Just thought I would ask

Is anyone else having difficulty keeping fluids and eating separate? I thought this would not be a problem for me since I practiced as a pre-op. It seems that each time I go to eat, I forget and either drink right before, during, or the worst time seems to be at the end of a meal. My mouth gets dry and I reach for the glass without even thinking. My first and only puking episode was as a result of this. Now I am considering sucking on an ice cube at the end of each meal - not too much volume but cures the dry mouth. What do you guys think?? Seems I am also getting in a funk - the blues are hitting home. How are you guys doing? B

I have no restrictions about drinking before a meal, but it is SO hard to not drink during and after. I have to constantly remind myself. I have always been a big drinker, and this has been a real trial for me. I've not gotten sick yet and I sure hope I don't, I hate to barf! I can't do the ice cube thing, I always end up biting them and you would not believe the damage I've done to my teeth with that. Sorry to hear about your funk...this time of year is so bad for that for some folks. I hear mood swings are common after wls too. Can't wait for that! Best of luck, hope it gets better for you.

I can relate, I feel the same way. I use to drink a whole glass of water with each meal and now I have to remove my drink from where I am eating so that I won't reach for it by mistake. It takes time getting use to all the rules Hang in There! Teresa

I don't find the not drinking after a meal too hard - but I do watch the clock so that I can get that drink right away when I can The funk I can relate too - I have definately had a bit of the blues, though its better now that I am back at work and keeping busy. The blues are tough - food was always a best friend, now it is like having that friend turn against you - it is not only not there for you anymore, but it can be violent and angry and make you sick now too! Hang in there though, it does get better. Try and find something to do that can keep your mind and body busy - it will help a lot! If you haven't already, now might be a good time to join a gym - they often run holiday specials - and you might just enjoy a good long stationary bike ride with a trashy novel or something - who knows maybe that will become a new best friend! Best wishes, Danielle

I have a hard time not drinking too!! I have always been a big drinker when I ate. At restaraunts, it would be nothing for me to have at least 2 glasses of tea, diet coke, etc....So, I am finding it difficult, but I do move my glass completely away so that I don't forget and do it!!

First thing in the morning is hardest for me! I wake up sooo thirsty, but I need to eat as soon as I get up or I feel very sick! I am just torn between water or food?!! Some mornings I forget and drink a huge glass of water and then can barely eat my breakfast! It is very hard to get used to!! I'm sorry you are in a bit of a funk! It hasn't hit me yet, but I'm sure my time will come! I'm sure just talking about it to people will help! Don't try to get through in it silence, or it will just get worse!!! Hope things start to look up for you!! Amanda

I'm the exact same way! All though I won't have a glass even near me when I eat. But I'm just dying to drink! I try to keep it to moist foods and that helps some. And yes, I was just noticing I was feeling a bit down. But I'm hoping once the craziness of the holidays gets by that will be better. I hope for you too!

Okay - I've been bad I guess - I have to have a sip of water about half way through the meal - because the food just won't go down - most everything - but I've limited it to one sip - the hardest thing for me has been timing the start after a meal & stop before of fluids. Also on the blues thing - I wouldn't say I've stepped into a blues exactly - for most part I feel so much better & already lighter that I feel better & hence a little happier - BUT what I have noticed is now that I'm allowed some soft foods - & I have had a couple of tossing experiences since I've started real food - I've become afraid to eat & that translates into an anxiety and a bit of sadness... It's always been so easy to eat whatever i wanted - and now I have to really concentrate & prepare for possible discomfort... so that's my big area of "sadness" - though Christmas is coming & there is plenty of room for real holiday sadness revolving around food.

I have the same problem. I have found that I keep sugar free butter toffee or strawberries and cream life savers in my purse and after I brush my teeth after a meal, I suck on one till its gone. ( this really helps me with the aftertaste of food in my mouth). By the time i finish the lifesaver, it is time for me to start drinking again. Hope this helps. Lise

My suregeon has the same drinking rules, but I have not exactly followed them before I eat. I have read (from other surgeons) that if you "waterload" right before eating it will help with the mid-meal thirst, and it will go right through your pouch. And since I seem to have a "bottomless pouch" (have never really felt like I stuffed myself even on 3 oz, but I refuse to test the waters just to know how much I can eat). So I took the other doctor's advice, but I cut out the water about 10 min before I eat. I know that is bad, but I figure it can't kill me. My doc told me the main purpose for not drinking 30 min before was to allow yourself enough room to eat in your pouch, but I don't have that problem. On another note, I don't have the funk problem, but I have been real b*tchy to my husband. I am tired of that already. I have to apologize everytime I turn around it seems. Lori