Is Soda Safe After Weight Loss Surgery?

Posted by Dr. Nick Nicholson on May 29th, 2015

Weight loss surgery is designed to help give people a whole new lease on life. With a smaller stomach capacity, the pounds gained over time will begin to shed rather quickly. As the body adjusts to the dramatic change, a number of dietary restrictions will go along with the recovery period. One of those restrictions – sorry soda fans – does happen to involve giving up carbonated beverages.

While staying hydrated post-surgery is critical, it’s best to achieve the fluid intake goal with water and protein drinks. Any drink that includes carbonated water is going to be off limits, a strict no-no, so to say.

There are a number of potential concerns that swirl around soda consumption following weight loss surgery. They include such potential issues as:

• The potential for gas production – Gas is painful – bariatric surgery or not. Carbonated drinks, however, promote the creation of gas and can make people feel rather uncomfortable post-surgery. Avoiding even a sip of soda is the best bet.
• Soda can stretch out the stomach – The gas found in carbonated water can expand the stomach and cause post-surgical issues that go beyond the production of flatulence. It is also possible that drinking carbonated beverages may damage the stomach pouch should it cause extreme nausea during the healing period.

Soda isn’t the only carbonated beverage off the table post-surgery. Hard ciders, beer – any drink that contains carbonated water – should be avoided. It’s also recommended that any drinks high in sugar or laden with caffeine be taken off the menu, as well.

Weight loss surgery does require giving up some habits from pre-surgical days. Developing smarter, better habits, however, can lead to results that last. To find out more about post-surgical instructions, be sure to consult with your bariatric surgeon. A special diet and limited food intake will also be included during the recovery period. It is important to follow recommendations to avoid unnecessary complications.

About Author:-

One of the most experienced weight loss surgeons in the country – Dr. Nick Nicholson – along with a full staff of surgeons, nurses and other experienced clinicians, help patients reverse obesity with LAP-BAND, Gastric Bypass, Sleeve Gastrectomy and Revisions.