Question:
How have you post op dealt with not drinking water while eating?

I'm a water drinker with my meals pre-op. How do I deal with not drinking anything while eating. Does it get better later down the years where by you can sip a little bit with meal?    — bim O. (posted on October 7, 1999)

October 7, 1999
Hi--I too, was a big water drinker (esp. with meals) preop--it does take some getting used to, but I'm 3 months postop now and its become a habit. I always have a glass of water at my place (just in case I choke or something doesn't go down easily), but I hardly ever have to use it (and I've never vomited). Good luck--
   — charlene M.

October 7, 1999
It will be a learned behavior for you. You simply must learn that you stop drinking half hour pre meal and not to drink until half hour post meal, so that you get nutrition in you at meal time. Best of Luck!
   — Sherrie G.

October 7, 1999
This was one admonition for post ops which I was unable to manage. I sipped water and other liquids at meals beginning around 6 weeks after my surgery. I just couldn't manage without some fluids at mealtime. The food tasted bad enough most times but the dryness that grew as I tried to eat was very uncomfortable and actually kept me from eating the food I needed to get down. Now I routinely sip some iced tea or water with my meals and I find it doesn't present a problem. I do watch not to fill up and I always try to get the protein part of the meal in me before much sipping but so far I'm doing pretty well with this and I'm beginning to think the not drinking anything ever with a meal is over-emphasized. Others will surely disagree with me about this but sometimes you need to use your own good common sense. I hold the line in many places but I let it slide a bit here and I have had no ill efects. I continue to lose about 12 pounds a month (down 75 lbs. since 6/16)and I'm getting all the food groups in the proper amounts with the exception of protein maybe... still only managing to get in about 40-45 grams and I know I should try to get that up. But even with a big protein shake each morning I can't seem to fit 60 grams in. When I get to where I can do 2 scoops I'll have it knocked! Good Luck!
   — Carol M.

October 7, 1999
I used to drink 3 HUGE ice cold glasses of milk with each meal. Oh my, that was perfect. Of course, I weighed 262, too. Now, I drink right up to my first bite of food, and wait til 15 minutesd atfer. Oh, you can sip with your food, but it can defeat your surgery. I often keep a glass on the table in case I burn my mouth or choke, but I move it out of normal range so I don't reach by accident. I'm willing to change this behavior, even tho I'm not wild about it. The reward is carrying around 150 lbs less for 5 yrs. I can do this!
   — vitalady

October 7, 1999
I basically set aside an hour for each meal. That gives me 1/2 hour before and 1/2 hour after to not drink anything.
   — dboat