[FemmeMode]

OK....
I was "head craving" diet coke tonight. How I know it was all in my head - is b/c I never think of a diet coke...unless it is present in our house. Well...yesterday Hubby got a 2 liter bottle...and it's in the frig...CALLING MY NAME......

So....I caved...at first with a sip or two...and then finally decided NOT to drink it from the bottle...and poured myself a small mug with ice. I figured the carbonation would go down if it was poured over ice...and I let it sit a bit! I also let myself 'burp' as much as needed.

I was a little worried that I was going to feel pressure...or sick - that never happened.

So....I've heard all about the "stretching" pouch thing with carbonation...but is this true??? WHY are we not allowed to drink carbonated drinks....???

Does ANYONE know for sure????

[DocSanae]

Something I posted in another thread.

Medically and pharmacologically speaking, caffeine is a central nerve stimulator, diuretic and circulatory and repiratory stimulator. Overdose will cause impatience, tremors, nervousness, easy excitability, sleep disturbance, redness of face, diuresis, irregular heart beats and such. It also causes stomach symptoms such as nausea, but there is no mention of any effect that will cause pouches to stretch.
As for soda pops. some say the carbonation causes stretching, while others consider it not good for WLS patients because it may cause one to relapse into bad eating habits from there.

The original thread is here.

Hope this answers your Q.

Oh, and incidentally, CraigT is a secret diet Pepsi grazer.

[fr1endly2]

and to add my two cents why im really staying clear of the DIET soda as well is its known and been on the news very recently that SODA diet variety included triggers more eating.

FOR me it will effect my food cravings so i have to not have any.
I think now honestly it wont "HURT" my pouch but early out
yes it might have.
all the best

[JLR12679]

The day I decided that this was what i was going to do was the last day I drank soda. Im a water/diet iced tea/ fruit 20/ crystal light drinker now. I heard that the carbination streachs the pouch and thats when i decided not going to let that happen to me! If i streach the pouch that means I can have more food, more food I could regain weight, not happening.

[FemmeMode]

....if that is true - about the "stretching pouch"....
I think Doc's explanation is more feasible....the caffeine thing is true about it being a diuretic...and then the "leads to eating" old habits...etc.
Thanks Doc about giving me the "tidbit" about Craig having a diet Pepsi here and there....After nine years...and he is still going strong...and losing still...that is enough for me to give myself a 'break' on this weakness I had last night. I questioned the 'stretching pouch'....sounds strange....

Anyway...

[xsmith95]

Don't sweat it Deborah! Just make it an very rare occasional thing. I have had a sip or 2 of soda but never a glass. Not because of the surgery but because I am a PEPSI addict. I am very afraid that if I start now, I will not be able to stop. I used to wake with a Pepsi and go to bed with a Pepsi, I would wake in the middle of the night and drink it too.

Don't beat yourself up, just pick up and continue on. You are doing such a great job.

[Katophile]

Hi Deborah,
My doctor gives the "stretching the pouch" reason, along with the other reasons as listed by everybody else. In my case, since I am a very new patient, I think stretching could be an issue. The gas caused by the carbonation would be horrific for me - Maybe further along the road, it wouldn't be so bad - I'll have to wait until I'm there.
But certainly, don't beat yourself up over it. Just be aware of how often you fill that mug. Best of Luck -

[Pillows]

I have sip stole here and there honey...dont' beat yourself up over it. I am starting to tend to agree with Doc on the not stretching being that big of the issue, but the tendency to add more bad behaviors...
janae

[MSmom]

that sounds more likely. I am a diet soda drinker. With many of my diets I restricted my coke intake. I know I can live without it but, it doesn't mean i necessarily want to. I will have to work on that one.