water vs Crystal Light?

I'm pre-op and trying to lose the required 10 percent of my body weight (27 pounds) before surgery. I haven't had any soda since Wednesday (Yeah, me! and I am/was a diet pepsi fiend!) So, I'm substituting with a lot of Crystal Light ... is that ok? Do I get the same benefits from that as water? I know that the goal is to drink sf caf free stuff .... do I need to focus on water if I'm getting in atleast 64 ounces of Crystal Light a day? TIA - Summer

 Have you tried Wyler's or the tubes to go they are just the right amount for the water it will help with your water.  Water is best!!!

I am not a fan of plain water.  I use Crystal Light, Fulfill, 4C's and Walmart Brand.  The crystal light has carbs and calories.  The others do not.  I really really enjoy the Fulfill Wildberry, the 4C's Wildberry and the Walmart Cranberry Apple.  They have a lot of flavor and no guilt from carbs.  Yes, they are an acceptable substitute for plain water.

According to my Nut Crystal Light is fine. They do have a new one, don't recall flavor, that has caffeine so be sure you read the labels. I've lost 47 lbs since Feb 16 and drank a TON of Crystal Light. I carry the little packets everywhere (including to restaurants) and pour it in my water. For some darn reason my surgeon made me lose 12% instead of 10 but I've surpassed that by 7 lbs.

Just a thought.. I have been diluting the crystal light with 1/2 water and it's still yummy! Good luck!!  

I found most of the drinks with the artifical sweetener were making me retain fluids. So I do plain water or water with Real Lemon, Real Orange or Real Lime. They come in little packets like sugar or sweetener. But they have no sweetener in them.

Whatever you can do to get the 64oz  in is good.  Crystal Light is awesome and helps me get my 64 + per day.  Sounds like you are on the right track, keep up the good work.  I lost 24 pre op in 3 weeks with the crystal light so it must not do to much harm.  TyAnn -180lbs 20 till goal

Every night before I go to bed I take a 32oz water and mix 1-1/2 packets (I like it weak, each packet makes 16 oz) of raspberry ice crystal light and put it in the freezer.  When I get up I take it out of the freezer, then shower get ready for work and by the time I have had my protein shake and wait the hour after to drink it, it is nice and cold with lots of flavor.  I drink it every day, alot of time I end up adding more water and shake it up.  Love it and it helps me gt my 64 oz in.

Great ideas! Thanks ladies!