So diet soda is the only item I've really, really missed. So I deicded that I'd give one a shot. First, I only drank about 2 ounces, if that. Second, I don't see what the big deal is. Saying that, let me add that I am a sipper. I am drinking it for the bite, not because I am thirsty. If it's not got a lot of carbonation and is just a sweet taste, I don't want it. So I've never swigged it down. And with sipping that little bit as we rode home from work did nothing to me. No gas, discomfort pain, nothing. And I might add that I am weaning off the PPI and am only taking one every 3rd day or as needed. Last, I'm so glad I did this. I've been sooo missing it. Now I don't. It had a very chemical taste to me now. It wasn't horrid, but it wasn't anything to go back to wanting every day. And now that I've been away from it, it was nothing to miss.

I'm not recommending anyone try this as it's against doctor's orders in almost all cases. But I just thought I'd share my experience on being a rebel. ---basically, it was a disappointing dud and I'm very happy it was!

Oh, and I"m almost 5 months post op.

If you're anything like me, you won't have to sip them by the time that rolls around. I drink a little slower than I did before but I can still put 'em down.

I was never much of a soda drinker so I don't miss that, but I do miss my beer. My plan (which of course is quite a few months away) is to try a low-carbonated beer like Blue Moon, and sip sip sip!

How is your tolerance? I know I'll be different since I am a woman, but I've also always had a pretty high tolerance (even in my leaner years of past). Of course, those leaner years were also my college years, and I nearly pickled my liver back in those days!!