Question:
I have heard two different opinions about drinking while eating.I've heard it makes

you nauseous to do this and I've also heard you will be able to eat considerably more if you do this.Which is true?I take tiny sips with my food while eating and haven't gotten sick but I don't want to stretch out my pouch.Could someone please enlighten me on this?Thanks    — [Anonymous] (posted on May 8, 2000)

May 8, 2000
I too have this bad habit... I try not to drink tiny sips... but sometimes weather subconsciously or not I feel I need these sips... I know, I know ME BAD!!! --- I just wanted to tell you your not alone... and I am trying really hard to stop this sipping... but it's really hard! I have been post-op just about 7 months and I have lost just over 142lbs!!! started at 400lbs. My dr. told me that I am pushing this food too fast through the pouch area and therefore I am at times eating a bit more then I probably should at times; I have not experienced any nauseau associated with sipping my water... and I know I have not stretched my pouch... only because when I do manage not to drink any water my amount of food is a bit less... and I get a quicker fulness feeling... if that makes any sense... good luck!! I know I am not much help... just wanted to let you know your not alone :-)
   — Jamie T.

May 8, 2000
I too am bad about eating/sipping w/ my meals. I have always had a drink w/ my meals and find it very hard not to drink anything while eating. I guess after being brought up that way, it's almost second nature to us. But, it is true that if we push our food on through, we won't get that full feeling that we are supposed to have. I guess it's just another one of those learning things we post ops have to do. And I also wanted to let you know that you aren't alone in this situation and that it is hard not do something you are so accustomed to doing for so long. Good Luck to you ...
   — Marni

May 8, 2000
According to my Dr. both are true. If you sip while you eat, you tend to kep the pouch washed out so you can eat more volume at a time. After puttting food in the pouch, the food acts like a stopper in a sink. It prevents the liquid from pasing on through. Therefore the liquid must come back up as it has nowhere else to go because it cannt pass through the stoma. Therefore they both are true, it just depends on how much you ar drinking. Sipping as you nibble your food will make the food more soup-like, therefore allowing you to eat more.
   — Donna D.

May 9, 2000
Hi, I am 5 years out of VGB surgery. I do not eat and drink at the same time. Drinking while eating will flush the food through your system quicker and you will eat more. Also liquids may cause you stomach to expand. Example: as the fluid goes down and you put food in, the food will fill the expanded area and can cause the pouch to stretch. I am now able to eat about 1/2 to 3/4 cup food, and this is after 5 years. I was told to "protect" your pouch at all cost. It is what enables you to eat less and not feel hungry. Be sure to chew slowly and chew your food well. I know it is a hard thing to learn to do. Sit back at the table and listen to the family talk, or as I often do, I watch my family eat am am constantly amazed at the size of the bites and how fast they eat. almost like a Hoover Vaccumm. Chew your food until it is almost like puree. Eat very slowly. Take a half hour or more to eat your portion of food. These are the keys I use to help me not expand my pouch...Good luck...Avis let me know how you are [email protected]
   — Avis G.