I was hoping for some clarification on the topic of soda...

Pre-surgery I was a Diet Coke JUNKIE. It has, by far, been the hardest thing for me to give up. I will admit that I still take sips from my husband every now and then - and enjoy them more that ever. While I know soda is a no no, why exactly is this the case?

On one side I have been told the carbonation will stretch the pouch... I have also read the opposite. It will not stretch the pouch, but the carbonation will cause a reflux of gas bubbles into the esophogus and up into the mouth (something I have not experienced through my experimentation).

So what is the real truth? Does anyone know for sure???

All input appreciated!!!

My doctor says we can have them at 6 weeks but I'm still not drinking them. He saud there is no proof they stretch your pouch and as long as they're diet he approves. I think it's just according to your doctor.

The surgeons at the hospital I work say absolutely no carbonated beverages. They say it does stretch the pouch out and it also causes gas bubbles and reflux which can lead to errosion. Think it is all Dr dependent. I do know I attended several classes prior to us starting bariatric surgeries on the unit I work and all of them said no carbonated beverages. When I fineally am able to get my band I will stick to the no carbonated beverages...I don't want to take any chances that something goes wrong cuz I drank pop.

I love diet cokes but I am not going to drink one till my Doc says I can.

I used to drink caffeine free diet coke all day long. I had my last one on June 20th the night before I started my 2 week pre-op fast. I haven't had one since. I was told to stay away from carbination. I know if I have one, I'll want more, so I just don't have it. Surprisingly I've been okay with that so far.

My understanding of the no carbonation rule is that the buildup of gas in the stomach, once the soda has passed the stoma, puts pressure on the band from below. The pressure could cause the band to slip but the real danger is from errosion. If your stomach below the band is swollen from the gas, it could cause a loss of blood supply to the stomach tissues where the band is which would cause errosion. Kinda like wrapping a rubberband around your finger - as more blood is trapped below the rubberband, your fingertip begins to swell putting more pressure on the area under the rubberband, causing more blood to be trapped in the fingertip, causing more pressure . . . see what I mean? When you have good restriction, the stoma is small enough that it keeps you from being able to burp out enough gas fast enough, to stop the pressure problem. Apparently, no matter how frequently you burp, you can't get all the gas back out.

That's my understanding of the no carbonation rule. It sounds logical, but who really knows. What I DO know is that carbonated drinks aren't important enough to me to take that kind of chance.

Best wishes on what YOU decide to do.

When I fineally am able to get my band I will stick to the no carbonated beverages...I don't want to take any chances that something goes wrong cuz I drank pop.

I'm with you. I am too scared to mess this up. I gave up all carbonations 4 weeks before surgery to make sure I could do it and wouldn't be wasting my time with the surgery. I too was a diet soda junkie. I have not hardly given it a second thought since a week before my surgery now.

My doc says that is bogus. We swallow air all the time when we eat, it is no different, unless you are overdoing it

I have an occasional Diet Pepsi (maybe once a week).

I drink it realllyyyy slowly, and end up burping a lot, but no problems at all.

P

My doctor says there is no proof that carbonation causes any bad band issues, but that it's a "theoretical" risk. A doctor on this board, Dr. C, says carbonation is fine in moderation. My doctor did tell me I could have a champagne toast from time to time, but to use common sense and moderation and if anything hurts, to stop. I usually have a beer or a diet coke once a week or so with no ill effects so far.

Thanks everyone. Your input is much appreciated!!!

my doc explained that it wasn't that it would stretch the pouch, but that you can get air stuck, and it can cause nausea. I have had this happen from gulping air while drinking an eating. it makes you vomit. that is the really bad thing.

Mommy0105: I Am Sooooooo With You On The Soda Thing. Before My Surgury (just Last Week), I Was A Diet Cokeaholic! I Don't Smoke, But This Was Just As Additictive To Me As A Cigarettes Are To Smokers. I Knew This Would Be Hard. I Don't Know How I Am Going To Fight It Too. I Think I Will Still Drink Some, But Just Cut It Down Dramatically. I Will Just Take A Couple Of Sips A Day. Just Typing This Is Making My Mouth Water For It. I Am In Trouble! I Will Have To Fight That Just As Hard As Food. This Is Definitely Not An Easy Way Out!

one thing i have noticed is that since being banded, i actually can't take the super sweet taste any longer. i left a diet sprite out just so i could have it as a treat, and it was WAYtoo sweet for me. an sprite isn't nearly as sweet as diet coke.

The Diet Coke issue has been hardest for me by far. I even keep one in my little fridge in my office just so I can prove to myself that I can be strong! My doc says carbonation can cause erosion and/or slippage. NOT WORTH IT! However, my nut said that a lot of gas stations sell the frozen diet cokes.......kinda like a slushie and that they are not nearly as carbonated. I plan to try to find one in a few weeks!

Kiarnold - just be careful with your plan to take sips throughout the day. The temptation to down a whole glass might be too much. Because I am a Diet coke junkie (once and addict always an addict) and I don't like other brands, I have my husband buy Pepsi to ward me off. If we are out at a restaurant or he happens to have a diet coke at home, I will just take 1 sip from his. Hard at first, but have found it is just enough to satisfy my craving. And I am with you on the addiction thing. I am a former smoker (Quit 4 year ago - yay me!) and sometimes I think giving up the cigarettes was easier than the diet coke!!!! Go Figure.

Good luck to you - and keep us posted!

Has anybody tried freezing soda in one of those ice trays with the tiny holes and then munching/sucking on those?

Just curious. I know we used to do that for patients in the ICU where I worked sometimes.

M