Question

Ginny Baca is a 46-year-old nurse who recently had gastric bypass surgery. She is 65 inches tall and weighed 302 pounds prior to surgery. She has lost 15 pounds in the month following her surgery and has advanced her post-surgery diet from clear liquids to solid foods. At her post-surgery visit, she is excited about her weight loss but also worried that she is not able to drink fluids like she used to. She has had two episodes of dumping after drinking soda with meals. She reports feeling bloated at times, even when she eats very small amounts of food.

1) Referring to “How to Alter the Diet to Reduce Symptoms of Dumping Syndrome” (p. 698), how would you address Ginny’s questions regarding her intake of fluids?

Answer 1

If you want to look at soda on a purely technical basis you can drink it after surgery, but it is definitely not advised for multiple reasons. Regular, low-calorie and no-calorie sodas should all be avoided in favor of water after gastric bypass surgery.

Carbonation causes gas, bloating and carries a risk of acid reflux. One of the reasons you don’t want to consume soda is due to the carbonation that is present in all forms including colas, clear-colored and no caffeine varieties. The bubbles cause expansion of your stomach and bloating, which you can burp out to relieve discomfort under normal circumstances, but the reduced size of your stomach can make the discomfort severe and could be significantly painful. It can also slow healing from the procedure because the bloating puts excessive pressure on the incision. The same logic applies to anything with carbonation including beer, sparkling wine, champagne, or seltzer water. If you absolutely cannot go without, limit your intake to a few sips and allow it to get flat before consuming for less carbonation and irritation.

Slows down weight loss. Beverages other than water tend to be high in sugar and carbohydrates. These empty calories make it harder to lose weight and keep it off, not to mention they may spur a craving for other sugars and sweet foods.

Caffeine is a diuretic. Most sodas contain caffeine which dehydrates your body, meaning you need to drink even more water than the recommended 64 ounces per day. It also affects how some vitamins and minerals are absorbed into your system. Since the sleeve already impacts how your body absorbs nutrients it’s essential for you to do everything you can to ensure you aren’t depriving it of any others.

Alternatives to Soda

Water. The importance of water cannot be overstressed. Water keeps you hydrated and is the best beverage to consume. Keep a bottle with you at all times to ensure you’re getting at least the minimum amount needed every day. If you need a little flavor add a slice of lemon or a sugar-free flavoring packet such as crystal light.

Milk. This alternative varies from one person to another. Some bariatric patients can handle drinking milk, while others have irritation due to the lactose content. Look for no-fat varieties and take small sips.

Decaffeinated coffee or tea. If you need a hot beverage and water isn’t cutting it, you can opt for non-caffeinated coffee or tea in moderation. It is advised not to have more than 16 ounces per day. Keep water in your head as your main beverage at all times to make the most out of your experience.

The gastric sleeve process modifies the way your digestive system functions. Committing to bariatric surgery isn’t something that is a temporary decision. It is a lifestyle change that you need to commit to and put the effort forward to maintain your health.