Ok, in my guide book it states that I can drink caffeine around 3-4 weeks post. I'm dying for a coke or a Coke Zero ????????. My question is, do you think it's best to dilute it?

According to everything I learned during my prep carbonated beverages are a big no no for the rest of my life. The carbonation can cause excess gas as well as stretch the pouch. According to studies, in over 90% of RNY failures, the person starts drinking sodas again.

No soda, unless you leave it out and let it get flat. There are a lot of chemicals in diet soft drinks that cause you to have cravings for other things, aside fr the carbonation issues.

Pop is a big no no according to my doc along w caffeine. Guess caffeine can cause kidney stones.

NO carbonation what so ever!!! It stretches the pouch area!! I was told caffeine after a month out, but not to over do it. Moderation is the key. Please read up on carbonation !!

Ok, wow that's interesting. People I know that had gastric bypass or gastric sleeve are able to drink carbonated drinks but maybe it's too soon for me. I just have a craving for a coke. Any suggestions?

It's not that it is too soon. You should never have carbonated beverages again!! Especially soda. What is an alternative? Not sure. Crystal Lite isn't bad. I don't think you will find anything that gives you the same "fix" that soda does. I would say this is pretty big!

It's hard but you can do it!! I used to live on diet soda which is apparently even worse for you than regular soda. Also, the chemicals in these are so bad for you in general.

Do you like tea? Especially herbal teas? It's not the same thing but again, not sure what would be an acceptable substitute.

The thought of herbal tea makes me gag lol. But thanks for the suggestion. I did just buy me a large variety of water enhancers a few minutes ago. Hopefully that'll help.

Yeah, tea is a tough one. I don't mind a few but not many, especially if they actually taste like tea! lol. The Water enhancers will be a nice addition.

Have you tried Isopure Protein drinks? THey are an acquired taste so you may not like them. The first time I tried them I hated them but I persevered and found some flavors that I do like. I don't drink them often but one bottle contains 40 grams of protein! THe fruit punch one is the best of the flavors.

But, mostly water water water! lol

I like lemon tea.

I've found the various versions of Diet Snapple to be great alternatives for diet sodas for me.

I gave up soda back when I was banded. I have always gravitated toward sweet anything, but soda is empty calories and can stretch your pouch from the gas in the carbonation. I love the Snapple line, they really taste good and enough caffeine to avoid those dreaded caffeine withdrawal headaches. I found an alternative sweet drink, but I don't think the sugar free and calories free line have caffeine in them. They might have a caffeinated line, check link below. I love SOBE!!! Sobe Lifewater is awesome!!! They carry 7 different kinds of calorie and sugar free yummy tasting drinks!!! They also carry others that have calories so make sure you read the label. Here is the mobile website. I love the Fuji Apple Pear, it is soooooo good !!!! 

http://www.sobe.com/...e/products.html

Edited August 29, 201511 yr by Dream4tc

I tried something new. I bought new water enhancers and started freezing it in the freezer with a few slices of lemon! It is so good!

Thanks guys!

I've heard some great ideas here! I just gotta jump on the bandwagon here, forget about carbonated drinks forever. One of the few really forbidden foods, because of all the bad effects on your pouch.

And it's not like you will only have one every other month, right? You are talking about drinking those things multiple times per week if not per day! A disaster waiting to happen.

Have you tried the Orange Crush water enhancer? It is SO good. And I can't say I have ever drank Orange Crush before but I like it much better than Crystal Light. I use the powder one (in a stick) and I only use 1/2 the packet for a 16.9oz bottle. Also I sometimes mix it with vanilla protein powder and water and it makes a great protein shake!

I also learned that caffeine can block the absorption of iron in our vitamins.

I too was told no for drinking soda and carbonation.