I would recommend giving up carbonation entirely. No soda, beer, etc. The beer was a big sacrifice for me, but I'd rather not be fat. My wife had the VGS in 2010. I learned from her what can happen if you have carbonated drinks. Pain, nausea/vomiting, and stretching out your pouch over time, just to name a few complications. These days we're good with Powerade Zero, water with Mio, and decaf coffee/tea with Equal.