diet coke and mineral water

I am working so hard to lose the diet coke (my other addiction).  I know it has to go but I was wondering about the reason.  Is it the bubbles will fill me up too quickly?  If that's the case, I guess the Perrier is gone also.  If it's the caffeine, they do have no caffeine diet coke.  I know I'm stretching but I'm also just curious about the reason.  Will I ever be able to drink it again?  I'm presently not drinking any diet coke every 3rd day.  Next week I will start every other day.  I know it's an evil necessity for my wls and I will do it!
Help!

Linda G

Note I am pre op. But what I have learned is that the carbonation is the reason, because it can stretch your pouch and/or the connection from that to small intestine.

Hi Linda, in my course, we were told no caffeine and no carbonation.  So the Perrier would have to go to.  The caffeine can wear on your stomach lining as it won't be as thick, and could cause ulcers.  We were told it's like using sandpaper on your stomach. As for the carbonation, it will add too much gas into your stomach and cause pressure and pain.  Will you ever be able to have it?  I don't know.  A friend had the surgury 2.5 years ago, and still doesn't drink it.  I haven't had one in 4 months, and I don't miss it or really crave it any more.

Good luck preparing!
Cathy

Linda,

I was a huge Diet Pepsi person 3-4 cans a day I weened myself off 2-3 months prior to surgery and I am now 6 weeks out of surgery and have no desire to have it at all.  You will have withdrawl symptoms for a day or two but after that it's usually smooth sailing.
The reason my centre told me is that it is like sandpaper on your new tummy lining and can evetually cause ulcers.
You can do it!!! Keep us posted on how it goes.

No carbonated drinks at all.  The carbonation takes up space, and isn't good for your pouch (and neither is the pop at all, decaf/calorie free/sugar free or whatever).  It's best to just give it up altogether now, rather than try later once you've got your pouch.

I know losing those vices isn't easy, but doing it shows a commitment to the process, and looks good when you get your appts.

Good luck!

I can tell you this about carbonated drinks.  I was at school the other day and I forgot my water bottle in the car.  I went to the vending machine to buy a bottle of water and of course the water was sold out.  I was so thirsty and I had to settle for a diet coke.  I opened it up and left it open on my desk for about half an hour then proceded to sip on it slowly.  I was careful about swallowing air and I tried to swi**** around a bit to get some of the bubbles out before I swallowed it.  I am almost 4 months post op and this was the first (and last) time I tried pop.  It gave me the worst gas that I have had since surgery.  I was so uncomfortable, my pouch was making really loud noises and I was stuck in a classroom with no way to "relieve the bloating".  Lose the pop.  You may not be able to tolerate it post op and it is like sandpaper on your stomach.  Have you ever done that experiment where you put an old dirty penny in some coke for a few days and it comes out clean and shiny?  That's what it is doing to your insides.  I haven't had any problems with anything but that soda was the worst!  

Thank you everyone.  I knew I would be convinced how really bad it is for me if I posted something here.  I think the 'sandpaper' was the final straw.  I only have one bottle left in the house and then I will not buy anymore.  sob sob......"goodbye good friend...I think it's best we don't see each other any more.....It's not you - it's me"

I love this site.  I'm getting such good information and tips.  I even like the drama from time to time. 

At my meeting last week at twh I asked if they monitor the website at all and they all said, 'oh yes'.  They likely get a lot of tips here as well.

Have a great weekend....I'll be thirsty and sad but I'll get over it.

Linda G

You can do it. I use to drink so much diet coke. Now I don't even miss it. I know right now you are thinking how much you will miss it but as time goes you will come to the point you will not miss it.

as mentioned above no carbonated beverages of any sort..and believe me if you try after surgery you will wish you didn't it's a gross feeling and you feel like you are going to blow and puke at the same time..

I sure miss the odd vodka cooler I used to have prior to RNY..oh well...I wouldn't be where I am today (almost 3 yrs post-op) if I didn;t make the changes necessary and continue with those practices.

I used to drink (1) can of coke after work each day....and gave that up cold turkey 6 months prior to my surgery..it's kind of funny now because someone in teh house will say "there's no pop"..to that I respond...well I don;t drink it so how would I know..LOL