Question:
why no carbonated drinks?

I have had RNY and I just can't remember why it is that we should not have carbonated beverages. I haven't had them and don't have the desire to but just can't remember why to stay away from them.    — neisha =. (posted on December 3, 2007)

December 3, 2007
The carbonation expands your stomach. Do a test. Put a balloon on an open bottle of pop. See what happens. Good Luck!
   — Lost4Ever

December 3, 2007
My doc said it's because of all the excess air, it's not good, and can rip out the staples. That's the same reason we aren't supposed to drink out of a straw.
   — bmalsup

December 3, 2007
Caronation will form gas, and is very dangerous, especially right after surgery. Even dietic beverages cause some people to not loose weight. Discharging the gas can be difficult also. I'ts best to stay away from them as much as posible.
   — Dave Chambers

December 3, 2007
Also if U R refering to anything with caffeine, the caffeine stops calcium from absorbing.
   — TanyaMay

December 3, 2007
Carbonation can stretch your pouch.
   — Alvernlaw

December 3, 2007
According to my surgeon, it's a wives tail once you have completely healed. Everything in modernation. I've been drinking diet soda for 2 1/2 years with no effect. Your pouch has 2 openings, so it won't expand like the balloon the others refer to.
   — Harry King

December 3, 2007
I agree with Harry the reason they tell you that is b/ c sodas are not good for you and everytime I go to a restruant I always use a straw to drink with I'm over 4yrs out now and I drink sodas at least 1 a day some times more and have never had a problem with either but everyone is different what does not bother me might someone else best of luck to you Huggss Beth
   — Beth67Mathis

December 4, 2007
My surgeon told me that the carbonation will cause gas and an expansion of your pouch. He said that after 6 months it is alright to drink them but I figure if I lived through not having my diet Pepsi for 6 months why go back to it! I can't drink through a straw because it puts more air in your pouch than just drinking it.
   — Brenda R.

December 4, 2007
Thank you for those who struggle to put the "carbonation will stretch your pouch" wives tale to rest. As long as we have an ability to pass gas, carbonation will not stretch your pouch-- however, it can be irritating and, for some people, because soda was always associated with certain types of foods, it can trigger some old behaviors (like hitting the drive-thru).
   — SteveColarossi

December 4, 2007
Hi Neisha, thanks for writing. carbonated beverages can stretch your pouch, and if you are just out of surgery then it is really counter productive for you to have them. I know plenty of ladies who enjoy carbonated beverages, but it is not recommended. Here is the scoop that kept me away for 3 years. Of all the people who have gastric bypass or wls surgery, there is a group of people who have "revisions" because something didn't work or another reason. Of that group of people, 80% of them drink soda and it contributed to their lack of success with their original surgery. I do think that after 2 or 3 years that you learn to sip small amounts, your pouch has naturally stretched some, as all pouches do to some degree (well, I should say most, some may not stretch). It is natural for your pouch to stretch some as you increase food, but you don't need any help with that. Also carbonated beverages can cause water weight gain and increased appitite, even diet. Soda, even diet soda can cause weight gain or keep you from losing by its chemical makeup. As hard as it may be, sticking to water, juice and milk as long as possible for your beverages gives you the best result in weight loss in the first one to two years. I wouldn't say you have to give it up forever, but I looked at it that way and it worked for me for 2.5 years. I am still able to maintain my weight loss now and enjoy some small amounts of soda, but less is more in this case. Hope this helps. Patricia P.
   — Patricia P

December 4, 2007
It's a myth that soda will stretch your pouch and pop your staples - but honestly, you're not going to like soda anymore. It's way too gassy for your small pouch. The more important reason not to drink it is that it has absolutely no nutritional value but will make your pouch uncomfortably full so that you can't get anything with nutritional value into it! I used to drink a lot of soda but I just don't care for anymore than a rare sip nowadays.
   — sandsonik

December 4, 2007
Being fairly well-versed in many of the studies regarding risk factors following RNY surgery, I was surprised to read that one program suggests that 80% of revisions can be traced to soda consumption. Admittedly, some studies indicate that people who tend to regain (particularly early on) tend to consume large quantities of high-caloric beverages (such as full-sugared sodas); however, there doesn't seem to be anything to suggest that moderate consumption of non-caloric beverages will damage the pouch. Also, one suggestion was made that carbonated beverages (even diet beverages) should be avoided but juices should be embraced. Yet, juices are very high in carbohydrates which will hinder early weight loss and juices are often considered less efficient ways to obtain all the fiber and nutrients that are available from fresh fruits. Soda for a longer term post-op will not harm the pouch. And, while we are on the subject, Mikey (the kid from the old Life Cereal commercials) didn't die from ingesting a combination of Pop Rocks and Pepsi either.
   — SteveColarossi

December 5, 2007
Well after RNY surgery and there was no longer a danger of busting out my staples, I began to drink carbonated bevs (mostly diet 7-Up) and plenty of it. The trick is to not drink too fast and give the released gas in your pouch a chance to dissipate (BURP!) before drinking more. I drink coffee too. Truth is, I now drink and eat most everything I used to prior to RNY. The big difference is that I can control the quantities I now ingest. For example, I now eat a cookie (containing that dreaded SUGAR) for dessert but instead os SIX I now have only ONE. I'm eating/drinking the things I like, enjoying them and enjoying life -- and STILL LOSING WEIGHT. Moderation is the key and my RNY surgery (or rather avoidance of the DUMPING SYNDROME associated with RNY) helps me to moderate my intake whereas I could not do this before surgery. Oh, yes. Since I've lost weight, I'm now able to exercise more without dreading it. The additional exercise seems to help me curb my urges to eat too much but when I finish an exercise session, guess what? I'm thirsty so I drink a can (slowly!) of Diet 7-UP.
   — [Deactivated Member]

December 5, 2007
my doc said that for a little while not to drink carbonated liquids because they cause our pouches to fill with gas which is very uncomfortable and sometimes even painful.
   — kankan

Click Here to Return