Diet Coke

I got the OK to drink Diet Coke from my surgeon at about 6 months out as long as the carbonation didn't bother me. (That's my surgeon, though, YMMV.) I have to let it get a bit flat since the fizz gave me gas, especially at first, but there's no evidence to support the notion that carbonation will stretch out your pouch. No worries about dehydration either.

We do need to be mindful, though! Others have posted that it's a bit of a trigger, but it never really has been for me; I don't drink coffee, so I'll usually nurse one can over the entire morning at work, and I don't eat with it. If you think there's going to be any trouble, it's best to stick to other drinks.