I thought once banded, carbonated drinks were out of the question but I just read a post where someone's doctor said every now and then it was okay? You mean I CAN have an icy cold coca cola every now and then? Please hurry and answer, I'd love to have one tonight!

My doc and nut both say in moderation. If it feels uncomfortable, don't do it. So, I have a beer or two a week now.

I drink soda about once a week. I just shake it up to flatten it a little. I was banded 3/19/2013.

I have an occasional Diet Cole or Diet Pepsi. I have to with until the carbonation is out fizzed a bit before I can drink it. Very rare I finish a whole diet soda. Taking a few sips and I'm happy.

My official post-op instructions were: no carbonated beverages for the first 30 days and then only diet. Obviously the first part of the rule is for healing/band safety, the second for weight loss. When it comes to rules, I always try to distinguish between those two categories (and will ask my surgeon for clarification, if needed). If your doc says "no sodas", there is nothing wrong with asking "why not"...if s/he says "studies have shown higher slip rates", or similar, that's one thing, if they say "empty calories" it's another...

Thanks for you input everyone! I decided against drinking a soda last night and I don't think I'll even try it for at least another couple of years, I'm fine with tea and will continue to drink that. I tried drinking alcohol, but have completely lost the taste for it - I only had a couple of sips of one two weeks ago and wasted my money, not a bad thing...I wasn't much of a drinker anyway, but when I was I was the life of the party and people miss that. So do I, but it's okay...I'm still good company, just not the happy drunk everybody grew to know, love and look forward to. LOL

My doctor said no soda or any carbonated drinks whatsoever!

My doctor also says no pop! I stopped cold turkey fist day I started my liquid diet. And I don't have any craving for it anymore. I did take a sip of one and didn't like it,to strong, but I don't want to try to drink any at all anymore cause it just make like the taste again and won't more. Been 7 weeks with out it.

Omg only drink it at your own risk. I had some that was flat...oh the shoulder pain was worse than after surgery. i only had a few sips...never again ..it hurt so bad.

Omg only drink it at your own risk. I had some that was flat...oh the shoulder pain was worse than after surgery. i only had a few sips...never again ..it hurt so bad.

I was banded 7/18/13 and all I can say was that the gas pain was SO horrible (especially in the shoulder) that no amount of desire could encourage me to drink a soda because it's in the "may" cause gas category. Just my 2 cents. Good luck.

I've been banded 3 1/2 years and I can only handle a sip every once in a while. I don't miss it at all.

My dr says I can have carbonation if it doesn't bother me. It doesn't, and I drink diet soda every now and then. I drink carbonated water every day with no problems. I am definitely in the minority here. However, my advice is to follow your dr's instruction. S/he knows best for you - don't follow advice of others!

My dr says I can have carbonation if it doesn't bother me. It doesn't, and I drink diet soda every now and then. I drink carbonated Water every day with no problems. I am definitely in the minority here. However, my advice is to follow your dr's instruction. S/he knows best for you - don't follow advice of others!

Very well put!

Every now and again I take a few sips of diet coke or beer, but I can't drink a whole can or bottle. It upsets my stomach and gives me gas. So maybe once a month I enjoy a sip or two. I listen to my band and I think that is the most important thing. I don't ever force myself just to indulge my head lol. Best of luck.

I was told NO carbonated beverages... now over the past 7 years I didn't listen to my doctor and tried diet pop twice and thought I was going to DIE... then a few years later I tried beer... same thing... thought DEATH was near... NEVER again... my doctor knows best... that was 5 years ago... and in my opinion if there is a SLIGHT chance that it may harm the band I say why risk it.

Tom, Toronto

Banded July 6 06

Wt. Loss: 160 lbs