I am a heavy drinker (ie. pop, iced tea, iced coffee...all decaf) . I know I'm going to have to switch to Water, which I'll choose flavored and calorie free, but I still like to drink a lot. I've been off the wagon for a very long time and am going back to start all over again and hope to be filled soon.

If I eat 3 meals a day, plus the 2-3 snack's my surgeon suggest's...and I can't drink a 1/2 hour before eating and a 1/2 hour after eating, when do I drink? How do you find the time? Long story, but I sleep 10-11 hours a day.

I want to keep drinking! Can you help me figure out how to keep drinking a lot while following my clinic's guidelines?

Thanks!

Drinking before is ok, just make sure it has passed before eating...

I too am a heavy drinking- I just guzzle it when I can! It will work!

I drink right up until I eat. It passes through rather quickly. You should be able to feel it drain through if liquid is cold.

You won't have a problem drinking. Trust me. I like to drink a lot of fluids too and I have no issues.

I haven't been drinking while I eat but I definitely drink up until then. Then immediately after I finish eating I take a really small sip just to get the taste and leftover food particles out of my mouth... I can't stand for there to still be bits of food in my mouth. I've been that way my whole life tho....

Just give up the pop now because carbonation is one of the very few major no-no's for people with the band. It can cause slips and stretch the pouch.

Otherwise, drinking usually isn't a problem for most, it just take some getting used to.

I drink before during and after eating with no problems. I drink carbonated drinks with no problems. That may or may not work for you. The main thing to remember is don't take medical advice from anyone on this site. There are a couple on here who seem to think they are qualified to give it.

I too drink up to my first bite, not a big gulp size or anything, just to quench thirst. It's all a learning process. You will get what works for you all figured out.