Question:
Why am I told to cut off fluids 30 minutes before eating?

The Preop program at the hospital I chose tells us not to drink 30 minutes before & after each meal. I can understand why not to drink after but wonder how important it is not to drink before. Any ideas? Thank you!    — Kathy K. (posted on July 13, 2003)

July 13, 2003
I was told 30 before and 30 after also. Your stomach needs all the nutrition it can get, and the water dilutes the process. Definitely stick to your doctor orders.
   — bethybb

July 13, 2003
There is a theory out there that the liquids will ang around in the pouch, grab the food that comes in, turn it into slush and pour it out, thereby making you hungry sooner & eat more. When you think about it, if rushing out is the concept, then wouldn't the water/juice rush out long before the food arrived? I was told to and still drink up to the first bite. We were told an hour, most of us did 30 min after.
   — vitalady

July 13, 2003
Waiting 30 - 1 hour after is what I was told. Before, what would be the reason? I don't see any purpose for that. Fluids do not "hang around" in the pouch. My dietition tells us that the fluid leaves the pouch in the same manner in which you would pour a liquid in a funnel. Hope that helps.
   — bbjnay

July 13, 2003
I was told an hour before, and an hour after, than 30/30, then 10/30, then right up to eating and then waiting a half an hour after. That is what I do... I drink right up until I eat, then once I start eating, I look at the time I STOP eating and wait thirty minutes to an hour to drink again. I seem to stay fuller longer... but, everyone is different. Experiement and find what is comfortable for you!!
   — Sharon M. B.