Water Loading????

I have always been told not to drink anything 30 minutes before a meal and nothing for at least an hour to an hour and a half following a meal, yet the explanation of "water loading" goes against these basic principles I have learned! It's confusing me! Can someone explain this concept of water loading 15 minutes prior to a meal? If you drink liquids prior to the meal, does the liquid empty from the pouch within that 15 minute timeframe? If not, aren't you just creating a "soup" by adding food? I'm lost on this topic!!! Kristi

Kristi, The way I understand water loading is that you begin sipping water about an hour after your most recent meal. Then, within an hour of your next meal you start consuming as much water as you can hold UP TO 20 minutes before you eat again. I would say to stop drinking 30 minutes before the next meal to be safe because if I drink within 30 minutes of my next meal I am hungry sooner that if I stopped drinking 45 minutes out. Some people claim the water exits the pouch within minutes. I think it is something that varies from person to person. Definitely stop drinking at least 15 minutes before you plan to eat again, but longer to be safe. And you're absolutely right, wait at least an hour after your meal to drink. I usually wait about 2 hours so I stay full longer. For me it seems that as soon as I start drinking the fullness starts to subside. I want that full tummy as long as I can. After 2 hours though, I start getting thirsty. Good luck. Angela

Great! Thanks! I have tried to implement the trick today and so far, it's worked pretty well. I generally drink water all day long, but it's tough to remember to "load" tha****er 30 minutes before mealtime! Kristi

Kristi, Just wondering, with all the delays in the drinking of water before and after, do you get in all your required water? I am 3 weeks post op. I was never told to stop drinking before my meal, just after. I hate when I have to stop drinking my water. I love drinking it as my mouth is always dry. Lavon

Hey Kristi - look up "pouch rules" on I'net (google) and it will explain how water loading works and why. Lots of other great tips too with the "pouch rules" - I have been trying to remember to use that tool, and today it has really helped. Good luck. DeAnna