:help:I have only been banded for about 3 1/2 weeks and I was wondering if anyone else had trouble at first with drinking water during meals or shortly after. I have always been a big water drinker and it is very hard for me. Is this normal????? I feel like I know nothing about this thing I have done to myself.

I TOO WAS TOLD NO DRINKING DURING MEALS OR FOR AN HOUR AFTER BUT AS A BIG WATER DRINKER I FIND THIS IMPOSSIBLE SO I TAKE JUST A SIP DURING AND CAN USUSALLY MANAGE THE HOUR AFTER OK, I THINK YOU JUST HAVE TO USE YOUR OWN JUDGEMENT AND COMMON SENSE AND LOOKING AT THESE THREADS THERE ARE LOTS OF US DRINKING AND ARE OK. I LIKE THE ICE IDEA I WILL GIVE THAT A TRY.

According to makers of the lapband...not supposed to drink during meals.

I'm at optimum restriction and have drank too soon after eating...it spewed back up.

When I'm eating out I ask for a glass of Water, only because I got tired of the 3rd Degree. :-) Nothing to drink, thanks. "Would you like some water?" No thank you. "Not even water? It's good for you!" Grrr. I understood they were just trying to be nice, but ever since I've just asked for water.

Not drinking it is easy for me. I used to always have a beer with dinner, but I gave up drinking anything with meals before my surgery...as soon as I heard "The Rule".

It bugs me too when I get the third degree at restaurants! Makes me crazy, so I too, sometimes get water JUST so they will leave me alone! :laugh:

Not drinking during and after is really hard for me. I'm suppose to wait 1-2 HOURS after a meal, but dang it, i'm always SO thirsty! Since my last fill, I am really having a hard time getting much liquid in. I usually cheat and do 45 mins after eating. Shhhhhhhhh... :w00t: :biggrin:

When I go to restaurants, I order a "to-go" water. I never put the straw in it. That way I have something with me 30 mins later to drink and no one ever looks at me funny.

I only sometimes sip if I need it.. but one thing that has helped me is rinsing my mouth out after the meal. I would crave water!!! and so I just take a small sip.. and rinse... I know people who say that when they stop drinking when they eat.. they lose better... you stay full longer... and feel better.

It is dam hard.. I know it! try the rinse.. see if that helps...