Yes, I am not a fine print reader so I didn't read the instructions from my doctor to NOT drink while eating. My thought process was to drink while eating to help the food go down easier, but, alas, not true. I received Jean McMillan's book yesterday, Bandwagon, and read it in the book - thank God for her book...if you don't have it and you are going to get banded or have been banded it is absolutely a must read! I am so grateful that she took the time to write such a comprehensive book - it is amazing!

My other issue is I'm having trouble eating enough. I know...not the trouble most people have. I had about 3 oz of a protien shake and a cup of coffee for breakfwast, 4 oz. of tuna salad and egg salad (combined) for lunch yesterday, but couldn't finish it all and then came home from work and wasn't hungry so I didn't eat anything. I am pretty sure this is not good but I don't want for force myself. I guess I am really having a hard time getting my protien in since I switched to mushies.

I guess it is just a learning experience...I am having a protien shake now which is 11 oz.; however, my doctor's instructions say between 17 and 42 oz...there is no way I can drink that much. And on top of all that, I cannot get all of my Water in because I'm afraid if I drink too much that I will start belching...which has also been a major problem. I certainly don't regret the band at all but it is just difficult...back to Jean's book for more answers!

I think your doctor is referring to water not the protein shake being 40 oz. At this stage you are still healing. When was you surgery? I was not on mushies until 3 weeks out. If you doctor progressed you faster than 3 weeks perhaps you should still be on full liquids.

I am three weeks today but I started two days early. Nope, the instructions state protien shake (17oz to 42oz) and 60 oz of water a day...I am going to call them today to get clarification...I paid out of my pocket for some of this surgery so I am going to get answers!

_{I had to break meals into small meals more often, Breakfast is usually Protein shake at 8am, then at 10 an egg, then at 12 tuna or turkey roll and cheese, then at 2 shake, then at 4p turkey roll up, then at 6 chicken or salmon. i hate Water, so i do water with lemon or Vitamin water, try to drink one in the midmorning between snack and lunch 20oz, then one after lunch before mid afternoon break 20 oz and one after dinner but not too late because if i go to bed the liquid just keeps coming up and down, 20 oz. i wait 30 min after each meal for any liquid. I feel like i eat all day!!}

_{Hang in there!}

_M-

Unless you have a significant restriction with your band, drinking with your meals will not be noticeable. But it is a good habit to get into now.

When you have restriction, food passes through the band very slowly, accumulating in your pouch. The pouch can handle just so much volume. This is also your trigger to stop eating.

If you drink water, with food sitting there, you will suddenly and drastically over fill your pouch! This can be painful, stretch you pouch, and properly make you vomit almost immediately!

When I get stuck, I sip water to induce regurgitation and getting unstuck.

If you make a 8 oz. shake with flavored protein powder. Try using 1/2 the amount of water, and putting this in a small bowel with a lid. Shake well, and Freeze. This makes a great pudding, and your getting your protein.

All water that you use throughout the day, you should be counting.

I put a 64 oz. jug in the fridge, and use it for all my shakes, soups, and cooking.

If you figure it that way you will get your fluid in. In Time !

If you count your glasses of water separately , compared to all other fluids,,, you'll drowned in the water.

Wow - all great advice as usual - I love this site!