Hi all,

I just had a question that I have never really been able to figure out, and forgot to ask my doc. I completely understand why we aren't supposed to drink after eating for at least an hour and a half, but I am so confused as to why we can't drink before for at least a half hour???? It makes no sense since watching my barium swallow right day after surgery and watched the liquid go right through the band. Anyway, I figured you all would know. Also, this is my biggest challenge, any advice on how you get through not drinking with or after meals??? Thanks in advance

I wonder that, too. When I get a fill, they make me drink water in front of them so they know it will go through.

I drink right up to the time I eat, I just don't drink with my meals or right afterwards.

My doctor said I can drink right up until I eat too. I just don't drink during or for one hour afterwards. I thought it would be really difficult too, but after the first few days I found it really wasn't that difficult at all. The only time I do have to take just a teeny tiny drink is when I am eating something like buffalo wings, they are so hot I just have to have a little something.

I have no restrictions on drinking before meals... makes no sense.

Like a few others, my doc has no restriction on drinking before meals.

One thing I do at home occasionally, during and aftermeals, is lick or take one small bite of a popsicle. It helps to cool down my mouth if I've eaten something hot, and it takes away my urge to drink during.

Another thing you might try is to swish a teeny tiny bit of water around in your mouth and spit out - make sure you don't swallow any.

After time, you'll learn to go without. It's not really an issue for me now, at 10 months since surgery. I just make sure I get enough to drink beforehand.

All the best,

Karla

I wasn't told not to drink before or after meals but my doctor did say not to drink during meals. The explanation was that it (the water) would fill up my pouch and I wouldn't be able to eat enough food, which would make me want to snack later. I'm just wondering whether the doctors who say not to drink half an hour before are thinking that a full stomach would be sending the wrong signals to the mind as you're about to sit down to eat?

Thanks everyone,

It seems that most people do drink before and I think if I do that I will have an easier time not drinking during my meals. I was trying to figure out how to get all my water in before losing 6 hours a day from waiting before and after eating!!! This should help.