So, I've read that carbonation is a no no because it can stretch the pouch (though I've read no actual studies that draw this conclusion). Has anyone had experience with consuming carbonated beverages and if this has actually caused a problem? I'm talking once in a while, not on a daily basis.

Thanks!

Cindy

I had my 1st experience w/Carbonation last weekend! BIG MISTAKE! My stomach went CRAZY for a long while! It was all rumbles and gurgles...and I had guests over and they could hear it all! LOL!

I think I'll stay away from it from now on...it had been 2 months since I had had any at all...

~pamela.

I had surgery in June and had been taking about one tiny sip of fountain soda a day just enough to wet my whistle (so to speak) with no problems whatsoever. Well one day I took a sip of warm soda from a can and within 30 seconds thought I was gonna die! I had the worst pain for about 5 minutes. I didn't know what to do and I was scared until finally I burped and the problem was solved. I think it happened because it was canned soda that was warm and very carbonated this has never happened with fountain soda but I also haven't had another sip since this happened.

My doctor said there's no documented proof of pouch stretching. I asked why other doctors warn against carbonation. liquid usually goes straight through to the bottom portion, so carbonation gas would have to make its way back up to the pouch, which can be pretty uncomfy. Some people have a problem, I personally don't. My band isn't bothered by carbonation. I actually like a good healthy burp from time to time. However, if you drink carbonation and need to burp, by all means don't try to be ladylike. The the gas out!

It's best to avoid carbonation though since there's nothing good about it, which is why my doc tells us to avoid it. He laughs because all his bandsters make such a big deal about giving up carbonation, but none of them are whining because they'll miss their Perrier (I gotta laugh with him.) He's right that most of us just want the sugar or the chemicals... I'm a Diet Pepsi junkie, so I miss all the fake chemicals that give me a headache!

I have been off carbonation since I went on my pre-op diet last August. However, I did try a few sips of DH's pop a couple weeks ago when we were out. That was a BAD idea -- I had such bad gas and cramping afterwards. Ugh.

So I am continuing my no-carbonation rule, as I hate gas pain.

Just because you can, doesn't mean you should!