Question:
What are the time frames that you should Drink

I am having a hard time waiting to drink before and after I eat. I get so thirsty after I eat I want to drink immdiately, but then my pouch hurts. IS it 30 min before and after or what? Please help. Annette    — Annette R. (posted on December 26, 2002)

December 26, 2002
YES, ITS 30 MIN AFTER U R THRU EATING. I KNOW WHAT U MEAN ABOUT BEING REALLY THIRSTY. I WAS USE TO DRINKING WHEN I EAT,BUT NOW ITS SO MUCH DIFFERENT. IT TOOK ME A WHILE TO GET USE TO ALL THE CHANGES.
   — lORI W.

December 26, 2002
you will likely get as many opinions on this one as their are doctors doing this surgery :>) My surgeon "recommends" you avoid eating from 15 minutes prior to eating and wait 30 minutes after eating to drink anything. He didn't cringe when I told him I sipped with my meals, however...so who knows. I've heard people say their docs tell them up to 2 hours after they eat before they can drink. If drinking with or immediately following hurts your pouch, that's your first sign you shouldn't do it. Try extending the time in five or ten minute incriments until you find what works for you...and if you find you get hungry too soon after eating then maybe extend it further. So much of this is a YMMV type thing. Good luck!
   — [Deactivated Member]

December 26, 2002
My surgeon says 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after meals..If it hurts your pouch you most certainly need to wait a little longer...Good Luck...
   — Sharon1964

December 26, 2002
The others are right, it seems that different doctors have different time frames for drinking just like the different docs have different post-op diets for us. My doc said no drinking 15 minutes before and for 45 minutes afterwards. I was a drinker with meals but adjusted rather quickly and without a problem to no drinking with or after meals. Only exception is if I have a spicy meal or a particularly salty meal (ham) and then have to have a little drink before the time is up.
   — Cindy R.

December 27, 2002
As the other posters said each surgeon has their own opinion on this (mine is 15 mins befor and 1 hour after). what i hav found helps with the thirsty feeling after eatting is to 1) make sure i am well hydrated befor i eat (i find that this make food sit better as well). 2) rinse my mouth out with water or mouth out immediatly following eatting. and 3) i chew sugerfree gum after meals befor i can drink. this works for me good luck
   — Becky M.