I know it's bad for you, full of calories, and a sin. But I'm going to the beach next week and I would really like a drink. I have always been a bourbon or rum and coke guy. Is it okay to have carbonation every once in a while like that?

You can have anything you want...just be prepared to accept the consequences for your choices. It's not a sin to have alcohol...it's just not advisable. And when you had your band placed, you should have been aware of the need to stop having carbonated beverages. There are medical reasons for these rules.

Carbonated beverages have gas in them...the gas in your pouch has the potential to distend it, thus creating pain, and the possibility of causing harm to the placement of your band. I believe I have also read that over time carbonation can also be a factor for erosion around your band.

Can't you enjoy the beach without the drink? An additional consideration is that once you give yourself permission to break the diet rules, it can become progressively easier for you to do that in the future. Some people have the willpower to avoid that scenario...if you believe that choosing to have the drink will place you at risk to begin a new pattern of risky behaviors, just say no.

Skip the soda.. I still drink on a pretty regular basis though. I just put crystal light in my vodka :-)

I'd pick something minus the carbonation. I like to have a drink now and then but I'll go more for vodka & cranberry juice or a glass of wine.

If you have coke, make sure that it is out of the draft. It might have a lot of fizz at 1st, but it will go flat quicker. My hubby, son, d-i-l- and I share a pitcher of diet Pepsi when we bowl, it goes flat quickly, but it quenches well. You are pretty new to the lapband, so if I was you, I would stick to the above suggestions, tho'. Good luck, Karen

I agree, try and stay away from the carbonation. Dont worry about having some drinks. I enjoy my margaritas and have had no problem with my weightloss.