. Once something makes you feel a little ill, you really won't want it any more.
   — Amber L.

November 22, 2002
I too was a big Pepsi drinker. I worked at a convenience store so I drank cup after cup of the stuff while I worked. I was really concerned that I wasn't going to be able to give it up. Let me tell you, it's easier than you think. After 2 weeks of water, Crystal Light, and all the other SF liquids you will be drinking, Pepsi won't even taste the same. I have had one sip of my mom's Pepsi "just for old times" and I find it absolutely disgusting!! I am now addicted to diet Cherry 7-Up and my surgeon says since it's caffeine free and as long as the carbonation doesn't bother me that's fine. I still make sure to drink all my water but it's nice to have other options. I didn't quit drinking regular soda pre-op. I quit cold turkey and it worked for me. Just stick with you sugar-free or artificially sweetened drinks after surgery and Pepsi probbaly won't ever taste the same.
   — Tanya B.

November 22, 2002
First off congratulations on your upcoming surgery. Since you are addicted to Pepsi , maybe you could try switching to Diet pepsi now,So when you can have soda post op you will reach for the diet instead of the sugar loaded ones. I stayed away from the soda's until about 6 month post op, and was able to have a few sips then. Now at 15 months post op, I drink about three diet soda's a day, preferably on ice because straight from the can does make my pouch feel bloated. Best of luck to you!!!
   — Carey N.

November 22, 2002
hi there. i too pre op enjoyed pop alot! mine is doctor pepper. i wondered the same thing myself. post op i tried it and it was too fuzzy for me at first. i drink it now but nowhere near the amount as before. diet pepsi and diet doctor pepper are the best tasting. it takes forever to drink a can so i really dont drink it alot. my thing now is coffee sweetened with splenda. pre op id maybe drink 1 cup a year. i now drink a pot a day. good luck to you and you may find that after surgery, pop isnt to yout liking anymore. maybe further down the road youll aquire a taste for it again.
   — carrie M.

November 22, 2002
It is funny that you ask this because I believe I asked the same question before my surgery. I drank a 12 pack of coke, dr. pepper, pepsi (whatever was on sale) a day. I did NOT drink anything else. Right before my surgery they came out with Vanilla Coke in a can, (I used to buy it at restaurants all the time) I got scared what am I doing there is no way I can give this up. I am now 4 months post-op, and I still can't drink soda from a can. I can however sip on a fountain drink, but for the most part I drink decaf tea. I also am cold ALL the time now, and so I find myself drinking hot herbal teas too. You can definately do it. Everyone is right your taste buds change, I tried to do diet soda even now, and I STILL can't stand it YUCK! You are going to be absolutely fine. Huggers and have a Blessed day! ~Ang~
   — angel_wls

November 22, 2002
I had a major Pepsi addiction prior to surgery. You could swith to having some diet pepsi, but be careful....the fizz can be iritating. I actually now drink diet Snapple and that seems to give me the bit of caffeine kick I need without bothering my stomach. It actually wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. Once in a while, I still indulge in a few sips of Pepsi, but really after you get used to it, it tastes too sweet anyway! Good luck!
   — emilyfink

November 22, 2002
Thank goodness someone asked this question!! I drink 6-8 cans of diet Pepsi a day, and nothing else. I even LEAVE restaurants if they are out of diet soda. I am afraid of giving the stuff up because when I don't have it for a couple hours I get a caffeine withdraw headache. I am just hoping that the urge to have them after surgery will pass and I can start drinking other things. Good luck to ya and if you find something that works for you let me know!!
   — Rachel W.

November 23, 2002
Is anybody worried about the damage from the phosphorus from our already possibly calcium-starved bones? Just a thought. As a young woman, I am already worried about the long term things like osteoporosis. I am a mountain dew fan myself, but have been weaning myself off in prep for surgery Dec. 11.
   — Kimberley E.

November 23, 2002
I am 5 months out...and drink diet pepsi now..I just let it sit a bit to get some of the fizz out.. :))
   — Jeanne C.




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