I would like to know if you really follow the 30/30 rule. Do you really have to not drink anything 30 mins before and 30 mins after meals?

Yes. It realy makes a difference

In the beginning I did follow the 30 mins rule of drinking. Its been six months since my surgery. I still do not drink for 30 mins after eating.

I do suck on a few ice cubes or take a small sip of water to help clean out my mouth after eating. I have read that others drink with their meals. I think for the best out come it's best to follow the lap band rules. I do slip up at times, but try to get back on track everyday no matter what rules I break. Best wishes for your surgery and a speedy recovery. Ive lost 61 pounds.

Follow the rules. You will be much happier with your results. Good luck with your upcoming surgery.

I drink up to the time I put the food on my plate. When I'm ready to eat I put the cup in the fridge, eat, and then drink 30 mins after my meal.

YEP!! I can not eat my portion of anything if I have drank anything before or after eating. PLUS my Dr's told me it helps the saiety & food stay in the pouch longer. If I do "forget" & try & drink tea or coffee with meal....too full & up it comes!! Not pleasant. Good luck!! L

I also follow the guidelines, however every doctor seems to have different rules. My doctor says no drinking 10 minutes before eating and one hour after. I follow these guidelines. Good luck to you

For four weeks post-op (during liquids and mushies stages), my doctor's rule was the same as Wishin4's-10/60. Now that I am on solids it is 10 before and 30 after.

The 30 minutes before is not a big deal. My doctor has us watch on x-ray while we are drinking clear liquids

on an empty stomach and it pretty much goes straight through, but now if I try to drink anything after I eat the right amount of solids, sometimes for up to an hour, it comes back up.

My doctor recommends 15 minutes before and 30 minutes after. Sometimes I can't drink that quickly after or it comes back up so I usually try to wait an hour. It must be working because I am losing. Try as best you can to follow your doctors recommendation. He knows your history, situation, etc. Good luck to you! The band is great!