I was told not to drink 30 min before and 30 mins after. I'm okay before the meals but it is hard - hard - hard to wait 30 min after. How do I dela with this?

You just have to suck it up and wait! It's better because you will stay fuller and not over strech your poutch!

I practiced this pre-op not drinking after meals.

After you eat rinse your mouth out with water then go brush your teeth. Then you have a fresh clean feeling.

You don't want to drink so you don't flush the food out of your band so you stay fuller longer.

Some people chew gum to help abstain from drinking, but I've heard gum can get stuck if you swallow it and would have to be retrieved with a scope by your doctor. Hope this helps. It's what I plan on doing again after I get back on real food. I'm transitioning from liquids to mushies right now. Good luck!

I would sometimes "swish and spit"

or suck on a few ice chips. It is to hard to quash the feeling of needing a drink, for sure.

I also hear that when you chew gum you are swallowing air, which is not good.

I agree with this being the hardest part. I only drink when I eat so changing this habit is the hardest.

I like the suggestions made by the other posters and I'll try it. I just said today after dinner that I hate not being able to drink after I eat.. I feel like I have food stuck in my teeth.:biggrin:

It was difficult for me to get used to but once I did, it became a matter of habit just like when I used to drink with my meals. Now, it is my habit not to. Also, from everything I have been taught and researched myself, you should be waiting at least an hour to two before you drink liquids after your meal. 30 mins prior is fine but 30 mins post is too soon from what I was taught. I guess every surgeon is different. I wait a minimum of an hour.