I have gotten two different answers from staff at my drs. office about drinking diet coke. My Dr. said it was ok during my pre-band apt. His nurses tell me that is a no, no.

I do drink diet coke since having lapband. Does anyone else? If not what were you told about it. I need more information about this.

I was told absoultely no carbonation at all...ever again. I hear from some bandsters they're able to drink pop after letting it sit for a half hour or so, so it's more flat. I mentally am an all-or-nothing girl, and it's just easier for me to not even consider having it again.

I have been told no carbonate drinks it will expand the band

I agree... Was told I could never have carbonation again... Coke, champagne, nothing with bubbles, ever.

I was told to avoid them during my nutritional consults. Something about the carbonation. I've never been big on soft drinks anyway. I may have one a week. I also read a manual published by the LapBand manufacturer that was given to me by my doctors office. In the nutritional part it says to "limit" carbonated beverages. I've been told by two banded family members that they also still drink them almost daily. They've both been banded 4+ years and have lost 100+ lbs. Another bandster told me she has to let cokes go "flat" before drinking them or she has painful burping and chest pains. If you look at it technically that is drinking air bubbles (carbon gas) which we are not supposed to do.

I was told to avoid them during my nutritional consults. Something about the carbonation. I've never been big on soft drinks anyway. I may have one a week. I also read a manual published by the LapBand manufacturer that was given to me by my doctors office. In the nutritional part it says to "limit" carbonated beverages. I've been told by two banded family members that they also still drink them almost daily. They've both been banded 4+ years and have lost 100+ lbs. Another bandster told me she has to let cokes go "flat" before drinking them or she has painful burping and chest pains. If you look at it technically that is drinking air bubbles (carbon gas) which we are not supposed to do.

I do sometimes, but not if I'm having a "tight" day (the carbonation can irritate me sometimes). I have it maybe a couple of times a month.

You will find as many Dr's that say it is OK as say it isn't. The main thing is to listen to your body. If it hurts don't drink it. If it doesn't cause discomfort then it should be fine. Bearing in mind that you should not drink it in excess and if you do drink it then it is best to sip it slowly.

The occasional carbonated drink is not going to hurt, will not stretch your pouch and won't make your band slip. Drinking 2 litres plus per day like many unbanded people do could cause you problems.

my doctor said no soda ever; causes band erosion

my doctor said no soda ever; causes band erosion

I was told that too but not sure how it is possible band is on outside Fluid never touches it. But they are not good for you anyway. I never touched one until about 3 months ago. Next month I will be 3 years out. Trying to quit again.

cheri

I was told by the surgeon and dietician that carbonation stretch your pouch. This will allow you to eat more an gain weight.

I was told to definantly not drink any carbonated drinks. The carbonation can cause the pouch to be stretched out and then it can cause you to gain weight and the band will not work the way it should.

My surgeon says just say no to carbonation...he's very adamant about it. However, my fiancé's surgeon says once in a while isn't going to hurt him. Every doctor is different, but I really wish they would all get together and write a Lap Band Bible of do's and dont's or something.

I used to drink diet coke, but gave it up when I was banded. That was my doctors advice. If you want something sweet to drink with no carbonation or calories, the Crystal Lite mixes are good (I like lemonade flavor).

Oh the diffrences in doctors and our bodies seriously confusing at times. But here is my input and experiances..

my consultant said if you wanted to have 1 once in a while to allowed the pop to get flat and sip it. That it would be better to have no calories then to substitute it with a high calorie drink. I have done this a few times when I really feel like I need it but for the most part try to avoid soda because even flat the carbonation kills me.

now my dad and step mom have been banded for 8 years and drink diet pop daily they're both at thier goal weight, have had their reconstructive surgery, and have had no problems with their lap band. so there is no good solid answer, you just have to do what's best for you and your body.

I have been banded 3 months. I have had a few sodas during that time. Sometimes I've had good experiences sometimes not. The truth is I didn't have soda again for almost 2 months post banding and I lost the taste for it.