Now that I am almost 6 months post op, I decided to drink something other than just plain water. I tried Crystal Light, and it was disgusting! I tried 3 diff flavors, and just do not like the after taste. Then I decided to try diet ice tea by Snapple, and thought that was also nasty, and left an after taste. Hubby bought me some sugar free cocoa, and again it is gross, and leaves a weird after taste. Is this happening to anyone else? What is everyone drinking at this point? I am so sick of plain water.

5 hours ago, FINFAN3DP said:

It is my understanding that is for the bypassers only, not the sleevers.

Which also wouldn't make a ton of sense, if you ask me? The sleevers have a high-pressure pouch, meaning it's closed on one end by the pyloric valve (the DS'ers, too). Mechanically, you'd think that would mean carbonation could do more stretching, I guess?

However, their lower-set pouch means it has less potential, theoretically, to stretch because that area of the stomach is less stretching-prone (it obviously still happens to some).

We bypassers have a low-pressure pouch (it's open on two ends), meaning fluids should pretty much go right through. Fast-emptying pouches are positively correlated with WL in some studies, which is somewhat counter-intuitive, but makes sense when you think about the metabolic effects of getting food to the small intestine relatively fast after starting a meal.

Where we differ is obviously where that pouch is - the RNY'ers have it high, the MGB'ers have it low.

I really wish there were some good scientific studies on post-op plans. I haven't found much, and it's not like I haven't tried. I really don't believe in just telling people no to everything. If our minds worked like that, we wouldn't be here in the first place.

2 hours ago, OAGBPal said:

Which also wouldn't make a ton of sense, if you ask me? The sleevers have a high-pressure pouch, meaning it's closed on one end by the pyloric valve (the DS'ers, too). Mechanically, you'd think that would mean carbonation could do more stretching, I guess?

However, their lower-set pouch means it has less potential, theoretically, to stretch because that area of the stomach is less stretching-prone (it obviously still happens to some).

We bypassers have a low-pressure pouch (it's open on two ends), meaning fluids should pretty much go right through. Fast-emptying pouches are positively correlated with WL in some studies, which is somewhat counter-intuitive, but makes sense when you think about the metabolic effects of getting food to the small intestine relatively fast after starting a meal.

Where we differ is obviously where that pouch is - the RNY'ers have it high, the MGB'ers have it low.

I really wish there were some good scientific studies on post-op plans. I haven't found much, and it's not like I haven't tried. I really don't believe in just telling people no to everything. If our minds worked like that, we wouldn't be here in the first place.

Where it gets really interesting is when you listen to the difference between some doctors and nutritionists that disagree saying the stretching of the pouch is all bogus hype to get you to lose more weight, and not backed by science.

8 hours ago, FINFAN3DP said:

It is my understanding that is for the bypassers only, not the sleevers.

I only know this through hanging out on this and other bariatric boards for the last six or so years, but for both types of surgeries, it depends on the surgeon (like it does with so many other things, it seems...). Many surgeons say no - forever - to carbonated beverages - but some are OK with it once your a ways out if your stomach can handle it. I've tried it (even though my surgeon is one of the "no" people), but it hurts my stomach, so I can't do it. It's fine, though - after being away from it for so long, it tastes like a bunch of chemicals to me now (which is basically what it is..)

"It seems US doctors in general deal in absolutes, if you will, and European ones try another strategy. I mean, we're on 1,400 cals from the start, and you have to see if you can get UP to it. That's different from most US plans, too." I think this is a fascinating point! My doctor was a US doctor, but with a TREMENDOUSLY different approach than most of what I was reading here.

I was encouraged to eat 1200 calories per day...just weeks out from surgery and am part of a study that is assessing longterm regain. So far, the studies are showing more regain 3-5 years down the road for folks who were more severely calorie restricted for a longer time initially. The idea is that this might be due to resetting the metabolism at too low a caloric set point, and that those who return to more normal caloric levels sooner have a more robust metabolism reset. I have no idea what's true, or if there is enough data yet, or how much is individual based....but I'm glad I can eat pretty normally (lots of unrefined carbs, occasional treats, potatoes, bread, a can of diet soda here and there) and not regain. I do have to watch my calories a little bit. But I maintain really well at 1400-1600/day, so rarely feel deprived.

