Doctor Q

It's interesting to hear the "reasons" given. As a surgeon on the editorial board for the Journal Obesity Surgery, I can assure you that I have not seen good studies indicating that people should not drink during a meal. It does seem intuitive to think it matters, but as I stated, it really only matters if someone is trying to "cheat" their surgery, and anyone that does that is destined for failure anyway.

This has not been well studied. One study from Scandinavia showed no difference in weight loss when people drank during meals. Many of my successful gastric bypass patients, as well as sleeve and band patients, do drink small amounts during meals. The key is not to drink liquids with the sole purpose of forcing in more food. Remember, speed-eating champions (with normal stomachs) will sip water while they pound down their hotdogs. Mimicking the eating patterns of the world's speed-eating champions is probably not a great way to eat on a regular basis. I advise my patients to drink a glass of water (or some calorie-free beverage) about 15 minutes before they have a regular meal. This prevents them from being thirsty when they start a meal. It also helps to "flush through" thick saliva that may cause food to get stuck inappropriately. If the "pipes are clear" every time they eat (band, bypass, sleeve, whatever..) their eating experience will be more consistent.

I want to introduce a new procedure I invented; a Reversible Gastric Sleeve. Please see the attached video. https://clipchamp.com/watch/lyMcXEwJ5js If anyone has questions, please don't hesitate to ask. Sincerely, Brian Quebbemann, MD, FACS, FASMBS

Hi jgandg. A couple of comments; I've had several patients not lose weight for a while then "get it" and somehow they begin to understand how to use the band to lose weight and their weight comes off. It's very important to follow the eating principles that make the band work best. If you do this, then you will notice the decrease in hunger. Unfortunately, gastric banding doesn't work the same for everyone. All bariatric surgeons know this and we can't explain why (even though we have a lot of theories). But one thing is for sure, following the general guidelines, often provided by your surgeon, is absolutely necessary for long-term success.

Justin, If this pain is at the site of your port and has started fairly recently and seems to be increasing gradually over time, it is possible that something is wrong with your port. Not to alarm you but one of the worst things would be an erosion of the band into your stomach; this results often in a port-site infection. Other signs would be redness and tenderness at the port site. Just to be sure you should discuss this with your surgeon.