Tips on not drinking water during and after meals

I have been trying to practice not drinking during and after meals, I get sooo thirsty and dry mouthed. (I am still pre-surgery) Just wondering how everyone else does it other than to just not do it. Does it get easier? 

This was one of the most difficult things for me to adjust to after surgery. Really hard. The only thing you can really do is keep liquids away while you eat. 

It does gradually get much better, but at times it's still very tempting. Hang in there.

This was a huge problem for me prior to surgery, but afterwards, I really didn't have much trouble with it.  I was so full after eating that the thought of putting anything else in my stomach was not at all appealing.  You might be the same...  until then stay strong!

Tips:  limit high-sodium foods like processed meats, drink plenty of fluids in between meals, find an activity that makes time fly by after eating, infuse cucumber slices or berries to your water to help make you drink more and quench thirst better, and the most important tip of all--take seriously the opinion of veteran WLSers drinking with meals is one of the key factors that lead to regain. 

Good job practicing before WLS, FindingCharlie.  Surprisingly, I find "not drinking with meals" quite doable from the get-go.  An hour can fly by when I go online, take a shower, or go outside.  What I practiced pre-WLS and am rotten at is taking tiny bites, chewing well, and setting the fork down in between bites. One habit that has stuck is eating from a six-inch plate.  Another hard habit to practice is to turn off the TV and put away reading material when eating focusing instead on your healthy food choice for nourishment. You'll get it.

Thank you everyone for the wonderful support and great tips! I greatly appreciate all that I can learn from all you veterans! I have also been practicing the small bites and putting my fork down between bites. I just need to work on breaking all my old habits!  Once again thank you soooo much!

I agree with AV. I did not practice at all before surgery.

I agree...I wouldn't worry about practicing. After surgery you are going to make sure all your food is moist, so it isn't as bad as you think. If I am at home I will set the timer on my oven for 30 minutes, to remind me to start drinking again.

This was by far the hardest thing for me to learn.  I was a huge Diet Coke drinker with meals (3-4 in one sitting).  It took a while but it will become second nature.  The best advice is to simply keep your drink out of reach at a restaurant, or don't even pour one at home.  It took my kids months to remember not to set a glass for mom, but they got it!  :)  I would order a hot tea or unsweet tea at restaurants, sip until my food came, and then move it away.  It will get easier.  Good luck!!  

I try to "load up" on liquids before eating.  Starting about an hour before dinner, I try and drink a bunch of water, at least 32 ounces, if possible.  I really try to make sure I'm not thirsty at all before eating.  Often, it's tough after dinner, and I'm literally counting down the minutes before I can drink.  But after a while, it becomes normal, if not easy.

I agree with the idea of "loading up" with liquid before meals so you don't feel so thirsty. I also often swish and spi****er to keep my mouth moist after eating, or sometimes mouthwash to get rid of the after taste of certain foods (I love eating salmon, but don't love the after-taste in my mouth for an hour!)