Question:
Help! Addicted to carbonation. Can't stop. 7 weeks post.
I know that I am risking making my pouch bigger. I only drink a few sips at a time (I know, no excuse). I know it is an addiction, same as food (which I am not having any problem with besides maybe not getting enough protein and calories in) but I can't stop. Please give me some advice. — dtjohnson7 (posted on January 11, 2001)
January 11, 2001
I WAS A CASE A DAY PEPSIHOLIC!!! I was pack a day smoker for 25 years
too!!! BUT ... I QUIT!!! I QUIT WHEN I WAS TOLD THAT I ALMOST DIED FROM
BRONCHITIS!! I WAS TOLD I WAS GOING TO DIE FROM BEING FAT TOO. I DID
SOMETHING ABOUT IT!!!
My being fat cost me alot of pain ... more than that, it cost my family
alot more in lost *quality time*. I'm sorry but this is my opinion and we
all know about opinions...
My weightloss surgery cost $37,000.00 and alot of lost time with my
daughters while they were growing up. I have had only 4 pepsis/carbonated
drinks since February 23, 2000. Those 4 pepsis made me sick as a dog and
that was the reult that I wanted!!!!! I wanted to remind myself of the
nasty results from drinking those pepsis!!! PEOPLE WE ARE ALL ADULTS
HERE. DID YOU GO THRU ALL THIS PAIN JUST TO FAIL AGAIN??? NOT ME!!! I
WANT TO LIVE AND BE HAPPY!!! I WANT TO SEE MY DAUGHTERS MARRY AND PRESENT
ME WITH PRECIOUS GRANDCHILDREN. I AM SELFISH!!! I WANT TO LIVE!!!
THINK ABOUT IT.... IS THAT CARBONATED DRINK WORTHY OF YOUR LIFE??? I SAY
NO WAY!!!!!! LOVE AND HUGS.....
— [Anonymous]
January 11, 2001
I am almost 3 years post-op, and drink a carbonated beverage whenever I
want one, probably 2 or 3 times a week. I am at my ideal weight; I had a
soda (always in a glass over ice, way too much carbonation drank from the
can) every 3 or 4 days almost from the beginning, it never seemed to cause
any problem. I can't tell you not to worry about it, you have to listen to
your doctor, but I can tell you it's not the end of the world to have a
soda now and then. You should, however, try to find a beverage you really
enjoy (Crystal Light? Lemonade?) to substitute for soda for day in and day
out sipping. For me, it's fresh-brewed ice tea with Equal. I put it in an
insulated mug over ice and sip on it all day. Try to prepare what you like
ahead of time, always have it in the refrigerator ready to go. Part of the
lure of soda is the ease of popping the top and having it ready to drink.
Make a substitute just as readily available and appealing. Good luck!
— [Anonymous]
January 11, 2001
I was told by my nutritionist at three months that I may consume diet coke.
I was shocked and elated to hear it. Speak to your doctor.
— Jeannet
January 11, 2001
I, too, was told that diet soda was fine and that I was not going to
"strech" out my pouch (I am pre-op). You are not going to die
from drinking soda, you might not loose as fast, but you won't die. Now, on
the other hand, smoking not only kills you but the loved ones around you
(this is in response to the first post), quite a difference between
drinking soda and smoking (I smoked for 20 years, and yes I quit too).
Listen to what your doctor says and ask questions. Good luck!!
— paschool
January 11, 2001
I agree that we all have certain addicions. Mine was Diet 7UP since it has
no caffeine and I have heart problems. I found this article on the
Dallasites Group in Dallas. I tried to drink one in the hospital & it
tasted terrible. I experiemented at home a couple of times and finally
after a month or so I really enjoyed one. When I read this article never I
never had another carbonated drink. It was re-posted from another obesity
website. Please read it for a little information on how is affects your
new stomach/pouch. The address is:
http//www.surgery-for-obesity.com/successful_habits.htm 10/18/00 350+ /
284 <66>
— Thom C.
January 12, 2001
First, Thom found a good website for us, but didn't type the link in
correctly. It should be:
http://www.surgery-for-obesity.com/successful_habits.htm
Here's the Conclusion from that site: Conclusion:
The first postoperative year is a critical time that must be dedicated to
changing old behavior and forming new, lifelong habits.
To be successful after a gastric bypass, you must eat three well-balanced
meals and maximum of two snacks daily; drink water and avoid carbonated
beverages of any kind. Remember to take your multiple vitamins, iron, and
calcium regularly. You must and slept 7 hours per night. Regular exercise
is imperative and above all,
weight control is your own personal responsibility./////I would add that at
7 weeks, your stomach, which was cut and sewn and/or stapled is healing and
needs special care!!! That alone should be enough incentive for you! Best
wishes.
— Cindy H.
January 12, 2001
Good Lord! I don't think popping a carbonated soda can has the same effect
as eating a pound of steak a day. Moderation, moderation, moderation is
key. Years ago, I was a 2 liter a day cola drinking. So bad that I would
get the shakes if I did not have it. I still drink an occasional diet soda.
Putting it over ice helps to cut down on the carbonation and helps to
reduce the "burn".
— [Anonymous]
April 8, 2001
I was told that if you want to have a soda or beer occasionally to pur it
in a wide mouth glass and let it sit slightly to reduce some of the
carbonation. I haven't tried it yet at 2 months because I'm scared to
stretch my pouch, but I hope this may help you. Susan G.
— susan R.
July 21, 2001
What is the problem with carbonation? I was given Diet Sprite 1 day after
surgery, while still in the hospital. A can of Diet Sprite came with my
clear liquids tray for lunch and dinner, 2 days straigt.
— Lori V.
February 2, 2003
my doctor told me that i can't ever have carbonation again because it will
eat right through my pouch since it doesn't digest things as easily as it
used to. i would jsut be real careful...better safe than sorry.
— taylor R.
February 17, 2003
I'm NOT looking forward to giving up carbonated beverages after my surgery!
But I'm trying to put it in perspective by realizing I'll be able to stop
lugging home all those heavy 12-packs, stop buying the overpriced soda in
vending machines, etc. Between the sodas and all the food I eat, I'm
looking forward to a significant reduction in grocery bills!
— sjwilde
February 17, 2003
My doctor said it is ok to drink diet cola as long as it is caffiene free.
You won't be able to drink but a sip or two at a time. I used to drink
about six 12 ounce cans per day and now at 6 months post op, I drink less
than two per day. At first I only had a sip, one sip, every few hours. Now
I sip along throughout the day and it adds up to one or two a day. I do not
think it has any affect on my pouch. One cannot be expected to give up
everything they enjoy. This is one of the lesser of the evils and cannot
hurt your pouch. (This is only my opinion, but my doctor oks caffiene free
sugar free drinks of any kind.)
— Kathy L. H.
Click Here to Return