What's the story with carbonated drinks? I read somewhere that Gingerale is okay as a clear liquid. And I heard of a guy who enjoys his beer.

My nutrional guidlines provided by my doctor don't mention carbonation. It says to avoid alcohol and beer for caloric reasons, but nothing about carbonation.

However, other people say you can never have carbonation again. Please 'splain.

I was not given any warnings or instructions with regard to carbonation. It seems to be about 50/50 whether people get anti-carbonation advice; it's by no means universal.

I'm not a big soda drinker, but I have tried it on a couple of occasions post-banding. Frankly, it's very uncomfortable! I can feel it in a whole new way, especially if it's cold, and it's not at all pleasant.

Yesterday I thought I'd give it a whirl again, since my restriction is almost absent these days, and had another surprise. It felt fine going down, so I had three or four smallish swallows of Diet Pepsi over about 5 minutes. Ten minutes later I was very bloated! This too was very uncomfortable, but only in my stomach. In other words, I may have needed to burp but it wasn't coming up and didn't quite feel that way. It just made my stomach hard and big, and after a while a little achy. The feeling passed in an hour or so without my really noticing--there wasn't a big burp or anything--but it's not an experience I'm eager to repeat. (This did NOT happen with beer, however.)

Your mileage may vary--some people have no problem, while others seem to think they can damage their pouches. I doubt that, but since I can easily live without carbonation I see no reason to force it.

I don't know what the 'rules' are but i know that IF i have a diet pepsi it's only on the week end and i have to pour it out fast and let it sit for a bit.There is no way i could drink after a meal... only on an empty stomach.Beer, no matter if my stomach is empty, just foams in my esophagus and makes me want to puke:think

SOOO i drink margueritas:Actually i haven't tried those since my last fill so i don't know how all that crushed ice will feel in my belly.

This has only been happening once i got some restriction.

Chantal

Some people say that carbonation stretches out the pouch, some say it's fine. Just follow the instructions that YOUR doctor gave you. I dunno about carbonation on a very new pouch though. Like Alexandra, carbonation bloats me big time, and I would think that it might be painful if you've just been banded.

That said, I do drink carbonated drinks, mainly sugar-free Bawls, but I have to pour it over ice to get rid of some of the carbonation, and even then, I'm full for hours after one 12oz bottle!

Hi Delarla

My Dr, Dr Ortiz gave me instructions in my nutritional handout that was typed in big bold letters NO CARBONATION EVER AGAIN!!! I know Dr Lopez and Dr Ortiz are associates so maybe give him a call and ask him. I'm just going by what my doctor has told me and since I paid him thousands of dollars I figure he knows better then I do about the carbonation...

Michelle

Thanks, but I don't need to ask my doctor after reading all this. I'm uncomfortable enough without have to use my stomach as a testing area! It makes sense that carbonation would be a no-no. I've been a Diet Pepsi junkie for 25 years. I finally got off Diet and started having one real Pepsi every other day. Then I tried to break that habit, so it's just as well that I don't have any. Although sometimes a little 7-up on an upset belly was nice. Thanks for all the info.

Hey, Tangerine, what the heck is a Bawls?

Originally posted by Alexandra

Hey, Tangerine, what the heck is a Bawls?

Oh heavenly nectar of the Gods! Bawls is a high caffeine soda with guarana, they taste a little bit like cream soda. Oh so good! They're what keep me going at work.

Wow, I've never heard of them! Aren't we in the same state? How funny!

I've recently discovered Fruit20, a flavored Water that is really pretty good. The Citrus Energy Boost flavor has caffeine and guarana in it too. Gotta love those pick-me-ups!

I've given up sodas entirely except for when I go out to eat (which isn't often) and then I only drink a little. I used to LOVE regular coke, but don't really miss it now that I'm off of it.

Like Alexandra, I have really become addicted to Fruit 2 O. No carbonation, no calores, great taste. They are fabulous.