Drinking Rule Question...

I know the rule about not drinking while you eat, no less than 30mins before and after you eat. So far, I am trying to practice this preop. So far I think it's one of my weakest points thus far. I was wondering why this is the rule? I never really seen an explanation as to why we have to do that, also does this rule only apply to WLS patients, or should it be a rule of thumb for everyone?

My dr said it is because drinking before will "lubricate" your stomach allowing more food to slide through. Drinking during or after will flush the food through allowing/causing you to eat more.

I wonder if you would consider asking your doctor for further clarification on this topic.  What does he mean, specifically, "to lubricate" the stomach?  Water passes right through our valve rather quickly, and doesn't have the same properties as oil, which can lubricate, so what does he actually mean?  I know it's hard to read "voice" in posts, so I would like to add that my intent is not to be snarky, but to learn something new.  It is my understanding, from my doctor, that we really do not need to wait before food except maybe a few minutes.  This apparently is different for other surgeries, but for us, that is the advice that I got.  I would love to read a more detailed explanation about the need for waiting before eating.  Also, Frisco, if you are reading this and have some input, I would love to read it on this topic (okay, any topic, but this topic in particular :)  ).

Read up on the Pyloric Valve and things are easier to understand.

frisco

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/vsg/4508494/Frisco-Pyloric -Valve-Basics-101-re-post/

Thanks so much for that post. Very informative and educational for newbs like me. I was wondering as I practice will this help in my current pre op configuration, or is this specifically for post op sleevers?

I believe the rule is a little more important for RNYers as they have no pyloric valve to restrict the flow of food.  Which is one reason why I chose the sleeve.  I am not sure if it would make much difference for people with normal stomachs or not.  That being said, I remember my mom being on some diet back in the 70's and she could drink before a meal but not during the meal.

It would not hurt to do this pre-op just to get into the habit.

My rules are different than the ones you mentioned.  I do drink up to the time I am eating, (well, maybe not right up to the time, but within a few minutes), then I do not drink anything for about an hour or at least 45 min. after I eat.  The reason for these rules has to do with your new physiology.  I would strongly suggest that you look up Frisco's pyloric valve 101 post.  ( just put that into the search on OH).  This will help explain it in all the details that you need to understand the rules.  The bottom line is tha****er passes through the pyloric valve pretty quickly when the stomach is empty.  After you eat, the water mixes with the food and makes the food less dense, this in turn, allows the food to exit your stomach faster, leaving you hungry earlier.  Also, early on, there is little room left in the stomach after you eat for water and you can start to feel very uncomfortable if you drink right after you eat.  

becauseliquid mixed with food turns into "soup" and passes thru the sleeve sooner. Food alone,especially dense protein stays in your sleeve longer helping to keep you feeling full longer.

This is the same explanation I got  on why I need to keep food and liquids separately.  I will read up on the pyloric valve link but already feel better that someone has the same understanding I do. 

It is so you don't stretch out your new stomach.  I am 4 weeks post op and this is so hard for me.  For some reason drinking and eating go together in my head!  I am able to do it, but it is difficult.