My pre-op appt was 2 days ago, Friday. My NUT and my surgeon reiterated the importance of the 30/30/30 rule for life. My surgeon even went so far as to show diagrams and explain the mechanics of why I should never drink 30 minutes before eating, not drink for 30 minutes while I'm eating, then nothing to drink 30 minutes after eating. (1-1/2 hours of not drinking around each meal... seriously dude?)

I guess I was hoping they would change their minds on this rule because its a really tough one for me to follow.

When I left the office, I went straight to Kohls, with my 30% off coupon, and purchased a watch with a timer. I've been practicing this rule.

Hahahahahaha!

Ok.

I can't do it.

YET.

But I will by golly!

I know you vets can be trouble makers, (@LipstickLady) but I need some insight on this. Gimme your thoughts/experiences.

Surely it gets easier?

@@Unbridled It's one of the rules I haven't attempted yet (pre-op). I imagine it's going to be difficult for me too.

My pre-op appt was 2 days ago, Friday. My NUT and my surgeon reiterated the importance of the 30/30/30 rule for life. My surgeon even went so far as to show diagrams and explain the mechanics of why I should never drink 30 minutes before eating, not drink for 30 minutes while I'm eating, then nothing to drink 30 minutes after eating. (1-1/2 hours of not drinking around each meal... seriously dude?)

I guess I was hoping they would change their minds on this rule because its a really tough one for me to follow.

When I left the office, I went straight to Kohls, with my 30% off coupon, and purchased a watch with a timer. I've been practicing this rule.

Hahahahahaha!

Ok.

I can't do it.

YET.

But I will by golly!

I know you vets can be trouble makers, (@LipstickLady) but I need some insight on this. Gimme your thoughts/experiences.

Surely it gets easier?

I assume you are having the bypass?

I was sleeved and drink right up to the time I eat. I generally wait a little while after eating to drink just because it can be uncomfortable.

But, Sleevers have a pyloric valve so we don't have the same issues that bypass people have.

I grew up not drinking with my meals, so it wasn't that big of a deal early on.

I mean if you really don't understand why eat and drink at the same time while on soft foods. The pain and discomfort will stop you from ever wanting to do it again.

At a year plus out I do take a sip with something that turns out to be dry like chicken because taking a sip is better than choking on dry meat

I think practicing before surgery is almost impossible and a waste of time. Life post op is so different at first, it will teach you.

Edited August 14, 201610 yr by OutsideMatchInside

My plan is no liquid 15 minutes before eating, can have very small sips with meal, no liquids for 30 minutes after meal. It takes a bit of effort but is very doable

I don't follow the 30 min before but I do wait at least 20 minutes after.

Sent from my SM-J700T1 using the BariatricPal App

I was told we can drink up until our meal nothing with it and wait 30 minutes before drinking after meal

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

@@Unbridled

Hey, chickadee, you've pulled together tougher things than this.

Aside: I bought three chayotes probably 10 days ago and promptly forgot about them. There they are in a bowl on the table. They're sprouting green shoots with air roots from the large end. If I had a garden or window box, I'd plant them to see what might happen. Maybe I'll just let them sit here, watch what they do and make bets with myself on how long it will take for them to go icky with no Water or soil. I'll give them another three weeks. Don't tell the ASPCP.

@InnerSurferGirl having the sleeve

Sent from my SM-G900V using the BariatricPal App

My guidelines are to stop drinking 5 min prior to eating, then wait 30 min after meals to resume drinking.

liquids usually go down relatively quickly not really taking up any room in your sleeve. it's during the meals that poses the issue.

I try to undereat my sleeve as much as possible and often have enough room to take 2-3 small sips of something if Id like. Usually without an issue.

Mine surgeon didn't say 30/30... He said 20 before and 30 after but can reduce that to 15/15-20 around 3 months.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I had the sleeve in February. I was also told the 30/30/30 rules. It takes some getting used to but once you're in a routine it's easy. I don't have any problems with it at all. Just find it natural now to clock the time when I finish eating/drinking. I manage 2 litres of fluids and 6 meals/snacks a day.

Sent from my SM-G935F using the BariatricPal App

What I find annoying about the rule is 4.5 total hours out of a day for no drinking, BLD, yet we are to get in 64 oz of water too. It's a challenge for sure.

I was actually looking back at my paperwork from my nutritionist this morning and it states "No drinking for an HOUR before eating and no drinking for an HOUR after eating."

No drinking WHILE eating either.

She also says to eat 5 small meals a day.

So that's 5 meals, each bookended with a 2 hour window - 10 hours a day of not drinking Water.

I honestly decided upon meeting her months ago that my nutritionist was kind of dumb, but now I'm sure of it.

My SURGEON, who disagrees with his nutritionist on several points, says no drinking for 30 min AFTER eating, no drinking WHILE eating. Which is much more doable.

I've been following his rules instead of hers. Frankly, I've had a few instances where drinking too soon after eating has made me a bit uncomfortable so I'm careful afterwards, but I'm trying to get in all my water and I would be totally screwed on that if I was spending 10 hours a day parched.

Our dietitians are VERY strict on the 30/30/30 thing. My surgeon, otoh, just said 'don't be an idiot...you've got a tiny stomach, don't fill it with Water before or during a meal, and wait a bit after before you go back to full-on drinking'. As long as I'm getting my Protein and eating enough calories, I can manage without setting timers and so forth. I find it nearly impossible to eat without water, so I take a few sips while eating my pre-measured portion.