Cherry from Houston sent us this question: “6 months ago I had my
gastric sleeve surgery, and I lost 50 pounds in the first 3 months. I then resumed soda intake and currently I drink around 2 to 3 sodas a day. Unfortunately, my weight loss stalled, and I am concerned. I have two jobs, and I work long hours. I need caffeine to stay awake. I don’t drink coffee. My go to soda is Dr Pepper, and I used to drink around 6 cans a day prior to my VSG. However, after VSG I can only take small sips. My question for you, Is Dr Pepper affecting my weight loss after VSG? Thank you.”
Dear Cherry,
Soda like Dr Pepper, especially regular soda, contains lot of sugar. A 12-oz can contain around 42 mg of caffeine. One cup of coffee contains around 95 mg of caffeine. Caffeine does not affect weight loss. The problem resides in soda sugar content. A 12-oz can of Dr Pepper contain 40 grams of sugar, equivalent to 10 teaspoons of sugar which amount to around 150 calories. These calories are empty liquid calories that do not provide you with nutrition and satiety. Most importantly, sugar is addictive and increased sugar intake after
gastric sleeve surgery limits your short-term and long-term weight loss results. In the first few months after gastric sleeve surgery, you need to concentrate on protein shakes to maintain your daily protein intake and hydration to prevent dehydration. Your stomach volume is small, and if you are sipping on soda all day you are limiting your water and protein shake intake. In the long run, daily soda intake ruins the neurohormonal benefits of any metabolic surgery for weight loss. The gradual loss of beneficial hormones that promote satiety and weight loss like GLP_1 and ghrelin results in weight regain.
Houston Weight Loss Surgery Center recommends replacing soda with water. You can add sugar-free flavor packets, like Crystal Light, to your water. If you need caffeine, coffee and tea, preferably with no sugar are allowed. Gastric sleeve surgery changes your relationship to food. Throughout this change, we encourage you to sacrifice old habits that led to weight gain. The effort you put into committing to a new lifestyle after gastric sleeve surgery is central to long-term successful weight loss.