Has anyone tried drinking carbonated drinks yet? Whether its orange juice, soda's, beer etc? Just wanted to know if so how long did it take before u can tolerate it. I'm 5 months after surgery.

Hello, I'm sure you will def received mixed reviews/answers on this one, because I've found that Docs differ on this theory. My Doc told me that beer in moderation would be fine AFTER I'd gone through my first mandatory diet stages & at 5mos out, you're def past that part. Now, I've personally stayed away from carbonated drinks, because upon my own research, I've found that more often than not, sleevers don't recommend them. I would def to be sure ask your surgeon, BUT don't just get an answer, make sure he/she backs up the answer with more than just an "Because I said so" approach, because I'm a strong believer in knowing why/why not so that it makes sense to me. I know that I really didn't give a direct answer, but that's only because there really isn't one unless it comes from your surgeon. I hope this somewhat helps, though. Hey, update me. I'm curious to see how this turns out. Best wishes.

I tried some carbonated flavored lemon water and it didnt feel good. felt like the air was stuck in my throat till I burped. It wasnt fun. I also tried coca cola and it tasted different like pepsi! weird. Pre op I loved coca cola. Id give it a go your self and see what happens. Just take it slow

This comes around on this board often and is a big controversial issue. There are a couple of schools of thought that pop up immediately on posts like this. First there are some here that say "Hey YOLO! and I won't be denied something that I want." then there are some here that say "There's nothing carbonated that is healthy and will support the commitment that I have made to be a more healthy person" I just happen to fall in the latter, but only for me. What ever you choose to do, is totally up to you.

Now, from a physical standpoint, you stomach is smaller, like 85% or so. The gas in the carbonation takes up a lot of space. Typically, drinking something carbonated, will make you feel pretty uncomfortable. There's is a school of thought that says it will stretch your sleeve. Personally, I feel this is part myth and part misinformation. Myth because the stretchy part of your stomach as been mostly removed and you have valves on both ends of your stomach that would open up and release gas before it would build up and do any damage (burping). Misinformation, because this was a bigger deal for RNY patients where a pouch is created at the top of the stomach, and stretching was a real possibility.

Most Drs. ask that you wait anywhere from 6 months to a year before consuming carbonation. I think this is mostly sound advice as it gives the stomach time to heal. With healing the stomach starts to relax and there is additional capacity, so the issue of being full and uncomfortable is reduced somewhat. I have not tried soda since my surgery and have no plans to do so. I have also not tried beer. I have tired some sparkling wines and some Belgian ales to see what the bubbles will actually do. I did not like the feeling at all. You get full quick and it just makes me feel bloated. So from that standpoint, I have given up the carbonated beverages. For me, it was a good decision both from a health and physical standpoint. Tread carefully though if you do decided to have a fizzy beverage.

My particular program requires no alchol for one year, and never anything carbonated. I was never attached to pop before, so it's not been a struggle to avoid it. I wasn't a drinker either, so I haven't missed the occasional beer or wine I used to have. I avoid carbonated drinks because I'm supposed to (I'm a rule follower, lol), and I don't think there is anything in them that would support my weight loss and health efforts at this time. However, I don't believe that it would stretch my stomach, and I'm sure at some point, I'll have something carbonated from time to time.

I stopped drinking sodas of any kind 4 years ago. But, I LOVE carbonation. So, I have my own carbonator and drink carbonated water every day. This will be hard for me to give up. I am hoping after a time, I can reintroduce carbonated water to my new stomach. The good thing is I can control how carbonated it is, and add water to dilute as necessary. There is nothing more refreshing to me than an ice cold carbonated water, and nothing unhealthy either. I will just take it as it goes. If it hurts, I won't drink it. It's worth it to be healthy. July sleever here!

Excellent post johnlatte....informative and non-judgemental. For the OP, my surgeon is fine w carbonation after leak concern has passed (so 8 weeks to be safe)....but whether it "sits well" with your sleeve is something else entirely. Before surgery I loved bubbles and would add a little juice to club soda or drink sparkling water ( in addition to soda and other non-healthy drinks)...I am not yet 8 weeks post-op, but have been surprised that I haven't missed it yet. However, I am sure that at some point down the road, I will try it for myself and see how I do :-)

I kinda gave up on pop several years ago when I quit smoking. I have wondered about Alka-Seltzer Plus when I'm under the weather tho. I've tried their gelcaps but I prefer the effervescent tablets.

ive had carbonated beverages but I let them get a little flat and it is fine and btw orange juice is not carbonated at all .

M

M

Very helpful response

I have beer occasionally and have no problems. Don't get drunk any faster than pre-op (damn!) and no issues with gas. Then again I have few issues with any foods.

I'd be afraid that carbonation could stretch the sleeve, but once in a while might be ok.

I tried diet coke (I use to be a diet coke addict)...it doesn't taste the same, but it didn't bother me either. I drunk a few bud lights just last week - felt tipsy way more quickly than usual....didn't bother me really...but I didn't feel so good the next day.

I cut out carbonated drinks a month before surgery (surg. date 10-22-10) so come this Sept. it will be 3 years since I've had any sort of carbonated drinks (soda, beer, etc.) It's something I'm happy to live without.

Now if I could only cut sugar out of my life the same way...