Having bariatric surgery is a personal decision and not something to be taken lightly. At LIMARP® in Tijuana, MX,we offer several different types of bariatric surgery, such as gastric banding and gastric sleeve. Before surgery, our doctors will discuss the pre-surgical and post-surgical instructions to be aware of, such as what to eat and drink during the recovery period. Eating or drinking the wrong thing could hinder your results and cause severe complications. For example, soda after bariatric surgery not only adds empty calories, but the carbonation could irritate your newly reduced stomach.
What Can Soda After Bariatric Surgery Do?
After surgery, the first thing to remember is that healthy foods and beverages with good nutritional value should be made a priority. Since your stomach is smaller, filling it with empty calories prevents you from gaining the energy you so desperately need.
Soda is high in sugar and filled with carbonation. It should be avoided completely for at least the first three months after surgery. Below are some of the complications that can occur if you were to consume it:
- Increased Bloating: The carbonation in sodas can cause gas and bloating. As your stomach expands, you will experience abdominal cramping and distension. This will place added strain on your stomach and the incision while it is healing.
- Dumping Syndrome: When foods or beverages high in sugar are consumed, it can cause the sugar to enter the small intestine at an unusually fast rate, resulting in extreme fatigue, nausea, fast heart rate, and diarrhea.
- Delayed Weight Loss. Sodas are considered empty calories and provide no nutritional value. By consuming foods and beverages high in sugar, it will prevent you from effectively losing weight.
Alternative Beverages to Drink
While we know soda may be a part of your daily routine, one of our nutritionists will work with you to help you break this habit and provide delicious alternatives to help you stay on track. Try drinking one of these healthier options:
- Water: As the healthiest beverage choice, water is necessary for achieving a successful recovery. It aids your body in healing and helps you stay hydrated. Because dehydration can happen quickly after bariatric surgery, carry bottled water with you everywhere you go and aim to drink 64 ounces a day. If you get tired of the taste of water, try adding lime, lemon, or fresh mint.
- Flavored Drinks: To enhance your water, you can also add in sugar-free Crystal Light or Powerade Zero.
- Decaffeinated Tea or Coffee: Caffeine can cause dehydration, so you will need to limit your intake to no more than 16 ounces a day. This is enough to get your morning jolt. If you crave an afternoon beverage, try decaffeinated coffee or tea.
- Milk: Since milk contains vitamin D and calcium, it provides good nutritional value. The type of bariatric surgery you have will depend on whether you need to drink fat-free milk, 2% milk, or whole milk.
Contact Us Today
To learn more about the bariatric surgeries we provide and answers to your nutritional questions, we invite you to set up a consultation with one of our surgeons.