I am new to this myself. I was banded a week ago today. I am having difficulty determining if I am hungry or if I am drinking to much liquid. I was told to sip the protein drink and water very slowly. It should take up to an hour to finish the protein drink and you shouldn't drink water a 1/2 before or 1/2 after finishing the protein drink. I may be drinking to much water. I sometimes feel nauseous at times and according to the literature I received from my surgeon, it may be a sign that I drank to much water. I think that it's normal in the beginning to work you way up the recommended amount protein shakes your surgeon recommends. For instance, my goal is to drink five per. I was told not to force it but works towards that goal. I hope this helps.