I'm not yet banded but the whole waiting an hour after eating is a bit concerning. I'm definately a drinker while I'm eating my dinner. And the thought of waiting an hour to drink something seems like an awfully long time. I could imagine waiting 15 minutes or so but one hour. Does everyone follow this one hour rule?

All doctors are different but you really need to adhere to the rules of yours. Mine is no drinking 30 mins before or after meals. I really do believe that drinking with meals makes the food go through faster, which defeats the purpose of the band. It seems difficult to get used to at first (just like all of my doc's other rules, which include no straws, no gum, no soda), but it quickly becomes a way of life. I have taken a sip of Water when eating something too spicy but that's it.

It isn't really a sacrifice when you're seeing how your diligence and hard work can pay off. Yes, we all slip up at times and different things work for different people. But this is a lifestyle change and in order to see results, you have to follow through. Just my two cents. Good luck.

My Dr. also says to wait 1 hour after eating and suck on ice cubes if thirsty (Dr. Ortiz too). Although his nutritionist also told me that if I need a sip of water or something (hot food, coughing, etc..) that I could do that, but not everyday. She also said that if I'm out at a restaurant and want to sip wine or a drink with dinner that would be fine too...just not all of the time.