Hi Natalie, I do drink diet soda. I did`nt start though until I was about a year post-op. I only drink one a day. They really are`nt that good for you. The phosphoric acid is supposedly bad for the bones and can accelerate osteoporosis. Speaking of staples, I have always wondered about our stomach secretions and their effect on the staples. Seems to me stomach juices are pretty acidic or something to break all that food down. I understand the staples are made of titanium, but that does`nt tell me much. Not a chemist here, thats for sure. Let us know what your doctor says.

I don't think the carbonated soda will stretch out your pouch. That has not been proven, and it doesn't make sense to me because our bodies won't hold the air inside, but instead will make us burp. I was told not to drink it at first, and I think it is either because it hurts to burp right after surgery, or it doesn't help with healing. You can put a dirty penny in a glass of coke, and it will be shiny and looking brand-new after awhile. There is something weird about that, but imagine what it could do to healing tissue. I stayed away from soda for the first 6-7 weeks or so, and only have it occassionaly now. And, even then it is diet....thank god I've always only liked the diet drinks. No problems here with it... I have an appt with my surgeon next week, and I'll ask him about this again. ~Kim Open VBG 9/1/04 292 then/ 250 now

My surgeon Poo Poo's sodas because of the calories. I haven't really asked for his take on diet soda (can't stand 'em). On occassion (1 x month or every other month) I will have a regular Coke -- it never tastes like I expect it to though. I remember them tasting GOOOOODDD!! Seems to always taste like crap though. I guess after being away from them so long I can't get back to them. The only other thing I have heard about soda is that the carbonation can eat through staples. Whether this is true or a myth don't really know. Just what I heard! Sharon -117#

I thought I was not supposed to drink diet sodas or carbonated beverages and asked my surgeon why you couldn't. He looked at me like I was nuts and said that was only right after surgery. I was curious who else drinks carbonated drinks, or if you don't what your surgeon has said about it.

Hi Taryn, I did throw up alot right after surgery. Some days I would`nt and some days I would. Never really understood that. Now at 3 yrs post op, It has probably been about a year since I have vomited. I had to be careful with anything that swelled such as bread. I tried to eat some of my daughters chocolate cake at a restaurant and almost did`nt make it home. Of course there was nothing in the car to upchuck in. I started keeping a plastic cup in the car just in case after that. I sure don`t miss those days. As far as the leaking, I think I would consult the surgeon. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.