The great soda (and straw) debate!!

Today was my last class before surgery (yay!) and our Nutritionist reiterated that soda and straws are "out of the question...for life" and he's told us that every class. You inhale a lot of extra air by using a straw and it can stretch your sleeve- that's why they say don't. As for soda, the bubbles from the carbonation take up the room in your sleeve, and expand it past where it should be with the liquid. It would be painful for sure the first month or so post-op but after that it's just a hindrance to achieving your weight loss goal. Personally, I'm kissing them goodbye forever :)

I use a straw...sometimes. For me, I notice the extra air factor almost immediately. I think it's a personal preference thing.

I drink using straws and really don't notice a thing. Soda I can maybe take a couple of sips but then burp burp burp. Mostly I stay away from diet soda because whenever I drink it I put on a couple of pounds and while it is temporary and lasts only a few days I will only drink it rarely.

I'm 5 months out and don't have any problem with straws.  I have one of those big mugs with a straw that I take in my car.

As for soda, they said if you must, it has to be flat.  I was a diet Pepsi addict!  I've tried twice since surgery to drink one by pouring it over ice, but it just didn't taste how I remember, so I think I'm done with it.  Besides, it is the one thing I can think of that has absolutely no nutritional value to it.  I drank tea for a while, but it stained my teeth terribly, so my drink of choice is water or an occassional Crystal Lite.

I didn't use a straw for the first 3 months or so. Doc said it's okay after you heal so I waited. I do use them now with no problems. Soda was never a problem. I quit that stuff over a decade ago... That's my two cents...

Deb

I was told NO to both also, which I am fine with. Wouldn't mind a beer every once in awhile though!

When I was in the 10th grade my biology teacher showed us an experiment.  For 3 days, he soaked a giant t-bone steak in a pan of coca-cola.  On the 3rd day, you could stick your finger straight through the steak.

I quit drinking soda that day.  IMO? Ditch it and get a glass of water.

I use a straw and drink diet coke a couple of times a week. I waited for a couple of months. I have 205 pounds and made goal in 11 months using a straw and drinking a diet coke. I dont believe pop will expand your stomach. Some people feel yucky when they drink with a straw. I dont and could not drink 100-150 oz of liquid a day without it. You have to decide what you believe.

I'm 8 weeks out and I do drink with a straw. I have given  up sodas. My doctor said it was fine to drink with a straw. It would be hard for me as well drinking all of these fluids without using a straw.

Soda is a no-no.  I think for me it would make me nauseated anyway and I'm 5 months post op.

Straws my doctor says no but I haven't had any problem.  In fact I still burp when I drink probably cause I swallow air.  But with a straw I burp less so I don't see how a straw is putting air down there for me in fact it keeps me from swallow so much air.  So for me straws are probably a good thing but that might depend on the person.