I completely understand the reason behind limiting/eliminating regular sodas and beer because of the sugars and calories. I also understand that pounding back anything that is carbonated will cause some MAJOR undesirable side effects What I want to know is can you slowly work on a diet soda, a beer, or some other type of carbonated drink w/o these undesirable side effects? Is it an Urban Legend that drinking these will damage the band? I don't drink regular soda, but I will admit I have been known to indulge in a brew or two. I can and will live w/o if necessary. If even attempting to drink a fizzy drink is going to make me feel like I am passing a kidney stone or some other horrible thing like that I would certainly like to know. I like my fizz, but I am not into pain

I've heard of lots of bandsters who drink carbonated stuff at a slow pace. I guess you won't know until you try.

Personally, I haven't missed the carbonation. Yet, anyway.

I would think any pouch-stretching potential would come from consuming a lot of carbonation and quickly. I mean, if you're just sipping at a beer, I don't see how the gas from that could stretch your pouch. Wouldn't you just burp whenever the gas built up in there? But then again I'm no health professional.

If you don't want to be tempted to drink beer don't read this!

Okay, I am in college and as such feel it is my obligation to have an occasional beer. That said I have discovered a band friendly beer (and at the same time come to realize that I am a bona fide alcoholic). First of all, I really enjoy a cold dark beer. The taste is scrumdidlyumptious and the carbination is much less. Step one is to pour your beer into a glass in a manner that causes a large hear to form. Second, allow the head to fall then gently stirr your beer (this can be done conspiculously with a fork or discreetly by swirling your beer casually). Last, if the head fails to fall - touch your finger to the tip of your nose then swirl it in the head. Believe it or not the oil from your skin will cause the head to fall, and viola you have an ice cold band friendly flat beer.

Too bad there isn't a method for getting rid of the calories.

Chunk you little devil LOLOL !!!!! where there's a will ROFL.

carbonated drinks,yeah i so miss them. then try this, the real problem,bubbles not so much calories. eliminate the bubbles (diluting or adding another liquid) then switch to lo-cal or diet drinks. don't deny youself anything or you'll fall hard. everything in moderation.

What about beer and v-8 or tom juice that should make it go flat.Or do you all think the acid would be bad for the pouch????

Oh you all are so much fun w/this one. I love all of your answers. Thank you. I did talk to Dr. Deol today about carbonated drinks. She gave me a grocery list of reasons why a bandit should not indulge in carbonated beverages. I guess I am going to have to drink non-carbonated drinks or flat beer and Diet Pepsi once I'm banded. I know I will have to experiment just once, but I can guarantee it will be in the comfort of my home or of a good friend who will laugh at me and with me when the experiment goes REALLY bad.