I comply with the rules of no drinking before eating, but was just curious as to why we have to do this? It does not make logical sense to me, liquid passes on through so it's not filling up the pouch above the band to hinder eating my protein and other food, but I definitely understand not drinking after eating because it does fill you up after food and sometimes comes up. Anyone know why we can't drink before eating? Just curious is all.

This drinking question comes up a lot and it's like itching an old sore. You should follow your doctor's advice but I agree with you. In fact, I drink before and right after. Sometimes I sip during a meal depending on what we're having. There is a new theory on drinking and eating and maybe you should talk to your doc about it?

Here's why! Watch this video and watch all 4 if you have the time. Go to about 6 minutes into the video to see Dr. O'Brien's drinking theory.

part 2

I was never told not to drink right up until I eat. The only thing I can think of is that by wetting the stomach the food might be more likely to slide thru then if the stomach is "dry".

Sorry, wrong video. Good one but the drinking explanation is in this video around 7 minutes:

Part 3

I was told that it may fill me up and since we already are eating so little they didn't want me to feel full and not be able to eat my proper amount. Personally, I do drink sometimes before eating (not recommending you to go against your surgeon's advice, it's just what I do) and haven't had any issue. In fact, sometimes if I am feeling "tight" I will have a cup of coffee or hot tea to help loosen it up a bit. I don't drink right after a meal though.

Thank you both. I might just do that TMF and bring it up at my next visit in early Feb.

I agree A New Dawn, sometimes I just don't plan enough and end up drinking right before a meal (actually did it today which triggered this question ), but I am pretty good about waiting the 30 minutes after eating.

I was told no caffine or carbonated drinks either. The cafine can caroad the stomach and the carbonated drinks stretch the pouch.

I drink up until the minute I put food in my moth. Then I don't drink until 30 minutes after. I have done this for a year ow and have never had a problem. I do believe that drinking with your food would wash it right through so you could eat more, not get the full feeling so why be banded? Just my opinion!

I also drink right up until the point I start eating. I then a wait 30 minutes after I finish eating to have a drink again. I've never had a problem with it and it's what my surgeon advises.

I really wish all the Lap Band surgeons followed the same protocol! It would make our lives so much easier if we all followed the same rules!

never heard that either after 5 mos out I will sip if I am stuck and wait 30 mintues after to have something.

Like many others I also drink up until I start eating and then stop. My PA said that the fluid goes right through the band so it doesn't effect it. The only rules I was given about drinking is..... not while eating, no carbonation (can bloat the pouch), no caffeinated drinks (caffeine can stimulate hunger), no liquid with empty calories or count them.

add me to the list (hate being left out)

i drink up til i eat and then wait 20-30 min (sometimes more if i am at work)

My sentiments exactly. Not sure why the drs have all different rules when it's basically the same concept