In my pre-op booklet, it says that I can have diet soda on the pre-op diet, but that seems a little odd to me. I mean...I'm happy about it because I know I won't have any carbonated beverages post-op, but I just find it weird.

Is this a normal thing for pre-op diets?

Pre-op yes, but post-op no, at least not until you are close to goal. Some people have an occasion soda anyway, but personally I're recommend cutting out soda altogether if you can stand it.

Pre-op you still have your entire stomach. I was advised to quit soda so that I could be broken of the habit . Plus, there is no nutritional value in soda pop. Post-op nutrition is going to be critical to your success. Do you put house paint in you gas tank? No, you use gasoline because that is the fuel your car needs to run efficiently.

Your body is a machine designed to thrive on natural foods - those things you can dig, pick, and chase. Don't ask your taste buds what you need to live and thrive. Ask your heart and lungs and brain and bones and veins and muscles and nerves, etc.

I am amazed at how much I struggled to get up to 64 ounces of Water. Now I am at 100! But pre-op, I could drink two two-liters of pop a day, all by myself. I could drink a quart with a full meal. Ridiculous. Think about all the soda and junk food you consume and what it costs you financially.

Think of the manufacturers of soda and junk edibles, and the sporting events they sponsor and how filthy rich their CEO's are. Now - it can be your money or theirs. You could use that money for new clothes when the pounds start to drop off. I know it's hard, but pre-op is the best time time to make the effort to not eat anything made in a factory. Your new body will be sooooo happy if you do.

It wasn't forbidden pre-op but I am so glad I kicked the habit before surgery. I couldn't imagine going through pop/caffeine withdrawal post-op.

Why wouldn't you be allowed diet soda on the pre-op? You're allowed other artificial sweeteners (sugar-free jello and popsicles) and I was allowed caffeine. I went ahead and gave up caffeine when I started the pre-op though so I wouldn't be going through withdrawal along with all the other post-op discomfort in the early days.