Carbonation

I don't have pain, but there's definitely discomfort, and diet sodas in particular exacerbate my GERD badly.

I didn't try anything with carbonation until I was about 3-4 months out. My surgeon told me I couldn't damage the sleeve with it, but I would likely be VERY uncomfortable. When I did try it, I found that was definitely the case. I have a SodaStream and with it you can control the level of carbonation. (And their diet drink syrups are sweetened with sucralose instead of aspartame - I'm allergic to aspartame so that's important for me.) I started off with about 1/2 the normal carbonation and was OK with it. After a few months I could ramp up the carbonation a bit, and was then tolerating normal fountain drinks OK. By the time I was about 8 months out I could drink a bottled or canned soda if I drank really small sips. At 15 months I do fine with anything so long as I don't drink it too fast.

There's some evidence that drinking diet sodas is counter-productive to weight loss. The mechanism is unclear. So I generally only have a couple of sodas a week, and not more than one in a day. It's probably the best choice to steer completely clear, but I really missed the flavor of soda. I try to drink the bulk of my liquid as water and the sodas are an occasional break from that.

I tried it after 9 mos post op Ill be 6 years post op on 4/23/18. It only takes one sip and your hooked again. Im proud to say that it has been almost two months since I stopped drinking soda since then. I would say if you haven't had it even though you want it DON'T. Its not good for our bodies and it will make you crave junk, carbs and other artificial sweeteners. IF its the carbonation that your craving I would stick to the flavored seltzer waters.

Really appreciate the advice! For me, it actually satisfies my need for sweet. I'm just in the beginning, 3 months out, but for now it's working for me.

I've been drinking carbonation since like 3 months out. I love my La Croix, but definitely no diet soda ever. I have had no issues with any discomfort or pain.