The topic at hand is about whether drinking sparkling water and other carbonated drinks can cause an ostomy pouch to balloon. People with ostomies are sharing their experiences and advice on this matter.

- Everyone's experience is different. Some people can drink carbonated water, soda, or Coke all day without any issues, while others find that these drinks cause significant gas, pain, or ballooning.

- The amount of bowel remaining can make a difference. Those with more of their intestine removed, such as with an ileostomy, often report stronger effects from carbonated drinks.

- Timing can be important. Drinking carbonated beverages late in the day, especially after around 4 p.m., often leads to ballooning at night. Consuming them earlier in the day might help reduce this problem.

- For nighttime, it might be best to avoid fizzy drinks in the evening. If you do indulge, be prepared to wake up to "burp" or empty the pouch to release gas.

- If ballooning occurs, there are some easy fixes:
1. "Burp" the pouch or use vented pouches.
2. Attach an aftermarket EZ-Vent® to any pouch to release gas without opening the tail.
3. Simply empty the bag more frequently.

- When it comes to beverage choices and tips:
1. Diet Dr Pepper® and other diet sodas are often better tolerated, as sugar can speed up output.
2. Flatten carbonated drinks by stirring or letting them stand before consuming to reduce gas.
3. Some people find they can tolerate sparkling water (just carbonated water) better than club soda, which has added salts, or sweeter sodas.

- Considerations for health and comfort:
1. Carbonated beverages might expand the stomach and increase feelings of hunger, according to one person's doctor.
2. If carbonated drinks cause strong discomfort on the tongue or in the stomach, it might be best to avoid them.
3. For hydration, some people rely on sparkling water to meet their fluid intake needs. If you can tolerate it, it can help quench constant thirst.

- The general consensus is that trial and error is the only way to know how sparkling water or any carbonated beverage—like Coke®, Diet Dr Pepper®, club soda, seltzer, or flavored sparkling waters—will affect your own ostomy.