I'm scheduled for my first consultation in two weeks, I just saw a post saying something about giving up diet soda. Are you not allowed to drink it for pre/post op or forever? If so, anyone know why? Sorry but I love my diet coke! (I am however willing to give it up for weight loss, :tt1:)

Many will say it's because you should drink Water.

Many will say because the carbonation will cause the stomach to 'blow up' with air and stretch.

Others will say because it will rot out your teeth.

And then there's the new research released saying diet sodas can actually cause you to gain weight...hear that one yet? Something about because of the taste, your brain expects it to be sweet...therefore doing something to the metabolism...but the sugar never comes and so....well, it's supposed to not help in weightloss.

I'm sure others will respond but my doctor has told me no such thing and I from time to time will have Mt. Dew or Coke. I used to drink 3 a day preband, but over the past year I've gotten down to about 3 a week. My goal is to give it up altogether...but this is a process.

I was told by my doc not to drink it anymore. It was tough at first, but now I really don't miss it. I crave water (never thought I would say that!!!). I was drinking a lot of propel and flavored water (vitamin water is NOT a good one--tons of calories!!) I did try to cheat and have a soda and the gas pain killed me. No fun. Won't do that again. I do know a lot of people that say they can drink it, they just have to drink it slow. As for me, I will stick to water!

Trish <-----former diet coke addict:tongue:

My doctor suggested that I give it up or at least reduce the amount I drink. I very rarely drink carbonated drinks any more as the bubbles make me feel funny but I have a friend with a band who is able to still drink them daily. Weirdly since the band I have lost my craving for hot drinks of any kind so I am down from having at least 3 or 4 cups of tea or coffee a day to maybe one a week if I am out with friends!!!!!

I was told no carbonated beverages and I gave up a six pack of soda a day habit and have'nt missed it.Although, I still enjoy the occassional beer or two..drank SLOWLY.

My doctor says that if you really want it to pour it over ice and drink slowly so you don't get as many of the bubbles.

Some believe any carbonated beverage can cause band erosion (which isn't really erosion of the band, but of the lining of the stomach).

My doc suggests waiting until it's flat if you must have it. (I'd rather go without, tyvm!)

It is true that the sweetner in diet soda can make some people gain weight. My husband is one of them.

I gave up my 3 a day coke habit about 6 months before I was banded. I missed it at first but don't even think about it anymore. My doctor agrees with many here, the carbonation is bad for your small pouch and you should avoid it forever. For me it is not worth the chance of damaging my stomach.

My suggestion to anyone giving up diet coke or regular coke, pepsi, whatever, give it up well in advance of your surgery so you don't have to deal with caffeine and sugar withdrawl at the time of your surgery. You don't need a headache and fatigue along with post op pain and getting used to a new eating plan.

Good luck! You can do this.