I feel like this is the silliest question ever, but for some reason I'm not clear on just how to drink my Water after I get banded. I've heard that we're not supposed to drink during meals. Does that mean no drinking at all, or can we still take sips between bites? When you are in the 'green zone', can you just chug away at water or do you still have to drink slowly? Also, I've heard that you aren't supposed to drink out of straws because they make you suck up extra air. Is that true for everyone? I am clumsy like a bull in a china shop (probably worse actually), I like cups with straws so that I can't knock my water over...

I didn't want to clutter up the forums with too many posts, but I had another question too. I'm starting my pre-op diet tomorrow and I'm totally dedicated. My super best friend who lives two states over is coming to visit next week (haven't seen him in two years). He wants to go out and eat some nice greasy, fried Texas food when he comes over, just for one meal. Other than this, we would be eating at home. I told him no at first, but then I decided there was no harm in just calling my doctor's office to see if they'd be okay with me cheating for just ONE meal. To my surprise, they actually told me that was okay as long as I still lost the required ten pounds. The thought makes me feel a little guilty though, I really don't want to start this thing off on the wrong foot, so I'm after some second opinions. Should I cheat once since the doc said it was okay, or behave? Thanks!

2 more thoughts:

The fact that you're asking a question about cheating tells me that you know it's not right, or not good, to cheat.

And this super best friend of yours. A greasy Texas meal is nice for auld lang syne, but does he not love you enough to forego it for the sake of your health?

Why YES, it is cheating!! LOL

Don't you think it is funny when people are cheating themselves and don't even realize it?!? OMG, the whole reason for doing a lapband was to lose weight!! Helllloooo!

Why YES, it is cheating!! LOL

Don't you think it is funny when people are cheating themselves and don't even realize it?!? OMG, the whole reason for doing a lapband was to lose weight!! Helllloooo!

So less experienced people asking honest questions is hilarious to you? Hmm, to each their own I guess.

2 more thoughts:

The fact that you're asking a question about cheating tells me that you know it's not right, or not good, to cheat.

And this super best friend of yours. A greasy Texas meal is nice for auld lang syne, but does he not love you enough to forego it for the sake of your health?

You're absolutely right, I did think that cheating would be a bad idea. And believe me, I wouldn't even consider it for half a second if the doctor hadn't told me it was okay. Even with the doctor's blessing, I'd probably still end up feeling a little guilty for cheating even a little, like I said in my first post. So I hope nobody's concerned with my willpower. I'm not trying to find a way to justify doing something that would be bad. I told my friend that I'd ask the doc (fully expecting to be told no and get scolded for asking), but to my surprise they said that was fine! That's why I came here just for a second opinion.

I have decided to skip it, I know my friend will totally understand. I have been SO proud of my willpower so far. Today was only day 1 of my official diet but I did try it out for four days a week ago and I had no trouble sticking to it. So I like to think that I could honestly cheat just that once without sliding down that slippery slope, buuut... I think Sojourner is probably right. If my willpower was THAT good I probably wouldn't be needing a band in the first place would I? Thanks everyone for the opinions though I really appreciate you guys!

Less experienced? I was banded April 26th and learning new things every single day. The issue here is not experience, but dedication. We all know and understand how we got in the shape we are or were, so part of the learning curve is to never go back there. The band is only a tool to help us reach our goals and not the solution. It is highly important to believe in ourselves and remain dedicated to our new diets and lifestyles, whether that is during pre-band diet or post sugery. Yes we can cheat, BUT we are only cheating ourselves and it simply is not worth it!