I was hoping for some clarification on the topic of soda...

Pre-surgery I was a Diet Coke JUNKIE. It has, by far, been the hardest thing for me to give up. I will admit that I still take sips from my husband every now and then - and enjoy them more that ever. While I know soda is a no no, why exactly is this the case?

On one side I have been told the carbonation will stretch the pouch... I have also read the opposite. It will not stretch the pouch, but the carbonation will cause a reflux of gas bubbles into the esophogus and up into the mouth (something I have not experienced through my experimentation).

So what is the real truth? Does anyone know for sure???

All input appreciated!!!

As I'm sitting here drinking my diet Dr. Pepper Cherry-Vanilla Coke I'm reading this thread and laughing. If you can tolerate the carbonation and it doesn't give you gas...go for it. The only reason dr's. say don't do it is because of gas. My dr. told me if I had no problems drink it till the cows come out as long as I get my water and protein in....and drink it I do. It has zero calories, and the myth that it stretches out the pouch is like saying a gallon of water is going to stretch out the pouch....think about it

Yep, I can't believe the silly myths that go around some of these message boards. If you call INAMED, they will tell you that soda/carbonation will NOT stretch your stomach, or cause band slippage, blah blah blah. Think about it. How would this happen?

I drink diet soda every day -- no problem. Also coffee. I've lost 85 pounds in 14 months. I have few problems, just a little heartburn. Eat a couple of Tums a day.

I would suggest that everyone just relax and do what is comfortable for themselves. Just use common sense, OK?