Question:
How Long Until okay to Drink Diet Sodas?

i was wondering how long most people have to wait before they can drink diet carbonated drinks. thanks for your help.    — Julie I. (posted on September 10, 2002)

September 10, 2002
Julie, this is a very controversial question, to drink, not to drink. Personally I will never drink carbonated drinks again. I do believe it causes problems for the pouch. What does your Doctor advise? Mine say it is a NO NO the rest of my life When in doubt always ask your Doctor. Another thought, you will find your tastes change so much after surgery, foods that tasted so great before surgery, now do not have the appeal they once did. Hugs
   — Jeri P.

September 10, 2002
I never liked sodas (diet or otherwise) that were flat or were watered down. And that is all I can drink soda-wise now, so I've just given them up. I stick with water, decaf iced tea, and Crystal Light and Wyler's Lite drink mixes.
   — John Rushton

September 10, 2002
My doctor said the same thing. Never again, this was just the one thing that I had to give up in order to be healthy again. I don't miss it at all. All I drink now is water and 1 cup of coffee in the morning ( I did not start the coffee until 1 month ago. Now this is from a person up to the day before surgery drank only 20 oz bottles of pepsi a day at least 4-5. I never drank water couldn't stand it. I also was told to put some soda in a plastic bag seal it and watch what happens. This is exactly what will happen to your pouch. If I were you I would steer clear but, again listen to your doctor and see what he says. Best of luck to you. RK Lap RNY 4-9-02 86lbs down.
   — Robin B.

September 10, 2002
Supposedly, the carbonation stretches your pouch and is corrosive to the staples. Maybe and maybe not, but why chance it? I was a REAL Dr. Pepper addict before surgery but now I don't care for soft drinks at all. They make my pouch feel like it is exploding and I have uncontrollable burping afterwards. I do occasionally pour a diet drink over ice, swirl the heck out of it to remove the carbonation, and drink a few ounces. But even that I haven't done in MONTHS.
   — ctyst

September 10, 2002
My doctor and dietician said NEVER! What does yours say?
   — dianehanson

September 10, 2002
My doctor also advises that it's a definate NO NO for the rest of my life! In the beginning, I was CRAVING soda's - pre-op I was a BIG, BIG soda drinker, I'd drink over a 6 pk a day...I have the kidney stones to prove it! I, occassionally take small sips of regular or diet soda - carbonated, or, if I'm really craving a soda, it's gotta be iced and flat only OR I like them blended w/ice for a nice slushy. I'm finding that as times goes by, I miss them less and less. I just realized the other day that all I really drink is water, which to me is fantastic, a definate change for the better!
   — Rosario T.

September 10, 2002
My surgeon says 3 months. I've been drinking regular diet (caffeine free is pointless to me) Coke since then. No problems. I drink quite a few a day in addition to water. -Kim open RNY 7/17/01 -128
   — KimBo36

September 10, 2002
Even at 17 months post-op, I partake of soda rarely and, even then, I try to stick to 6-8 oz. It just isn't very comfortable. There's some debate regarding whether or not it "stretches" your pouch. (I think this concept is pretty laughable, since your pouch is more likely to stretch from eating too much than from carbonation, especially if you prefer flat soda pop like I do.) Anyway, it's up to you, but I would definitely recommend decaffeinated green tea w/ splenda over carbonated diet drinks.
   — Terissa R.

September 10, 2002
I am like the last poster, I am almost 7 moths post-op and I have tried diet sodas and they irritate my belly, so it's not worth it to me I drink Ice tea and I love hot tea, it really helps settle my tummy after a long day..can't stand crystal light , it's way too sweet for me, I drink the tea with any sweetner or lightner in it , it's still good!!!and I drink lots and lots of water!!!!
   — bikerchic

September 10, 2002
I drink one diet soda every day--have been since about four months post-op. I open it and let it sit out for a while to let some of the gas go out. Pouring it over a lot ice helps, too. Don't drink sodas? Bah, humbug! I have had no problem.
   — PT LawMom

September 10, 2002
Putting the carbonated soda in a bag and watch what happens sounds fine in theory - however- doesn't liquid flow through your pouch? And exactly how long are you holding the soda in the baggy, or your pouch for that matter? I mean people speak of foods in liquid forms (soup etc.) that will not "fill you up" as it doesn't "stay in the pouch" so in theory wouldn't ANY liquid, carbonation or not, also just flow on through? I don't drink loads of soda- however I like a sip now and then, a "soda fix"... and these are just my thoughts on this matter...
   — Karen R.

September 10, 2002
I could not tolerate any carbonation for the first year. Now I drink approximately three cans of diet pepsi a week. It tastes great to me and is refreshing. I used to drink at least two regular pepsi's a day pre-op. Iced tea and ice water are my favorite drinks now. Diana 1.5 years post op
   — Diana G.

September 10, 2002
RIGHT ON KAREN! Anyway, put some artifical sugar (I like Splenda) in a glass with your diet pop. Stur it and watch the fizz come out. Then drink and enjoy. Whatever you do, try not to drink it UNLESS you do this, until you are "at least 6 months out". The fizz hurts the gut! This way tastes great and is easy on the pouch.
   — Danmark

September 10, 2002
I'm hoping that I can stay away from the carbonation of soda, but I have heard that unless you let it sit open for at least two hours before you drink it, it will be tough on the new pouch. My brother had Open RNY done about a year ago, and although he originally lost 120, he had gain back about 40-50 lbs. He says that he thinks it was the soda (he started drinking it again one week after surgery) He said looking back, he ate larger portions from the start. (He also now drinks soda with his meals) So my goal is not to drink it. At 6 weeks out I don't miss it yet (Open RNY 8/6/02 down 37.5lbs) Hope I helped!
   — Dana B.

September 10, 2002
Ask your Dt.!!! Is it worht it to sabatoge the WLS for a diet whateverpop?? There are people on this site that will give you advice with all the best intentions, but they really don't know. You trusted your life to your Dr. you certinly call and ask this simple question. Please call .
   — Robert L.

September 10, 2002
My surgeon said diet sodas were fine after my 8 week "healing" period, but no sugar drinks whatsoever. I don't care to much for diet sodas, but since I can tolerate sugar in small amounts I have been known to have a very small coke icee now and then. It gets rid of the craving and it doesn't have the carbonation.
   — sheltie

September 10, 2002
I am 4 months post op and I drink 1-2 diet Pepsi's per week. I used to drink 3-4 per day pre op. I pour it over ice and sip very slowly - takes me 4-5 hours to drink one 12 oz can. I don't count the diet Pepsi towards my water intake so if I have one, I spend the rest of the day cramming myself full of the water that I should have been drinking during those 4-5 hours that I was drinking the pop! It's kind of a pain! My surgeon does not restrict carbonation, but it sounds like most surgeons do. I would take it easy on the carbonated beverages just to be on the safe side.
   — Traci A.

September 11, 2002
I not sure what the diet what ever pop does to your stomach, but when I drank my diet coke or what ever, they always where in conjunction to chips, doritios, preztels, and anything salty. I am having a hard enough problem not eating those things, and I am not about to start drink soda and stir up old habits. Im a carb-alcholic always will be- i dont need any help in that area.
   — paulsgirl

September 12, 2002
According to my surgeon..never! Causes gas problems and can stretch your pouch!
   — Trish R.

Click Here to Return