Hi guys,

I have heard differing opinions about drinking soda after surgery. One book I read said no- never. One book says yes- but 3 months after surgery. My surgeon's instructions says yes I can have it.

Do any of you still drink soda? Any problems/ complications?

Thanks.

For me, I don't drink it. But I never did drink too much pop (that's what we call it in my neck of the woods). Even the diet stuff makes you feel bloated and gives you gas. And the kinds with caffeine make you hungry.

In my opinion, it's just not a good idea. With the band, we're not supposed to drink when we eat anyway. I'm not saying I don't have a drink of my kid's or my husband's every once in while, but only a drink.

The docs will tell you good old plain Water is best but I have found very good alternatives. I'm hooked the the Propel Fitness Water. It's available in different flavors. Special K also makes a flavored Protein Water. It's not too bad but it tends to be pricey for no more protein than it has. Crystal Light is another good one. Really, you just have to try a variety to find out what you like.

Good Luck!

Hi guys,

I have heard differing opinions about drinking soda after surgery. One book I read said no- never. One book says yes- but 3 months after surgery. My surgeon's instructions says yes I can have it.

Do any of you still drink soda? Any problems/ complications?

Thanks.

Well me myself I am not plaining on having regular soda ever again. Now fruit punch or lemonaid or something yes but pepsi or coke cola, root beer and stuff nope.. cause i have heard too many bad things with the band and soda...

i used to live on diet soda...I tried to drink some after banding and the carbonation made me feel very unpleasant, and I wanted to barf. Some people wait til it goes a little flat, then drink it, but the bubbles in my band turned me right off.

I drink tea, coffee, red wine, and Water, water, water. I really don't miss it.

Soda is an absolute no-no. The carbonation in the soda will basically sabotage you. The carbonation stretches your pouch out because of the gas. My doctor says you have to kick the habit and go for Water or things like crystal light or unsweetened tea w/ splenda. It's kinda the same idea behind instant mashed potatoes. They end up blowing up in the stomach and stretching the pouch. It's just best to stay away.

Kary

I agree. Soda is a no-no. I use to be addicted to diet pop. I quit it cold turkey 8 weeks ago and haven't had a sip since. I love Crystal Lite Lemonade and Wylers Lite Lemonade. Another good drink that I love is PowerAid Zero...no calories. If you are out and want somethink at McDonalds, they have the Minute Maid Lite Lemonade. It's good too. Good luck and I would try to stay away from the soda.

i have had no discomfort or problems drinking soda post-op, but i guess it depends on the person. i do however only drink fountain pop for the most part, because i think it is less abrasive and easier on my stomach. i'm sure my surgeon is all that happy about it, but i have been seriously addicted to diet pepsi for years and found it impossible to give it up. i did alright for several months post-op, but then i don't know why but i just had to have it! :cool2: so if you feel te same way, i would ease into and try fountain soda and see how it goes!

It's kinda the same idea behind instant mashed potatoes. They end up blowing up in the stomach and stretching the pouch. It's just best to stay away.

Kary

I have never heard this about mashed potatoes. My dr. obviously discourages them because of the starch/carb. issue, but I just thought they were fattening, I didn't know they could stretch my pouch. Is this true?

I am not a doctor or in the medical field but my band doc who is a proctor for Allergan disagrees. He does not believe the pounch can be streched by pop or mashed potatoes for that matter. His stance is that you will burp or pb as the case may be long before anything stays in your stomach long enough to strech the pouch out. Now if you don't pb the mash potatoes and just sit there with them in your esophogus (sp?) can cause problems.

But again take my advice for what you paid for it.

The best advice is to always follow doc's advice and it never hurts to follow the most strict advice you hear. Taking the old "its better to be safe than sorry" stance.

- Personally, I have drank the occasional soda as well as mash potatoes. But, am I advocating you follow my example? No. And as to wether or not my doing so has caused any damage yet I can't say. The only reason I'm even telling you I ate them is so that you don't think I'm just some perfect bandster that is talking from some high pedestal.