I used to drink lots of soda. I was hooked on Dr. Pepper. Since surgery I've cut it off, but everyone once in awhile, I want a sip. A couple days ago, I took a VERY small sip of my husband's and held it in my mouth until it fizzed up and had no more fizzy bubbles. Can anyone explain the real danger with soda. My doc says no soda, but doesn't really offer a satisfactory reason as to why.

I can live with no soda... and I don't crave it or anything. I've been so good since I cut it out and have been very surprised at my will power regarding this subject, since I have unsuccessfully tried to eliminate it from my diet during pre band life. I'm just wondering about people's perceptions on soda.

I L-O-V-E Coca-Cola. I would drink it all day every day, if I let myself. I don't have ANY problems with drinking pop. However, I did ask my nurse on Friday when I went for another fill, what exactly the reason is for staying away from carbonation. She said gas is one reason, the other is it does affect the size of your pouch. I decided to quit cold turkey that day - haven't had any since. Yeah for me! It's mind over matter - my mind is going and it does matter!

The slipping of the band can happen I had a friend that she drank soda against doctors orders and eventually had to have her band removed because the pouch was so streched and band had slipped. The doctor refused to adjust the band because she refused to change her ways. I drink flat soda mixed in my protien shake it tastes great that way. You might want to give that a try. Good luck Stay safe

I'm scheduled to be banded on November 24th (God and Cigna willing). I see this is as the greatest hurdle for me, GIVING UP DIET COKE! I am truly addicted, as many of us are. I drink over 200 oz. a day. When I have really been craving a Diet Coke and finally get my hands on one, I will lift it to the heavens and cry, "Diet Coke. Sweet elixir of life!!!!" :biggrin:

Ginny

I'm scheduled to be banded on November 24th (God and Cigna willing). I see this is as the greatest hurdle for me, GIVING UP DIET COKE! I am truly addicted, as many of us are. I drink over 200 oz. a day. When I have really been craving a Diet Coke and finally get my hands on one, I will lift it to the heavens and cry, "Diet Coke. Sweet elixir of life!!!!" :thumbup:

Ginny

I totally understand, I was a 12 pack a day user myself. I weined myself off, but finally just had to suck it up.

Just to let you know, I met another Bandster at my Surgeon's office today. She has slippage and I was shocked when she said she drank soda.

Of course it is a choice, but I choose to err on the side of caution.

So - Soda free since August, no more GERD, and I believe my Gastroenderologist will be very happy. There is life after Diet Coke, and more money too :rolleyes2:

There is life after Diet Coke, and more money too

LOL! I'm going to write that in calligraphy and frame it!

It's been nine days since I've had a Diet Coke.:ohmy: After reading this thread, I threw out the DC that I was drinking and haven't had one since. One day at a time! I was so sick for the first 4-5 days. I had a horrible headache (I was getting caffeine from tea to curb that withdrawal) and was nauseous for 5 days. I was exhausted and wanted to sleep a lot. Every time I got upset about something, I was dying for a DC. I suppose that may still happen. I was a bear to live with, too. I almost gave custody of my daughter over to her Dad. JK. She probably would have been happy about it at the time, though. Actually, she's been very proud of me. (She's 12) She's been encouraging me and letting me know that she realizes that it's a huge deal for me to give it up. One day at a time, one moment at a time. I'm sure that this is how it will be with the food, too. It's such an addiction. Phew!

I totally gave up soda. My Dr. never said don't drink it...they serve it in diet form at support mtgs. I just chose not to indulge anymore and chose to drink more water. I have found it to be better for me and there's no bloating from carbonation. In the past, there was nothing more refreshing than a coke. I haven't had a soda in over 4 months.

I never really drank pop before my surgery but my doc say I can have half of a soda if: Im VERY careful about how much I drink, take tiny sips, and make sure that the carbon is gone before swollowing. I've had a soda while banded. Of course that was after my first fill. I dont know if it would be worth trying at optimal fill. My understanding is that the carbon can build and cause a slip.

I loved Coke cola still do just can not drink it,I was still taking a few sips here and there until I got restriction now it just causes pain so I am over it not even a sip for me.I mean after all even a rat understands pain.

well i was banded oct20th i use to drink aatleast 7/8 cans diet coke a day before surgery,ive not had 1,and i know anyone can quit if i did,cause i loved the stsuff.same with smoking 18 yrs ago i got the patch and quit in 2 weeks and i smoked kools 3 packs a day.an ything is possible,now its my weight and if i can do those 2,i can only do great losing the weight now gl all

I found out the hard way that I absolutely CANNOT drink Diet Coke from a can. I was getting ready to give a training session to a group of paralegals at a law firm, and there were cans of soda available for everyone, so I helped myself. I hadn't had a can of soda for more than a year. I swear I took only a couple of sips -- not gulps -- and the gas was instantly horrific. I got up in front of the group, and every time I opened my mouth, a big, long gassy belch came out. It must have happened at least 7 or 8 times. I felt compelled to tell everyone I'd had surgery, because not explaining was far worse.

I can drink diet soda from the fountain with lots of ice, and I've tried to drink out of bottles, but it's way too uncomfortable, and I end up throwing all but an ounce or two away.

ive been off diet coke over a month tgggggggggggg,i was so addicted to it,just like smoking i gave up 18 yhrs ago ,ill miss it but it makes ya gain weight,or did me.im used to crystal light now tg

Before surgery, I drank 8 Diet Cokes per day. I cut it cold turkey. I never realized how HUNGRY Diet Coke made me... Once I cut it out, it was amazing how much less hungry I was. I have cut artificial sweeteners completely and now if I want SWEET, I eat real sugar... in moderation of course. I am more satisfied with sugar. If I eat artificial sweeteners I am hungry all day... Just something for all of you to think about. Diet Coke, my favorite, is an EVIL EVIL drink. Glad it is gone...

FYI- Here's an interesting article...

Can Sugar Substitutes Make You Fat? - TIME

I wanted to vote in the pole but there is no option for my answer....

No because I have chosen on my own without the doctors telling me that I need to drink better beverages for me.

Simply put I really have enjoyed soda for several years. I was a die hard Pepsi drinking for a long long time. Later switched to Sprite to get away from the caffeine. With knowing that soda can cause the stomach to stretch not to mention that it really provides no nutritional value I simply stopped drinking soda all together. So now it's water, iced tea, and crystal light.

Put a balloon over the lip of a Liter bottle of Soda. You don't even have to shake it up. Just let it sit there for awhile and watch what happens. I don't want that happening to my pouch. I was a "Coke-aholic" and it was hard at first, but now I have no problems. I like my water or unsweetened tea with lemon. Much more hydrating.

lindsey- that's one of those most embarassing moments I would think of later. You're right, not telling would have been worse! That sounds like an awful experience, I'm so glad you shared!