Hi! I was banded Sep. 6th and have not had my first fill yet. I can eat pretty much anything right now even though I am sure that will change after my 1st fill! LOL :rose: but... my question is, can we ever drink soda's again or is it completely non existent? I used to drink Pepsi like it was going out of style and have been off all soda for over a month now. I don't crave it anymore but the though of NEVER having one again seems pretty sad :cry So, if we are allowed to drink soda's when are we allowed to??? Also, I have drank with my meals a few times and nothing happened. Are we allowed to do that if it goes down fine or are we NEVER allowed to drink with a meal??? I was having mexican food and it just seemed wrong to not drink with my food! :embarassed: Are we ever allowed to or not? I know each of us has different experiences and somethings work for some and not others that is why I would like a lot of opinions so I will know what works and what doesn't! Thanks!

I haven't been banded yet but according to my doctor you're not supposed to drink 15 minutes before you eat and an hour after. It's not because you may throw up but because it will move the food to quickly through your new smaller stomach (pouch) and will defeat the purpose of getting the full feeling.

As far as soda goes, my doc told me that eventually a soda once in a while is ok. Diet is preferred since there's no calories but he advised if the carbination bothers your stomach to either stop drinking it or let it sit out for a few hours to decrease the fizziness.

Answers below in blue.

...can we ever drink soda's again or is it completely non existent? Check with your surgeon. Some permit them, some do not (in so far as they have input). ...Also, I have drank with my meals a few times and nothing happened. Are we allowed to do that if it goes down fine or are we NEVER allowed to drink with a meal??? We are not supposed to drink with meals, the theory being that it flushes the food through the band too fast, delaying the sensation of being full. I used to drink with meals because I never once observed a difference in the amount I ate, or duration of the full feeling, when I did. I've cut that out about 80% just because I've found I'm really not that thirsty when I eat anymore. But if I am thirsty, I will take a sip. Always only tiny, tiny sips. To test the waters. If you take a drink and shouldn't have, you will know it immediately.

Thanks for the comments, I am glad to hear that. I was under the impression that drinking with food will stretch your band. I am glad to know the real reason! I will try to not drink, but to also know if I really need to drink with my meal that I can!!! Thanks!