Ok.....so I know you aren't supposed to drink carbonated beverages at all, but I'm a very bad girl. I would like to know how many of you drink carbonated beverages regularly? And has anyone personally had a problem with band erosion? Like I said.... I know I'm not supposed to, but .....

I made the mistake of drinking a soda a week after surgery and the pain I experienced cured me from ever want them again. I only drink water, diet green tea, low cal gatorade now.

My son, daughter and I bowl on a league, we order 1 pitcher of Sierra Mist Natural from the fountain and share it over 3 hrs. All 3 of us have been banded. We all seem to be able to tolerate it fine. Moderation and sipping is the thing! Best of luck, Karen

I am not fat because of soda BUT I do love my beer. I was banded on 8/23/11 and had my first Shiner Bock on Sunday 10/16/11. WOW - wont do that again! I drank 1/4th of the beer and that was it. It didnt sit right in my stomach - blew me up! That's ok though - so many calories - decided it just wasnt worth it. (I will admit I did shed a tear!) LOL! Then I see kellyodoran post and no maybe in the future I will be able to handle it.

I keep several Crystal Light 'Go' packet around me all the time. Whenever i get a 'soda craving' i grab bottle of water and a 'Go Pack' and mix em up. This usually sends the Crave Monster away. Check out the different flavors; http://www.kraftbrands.com/crystallight/Pages/default.aspx#/refreshing-flavors

I drink the crystal light and hawaiian punch go pack things but it is sad that they can't develop a flavor that isn't fruity. I get really tired of the fruity tastes and would love a cola or root beer flavor one!

I gave up diet coke three years ago when it went over $4.99 a twelve pack. Just couldn't justify it. I would go through a twelve pack in two or three days. Began to drink Water, water, water. My GFR, a measure of kidney function had been down and it has returned to normal, I am sure because of no soda. Really, the thrill was just the opening of the can and the first slug of a cold, cold diet coke. Better than s*x, lol.

Maybe once a week, I will have one while I am where my husband plays live music on the weekend. I am still pre-op. It just doesn't taste right and I give it to my husband. I think of my kidney function and all is well. My dad dield of chronic kidney failure and I would prefer not to go there.

Even if insurance is paying for or has paid for your band, it is an investment that should be guarded and treated. Instructions should be followed. You went through a tough surgery to not follow the rules? I say, stay away from it even if you get the ok from your surgeon. It is just so freak** addicting and expensive.

Just my two cents, for everyone to decide what is best for themselves. Sorry for the rant, I am frustrated today Thanks.

Melinda

Being a self pay patient, 13,500 dollars all in one chunk.... I think something as little as craving a soda is not worth having to be cut open or dump another 13,500 dollars into screwing up, even though I knew better.

Most people get banned ( in my case anyhow) because they're ADDICTED to food...in all senses; hence the obesity problems we all face.

Kicking the food addiction is the key...the priority.. why tease yourself and make it harder, for "quick fix" for a soda?...Is it worth it? Thats how I see it.

We can all eat donuts, soda, chips, and Cookies whenever we want..... But why get cut open...and go through the pain and hard times to cheat ourselves.

Two words.... Self Discipline. Thats my weakness.... I POUND that in my own head. I hope you stay strong!

If I meet a friend for lunch I usually have lime and soda or lemon,lime and bitters and it is not a problem.

Sometimes when i am thirsty I have a ginger beer - very thirst quenching, but I have to drink it really slowly.

Champagne works sometimes and others it doesn't. Just don't try drinking it and eating biltong and dry wors . It IS NOT a good combination.

I am self-pay too,did not touch a Diet Coke since 11:59 pm the night before surgery I am 2+ months out. But about a month ago when I was feeling down, I wanted something to pick me up and a had a diet coke poured over ice and then let all ice melt and then drank it. Now I can't stop having at least one a day. So of course I am not getting all my Water in. I have hear the rumor too about how it can enlarge your pouch, but how can it, it is liquid and goes straight through the band unless you are drinking and eating then i could see the carbonation enlarging the pouch

I was a good pick me up and did not hurt me. But you should always listen to your Dr. I was over 2 year post opt when I try some

Cheri