A very BIG concern for me!

I drink too many soda's and a lot of iced tea. It is normal for me to drink 4-6 glasses during a meal. I am very concerned about this as I have been told I cannot drink while I eat. I know I will have to come off of the soda. But, I hope I can keep my tea!

You can keep your tea after a while. You will definitely have to get rid of the soda. Absolutely no drinking when you eat. You won't be able to anyway, it will hurt. It will take some getting used to but you will learn not to drink before and right after your meals. I would recommend starting that now. Also start replacing your soda with water and as you get closer to your surgery date start weaning yourself off the tea to avoid the caffeine headaches you will likely get.

Good advice! So, its only water for how long? Can the water be flavored?

You can have crystal light or mio or there are some other ones you can try.  You need to get off the carbonation so don't go to carbonated water.  Since you seem to really like tea, try to go to decaffinated slowly and that will help keep you from having headaches.  Powerade zero is an option also.  After surgery you will barely have room for your protein so drinking will be hard.  The carbonation in soda's will more than likely hurt because of the gas build up.

You also asked how long on the water ----- forever!  The purpose of this surgery is to give you a tool so that you can change your relationship with food and drink.  You will need to drink anywhere between 80-120 ounces of water a day.  You will struggle to get all of your protein and water in each day and there will be no or very little room for anything else.  Don't look at it as you are giving up anything, you will become a healthier you!

Thanks for the answer. I drink a tea made with Splenda. I also bought some "Stevita" which is a stevia based water additive. I really like the lime flavored on and they make the only Lime I can find. Lemonade gives me heartburn, I love Lime.

Great advice from Keith.  To answer your question, it's basically water ... forever.  I am almost 7 months out and have not had any soda at all yet.  I was told not to.  And any liquids after I eat still cause great discomfort and pain, even just a tiny sip.  I wait at least 30 mins before drinking and usually it's more like an hour.

Getting used to that now will help you immensely.  Coffee and tea will be added back gradually but the main focus in the beginning is water.

Thanks. I can see the value in the water. I just have to get there mentally.

Our minds are as much a tool as our VSG. We CAN do what we THINK we can do. We CAN"T do what we think we can't do. As simple as that.

Many people go into this with the mindset" I CAN"T

I agree with everyone on here. Water is the way to go BUT there are plenty of zero calorie water flavor enhancers out there.

Wal-Mart sells its own brand of Mio (located near the juices and crystal light) of Southern Sweet Tea... for $2.50 it might be worth trying. (I like it!)

I know you are worried about the what ifs because of how you do things now... remember that this is so we can change all the negative habits we had prior to choosing the VSG. Honestly... when you eat you will not want the numerous drinks with your meal  because you will know that the protein is more important. 

Being honest, I do miss my Bojangles Sweet tea every morning BUT I know know that by getting healthy I will be happier and that is more important than anything.

Elizabeth

Thanks. i suppose it is one of those things where I know what is right; but have my old habits that the weak flesh is concerned about. I will do what I must.