okay, my doc said to only drink 15 mins before a meal or 15 mins after. that can be a little hard when we go out for dinner. i'm wondering the significance of 15 mins so that i can get a better understanding as to why i am waiting. i've heard it has something to do with food absorbtion. i know it has a little to do with needing to fill pouch w/ protein and too much liquid maybe fills pouch to where you are too full to get in the protein you need. one thing i don't understand is why wait 15 after because doesn't it take longer than 15 mins for your food to digest? anyone?:thumbup:

Wow your lucky your doc only said 15 minutes mine is pretty adamant about 30 minutes before and after. The reasons for it as he explained it are these. If you fill your pouch before hand with fluid your not getting enough nutrients because you have no room for food (bad) and if you drink with or shortly after eating if your chewing as much as you should be you flush the food right out of your pouch and you eat way more than you are supposed to (really bad) Also, if you drink with "expanding" foods (rice, bread etc) you are in for a world of hurt shortly after.

Your Dr.s are not the norm, most Dr.s say not to drink for an hour to an hour and half after you eat. Drinking before varies - My Dr. says liquids should go right through - so wait just a few minutes after drinking to eat. But he is super strict on waiting at least an hour after you finish eating before you drink. Same thought process as above - if you drink - you push food through the band and won't stay full as long. I have cheated a couple of times - taking a few sips while I drink - or once I fill full - and sure enough - it allows me to eat more.

yeah, that makes sense.........okay, i appreciate the replies. very informative. it's good to know because i am totally used to drinking at least 2 glasses of water with my meal. thirsty, thirsty when i eat, but it's all good. like i said before, you have to learn how to eat again--and same thing with the drinking. thanks again

p.s. my doctor used to do 30 mins before/ 30 after, but he changed it to 15 mins over the years.