Question:
Is it ok to do this?

I was wondering if it is OK to drink with meals once in a while. I mean, Christmas, birthdays, Thanksgiving, Easter - just 3 or 4 times a year when you want to celebrate and eat just a little more than a few bites. Do you know if this could hurt if it's only once in a great, great while?    — Anon E. (posted on October 23, 2002)

October 23, 2002
I believe drinking with meals is just fine if you want to "water down" the food in your pouch so that it passes thru to your intestines quickly. However - if you want to get real food in your pouch to stay awhile and hopefully satisfy hunger - I would not make a habit of drinking with meals.
   — charlene M.

October 23, 2002
I'm not neurotic about not-drinking with meals. I usually have something with my meals, but just a few sips. Makes everything go down better and I haven't had any problems.
   — emilyfink

October 23, 2002
I do. I can't eat and not drink anything, but I try to limit it to just a few sips. When I go out to a restaurant I order a drink before dinner and or after dinner. It is usually at least 30 minutes before you get your food anyway. Just watch out when drinking alcohol out. Now it only takes 1 or 2 glasses of wine for me to feel buzzed.
   — Linda A.

October 23, 2002
I have water with every meal. I only take a few sips, but my doctor said it's not going to hurt anything. I can't eat without something - ughhhh... Open RNY 4/29/02 -102 lbs (obviously, drinking and eating hasn't affected weightloss, so go for it!)
   — stacey L.

October 23, 2002
I know I posted the "militant non-drinker" answer last night, and for the most part I do stick by that. But I will also say that if you do decide to drink with a meal, and it's a conscious choice, it's a bit like having a treat -- go for it, know you're doing it, and get back on the wagon afterward. Saturday night we had a bit of a family celebration here, and I drank a glass of wine with my supper. I've done this many times before, but it's just not part of my regular routine. Sure enough, I was hungry a lot sooner, but I had known I would be, so I wasn't stressed about it. I say, go ahead and do it, as long as you're aware of what you're doing. This surgery isn't supposed to be a life sentence, it's supposed to be a tool. And even the best workpeople lay their tools down to dance sometimes.
   — Karen I.

October 24, 2002
I don't think it would hurt to do that on occasion. But the question is, can you limit to just a few times a year, or would you get carried away and do it more often? Self-control is not always our strong points....
   — Cindy R.

October 25, 2002
I always drank with my meals pre-op. Now, I physically CANT drink with eating or I get sick and throw it all up. You'll get used to it quickly...especially if you are drinking all day long and getting plenty of fluids in.
   — Leah H.