No, I don't plan to drink one, but I used to be the biggest Mountain Dew drinker. Just wondering how bad a carbonated beverage goes down, does it hurt? Just a random question.

I talked to my doc about soda. His reply was that he doesn't like it because of the empty calories. You need to get your nutrition from "real" food. When I explained that I drink diet cola. Again, he said he preferred that I drink water for the health benefit, BUT I could have diet soda in moderation. Some rules though: I had to be past my transitional diet and on regular foods, no drinking with eating, if I felt any discomfort -- STOP!

Some people have gas issues with soda. I don't, but I don't gulp, drink much at one time, or drink it everyday. It is more like a treat for me.

By the way, I asked about the carbonation causing the pouch to stretch, and he told me that it is more of a concern early on while the stomach is healing or if I were to drink a lot and fast. The soda will pass through the band into the "lower" tummy.

He also told me that I should avoid soda for several days after a fill.

I would talk to your doctor -- he may have a different take on soda.

I think you should ask your doc. The longer I have my band, the more flexible it is at allowing things like carbonation, and my doc has told me now that if it doesn't hurt me its' ok for me to have it. I drank a beer tonight (i'm at just over 11 months out)....it's best, at least until you have had the band a while, to follow your surgeon's directions.

Ask your doc. My surgeon says okay, if there's no discomfort, two months or more post-op. I used to drink one or two cans a day...but I don't miss it now. I can resume soda in a few weeks but doubt I'll have it.

No, I don't plan to drink one, but I used to be the biggest Mountain Dew drinker. Just wondering how bad a carbonated beverage goes down, does it hurt? Just a random question.

Like everyone says...each doc is different and have their reason why they tell you tha tyou shouldnt or cant have something.

My surgeon said no carbonation...period. for AT LEAST 6 months...and after that maybe once a week. and if I can..never again. His reasons are bc of the bloating and stretching...

My surgeon has said so far, no soda. I never heard him say I could have soda after I've had my band for awhile.

I think I will just stay away from it. My father is a dentist and he said that even diet soda is unhealthy for your teeth (as well as the other unhealthy effects of soda on the body generally). I haven't had soda for over 2 months now, so I'll probably just stick to that.