I have a question for anyone who cares to answer. I was just banded in March, the 6th to be excact. Is it true that were not suppose to have carbonated beverages? If so why? What about caffeine? I read in the guide book, that my surgeon gave me, that after four weeks it was ok just dont over do it. Ive been drinking diet root beer and have not had any problems. And i enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning as well with no problems.

Paula

I have a question for anyone who cares to answer. I was just banded in March, the 6th to be excact. Is it true that were not suppose to have carbonated beverages? If so why? What about caffeine? I read in the guide book, that my surgeon gave me, that after four weeks it was ok just dont over do it. Ive been drinking diet root beer and have not had any problems. And i enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning as well with no problems.

Paula

You may be ok with carbonated drinks until you have your first fill. I was and then it changed. I now find when I burp after having a carbonated drink I tend to regurgitate it. It's not very pleasant but if you can live with that I see no reason why you shouldn't have one occasionally.

I just got my band 2 weeks ago. I drank one of those airborne, which is slightly carbonated and it didn't feel horrible, but it wasn't pleasant either. I'm going to go with no carbonation.

Every physician is going to tell you different when it comes to caffeine, but unless you have certain serious physical issues, you should be fine, IMHO.

Not sure why I have this idea, but I got the impression the carbonation, over time, can stretch the upper pouch a little bit. I could be wrong on this, though...

But I also got the impression that a little bit, once in a while is okay. But really, it's best if soda isn't your staple drink. Go for some refreshing ice water--yum!

My dr. told me carbonation could stretch out the pouch.

i, of course, asked my surgeon about it right away due to the fact that i'm a diet coke junkie. he told me that diet coke will not hurt my success with the band, but he told me to think about the fact that once banded, you really need to get the important nutrients in every day and maybe diet coke wouldn't be such a good choice...i agree with him, i guess lol!

then, i asked the nutritionist at the same clinic about it, and she gave me a big fat NO....and that i must stop drinking it immediately...well, she's right too (as i'm sipping on one right now)...but i'm gonna drink it till i'm banded and then say farewell to a comfortable friend of mine....so long diet coke, so long....

courtney

Caffeine is a diuretic, which can dehydrate, and also irritates the stomach. It is also an appetite stimulant. Carbonation is a vasoconstrictor (less blood to the healing tissues) and can also cause bloating and gas.

I tried a diet mountain dew about two months ago after I let it sit out overnight!!! I cooled it down again then attempted. I would have to burp after EVERY little sip. It wasn't worth it.

I guess everyone needs to try for theirselves. Take the risks if you want.

Some bandsters say they have no problem.

edie

Chubbola,

I am an ex-diet coke addict. I was banded on March 14. I drank my last diet coke the day before surgery and haven't had any since. It was a good way to give it up because with all the pain meds after surgery, you don't feel the headaches you usually get when you try to get off the stuff!

I'm not going to lie, I've probably had 3 times in the last month where I would have killed for one, but I just tell myself I don't have a choice and get a Propel, Crystal light, Gatorade or Water. The craving goes away!

Good luck with your surgery!

Julie

Chubbola, Julie's right, the craving does go away. I haven't been banded yet (hopefully in May!), but went ahead and changed some habits thinking if I couldn't stick with them now, I wouldn't be able to stick with them afterwards. Diet Coke was one of those habits. My hubby use to swear I had DC running in my veins! I quit about a month ago though and have had maybe 2 since then. They don't taste as good as I remember! In fact, I find the taste rather cloying. So, it can be done. Good luck!

Carbonation can stretch your pouch, some surgeons say that it doesn't but I think it's better safe than sorry. I did cheat and have d coke for a long time but it irritated my stomach and once I had decent restriction I couldn't tolerate it anymore at all. My advice is to follow your surgeons instructions not anyone elses.

Paula, they say it can stretch the pouch but there is no scientific proof of that. I drink a diet soda maybe a couple times a week without a problem. You may find that after you get a fill the carbonation may bother you more. But you just have to monitor it. Julie

Thanks everyone for your replies. I appreciate it. Im really glad I found this website! There is so much usefull information on here!

it can cause gastric prolapse. In that event the band would need to be replaced and then even if you doctor chooses to do so.