I watched all the Dr. Paul O'Brien videos that were posted. He talked about the 8 rules. He mentioned that he tells his patients (in Australia) they can drink during meals as long as they wait 1 minute after swallowing. NOT drinking was the "old school" way. Veteran banders, what are your thoughts on this?

I was originally told not to drink for a half hour after eating and not all during meals. However, since I was banded research has come out showing that food passes through the band in less than minute. That means the old way of thinking that drinking would wash the food through too fast is no longer valid.

Granted I'm no doctor, but in light of more current research and facts, I personally agree with Dr. O'brien's rule about just waiting a minute before drinking. It makes sense and his logic is supported by facts.

I don't drink for at least 30 min after eating. I tried once just to get a taste out and it was so painful, so I believe it is more a fear of the same pain. So I don't think I will. But that is just me. Will be interesting to see others thoughts.

I agree that the 30 minute "rule" has changed/evolved. My surgeons office still preach it. I now drink with my meals, AFTER my food is through my band. I think it HELPS me to slow down and take longer for my meals, thereby eating less. As long as you're not using liquids to force food through, to allow you to eat more/faster, what could it possibly hurt?

I do occassionaly drink while eating, I followed the 30 minute rule in the beginning only because it was what i was told to do, but over time I have learned that I can have a small sip while of liquids while eating. My problem with drinking while eating is that it sometimes makes me feel full and I am unable to eat all the protein I need to do, so I limit my fluid intake while eating. Another problem I have had is that if i am tight and I drink liquids I will PB my food everytime. Success with lap band is trial and error, you have to learn to work with your band to be successful. This process is not black and white and everyone of us is different. So I agree with the new research because it works for me in life but it may not for all.

Thank you for your responses. I'm sure there is a big learning curve with the band.

This is still something I am having problems doing guess it will be a work in progress. Will be getting a first fill on Monday so may have more restriction then

I sometimes drink with me meals but not often - I was banded in the old no drinking days and the habit sticks. However I have found that if I drink after I eat it can be incredibly uncomfortable, sometimes the liquid won't go down.

Makes me wonder if the truth about how the band works is actually a cross between what we were taught previously and what they are teaching us now. Either that or it will turn out to be something completely different to what they thought.Science and medicine is forever changing its mind.

I watched all the Dr. Paul O'Brien videos that were posted. He talked about the 8 rules. He mentioned that he tells his patients (in Australia) they can drink during meals as long as they wait 1 minute after swallowing. NOT drinking was the "old school" way. Veteran banders' date=' what are your thoughts on this?[/quote']

I've always drank with my meals. No problem.

If I drink with my meals my food is coming back up these days.

At first I followed this practice all the time. But after doing lots of research on the internet and learning that your 4 ounce pouch empties so quickly, water or liquids won't affect the outcome as thought in the past. I find that I don't eat anymore or get hungry faster. Once you are restricted, it doen't make much difference.

I have always had liquid with my meals-I have always felt guilty- now I will not. Always learning on this forum. hugs

I am so happy I posted this question! Not drinking is one of my biggest fears of getting the band. After reading your replies, I will listen to my body. If I keep losing weight while drinking then I will keep it up. If not, no drinking for me.

my dr told me to stop drinking when i eat and then wait 30 min after....thats what i do

i suggest anyone to do what works for them and also what one's doctor recommends

because as you can see, everyone is different....thats what makes the world go round