Why is H2O with food so taboo???

I find if I don't drink at all with my meals or for at least an hour plus after, I have that awful feeling of a ball of food in my chest no matter how little I eat or how slow I eat. If I choose to drink a little water before during and after my meals I'm much more comfortable. Is the water thing more important later on to help stay full longer, or am I in trouble for finding that I like to drink with my meals now and should I stop at all costs? (My comfort especially.) I'd love to hear input from some of you pros, as I'm just 6 weeks out. Thanks for your thoughts. Dee

Hi Dee! I am not much further along than you, but I know what you mean. I do drink before I eat, just alittle, because I get so thirsty afterwards, I figure I better get some water in, and because when I get home from work and start cooking right away I will go an hour or two with no water at all. I just forget! I get that feeling in my chest too, but for me I have found it is from taking too big of a bite, even though I really chew, I am still swallowing too much, and eating too fast too. It is hard for me to put my fork down for a minute in between bites. I eat a bite, and get the next bite ready. Then I end up with that feeling in my chest. I stand up and walk around the house for a minute or two and that helps. Lastly, I also find that sometimes the feeling is trapped gas, and once I burp I feel much better. Not drinking after a meal is by far the most difficult part of this for me. I don't do it because I am so afraid of But I watch the clock like a hawk til those 30-45 minutes are passed. The way I understand it is, if you drink after you eat, you flush the food out quicker, so you experience hunger sooner, and you have the chance of throwing up from having too much in your pouch. Anne Sorry I couldn't help, just wanted to let you know I feel the same way.

Hey there!! Thanks for letting me know I'm not the only "new-bee" with "issues!" I haven't had any trouble drinking after I eat. It actually helps me feel better, but again, probably not a good habit to get used to. Drop me a note and let me know what's new. Dee

Dee: I get that ball in my chest far too often. Seems everytime I actually eat! I find that if I drink too soon after eating, or while eating, I will barf! I burp a lot after I eat and it seems to help me. Walking doesn't help that ball of food. It's awful. Anyway, I think you have to find what works for you, yanno? Something you will be able to tolerate, where the next person might not. To make a long story longer, I was told drinking too close to a meal will make ya puke, and yes, it does that for me. Good luck! Tara

Tara, I agree. I think everyone is different. I still find the "lighter" foods are easier. (Soups, yogurt, etc.) It's just that trying to move forward, the "heavier" things seem to create some distress. I still have the most issue with chicken unless it's really ground or mixed with light mayo. I get nervous because some of the easier things aren't the best choices for me either. (Oyster crackers, etc.) Thanks for your input. Hope you're enjoying your weekend! Dee

Hi, It's Robin, long time no talk! I have the same issue and I do take sips of water with food as it makes me feel better. I don't drink to much after while waiting for the food to digest. Hope everything else is well.

Robin! Good to hear from you, too! Thanks for your input. Drop me a note and let me know how work and things are going! Dee

Dee- if I can weigh in with my opinion here... I know that in the beginning (in my estimation, the first 3 to 4 months) it's very difficult to change your eating habits. I used to look for any excuse I could find to avoid changing (not saying that's what you're doing...just mentioning thats what I used to do) My thoughts... the not eating and drinking is more important than you think it is. First off, it's important, because of our altered physiology. Our stomachs don't work the same way they used to. Adding water on top of food doesn't allow your pouch the time it now needs to digest the food you've eaten. Second, if you drink after you eat, you will not stay full. Period. In the first six months, this doesn't seem like an issue. After that it will come back to smack you upside the head, I can assure you. This is why creating the no drinking w/meals as an AUTOMATIC habit is so important. It would be my guess that what you're experiencing is more a lack of thorough chewing(It's REALLY tough to get used to chewing all your food to absolute mush, and really TIRING too) Therefore, you get that stuck feeling. Water or liquid will either fix it or send the food back up. Please speak to your surgeon about this if chewing better doesn't fix the situation for you. It REALLY is an important issue. And, it's a habit that can make or break your long term success. Good luck to you. Lisa C

See, it's the kick in the dupa I needed. Thanks Lisa, I appreciate your input! It's good to hear from a seasoned vet. Thanks for taking the time to post. I'll definatly try to chew my fool head off. (Who knows it might help build up my jaw muscles and help get rid of a few of these extra chins faster!!) Dee