Good morning to my new favorite website. I have a question......

I am reading a book that was given to me by the medical staff called "The Lap-Band Solution". I am puzzled by something.

Let me start by saying I am not a soda drinker, that will be zero problem for me, however, my good friend, whom also had the surgey 7 years ago told me that one of the strict NO-NO's is NO CARBONATED beverages.....EVER.

I am now a little perplexed, because in the book, by Paul O'brien (a world leader in weight loss research and Lap-band surgery states, on page 228;

"You are allowed to drink unlimited amounts of: Water, mineral water, tea and coffee and LOW-CALORIE soft drinks."

Now, I have no desire for soft drinks. Could not care less. I do however Love to have a nice beer when I vacation. I don't drink it at home, however, when I travel out of the country, I like to enjoy a nice local brew. It is just a treat that I thoroughly looove.

How do I get 2 such different opinion's and what has your doc told you. I do not want to alter the shape of the stomach, but if you can drink mineral water and non-fat sodas, then why are ale's not allowed, other than the calorie aspect.

Also, in the book, it states You may dink 7 glasses of wine a week and that it is quite great for you, even with dinner.

Please help this newbie that has recently been approved for surgery. Of course I will discuss with the surgeon, but I would like to hear your opinion. I don't drink a lot, but found this surprising. My friend DID say that her Doc said it was perfectly fine to have wine or coctail, so long as it's only so many per week, but what about just one or two beers while on a weeks vacation?

I have another question, but will ask it on a separate thread as this one has become quite lengthy.

My doc told me that all drinks just slide right through because, well, its a liquid and won't accumulate in your pouch. So, having carbonation will not alter, stretch, our ruin your pouch. Although, some people find discomfort with carbonation and just to listen to my body. I, too, enjoy local craft beer and luckily, it does not bother me at all so I still enjoy my lovely beer on occasion. I know other docs say differently but I trust my doc and his logic makes sense to me so that's what I follow.

I also agree with Lollicatt. drinks slide through. If carbonation doesnt bother you from belching or built up gas, then you are fine. I read the same book and had my proceedure through True Results. They said they finally did research on the wine issue and found those that had 1 -2 glasses a night of wine lost faster so they changed their advise and told people to enjoy wine if you like it. I was happy about that. I ususally drink 1 - 3 glasses a week. I also drink diet coke about 1 x a week. However, diet sprite seems to bother me more....wierd.

I would follow the advice in the book. There is alot of research behind it. However, you will read alot of different stuff here b/c every single Dr is different.

My doc says it is OK to drink sugar free carbonated beverages too. That being said, sometimes, I have trouble with gas due to the carbonation in my diet coke or sparkling Water. I lay off for a day or two and then no problems. I have been banded a year and I think I would die if I couldn't enjoy my diet coke.

Melinda in Florida

Personally, you couldn't pay me all the money in the world to touch a carbonated drink since being banded.

First, there is a research study out of Germany that followed over 4000 people with Lap-Band. One of the things listed as a cause in 8.6% complications was band slips from drinking carbonation.

When I was in the hospital getting my band, the woman sharing my room was in there for a band replacement, Why? Because she had been regularly drinking soda and it caused her band not only to slip, but her stomach actually prolapsed through her band. She also gained back 40 pounds because of it, too.

Most doctors say no carbonation for good reason, and I've found research as well as a real life experience to back it up. Yes, liquids do pass right through, but that gas (carbonation) causes bloating and expansion of the stomach. That's why soda makes you burp. When the soda or beer goes through the band to the bottom of the stomach, the carbonation expands from the bottom up, thus the slips occur.

To each their own, but I will never have carbonation again. The proof is there it can cause damage and it's simply not worth the risk to me.

I have been banded for a year now, I do not drinks pop/soda as i was never a big fan, but i have had a few beers and it goes down just fine the carbination is a problem as it gives me terrible gas I can walk around for hours blowing some hellashes busters so for the most part its an occasional treeat for me!

My doc also said no carbonation and I never questioned why do thx for the explanations! I do miss a nice occasional beer! But too scared to try it!

Sent from my iPhone using LapBandTalk

I "was" a Diet Mountain Dew addict. I was banded 1 week ago and yuck. It doesn't tasted the same and instant "blotation" device. I now do Crystal Light Lemonade, and Crystal Light Wild Strawberry w Energy, the latter has caffeine in it. I'm excited to try the wine, I was always a beer kind of girl but not even going to try with all the bubbles aka redneck Champaign. Good Luck!

My dr said no carbonation at all for the first year something about irritating stomach lining and causing erosion eventually! Im sticking to no pop beer or bread! Although im allowed mixed drinks and wine! Im figuring new and yummy drinks! Good luck!