Question:
How do you transition to eating

I am 7 weeks post op and have been eating about 2 oz. of food every two hours. I'm supposed to transition to eating more regular balanced meals - with protein, veggies, etc. instead of just one thing at at time. I have been reading some people do 3 meals/day while others do the 4-6 smaller meals. I'm curious how those of you who eat the smaller meals get all of your water in if you have to wait one hour before and one hour after to drink anything. It seems like there would be no time to drink. Also any tips on transitioning to eating meals would help me. I do know I'm supposed to eat the protein first and have some sample meals from my nutritionist. Thanks.    — sheltie (posted on July 7, 2002)

July 7, 2002
Hi...I'm still pre-op (for 10 more days), but I have the WLS diet for the patients at HUP. For the regular food phase of the diet, it says to: Continue to eat 6 small meals/day, eat 1 - 2 ounces of food at each meal (this is the same as 3 - 4 tablespoons of food/meal), continue to drink liquids in between meals, allowing at least 30 minutes between meals and liquids (this waiting period will dramatically decrease over the next several months) and drink 6-8 glasses of liquid each day.
   — John Rushton

July 7, 2002
Mine recommends the 30 min. after eating. We can drink (or waterload as advised in 'pouch rules for dummies') right up to the minute before eating. And that waiting time should never get shorter. There are several reasons for doing this including reasons that benefit a long-term post-op. I am 8 mo. post and still wait at least 30 min. after eating.
   — Cheri M.