Bigger things MY doctor stressed: eat dietary fiber with your carbs, avoid refined sugar/flour. eat fermented foods and fiber to feed good gut bugs. get 60g of protien a day, but try to get half from plants (beans, oats, nuts, tofu, mushrooms, potatoes, etc). avoid animal fats, pick olive oil, grape seed, canola, etc. eat lots of diversity of vegetables and fruits. Exercise daily for life. VERY different advice. There's no single answer on this stuff....which is why it's fun to share experiences.

A lot of folks here will get ornery when you share an experience that is against the "rules" they were taught or is completely different from their experience. How dare we provide such a "bad" example to those starting out? How dare we endanger them by saying things are ok that their doctor said are HORRIBLE?

Here's a reality: It's not our job here to make anyone's choices. We each make our own. We're each adults. And another reality....all doctors don't recommend the same things. All doctors don't make the same "rules". I like when people are honest and share their true experiences. All of them. Even the ones I personally disapprove of. We all have our own truth. It's up to us to figure out what works best for us individually. And it's up to us to listen to our doctors, do the research, and make the most informed decisions we can.

It's gonna look different for each of us, folks. Seriously. And that's ok:)

This is an interesting article about the myth of soda stretching your stomach written by a doctor and medical director of a bariatric center.

Soda is not a good choice. Even diet soda might make you overeat. It's devoid of nutrition. It might deplete your calcium. It really should be eliminated as much as possible.

But it's not gonna stetch your sleeve/pouch. With two weak valves at either end, the PSI simply isn't there to stretch a muscle with gas. Yes, doctors and nutritionists tell you this routinely. Because soda is a lousey choice and maybe you won't drink it if they make it sound scary.

Again...not advocating for my choices...just sayin...not all doctors sell this myth.

https://www.obesityhelp.com/articles/drinking-soda-after-wls-debunking-the-myth/

There are some great REAL reasons not to drink soda, however! Very worth a read.

1 hour ago, Creekimp13 said:

"It seems US doctors in general deal in absolutes, if you will, and European ones try another strategy. I mean, we're on 1,400 cals from the start, and you have to see if you can get UP to it. That's different from most US plans, too." I think this is a fascinating point! My doctor was a US doctor, but with a TREMENDOUSLY different approach than most of what I was reading here.

I was encouraged to eat 1200 calories per day...just weeks out from surgery and am part of a study that is assessing longterm regain. So far, the studies are showing more regain 3-5 years down the road for folks who were more severely calorie restricted for a longer time initially. The idea is that this might be due to resetting the metabolism at too low a caloric set point, and that those who return to more normal caloric levels sooner have a more robust metabolism reset. I have no idea what's true, or if there is enough data yet, or how much is individual based....but I'm glad I can eat pretty normally (lots of unrefined carbs, occasional treats, potatoes, bread, a can of diet soda here and there) and not regain. I do have to watch my calories a little bit. But I maintain really well at 1400-1600/day, so rarely feel deprived.

Bigger things MY doctor stressed: eat dietary Fiber with your carbs, avoid refined sugar/flour. eat fermented foods and fiber to feed good gut bugs. get 60g of protien a day, but try to get half from plants (beans, oats, nuts, tofu, mushrooms, potatoes, etc). avoid animal fats, pick olive oil, grape seed, canola, etc. eat lots of diversity of vegetables and fruits. Exercise daily for life. VERY different advice. There's no single answer on this stuff....which is why it's fun to share experiences.

A lot of folks here will get ornery when you share an experience that is against the "rules" they were taught or is completely different from their experience. How dare we provide such a "bad" example to those starting out? How dare we endanger them by saying things are ok that their doctor said are HORRIBLE?

Here's a reality: It's not our job here to make anyone's choices. We each make our own. We're each adults. And another reality....all doctors don't recommend the same things. All doctors don't make the same "rules". I like when people are honest and share their true experiences. All of them. Even the ones I personally disapprove of. We all have our own truth. It's up to us to figure out what works best for us individually. And it's up to us to listen to our doctors, do the research, and make the most informed decisions we can.

It's gonna look different for each of us, folks. Seriously. And that's ok:)

It is soooo different for everyone. I was told I could never eat bread, pasta, rice, potato again. If I choose to do it, only in tiny portions. I have not tried it yet. I am dying for pasta!! I used to eat it at least twice a week before the surgery, and I miss it. I think I will wait until I can eat a little bit more to try it. I still get full too quickly. I know I won't enjoy it right now. Your right about figuring it out for each of us too. It seems like every docs advice is varied. I did notice, especially people not from the US, that it is a lot different.

