What is the negative impact about carbonated drinks like decaf colas? Is it that it makes you go or does it create gas. Been living on water since takedown and dying to try something else. Not a big juice fan.
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It increases gas. If you drink much regular soda, the high sugar levels promote diarrhea. That said, neither one will kill you, so you can experiment to see what your limits are. You get to choose what inconveniences you are willing to deal with. Sometimes having a soda or beer is worth some discomfort later. I have no issues with moderate amounts.
Jan 
Soda doesn't so much create gas as contain gas, which will (in part) make its way to your pouch. That being said, it might be just fine for you, especially in moderation. I enjoy soda now and then, and haven't noticed any particular digestive problems from it.
I have no issue with carbonated drinks either, with the stoma, the bag filled up with froth and gas fairly quickly and require emptying much sooner
With the J pouch I have better results from sugar free carbonated drinks, which have no affects whatsoever but some sugared drinks tend to pass through much quicker, other than that, no real issues with gas or discomfort.
I choose to avoid soda and beer because of the carbonation. To me, it isn't worth the gassy side effects. But that is my choice, not that I can't. If I'm on antibiotics I seem to have less issues and might have a Coke Zero
I had a can or two of coke zero's now and then. Didn't bother me. But I used to drink alot prior to my colon removal so I went to zero afterwards. But I like you had to have a carbonated drink. I love the carbonation and missed that more than anything else.
Richard.
My husband drinks Coke that is made in Mexico (made from cane sugar). He drinks it once or twice a week. Does not give him trouble.
This was a great question I'm glad you asked it I always wonder the same because I'm bored of water and sugar free sports drinks ... I had my first 3-4 beers and Diet Pepsi I don't think I had any side effects I'm 5'5 months post takedown
The main thing is that there really are no never/always rules. If you crave something, it is worth trying, even if it affects your pouch function. It is important to feel normal and do normal things. Maybe you have to adapt a bit and that is OK. Unless you are craving broken glass and carpet tacks, you can indulge without suffering anything worse than gas and/or diarrhea. We all know that is not fatal!
Jan 