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.




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