Carbonated drinks after surgery?

[Half of Bri 115]

I'm pre-op and don't have a surgery date yet, but I was wondering what the verdict usually is about drinking things that are carbonated after surgery? I've heard you can't have them, but wasn't sure if that's a "forever" thing?

I don't do sodas of any kind but I am ADDICTED to all natural flavored seltzer Water and just want to prepare myself now if there's a chance that have to say goodbye forever ????

[iamjamilyn 58]

I was a total diet soda junkie. August 1st last year, when I made the decision to do the surgery, I made the choice to change my eating at that time. I started eating low carb and went cold turkey on my 6 can a day diet soda habit. I switched to Water, I use the flavor packets or the flavor squirt to help but I have never even tried to drink the carbonated drinks.

I have to say that I really don't miss the soda at all. You can get past it. ????

[ShrinkingPeach 1,291]

I also quit sodas for surgery and never went back. I have been told that the carbonation makes the sleeve very uncomfortable. Good luck!

[Jessee3897 114]

Bri I'm the same way! Although mine isn't seltzer but pepsi. I can give up everyrhing else no problem but no more sodas forever? ? my surgeon says the gas will cause the stomach to stretch but man, can one can a day or even every couple of days do that much harm? Le sigh.

[Babbs 14,681]

I don't think it's a forever thing. The "carbonation will stretch your sleeve out" thing is a MYTH. I know several sleevers who are at goal and maintaining that have diet soda once in a while. Heck, I know one that has 1 daily.

I think the only problem may come with how well your sleeve can handle it. I tried a sip or 2 at almost a year out and OUCH. The bubbles hurt! Plus I have terrible GERD, so I don't need anything else causing problems with heartburn or reflux.

I'm obviously talking about DIET soda. I don't even need to explain the issue with regular soda. (Empty calories galore!)

[McButterpants 2,846]

During the introduction seminar, the surgeon stated he had had VSG surgery. During the seminar, I noticed him sipping on a diet Sprite thru a straw. Later in the seminar he stated, "You will never be able to drink soda again." and "You will never be able to drink thru a straw." So we called him on it and he said, "It doesn't bother me." with a chuckle. It was kind of a do as I say, not as I do.

My personal experience - soda doesn't sit well on my stomach (I'm nearing 2 years post op). My adult beverage of choice is a DiSorono and Coke...I can have one, but more than that makes my stomach hurt, and even at that, I have to stir out he carbonation. (I rarely drink any more - like maybe 1 drink every 2 months or so)

You can read almost daily the stories about diet soda and artificial sweeteners and their effects on the body. I've never been a diet soda drinker.

[Mandala27 14]

I was asked to eliminate all carbonated beverages. I cut those out 6 weeks ago so I could get in the habit of not having them. It has not been bad at all.

[Babbs 14,681]

And I reread and realized she was talking about seltzer Water.

So, my answer is the same. Wait until you're close to goal, see how it sits, but watch calories. I'm not sure about naturally flavored seltzer waters with calories, but as a rule, it's never good to drink your calories aside from protien shakes.

And I stand by my belief that carbonation does not stretch the sleeve.

[Half of Bri 115]

Thanks everyone, I guess only time will tell! Seltzer Water is all natural and calorie free. It's water with bubbles

[NikkiDoc 312]

My surgeon allows carbonated beverages at 6 months. I am just past that point. I have not yet tried it. I have had a small sip of my husband's beer. Like a taste, hold it in the mouth and then swallow. Diet Dr. Pepper was such an addiction for me I don't want to start up again.

My surgeon does not believe that carbonation will stretch the sleeve. I know somebody that had RNY and she drinks Coke everyday with no problem. I think carbonation tolerance can vary greatly from person to person. You will find that with other foods too. Somebody on one of my Facebook groups is 6 months out and still can't eat lettuce. I have been eating lettuce since maybe 6 or 7 weeks.

As long as your surgeon is okay with seltzer Water go ahead and try a little. See how your sleeve likes it. If not at first then try again in a few weeks/months. I have read that some people can drink carbonated but only if they let it get a little flat or if they pour it over ice to release some of the fizz.

You may also find that your tastes have changed after surgery and you won't miss it. I don't miss Dr. Pepper at all. I used to have a minimum of two 20 oz bottles per day.