Question:
Why is it necessary to wait 30 min?

Just curious, why exactly is ti neccessary to wait 30 min. before a meal and 30 min. after a meal to drink anything cuz sometimes I get real thirsty while I am eating and my mouth gets dry? Thanks for your responses.    — Melodee S. (posted on July 13, 2003)

July 13, 2003
Hi, Melodee: I wondered about this also. I got my answer in the Pouch Rules for Dummies. If you drink too soon before or after eating, it will turn the food you just ate into "soup" that will leave your pouch too soon, and you will feel hungry again too soon. If you don't drink anything, the food will stay in your pouch longer, making you feel full longer. Hope this helps! Moiasa
   — Moysa B.

July 13, 2003
The other poster is right! It washes food right out of your pouch and then you get hungry again real soon. Some doctors (mine included) make you wait an hour after eating before drinking. I keep sugar-free popcicles for a little something cold and wet in my mouth if I need it after I eat. Just one.
   — Delores S.

July 13, 2003
I was told from a nurse recently it was b/c if you drink while eating your very small pouch will become full to soon from all the fluids and will not leave any room for your food which might cause you to over eat and get dumping syndrom but I sure theres more than one reason 5 days post op lap RNY
   — Stacy R.

July 13, 2003
MY rule is different, it is drink up to the time you eat. But wait 1 hour after. This is not to push the food through as it should sit longer in the small intestines for maximum absorbency. If you drink it just pushes the food down the track much faster. I do this with vitamins for the same reason or take it with food.
   — ZZ S.

July 14, 2003
For me, if I drink within 25-30 minutes I will vomit.
   — Cosmo K.