Question:
I've broken the rules and drank while eating. Will my stomach shrink back?

I am 18 months post-op and not drinking while eating has been my #1 issue. Now I fear I went through all that pain for nothing.    — hubbyshoney (posted on March 9, 2010)

March 9, 2010
Stretching isn't the issue. Assuming you've had the RNY surgery (your profile doesn't say), the issue for us is the missing valve at the bottom of the stomach. Normal folks have a valve (pyloric valve) that holds food in the stomach for a few hours to begin digestion before letting it out. This helps the slowwwww brain get the message "I'm full, I've eaten." The risk with drinking with meals after RNY is that because we have no valve, if you drink, the food can be flushed quickly out of the pouch (new small stomach) and into the intestine, before the brain gets the word "I'm full." This can make you FEEL like you can eat a lot more. It's and important part of using your new surgery tool correctly... don't drink for 30 minutes before or after meals. I agree it's tough, I've been a big "drinker" for most of my life. But if you can really work to learn this new behavior, you WILL eat less and you WILL feel fuller eating less. And... you WILL lose more weight faster. Remember, they didn't do brain surgery, ha ha ha! We need to do these tricks to help re-learn how to eat... that's part of the surgery, what each of us has to do to learn to eat differently. The surgery helps, but it won't do all the work by itself. Have you been to a support group lately? The folks there probably know all this stuff... and have been through it... and can help you get through it.
   — Greg K.

March 9, 2010
Another vital reason for not drinking while eating is that while , yes the fluid pushes the food thru to the intestines faster..this speed also causes thefood to not be absorbed as effeciently, as it hasn't had time to break down and digest due to being pushes thru faster. Make sense? You could suffer from malabsorbtion, which can be a side effect of this surgery any way. If you can wait atleast 30 minutes after you will be good. I am 21 months out and still only eat 4-5 ounces per meal..I want to get all the goodies out of it I can. I reached goal in 10 months and have maintained since. No gains. I adhere to all the rules and weigh my foods out still. Best of luck to you ! ANd yes..go to support group, they can help you get back on track! Hugs n God Bless, Kim
   — gpcmist

March 10, 2010
Just take a tiny tip here and there if you need to "cleanse your palate" I have always done that, and had not problems. I have lost more than half my body weight. I have bridges and have to take a sip here and there to rinse food out of my mouth. My pouch just probably thinks it is spit. I wouldn't guzzle because, I don't think it is good for that unprocessed food to hit the digestive system so fast. Only eating big portions can stretch your pouch. You can shrink it some, by going back to full/clear liquids a few days, I've done it many times. Good luck!
   — lesleigh07

March 10, 2010
You really have to work hard on it...I still do at times. I go thru phases...In the winter I find it harder not to drink because I think I eat more salty foods in the winter (stews and soups) In the summer, I have more hydrating foods like raw fruits and veggies...Still I have to work hard to stay away from drinking water with my meal...I don't pour myself a drink at all with my dinner and try to do the dishes after I eat...Once dinner is cleaned up, I take a glass of water...THAT has helped me and also helped me from being lazy with the dishes til the next morning too! LOL! In the summer I take a walk after dinner and when I return I have my glass of water. You have to continue to try and not give in! It's hard, but you can do it by distracting yourself...and starting habits that help!
   — .Anita R.