I have no problems with carbonation. I have no problems burping, lol. I've had the Band for 5 years and I have great restriction, so I'm not worried that my pouch has stretched. I do find that bottled or canned carbonation is "stonger" than fountain drinks, and I never liked it that strong even before banding, so I often shake up my diet coke bottles if I have one and gently let the bubbles out. It's true that the sweeteners in diet drinks are not healthy for us. For that reason, I try to limit it, not because of the carbonation. Just remember, that they do use the same sweeteners in Crystal light and other low/no calorie non-carbonated drinks. Hope that helps. And like the others said, everyone is different. I have a friend who is 8 years out, and has no problems with Carbonation either. She can eat more than me, but can't drink Water and lie down. I can drink water and lie down. It's funny, but it shows we're all different.
Mindy