Hello everyone,

I am a 44 yr old guy, T2 diabetic, with sleep apnea. I am 6'4" now 300lbs, my highest weight ever. I blame my most recent increase, (it's never my fault) on two shoulder surgeries, and a knee surgery, and a recent severe accident in which I was involved, but not at fault.

I recently attended a seminar, and have an appointment with the doc this month.

Anyway, I have been battling weight my entire life. Some good results, but usually gain it back. I know of two women who have had Lapband, one with fantastic success, the other with good success. I have a few concerns, one of my crutches in life is caffeine, I can't drink coffee, so I get mine through Diet Coke. I have read you can't drive ANY carbonated drinks with a GB. True or false?

Also read of problems with pills.

I work outside, so in the summer, I drink a lot of Water, can I still drink water in large quantities? It would seem to be OK as water should not be effected by the band. True or false?

Any other things I am over looking?

Thanks,

Tom

Hi and welcome, I am in the process and have talked to doctors after doctor as well as LB site. Sorry but the carbonnated beverages pretty much go. I have heard of a few people who can have an occasional sip, but my doctors says no. I have been a diet pepsi addict all my life so I totally get it. I have cut down until I am finally off of the stuff and the funny thing is I feel better now. I used to drink 5-8 a day, went down to 2 then 1 then 1 every other day, then cold turkey. LOL. I have my preop appt today, so I am enjoying my last pepsi right now.

Once you heal you will be able to drink Water without restriction in fact it is highly encouraged, you can add crystal light or something non carbonnated to give it a better flavor. During the healing period your water is restricted and you have to drink really slow, but that only lasts a couple of weeks. Then the other restriction is not drinking while eating or for anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour afterward. That has been hard for me but I have started before the surgery so feel I am ok now. Hope this helps.

Hello everyone,

I have a few concerns, one of my crutches in life is caffeine, I can't drink coffee, so I get mine through Diet Coke. I have read you can't drive ANY carbonated drinks with a GB. True or false? You're not supposed to have any carbonation because it could stretch the pouch, which would defeat the purpose of the band. You could try flavored ice tea for your caffiene fix.

Also read of problems with pills. Gotta crush them...yuck.

I work outside, so in the summer, I drink a lot of Water, can I still drink water in large quantities? It would seem to be OK as water should not be effected by the band. True or false? Drinking loads of water is a good thing.

Any other things I am over looking?

Thanks,

Tom

Good luck with whatever you decide.

I was a huge diet coke drinker and caffeine drinker. Haven't had either since the surgery. I now only drink decaf coffee in the am and water. I also try to stay away from aspartame. I had my surgery about 4.5 months ago. I thought I would miss it, but don't. Everyonce in awhile I miss it, but it's the head missing it. Good luck.