Drinking while eating...

Hi there.... question for all the experienced pos-opters!  I just entered the pureed stage of the diet as I am just over 2 weeks post op.  Can I drink coffee with my breakfast?  I know they say to not drink while you eat but the menu in the nutritional guidelines booklet lists a 1/3 of a protein shake with my meal.

Is coffee or a protein shake ok to have while eating meals?

Haven't done it yet but wanted to find out before I did.

Laurie 

I have difficulty drinking with my meals post op. I do take a sip or two when I have a drier food like tuna or chicken breast (even if it's in a sauce) on the advice of the dietitian at WMC.

Advice is good from here but always best to double check with your centre.

Good luck!
Tammy :)

Thanks Tammy...  I did find the Tuna a bit try yesterday even though I added a bit of mayo...  Maybe I will check with the dieticians.

Laurie 

Not sure if you have tried these. I enjoy those little tins of Clover Leaf tuna that are flavoured. The peanut satay one and the ones with tomato were moist enough during the first few weeks post op. The lemon dill and lemon pepper ones definitely require a sip or two when eating.

Tammy :)

Hi Laurie,

I'm not used to protein shakes during a meal, so I'll let another answer having it with breakfast.  But no beverages with your meal (i.e. coffee, water) except to take a couple sips if it's a bit dry.  It will "wash" your food down and you will be hungrier sooner.

Cathy

Protein shakes and food are for the beginning stages only. Afterwards, if you are having a shake, then that is your meal. Do not start drinking and eating at all. It will help things go down, and then eventually you will eat more. It's hard to imagine this at first, but if you and your pouch get used to it, it's bad news later on. 

Hi Laurie,

I agree with Kathy and Kelly. Try to think of your new stomach as being like a funnel. When you put food in it will stay for awhile and you will feel full. But if you add any liquid over it the funnel just whooshes through the food. (medical term?)The result is that you will feel hungrier sooner. Try to wait at least a half hour after eating before you drink any liquids. I usually have a coffee about a half hour before breakfast. As I recall my clinic wanted me to only have decaf for the first six months but yours might be different. It had something to do with generating hunger cravings.

Not sure why the book would say to drink a third of a protein shake with the meal. You need to get your protein in but perhaps having one for a snack would be better.

Glad to see you are doing so well! take care, 

I do have to have a sip occasionally when eating something dry but I would definitely not include a protein shake with a meal. I am 6 mos post op and have 1/2 in the morning and 1/2 at night, as snacks. They are full of protein and act as a meal, short term anyways.