I'm just starting to really research to see if being banded will be right for me.

I am curious as to how much Fluid you can intake? I'm a huge drinker. Not alcohol, but juices, Water, and tea. I'm not huge on carbonation, but from time to time I like Sprite. I could go without Coke for the rest of my life if I needed to, but I can't go without drinking large volumes of water or juice throughout the day.

For instance, today I've had 3 16oz glasses of tea, glass of apple juice, and probably 16oz total of fresh water.

I've had my sugar levels checked, so I know my thirst isn't related to being diabetic. I've been this way my whole life. I just thirst.

Any feedback on your post-op drinking ability would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Hi there!

The information provided to me from my doctor's office stated that we should work towards 6-8 cups of clear liquid during the first two weeks after banding. They really emphasized the importance of staying hydrated. You have to take in small amounts of liquid at a time though. They suggested sipping liquids out of a 1 oz. medicine cup or that we get a child's "sippy cup." The reason is that you don't want to stretch the stomach before it has time to heal.

Hope this helps! I'm getting banded on December 19th--9 more days!

Wow! That's not a lot of liquids! That would be the only thing I'd have trouble with I'm afraid. In fact, that scares me a little.

I've never had any problem drinking liquids. Even right after surgery I drank easily. I drink at least 3 18 oz bottles of liquid every day. My doctor gave me no warning only to make sure to get my liquids in to help with weight loss.

edie

I am a huge ice tea drinker...and still drink huge amounts of it!!! I also drink water....and while I may not guzzle as quickly as I once did....I can still drink pretty large amounts in a short period of time. Now the exception to this is following meals. I do not drink at all when I eat....to do so is an instant PB! I think it floats my food up. I also try to avoid drinking for anhour or so after meals....if I drink sooner, I have to do small amounts, or it backs up on me, as it cannot get through the stoma yet.

As a general rule, unless eating is involved, my drinking habits have not changed.

Good luck in your research!!!

Kat

I drink heaps of water too...difference now post lapband is instead of drinking a glass of water at a time i have a huge 2 ltr sipping bottle and i sip on i all through the day...I did that immediately post surgery too.

becky

I drink tons of fluids too. I drink 68oz at work alone. I drink two 16.9oz bottles of water (or diet greentea) before lunch and 2 after lunch before I leave work. That is in addition to my morning coffee and anything I drink at home after work. I have never had any issues getting all my fluids down. Liquids like water and tea just gurgle straight through, drinking plenty of noncarbonated fluids is a key thing for bandsters! You already have one thing in your favor!

Oh well. That makes me feel better. Thanks!!

You not only CAN....you MUST drink.....minimum of 64 oz/day....coffee doesn't count since it's a diauretic. Protein supplement drinks count toward your Fluid intake. Carbonated drinks are a forever no-no; juice is not a good choice because of the high sugar/calories. You need to quit drinking a few minutes before your meal, do not drink any at all with your meal, then wait for an hour after your meal to drink again. Drinking with or right after eating washes the food out of our pouch and you are hungry again much too soon.

Do you know if you qualify for surgery? Most doctors require a BMI of 40 and I'm estimating yours is about 35 (209 lbs/5'4").

I haven't talked to the doctor yet, of course, but from everything I've read I found that I would be a candidate because I have health factors along with the BMI of 35 or above. I have extremely high blood pressure. It's under control, but only with medication. I also suffer from sleep apnea.

Thanks for your info! It's sounding better and better.

So, is this sipping a permanent thing or way later on, can I guzzle regular amounts like I can normally now?