Question:
Will I ever be able to eat and drink, at the same time

I am only a little 2 weeks post op. will I ever be able to eat and drink at the same time down the road, this is killin me.    — Marie B. (posted on April 27, 2001)

April 27, 2001
Probably, but you need to be careful. Barb's got it spot on: drinking with your meals washes food out of your pouch faster, so you eat more. I discovered this little "trick" accidentally one day. I only use said "trick" when it's either a special occasion, or when I know I haven't gotten enough protein in that day and need to take in more than I normally can. I still can't eat enormous amounts, but then again, I'm only 9 weeks post-op, too. If you try to drink with meals too early, you'll probably vomit anyway, so it's not really worth the hassle. I've gotten quite used to taking fluids before meals, and then again at least an hour after. If you're eating slowly, it's a lot easier.
   — Suzanne B.

April 27, 2001
Marie, I too thought the "no drinking while eating" rule was going to kill me. I used to drink one or two HUGE glasses of tea or water with every meal preop. After the first couple of weeks post op the need for the water during meals left me. It was hard at first - I had to (and still do) make sure that there is no glass of water at the table by my place setting. I do drink right up until the time of my meal even though some doctors recommend stopping liquids 30 minutes before the meal. I can tell that the liquids run right through my pouch, so I don't sweat drinking right before the meal. Eventually you will develope the habit of NOT drinking with your meals. And, I have even grown accustomed to not drinking until 30 minutes to an hour after the meal now. Give it time; it will likely become more bearable for you! Good luck!
   — BethVBG

April 27, 2001
How is it killing you at only 2 weeks postop? are you even on regular food yet? Aren't you still on full liquids, like creamed soups and such? If so you are basically "drinking" your meals still. I agree with what the others say: drinking with meals washes the food through too fast and allows you to take in more calories (more calories = less pounds lost ~~~~ now, what WAS my goal here?!?!???) And, I can drink right up to my meal too. If you MUST, you can take a sip or two with the meal, but I don't recommend it. EVERYTHING else is changing, so why not just change this little habit too?? You are gonna be so glad you made this decision, what's a few minutes to go without drinking water?
   — Cindy H.

April 27, 2001
Marie "this too will pass" It really was strange for me too but it does get easier after a few days. I try to take the time to drink a lot prior to eating. Good Luck
   — Harold R.

April 28, 2001
I had the DS surgery so my situation is different, but I never had any problems eating and drinking even as an immediate post-op. HOWEVER, I've read of DS post-ops who also are not able to eat and drink at the same time because their new stomach can only handle so little (4 oz or less) right after the surgery. Could be that the stomach is inflamed, etc. and the capacity is less immediately post-op. We are also recommended to not eat and drink simultaneously in the first three weeks post-op because we will feel suddenly full and be less apt to eat enough protein/other nutrients. All the best, ([email protected]), lap DS with gallbladder removal, January 25, 2001,
   — Teresa N.

April 28, 2001
I agree with everyone that said this "killin' me" feeling will pass. Once you get used to it, it will be 2nd nature. AND, you'll even TASTE your food. If you absolutely need something keep a small glass of ice at your meals. It drives other people more nuts now about not having anything to drink with your meals...and especially wait staff, so I just order a glass of water so no big deal will be made over it.
   — Betty Todd

May 4, 2001
I know what you mean! I was thirsty all the time after my surgery, and really wanted to be able to drink water with my meals. I am 6 weeks post-op (lap DS) and am now able to drink some water with meals (although I have to be careful because it fills me up), but the general feeling of being thirsty all the time has gone away.
   — Shannon M.