I understand the why of not eating 30 minutes before or after eating, but I am curious as to how difficult this was/is for you who have had RNY to maintain. I don't have my surgery date yet, but I've been told to try and practice this as much as possible...it's hard! Do you have any tips or tricks that have helped you with this? I guess once I am eating solid foods again that spicy foods and the use of black pepper is out. This is the only thing we have to do that I think I might have trouble with, if nothing else, just out of habit. I would love to hear how you are able to do it.

Thanks bunches!

Carol

For me, it's HARD! But I am still new at this (Jan 2014). I have always drank a lot of Water (or wine) with dinner and if my water glass wasn't refilled during my meal and it was empty, I would feel like I was suffocating and couldn't eat anymore until I had more liquids. Now, I'm trying to use that as my signal that maybe I'm just full and don't need any more food if I start to feel like I'm suffocating and it is usually right! lol. But, mentally, it is still hard since I'm so used to it. I have to always make a conscious effort to try to drink ahead of time and after but not during. I don't always succeed and I have to be ok with that. I can't beat myself up for slipping on this occasionally. But I really am trying. And I do have spicy foods. Someone mentioned having something that is a bit watery (cucumbers come to mind--it's food but has some watery-ness to it).

If you come up with some tips, let us know!

My trick pretty much is to finish my meal with a few bites of salad, and that usually helps to take the thirst away. I have no problem with not drinking during meals, but after I finish sometimes it would be nice to have a diet coke hahaha, in my dreams But really, once you get used to it it's not that bad at all!

The drinking thing is difficult for me too, especially after eating and waiting the 30 minutes. My NUT told me that to drink before eating is not as much of a concern, but definitely avoid liquids during and 30 minutes after. I totally get it - you don't want to push foods through too quickly. Really it's just a habit that you have to work through. I don't put a glass for myself on the table during meals and when finished I try to find something else to do that gets me out of the kitchen. Good luck!

I actually started trying to do this about a month before my surgery. It was a constant struggle at that point and even though I survived, I had a fear of not being able to keep it up after surgery.

Since the surgery, it got much easier. It is still difficult, but I think more out of the habit from having a big glass of milk at every meal for so many years.

As for the spicy thing - I think that is really up to your tolerance. I've always been a huge fan of spicy foods and still am. I don't go crazy with something I know will set my guts on fire, but I still put pepper either cayenne or black, homemade jalapeno salsa or tobasco on just about everything.

I'm four weeks out and LOVE blackened tilapia (grew up in Louisiana)... Yes, it leaves a major burn in the mouth (and the face sweating and nose running thing) but it's SO worth it to get the flavor! But, by the time I'm through eating, cleaned up a plate or two, gone to the bathroom, thirty minutes can be up and I can have a drink.

You can do it -- I do because I wouldn't give up all that spice for ANYTHING!