Hello,

I am a week post op (VSG) and I was hoping to clarify with you all about the no liquid before / after food policy.

Is the no water policy enforced the first 1-2 weeks, I’m on a liquid diet and I’m trying to balance it all, as in meeting my hydration goals and doing everything right. I get frustrated if I drank water than have to wait a whole 30 minutes before eating and or waiting after. I mean my meals are already liquid ?

Sorry if this is a silly question - I’m trying my best.

Best of luck to all.

-JM

Water will fill your tiny tummy & you won’t be able to fit in any food. The waiting 20/30 min period between eating & drinking allows the tummy to empty so you can fit in food or drink again. Once you’re on more solid food you’ll understand why more easily. Though the uncomfortable full feeling does occur during the fluid stage.

You don’t want to traumatise your new tiny tummy which is still healing nor will you want to stretch it at any time.

My doctor & dietician said not to worry if I didn’t get all my full 2litres of water in while on fluids as the shakes & broth are liquids too. But that was my medical support team. It would take 2+hrs to drink my broths & shakes so slowly so there was little time left to drink water as well - just too full, not hungry & peeing constantly. ?

I understand the waiting will be a new reality forever though the waiting time may reduce & some can eventually drink a little when they eat.

Good luck & be patient as you navigate this your new reality.

I'm post surgery 2 1/2 years and to this day I adhere to the 30 minute no liquids before or after a meal. This helps me to slow down and be more mindful of my eating. I use it as a tool to change my eating habits. Mind you, my prior eating habits were quite atrocious. If you are on a liquid diet this rule does not pertain to you. It is used when you are back on solid foods.

My team allows eating 15 minutes after liquids but no liquids until 30 minutes after eating. I started this on the puree stage

I’m 10 months out. Regarding drinking after eating-Initially I couldn’t drink for at least 30-40 minutes after eating 1 egg or an ounce of meat. I still don’t drink after eating now just to follow the rules. Early on and now I can eat yogurt then drink 10-20 minutes later with ease since it’s not a solid food.
Regarding drinking before eating-Now I can drink water and 10 minutes later eat as long as I have not eaten for 1-2 hours prior so my stomach is completely empty, the water passes right through and then I can eat without waiting 30 minutes. I would not encourage purposely doing that especially early on. I’m at maintenance and have to do this in order to get calories in.