I was banded 7/15/10 and prior to surgery I was addicted, I mean ADDICTED to diet sodas. Diet Coke, Diet Pepsi, Diet Dr. Pepper....Yum. I'm happy to say I haven't had one since my surgery, and don't ever plan to have one again. Now I drink Vitamin Water Fruit Punch flavor, and sugar free apple juice. Unfortuneatly I'm not a plain water drinker, never have been.