Question:
BEER CARBONATION

My Dr. said alcohol was ok as long as I was careful because it hits you quicker now and I'm only 9 weeks out. I don't drink often so I don't want to hear a lecture that I shouldn't have done this, but I went to a wedding and I had 2 light beers before dinner and then I had 1 1/2 regular beers later that night. Everything was spread over 7 hours. I really didn't feel like I was getting drunk at all which I was really surprised. But actually my question is about the carbonation, did I totally ruin my pouch because of the bubbles? I hear a different answer from so many people, how can I be sure? My Dr. never said anything about carbonation.    — Kelly* P. (posted on March 25, 2003)

March 24, 2003
My doctor said that I would KNOW when I am doing something to my pouch that I shouldn't. I would feel it! If you experienced no pain, then you have not stretched your pouch. Shelley
   — Shelley.

March 24, 2003
I have asked my surgeon about the carbonztion. He has told me that it is a myth that the carbonation causes our pouches to stretch because of it. In fact, the reason doctors want us to be careful is because any carbonated beverage may have some interaction with the ability of calcium to be absorbed by our bodies. Our pouches are going to stretch on their own anyhow....which is totally normal.
   — twenc

March 25, 2003
It's so hard to say, and you will hear a different answer from people on here, too! My surgeon and nutritionist and RN all said never to have carbonation again, so I am just sticking with it. Whether it actually stretches the pouch- i realy don't know. I do know that when I have any carbonation, (i've had a beer a couple times and probably 5 sips of total in the past 10 months) my stomach does NOT like it. It growls for hours afterwards and I burp so much. So I just choose not to. Post-op, I have stuck to wine and liquor, even though they have more sugar. But I have never been much of a beer fan. Just be careful about getting drunk- I am still shocked at how little it takes now! LOL I think the drinking and carbonation is just a personal choice. Goodluck to you.
   — Lezlie Y.