Drinking Guidelines

My dietician says don't drink a half hour before and an hour after a meal. I notice some programs have different recommendations. What does your Barriatric guidelines suggest?

I was only told to avoid drinking after a meal. I was told if I was thirsty after a meal, it was OK to have a few sips, but don't drink more than that.

However, as a practical matter I avoid drinking for about 15 minutes before a meal because otherwise I won't have room for food. Again, a few sips are OK.

To be honest, I stopped watching the clock a few months after surgery. I'm generally just sipping all day, so I naturally don't drink much right before a meal. After a meal, I find that I naturally feel full for at least a half hour, so I'm not tempted to guzzle liquids. The only time I think about the timing of meals is if I'm about to guzzle down some liquid.

Thank you I was just curious of how different the guidelines vary. This helps a lot.

Your dietician is ok. That is the recomendation, see here: https://asmbs.org/patients/life-after-bariatric-surgery

Fluids on an empty stomach go right through. There is no point in waiting 30 minutes before a meal.

It is super important not to drink with meals, or 30 minutes after.

I quite agree. That being said, my clinic does say 30 minutes before and after. Actually, now there are a few surgeons that are saying that even the drinking afterward is fine but I don't. I mind the 30 minutes afterward. just seems like good sense. Where I have problems is when I'm out to eat. When you tell your server that you don't want something to drink, they give you such weird looks and a few will offer a small argument, well not an argument but you know they think it's odd. Just easier to me to get a water and then not drink it or just drink pre-meal. Unfortunately, I forget, particularly if I'm running my mouth and start drinking and then realize whoops. It's happened 3 or 4 times in 18 months so I guess I won't die from it. Just infuriates me when I don't do things right.

Thank you I agree with the server comment I also order water to avoid any need to explain. It's not worth my time. This way it's never awkward.

My son is a restaurant manager. He told me the servers are "frowned upon", if there is not a drink, of some sort, in front of EACH customer. I just order the water, and leave it sitting there. I am woman. I am strong :)

This helps thanks.

Most bariatric clinics say 30 minutes before and after but I've heard it's okay before and Grim traveler's comment makes a great deal of sense. I've also heard that after is okay too but honestly, I don't drink during or right after a meal and a lot is my own experience. I have problems occasionally with eating too fast and so eat too much, particularly, early after surgery. When I did that, I've drunk some water and it does help relieve the pressure of over-eating. That being said, I do not, do not recommend eating past satisfied. Very uncomfortable and painful and you don't want to stretch out your smaller tummy. Being back to square 1 isn't a place you want to go.