"It doesn't stretch your pouch as is. But, the temporary expanding feeling can interfere with the eating and drinking you must do for your pouch. The true trouble with carbonated drinks is, many of you were *addicted* to it, and it often triggers cravings. Some surgeon says it stretches your pouch because that is easier to understand for you, and easier to relate. I say, stay off the stuff, but, keep just one can in the fridge for an "emergency". Often, just knowing that it's there when you can't resist your craving any more, will actually help you resist the temptation." This quote was Originally Posted by DocSanae on RENEWED REFLECTIONS BOARD
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OK...here is my 2 cents! I'm sooo glad that this "myth" is dispelled....I've heard the rumor too - but it sounds ridiculous. Although, I completely agree...and can testify to the "imprinting" of sodas in my early life!
IMPRINTING: noun - a learning process in early life whereby species specific patterns of behavior are established
Before WLS I drank 1 to 1.5 "route 44" sodas - (all kinds- sometimes a Cherry Limeade Soda...sometimes a Vanilla Diet Coke) I noticed that these were addictive in themselves....44oz. of this type of drink can really mess with your mind...and it was just an great example of my "over indulgence." We'd always swing thru the drive-thru of Sonic...and then get food at other drive-thru's....The other thing that triggered me to have a "Route 44" drink was just driving by a Sonic....I'd immediately feel the craving...even if I hadn't thought of it...or was thirsty.
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ANYHOW- After WLS...actually, several months back...I think it was last fall - so it was around 6-7mos PostOp - I had my first small drink of diet coke...I remember feeling extremely GUILTY. I even posted my 'confession.' I think I felt like I broke some "cardinal rule of WLS" - and it just emphasized that I was failing at my postop rules...and I was terrified of "stretching my pouch" - and failing at this surgery...and eventually would GAIN BACK all my weight and be OBESE again! ugh!!
So...in the last 6 mos. I've done some VERY deep soul searching & internal emotional healing. - I've become VERY aware of what is going on for me when I "crave" a soda. There is so much around the imprinting... and just like an
- AIR SUPPLY song can muster up a feelings for me of new love from Jr. High....
- SODA musters feelings of me wanting to have pizza, chips, burger, fries & Taco Bell!!
Funny enough...I think these are all things I'd eat with soda when I was in my adolescent years...and incidentally when I began my bad behaviors of my eating disorder. I continued these behaviors thru the years...
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MY EXPERIENCE:
I still have a drink of soda 'now and then'....but I do as Doc suggested. There is ONE diet (caffeine-free) coke in my fridge. There is something about it being in there - "IN CASE OF EMERGENCY" - and if I drink it...I get a small tea cup put some ice cubes in it...and try to get as much fizz out as possible. I also am constantly 'thinking', -"what's going on for me? Am I bummed or blue? why do I want this soda?" usually it's just the fizzy taste...and then I stop there. I don't like the feeling of too much in my pouch...or the 'gassy' feeling it creates if I drink more. What I think....If you can cut it out completely...do it, good for you! But if you are worried - don't beat yourself up!!! DO THE WORK...check out what might go on for you emotionally!
