I'm getting banded this week. I keep reading that I can't have any carbinated drinks. I'm curious as to why? Also, will I be able to swallow prescription meds? Any other good tips for pre and post.

I'd appreciate anything you can tell me

Hi i was just looking thru the paper work they gave me im going to write down what it says.

No caffeinated beverages should be consumed at all, choose decafeinated coffee and decaffeinated tea. the consumption of caffeined should be avoided for life because calleine increases blood pressure, causes Iron poor blood, is a stimulant, an can cause ulcerations in the pouch. hope this helps tammy

She was actually talking about carbonated, not caffeine.

I have heard that the bubbles bother the stitching, and also that the gas in the carbonation might bloat up the pouch.

not sure what the exact right answer is, but both sound a little irritating on a newly sewn patch.

I would think that later after a couple months one, every once in a while should be fine. but probably not in the begining.

The paperwork that I received from my surgeon states, "White flour products, carbonated beverages, and overeating can potentially cause slippage, which is normally corrected through an additional surgery." My doctor says regular coffee and tea are fine. I drink a cup or two every now and then. Every doctor, and their instructions, are different - always best to do what your doctor says. Good luck with your surgery. I'll be thinking about you on Friday. Take care!! Becky

Ask YOUR doctor. Some ban carbonation (mine does) and I tasted a beer about 3 months post op...that sucker HURT to drink it.

Pills are no problem for me; I have pretty decent restriction and can still swallow my potassium (they are horse pills!) so while it is individual, you'll probably be able to take pills just fine.

My dr. said definately no pills. He said he had one patient the pill got stuck and he had to go in surgically to remove it. I have been really careful and stopped all mine. Can't imagine trying to afford another surgery at this point. Also, all my books on lapband forbid carbonation at all ever with the band. It does seem Dr.s vary some.

Yeah, my doctor said no pills larger than an m&m. I talked to my regular GP (I take 4 bp pills) and he says of the two that are large, the one is a capsul so I can just empty the capsul into Water and take it that way and the other one I'm supposed to skip right now. And he will check my bp a couple weeks after surgery and see how it is.

Also I think the ban on carbonated beverages is mostly because of the painful gas it can cause. I don't think I will miss it a whole lot but will miss my ocassional gin & tonic! :biggrin:

My Surgery is in 13 days! Can't wait!

There's also a relationship between carb drinks and acid reflux which can become a real problem for a lot of bandsters.

I was told any necessary medicines should be crushed as finely as possible. I was told no to any carbonated beverages.

When I first got banded, I was taking a blood pressure pill that was not to be crushed or broken. I talked to my PCP and she prescribed another medication that is very small and I never had a problem with it. 6 months after getting my band, I was taken off of my BP meds alltogether!!! So before crushing or breaking, make sure that the pill will have the same results - I googled mine and found out it wasn't supposed to be crushed or broken. Some meds are horrible tasting - if you can take something else that doesn't have to be crushed and mixed with water, it might make your day a tiny bit better. So as usual.... the advice that I have is.... check with your doctor. Take care!!! Becky

I think you will find that every doctor is different when it comes to Caffeine. Mine allows about the equivalent of about 1 small coffee a day after you heal and are on regular foods. Any pop or carbonation is out due to the effects it can have on your band. As far as pills, ask you doctor and do not crush anything unless you are told you are allowed. A lot of meds are time release and dissolve slowly.