I wake up every morning and drink a bottle of water. After the water We have to wait 30 minutes before we can eat. I got called out early for work this morning. I don't have time to wait 30 minutes. The question is, do I wait 30 minutes which means I do without or do I eat despite having just finished a bottle of water?

I've seen some say the emphasis is more for the AFTER you eat, and have even seen a 5 minute timeline before eating. Go ahead and eat. One time won't kill you.

Well said Babbs. very well said.

if i drink before i eat, well nothing really happens, if it drink right after I eat...well let us just say the bathroom becomes my close friend.

I did go ahead and eat. I don't want myself to go hungry. After I ate it dawned on me that I could have changed directions and had me a protein shake on the way. Hind-sight.

I definately would have eaten.

Drinking before you eat isn't that big of a deal and the only reason they tell you not to drink after you eat is because it washes the food through your pouch faster and you eat more. I decided the first time I started eating solid food that I wasn't spending the rest of my life with a dry mouth while I ate food and I have drank and eaten at the same time the entire time I've had the sleeve. I hit goal in April and have stayed under it for months. You just need to be cognizant of how much you are eating.

Yep that's why I always have a ready-made protein shake in my fridge! I actually do wait the 30 before and after. That's because it's what I was told to do. I'm not sure if it makes a difference or not it's just habit now.

Ohh you used cognizant! that is the word of the Day!

So important for WLS patients to be Cognizant of many many things.

A very Apt word indeed.

That's the reason I have a shake every morning. I want to be able to drink my coffee ASAP!!!

My surgeon changed his rules over the summer. He said I can drink all the way up to a meal, but after the meal I have to wait an hour to drink again. I don't question him since he has a tv show, lol.

I have a hard time with before--especially if I'm cooking--I just sip while I work in the kitchen. But it doesn't surprise me that an hour might be better than 30 minutes. Even after my timer goes off sometimes one sip will make my stomach feel super full--ie it's still in there! On the same note, sometimes a small sip (which salty food does sometimes prompt me to indulge in!) will turn the restriction feelers ON.

I wake up every morning and drink a bottle of Water. After the water We have to wait 30 minutes before we can eat. I got called out early for work this morning. I don't have time to wait 30 minutes. The question is, do I wait 30 minutes which means I do without or do I eat despite having just finished a bottle of water?

If I'm hungry, I eat. If I'm not, I don't. I can drink before a meal but I cannot drink after. If I have to choose between one or the other, I would far rather drink something. I can deal with being hungry but I do NOT like being thirsty.

Adding to the chorus. My doctor was more concerned with waiting after eating to drink than before. Staying hydrated is important. I always keep a RTD shake or protein drink/water on hand in case I need to grab and go. The protein teas have been especially helpful in the summer heat. I sometimes fill my water bottle with ice and then pout the protein tea over that. This way I stay hydrated and still get my protein in.

What store sells protein tea, and what is the brand name? I love tea, and I'm getting tired of crystal light.

@@jands75 - ISOPURE - I know that I sound like a commercial about this stuff. Its actually a whole line of products by Nature's Best, but my mom who had bypass swears by them and most that I've tried are yummy. Just make sure you go for zero carb or low carb, they have something called "mass" that has like 50g of carbs. Obviously we call need to stay away from that stuff:-) But the zero carb are amazing.

Thanks a bunch for the info!