Bariatric Surgery FAQ ·

Carbonation After Gastric Sleeve

carbonation and weight loss surgery

After undergoing gastric sleeve surgery, it is important to adhere to your new bariatric diet. Generally, carbonated beverages are not included in this diet and are not recommended for patients who have undergone gastric sleeve surgery due to several reasons.

This article aims to explain the rationale behind this recommendation, suggest healthier alternatives to carbonated drinks, provide useful tips, and discuss other beverages that should be avoided.

What This Article Covers:

Can I Drink Carbonated Beverages After Gastric Sleeve Surgery?

In general, it is not recommended to consume any form of carbonated beverages for at least the first year following gastric sleeve surgery. While policies may vary among different surgery centers, medical professionals typically advise against including carbonated beverages in your gastric sleeve food list or gastric bypass foods list. There are several reasons behind this recommendation.

What Are Carbonated Beverages?

Carbonated beverages are drinks that contain carbon dioxide, which can occur naturally through fermentation or be artificially added. The bubbles in carbonated beverages are often enjoyed by many people.

Soda is one of the most commonly consumed and popular carbonated beverages. Additionally, carbonated water is a popular alternative to still water. It's important to note that alcoholic drinks like beer, champagne, and ciders are examples of beverages that naturally have carbonation.

Why Are Carbonated Beverages So Bad For Bariatric Patients?

Gastric sleeve surgery involves removing around 80 percent of the stomach to create a small pouch. Drinking carbonated beverages after this surgery can lead to various issues. When carbonated beverages are consumed, the carbon dioxide is released into the stomach, causing it to expand and exert pressure on the incision site. This can result in uncomfortable bloating and pain, given the reduced size of the stomach.

Furthermore, carbonated beverages can cause excess gas and acid reflux, adding to the discomfort experienced by patients. In addition to these symptoms, the carbon dioxide from the beverages takes up space in the stomach that could otherwise be filled with nutrient-dense foods and liquids. Meeting daily protein goals becomes more challenging after consuming carbonated beverages, particularly in the months following gastric bypass or gastric sleeve surgery.

Another drawback of carbonated beverages is their lack of nutritional value. They offer a false sense of satiety, leaving you unsatisfied and craving more shortly after consumption. Soda, in particular, often contains high levels of sugar and calories that hinder weight loss and do not align with the recommended meal plans for gastric sleeve patients. The sugar in soda can cause blood sugar spikes and subsequent drops, which is especially problematic after gastric bypass surgery. Moreover, the calories in soda are considered "empty" as they do not provide any nourishment to the body.

It's worth noting that soda may also contain caffeine, which can act as a diuretic when consumed excessively, leading to water loss and increased urination. Drinking caffeinated soda throughout the day can elevate the risk of dehydration. Diuretics and caffeine can also impact the absorption of bariatric vitamins and minerals, which can impede your recovery after gastric sleeve surgery. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid carbonated beverages, including soda, to support a smooth and successful post-operative journey.

What Are The Best Alternatives To Sodas And Other Carbonated Drinks?

Water should always be considered the optimal choice when it comes to selecting a beverage. It plays a crucial role in preventing dehydration during the recovery period following bariatric surgery.

If you find plain water unappealing or difficult to consume, you can try enhancing its flavor by adding a slice of lemon, cucumber, strawberries, or a few mint leaves. It's important to prioritize water intake, as you would have already become accustomed to drinking it during the clear liquid diet phase before gastric sleeve surgery.

For those desiring a hot beverage, decaffeinated tea or coffee is generally the recommended option. You may wonder why caffeine is discouraged in the first few months after gastric bypass or gastric sleeve surgery. The reason is that caffeine possesses diuretic properties and can lead to stomach irritation and acid reflux, which is why it is advisable to avoid it during this initial period.

By opting for water or flavorful variations of it, along with decaffeinated tea or coffee, you can ensure adequate hydration while minimizing potential discomfort or complications during your recovery from bariatric surgery.

Caffeine, like diet pills after gastric sleeve, suppresses your appetite and may cause you to not consume enough calories. It should not be included in your after gastric bypass surgery diet plan.

You can drink your decaf coffee and tea with or without milk, depending on your preference and your body’s ability to tolerate milk. Some individuals do not handle the lactose in milk well after weight loss surgery.

Your choice of milk should be low-fat or skim milk. Remember, you should only be taking small sips of fluids after bariatric surgery to avoid any discomfort and promote hydration.

When eating out after gastric sleeve surgery, be sure to visit bariatric restaurants.

Some of the best restaurants for bariatric patients will offer low-calorie and low-fat options that would be suitable for your diet. They usually offer smaller dinner plate options that mimic the size of bariatric portion control plates. Special cutlery and bariatric portion plates can assist you when eating your first bariatric cheeseburger pie or bariatric pancakes. These restaurants may provide some inspiration for eating after gastric bypass surgery.

Protein drinks for bariatric patients (using bariatric whey protein) are also a nutritious and tasty alternative for carbonated drinks. These bariatric protein shakes are high-protein f oods for gastric sleeve patients and provide the calories that your body needs. You can also check out gastric sleeve protein shake recipes in a gastric sleeve cookbook.*

These cookbooks also provide good recipes for after gastric bypass surgery. Some cookbooks can even offer recipes that fit into the keto diet after gastric bypass, however, you should avoid fad diets unless your dietitian has directed you to do so.

Some Helpful Tips If You Need Your Soda Fix

If you have a fondness for soda and wish to indulge in it occasionally, in small quantities, you may consider opting for calorie-free and sugar-free soda. However, it is advisable to open the beverage beforehand and allow it to go flat before consuming it.

While this may diminish the fizzy enjoyment of drinking soda, it will help prevent the discomfort and distress associated with carbonation.

To avoid dumping syndrome or experiencing a false sense of fullness while eating, it is recommended to refrain from consuming beverages alongside meals.

It is crucial for bariatric surgery patients to adopt a mindset of moderation in all aspects of their post-surgery lifestyle. It's important to remember that the reason you underwent bariatric surgery likely stems from an attachment to unhealthy sodas and poor lifestyle habits.

By practicing moderation and making healthier choices, you can maintain the positive effects of your surgery and work towards a sustainable and improved lifestyle.

Which Other Drinks Should I Avoid After Surgery?

As mentioned previously, it is advisable to avoid caffeine for at least the initial couple of months following surgery, as it has diuretic and acidic effects on your newly adjusted digestive system. This means refraining from consuming coffee, tea, and energy drinks that contain caffeine.

Regarding alcohol consumption after gastric sleeve surgery, it is recommended to avoid it for at least a few months, and potentially up to a year. Carbonated alcoholic beverages such as beer, ciders, champagne, and certain cocktails should also be avoided for the reasons explained earlier.

Alcohol acts as a diuretic and can contribute to dehydration if consumed excessively. Additionally, it has the potential to cause acid reflux in individuals who have undergone gastric sleeve surgery. It's important to note that your tolerance to alcohol will significantly decrease after the surgery, and you may find that you are more sensitive to its effects than before.

It is worth noting that alcohol is considered to provide "empty" calories, meaning it lacks nutritional value and can hinder your weight loss efforts and overall nutrition goals. Therefore, it is advisable to be mindful of the potential impact of alcohol consumption on your post-surgery lifestyle.

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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

This blog is for information and education purposes only. This information is not intended to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your bariatric surgeon or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions in regards to a medical condition. A qualified healthcare professional can best assist you in deciding whether a dietary supplement is suitable based on your individual needs.