I am really having a hard time with the liquid restrictions before and after meals. Is anyone else having problems ? Any suggestions ?

I take mini sips while eating, but do not gulp. Has been fine for me. I have hard time with it too.

I really don't do it. I just put my Water away while I'm eating. The one thing I do suggest though, Is be careful with processed foods. I bought what I thought were healthy gourmet chicken burgers last week. SODIUM! Ugh not good I wanted to drink during and right after... But I suffered because the extra liquid will just flush it out and you will get hungrier sooner.

I am 3 months out and this liquid restriction thing is still a challenge to me...I still feel the urge to drink during meals but I am learning....I seem to be ok as long as I stop drinking about 15 minutes before eating....but I am uncomfortable if I drink 30 minutes or even 45 minutes after I finish eating

I don't order a drink (even water) when I go out. I also don't eat processed or foods that cause me to be thirsty. Once I figured out what had extra sodium, sugar, etc., I've found I don't miss the liquids during meals.

It is a very difficult change to make because of learned behavior, but it is important because it tends to make the food slide through the pyloric sphincter quicker leading to possibly over eating. So I have heard of some people who couldn't get this under control but were successful at just measuring there food and being careful not to overeat. Those of us who don't eat until we are full anymore, would find this much easier then others. Good Luck.

Satiety! By not drinking with meals the food stays in your tummy longer and you feel fuller... longer. It IS a different way to eat, but you will get used to it, and if you feel full you might not eat!!!

Mind puzzle that I've seen on You Tube but can't find:

set 2 funnels in 2 tall glasses, side by side. Add 1 cup of applesauce to each funnel. Now to One funnel, add 1/2 cup of Water and see how fast the funnel empties!

Thankfully they had me practice before surgery. I'm supposed to stop 15 minutes before and wait 1 hr after. If I don't, there's not enough room in my pouch. And it's not pleasant.

Moist food helps, and not having something to drink on the table. If I'm short on the fluid goal for the day, I set the timer when I finish eating so I remember when I can start again.

At restaurants, they often want to bring me something. I will ask for water and finish it between when we order and when the food comes. It's close enough.

Definitely breaking a learned behavior habit! Good luck!

Here is that video