Question:
What is the exact reason for not drinking water before, during or after meals
I have heard two things, it washes food through without being absorbed for nutrients and the other it fills you up so you can't eat. What is the real answer — Gail O. (posted on May 1, 2003)
May 1, 2003
Gail, I actually recieved both of those answers in my nutritional consult.
It's twofold. Water fills you up too much so you cannot eat what you need
to eat. It also can possibly wash away what is in the pouch too fast for
it to be absorbed. BUT, you MUST drink your water in between as you are
told, so as not to get dehydrated. :-). Pre-op, 14 days to go til surgery.
— KellyJeanB
May 1, 2003
Both those things were told to me by my doc plus a third reason. If your
food gets washed out of your pouch you will not have the full feeling and
will be hungry real soon after eating. Not good.
— Delores S.
May 1, 2003
The problem for longer-term post-ops is that it washes the food out of the
pouch more quickly so that you're hungrier faster and will end up eating
more/losing less. There's a discussion on this in the "Pouch
Rules" that is interesting and explains the thinking behind the whole
water thing, including "water loading" if you're interested in
more info.
— mom2jtx3
May 1, 2003
I was told the same, but more for the reason of not being able to eat the
food when we eat so little to begin with. I was told drink at least a half
hour before meals and a hour after meals. I always take 1 tiny sip after my
meal to wash it down :o)
— Sandy M.
May 1, 2003
I just wanted to add that by drinking water to soon after a meal you are
flushing it through, therefore, you will be hungry sooner. It doesn't
flush it away, not to be absorbed. I think that is a common misconception
for people. You will still absorb as many calories as if you hadn't had
anything to drink. Just my in-put.
— Dana B.
May 1, 2003
I'm going to agree with Dana on this one. I believe its because it washes
the food out of the pouch faster and you are able to eat more. You still
absorb the food and the calories.
— Lisa N M.
May 1, 2003
I'm sorry but I can't NOT drink water with meals... I always have and
probably always will... I sip, sip, sip, tiny amounts... and I haven't had
a problem yet... my theory... if it's causing me to pack on extra
calories... I'll sweat them out....I'd rather jog 10 extra min a workout
and not feel like the Sahara during meals... My advice, pay attention on
how you feel and how you lose with and without the water... your body will
tell you what you can and cannot do...3 months P/O -73 lbs....
— Leah S.
May 1, 2003
For brand new post drinking can prevent you from getting in enough real
food. After awhile it washes the food thru so you can eat more and
possibkly regain. It doesnt affect absorbtion at all. This directly from my
suirgeon.
— bob-haller
May 2, 2003
I have been experimenting with the no drinking thing (I am pre-op) and I
have found that I stay satiated longer if I do not drink before and after
my meals. Why didnt someone tell me this years ago? It is making my
reduced calorie diet much more tolerable (I have to lost 10% of my weight
before sugery - uck).
— MissKimberly
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