1 hour ago, Creekimp13 said:

This is an interesting article about the myth of soda stretching your stomach written by a doctor and medical director of a bariatric center.

Soda is not a good choice. Even diet soda might make you overeat. It's devoid of nutrition. It might deplete your Calcium. It really should be eliminated as much as possible.

But it's not gonna stetch your sleeve/pouch. With two weak valves at either end, the PSI simply isn't there to stretch a muscle with gas. Yes, doctors and nutritionists tell you this routinely. Because soda is a lousey choice and maybe you won't drink it if they make it sound scary.

Again...not advocating for my choices...just sayin...not all doctors sell this myth.

https://www.obesityhelp.com/articles/drinking-soda-after-wls-debunking-the-myth/

There are some great REAL reasons not to drink soda, however! Very worth a read.

TY for posting this article. It is very informative. Now I know that IF I decide to have a diet coke once in a while, I won't be so nervous about it. My doctor had me so scared that it would stretch out my pouch.

2 hours ago, Creekimp13 said:

"It seems US doctors in general deal in absolutes, if you will, and European ones try another strategy. I mean, we're on 1,400 cals from the start, and you have to see if you can get UP to it. That's different from most US plans, too." I think this is a fascinating point! My doctor was a US doctor, but with a TREMENDOUSLY different approach than most of what I was reading here.

I was encouraged to eat 1200 calories per day...just weeks out from surgery and am part of a study that is assessing longterm regain. So far, the studies are showing more regain 3-5 years down the road for folks who were more severely calorie restricted for a longer time initially. The idea is that this might be due to resetting the metabolism at too low a caloric set point, and that those who return to more normal caloric levels sooner have a more robust metabolism reset. I have no idea what's true, or if there is enough data yet, or how much is individual based....but I'm glad I can eat pretty normally (lots of unrefined carbs, occasional treats, potatoes, bread, a can of diet soda here and there) and not regain. I do have to watch my calories a little bit. But I maintain really well at 1400-1600/day, so rarely feel deprived.

Bigger things MY doctor stressed: eat dietary Fiber with your carbs, avoid refined sugar/flour. eat fermented foods and fiber to feed good gut bugs. get 60g of protien a day, but try to get half from plants (beans, oats, nuts, tofu, mushrooms, potatoes, etc). avoid animal fats, pick olive oil, grape seed, canola, etc. eat lots of diversity of vegetables and fruits. Exercise daily for life. VERY different advice. There's no single answer on this stuff....which is why it's fun to share experiences.

A lot of folks here will get ornery when you share an experience that is against the "rules" they were taught or is completely different from their experience. How dare we provide such a "bad" example to those starting out? How dare we endanger them by saying things are ok that their doctor said are HORRIBLE?

Here's a reality: It's not our job here to make anyone's choices. We each make our own. We're each adults. And another reality....all doctors don't recommend the same things. All doctors don't make the same "rules". I like when people are honest and share their true experiences. All of them. Even the ones I personally disapprove of. We all have our own truth. It's up to us to figure out what works best for us individually. And it's up to us to listen to our doctors, do the research, and make the most informed decisions we can.

It's gonna look different for each of us, folks. Seriously. And that's ok:)

This deserves a quote in full. You said what I've wanted to say for a long time, and you said it so well. The bolded part seems to be understood by veterans, but it's good to remember for everyone.

In terms of the philosophy on what works long-term, this is where my program is too. Could I basically eat 500 cals a day? Yeah, right now I probably could. But they don't want us to.

I'm drinking water with Mio, unsweet tea or lemonade with Sweet and Low, and BariatricPal hot chocolate (it's expensive but really tasty). I like the Fairlife protein drinks in chocolate flavors as well. I don't care for crystal light much either, but occasionally I'll have the raspberry lemonade because I think it tastes less awful than the other flavors. I'd suggest finding sugar free drinks and adding a sweetener.

All the drinks with fake sugars, especially Sucralose gave me headaches. Drinks with stevia were better but I honestly drink water and I really like HINT water. Infusers for water like Isopure were good too because I’m still supplementing protein. I just water it down a lot.