After getting gastric sleeve surgery, you’ll be given a list of foods that are okay to eat and foods that are not okay to eat. During your first month after gastric sleeve, you’ll be placed on a highly restrictive diet that slowly reintroduces different types of foods.
Many people who go into Gastric Sleeve Surgery Tijuana ask whether or not they can drink soda or other types of carbonated beverages after surgery. We’ve decided to tackle this Bariatric Surgery In Mexico question in detail.
Can I Drink Soda After Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Drinking soda after gastric sleeve surgery is not recommended. There are several reasons for this.
The first reason you should not drink soda after gastric sleeve surgery is because most sodas contain high amounts of sugar. Many people become overweight or obese because of their soda drinking habits. For example, if you were to drink 8 cups of Coca-Cola per day (or around 2L per day), you’d be consuming 800 calories and 200 grams of sugar!
The second reason you should not drink soda after gastric sleeve surgery is because the carbonation causes your stomach to expand. Carbonation releases carbon dioxide, which takes up volume in your stomach. This will make it a bit more difficult to consume foods, particularly liquids. This also applies to beverages such as beer, champagne, seltzer, and sparkling water.
You’re not allowed any carbonated beverages for the first month after gastric sleeve surgery. This is because carbonation can seriously upset your stomach when consumed so soon after surgery. Not only that, but the bloating puts pressure on the incision.
If you must drink some form of soda or soft drink after surgery, here’s what we recommend:
- Let the soda go flat before drinking it. It might not taste the same, but it’ll be significantly less painful.
- Drink only calorie-free soft drinks. Don’t drink soft drinks that contain sugar!
What Can I Drink After Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Although you can’t drink soda, there are beverages you are allowed to drink after getting gastric sleeve surgery. Here are a few that you may want to drink in lieu of soda:
Water. Hydration is absolutely important, and few things hydrate you quite like water. You have to meet certain hydration goals otherwise you risk dehydration! We recommend replacing your old soda habit with water.
Calorie-free flavored water. Many people have a hard time drinking unflavored water due to their lifelong soda or juice drinking habits. If that’s you, we recommend choosing a calorie-free flavored water or a water additive such as Crystal Light or Mio.
Decaf coffee or tea. Caffeine is not recommended in the first month after surgery due to its diuretic properties. If you want a hot beverage (or an iced one), have some decaf coffee or tea.
What Beverages Should I Avoid After Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
Alcoholic beverages. Alcohol should be avoided like the plague after gastric sleeve surgery, particularly in the first month. Alcohol has diuretic properties that could be dangerous. Not only that, but even several months down the line your tolerance will go down significantly.
Caffeinated beverages. You can add caffeine in slowly after you’ve recovered, however we don’t recommend it due to its diuretic and hunger suppressant properties. It will be difficult enough to eat and drink as it is: no need to make it more difficult.
