Question:
Will drinking a carbonated beverage do anything to your pouch?

I have heard someone say it can stretch your pouch. How could that be possible.    — Rita B. (posted on May 10, 2001)

May 10, 2001
Carbonated beverages may be detrimental to the long-term success of gastric bypass for the following reasons: <p> Carbonation: When the cold beverage is consumed, it warms and releases gases, distending the stomach pouch the stretching of the stomach then creates undue stress and subsequently causes stretching of the anastomosis. <p> Caloric intake: Many carbonated beverages are high in calories, are low in nutritional value, and contain simple sugars. Not only do they add additional calories with low nutritional value, but they are absorbed quickly into the blood stream, causing a rapid rise in blood sugar, elevated insulin levels, and increased hunger. <p> Caffeine: Many carbonated beverages contain caffeine, an appetite stimulant, which is detrimental to initial weight loss and long-term weight control. <p> I have heard pros & cons on this issue.. I took my first 12 months post-op time very serious I did not drink any carbonated drinks of any kind... And the success I had in reaching my goal weight makes me even more dedicated to sticking to water, and non-sugar/non-carbonated drinks...
   — Victoria B.

May 10, 2001
Hi: My doctor says it is fine to drink sodas. Diet and caffine free though!! I don't know if I agree with the below message. Just like food, I can only drink just so much and I am full. My doc does not believe that it will strech your pouch. HOWEVER, I do not drink them, (I have tried several times cause I would LOVE a soda) cause they hurt me! Although, I have had trouble with many liquids even water, which I have just been able to start drinking water without it hurting anymore (surgery was 2/9) Go figure. I would suggest calling your doc and just following his guidelines. Good luck to you.
   — Karen A.

May 10, 2001
Hi: My Doctor instructed me not to drink carbonated beverages, unless I let sit and get flat and it must be diet, he didn't say anything about the caffeine, though. Like the previous answer, the reason is because carbonation streches the pouch.
   — [Anonymous]

May 10, 2001
Hello Rita... I have been visiting and posting at this site for almost 2 years now and I remember a woman had this question from someone at her support group... The moderator put some soda in a zip lock bag and before the meeting was over the bag had popped open and soda was everywhere... She said she had no desire for soda pop after that... What a visual huh? Take care of yourself... Jo Ann
   — California J.

May 10, 2001
My surgeon, very experienced, and my nutritionist, also very experienced both have said that sugar free, caffeine free carbonated drinks are fine. They haven't seen any evidence of carbonated drinks causing a stretching of the pouch, although I hear it all the time on this website, I've yet to see any scientific evidence or any studies at all that show carbonated drinks can stretch the pouch. In fact, if anyone can point me to such a study, please email me. Anyway, I know some people drink them and some don't some docs will tell you it's OK and some will tell you NEVER to drink them. I guess you should gather all the info you can, see what your surgeon suggests and then follow what you believe is the best course. It may be worth it for you to give up carbonated beverages. Well, I'm going back to finish my sugar free, caffeine free carbonated beverage! ;-) Maria
   — Maria H.

May 10, 2001
In the early days of my surgery, they forbid them for 30 days. Now, they forbid them, period. Lucky me, I was grandfathered in, so to speak. That said, many of us experience discomfort. Although I sip and burp, I simply don't bother with anything but fountain drinks--more flavor, less bubbles. They don't bother my pouch, but they do sort of make themselves known all the way down the line. I just feel ODD. I wish i'd never started again, since the carbonation does nothing good for my bones. If you can possibly make it without, do so, you'll be glad to be free of it!
   — vitalady

May 10, 2001
I was told by my bariatric surgeon and nutrtionist that the carbonation expands your pouch (making room for more food), so you would end up eating more and not losing what you want. I do know several people who have had the surgery who do drink sodas. I was told also that if you ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO HAVE ONE....open it up and let it sit out for at least an hour (to lose some of the carbonation) and then drink it. I did this ONCE...hated the feeling it left me and I havnt had one since...no desire to either. Also, the nutritionist said to make it a caffiene free diet type. Hope this helps answer any questions you might have. =0)
   — Carla C.