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She's PERFECT! People are hideous! These same people probably have something that actually does make them a bad parent but you cant see it...alcoholism, abuse, smoking, etc !!!Otherwise why are they looking at someone else...again, she's PERFECT!!!!

Hey Michelle, That is so sweet to hear! The whole thing is amazing. I don't obsess over food like I used to... I am trying to do a weekly weigh in and last wednesday I was down 20lbs. People are starting to notice. The best is fitting into my smaller clothes. Last night was my first social since the band and other than the itchy stitches, all went well. I ate mostly fish...the hard part was the alcohol. My fave is a G&T! I did have a vodka infused jello shot! LOL! Yummy buy strong! I also did go for an amazing walk yesterday. Trying to get some excercise in. Will start with my trainer on April 1st. I think I need to do some more healing! Oh yeah, major crazziness...in Costco yesterday and my mouth felt dry and stupid me took a very small sip of my daughter's 7up! Wow, what a feeling. Won't ever do that again! Question: when we have surgery, is there any fill in the band?? You look amazing and I love reading your blog! Keep it up sunshine. A

My surgeon gave me a list of things that I can and cannot eat throughout the whole six weeks. Full liquid Diet: Allowed: Water, decaf coffee & tea, non-carbondated, surgar free drinks (0 calories) ie - crystal light, fruit 2 0 sugar free fruit juice, low sodium v-8, diet v-8 splash & tomato juice skim milk, 1% milk, lowfat lactaid milk, low fat soymilk, smooth low-fat yogurt with no added sugar (made with nutrasweet, aspartame or splenda low sodium beef or chicken consomme and broth, tomato Soup, strained cream Soups sugar-free Jello, pudding, sugar-free popsicles, sugar-free hot cocoa, sugar substitues (equal, splenda, sweet & low) Protein powders, Protein Drinks, protein bullets, Isopure (less than 4-5 gms carb per serving. NOT allowed: regular coffee & tea, carbondated beverages, sweetened fruit beverages & drinks, alcohol, Fruit Drinks fruit drinks & punches, regular v-8 splash, and fruit juice 2% milk, chocolate milk, fruited yogurt bouillion cubes, soups with any pieces of food of any size - strained soups only regular sugar, brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, high fructose corn syrup, etc. no protein with sugar or sweeteners other than sugar substitues. Runny oatmeal and runny mashed potatos aren't a liquid, really. That shake was probably filled with a ton of sugar and whole milk. I guess the list above is a guideline though. I'm surprised your sugeron didn't give you a list.

I get this whenever I eat Low Carb. I was fine when on fluids, but Thursday went to pureed foods and immediately started getting. I used to take a potassium pill and a calcium/magnesium pill when doing Atkins, but that's obviously out for now. The rubbing alcohol sounds like a good idea. I too am not getting charley horses but feel things starting to cramp up when I'm sleeping.

I use rubbing alcohol on my tense calf and thigh muscles. I can't remember if I had this issue post-op early out, but I do get crampy, charley horse things now. I just stick my leg over the tub and dump some rubbing alcohol down my leg and massage it. I always follow up with a bunch of lotion to prevent itchy, dry skin.

Tiff, I am so sorry, I know that you have experienced loads of difficulties. I looked up some info on your condition and found it interesting that one of the causes are the meds used post surgery. Low blood pressure is commonly caused by drugs such as: Alcohol Anti-anxiety medications Certain antidepressants Diuretics Heart medicines, including those used to treat high blood pressure and coronary heart disease Medications used for surgery Painkillers Is it possible that there is a bleed somewhere in your body from your surgery? Would it be possible to visit w/your surgeon? I'm so sorry that you have to change the food things too, I'm sure that will be scary emotionally after you've had so much success. You are in our thoughts and prayers, take care of yourself and let John take care of you. Anna

This is kind of a long one so bear w/me... I went to my surgeon's lapband support group last night. I've been doing great lately w/my band, but I still try to make it to as many support meetings as I can. I figure its free therapy (led by one of the psychologists from my surgeon's office) and I do learn something new at every meeting (either from the psych or from one of the more experienced bandsters). We have a lot that go to the meeting that are at goal. OK, so earlier in the day I had an odd discussion w/my 4 yr old daughter. On the way to preschool, she told me in the car that she wished I never had surgery. Yes, I've told everyone about the surgery, even my 4 yr old daughter and 6 yr old son. They know it is to help mommy get healthy and they seemed happy w/that explanation before surgery. So, it totally throws me off that now my daughter is saying she wishes I didn't have surgery. :huh2: I told her I'm all healed now, feeling great, and that its really working so I'm happy I had surgery... and ask her why she wishes I didn't. And, she said its because I can't eat dessert anymore and she wants me to eat dessert w/them. I explained to her that I CAN eat dessert, but I'm just choosing not to because it is healthier for me to not eat it. But, for a 4 yr old, the idea of delayed gratification or doing something for one's health is just not a concept that can be easily understood. Long story short (woops, too late!), the advice I got from the psych is that he thinks I should eat a little dessert (not just for the kids, but for me too). He said that I'm slipping back into a 'diet mentality' of deprivation and extremes. Well, he didn't put it that bluntly, but I got the point. And, man, is he ever right on!!! :biggrin: I knew going into this that my biggest challenge would be embracing moderation and no longer living in the extremes. I just didn't realize that I had slipped back into an extreme. And, he also doesn't approve of my rule of no alcohol and exercise every day until I've lost my 10 pounds for the month. He considers that diet mentality as well and too strict. But, I have a feeling that the dietician and exercise physiologist would feel different about that! LOL :thumbup: Anyway, so I've decided I will eat a little bit of dessert when my family has dessert, but still not sure if I will give up my 10 pound per month goal. I figure I'll stick to it until this month's 10 pounds are gone and then see how I feel. I only have 6 pounds more to make my 10 pounds this month (my month goes 2/17-3/17) and I've been losing fast since I gave up the alcohol and started exercising every day. Ultimately, I have to do what works for me and even though he may be a great psych, it is still just advice and my choice what to do with it. But, definitely food for thought. :cool:

This is kind of a long one so bear w/me... I went to my surgeon's lapband support group last night. I've been doing great lately w/my band, but I still try to make it to as many support meetings as I can. I figure its free therapy (led by one of the psychologists from my surgeon's office) and I do learn something new at every meeting (either from the psych or from one of the more experienced bandsters). We have a lot that go to the meeting that are at goal. OK, so earlier in the day I had an odd discussion w/my 4 yr old daughter. On the way to preschool, she told me in the car that she wished I never had surgery. Yes, I've told everyone about the surgery, even my 4 yr old daughter and 6 yr old son. They know it is to help mommy get healthy and they seemed happy w/that explanation before surgery. So, it totally throws me off that now my daughter is saying she wishes I didn't have surgery. :huh2: I told her I'm all healed now, feeling great, and that its really working so I'm happy I had surgery... and ask her why she wishes I didn't. And, she said its because I can't eat dessert anymore and she wants me to eat dessert w/them. I explained to her that I CAN eat dessert, but I'm just choosing not to because it is healthier for me to not eat it. But, for a 4 yr old, the idea of delayed gratification or doing something for one's health is just not a concept that can be easily understood. Long story short (woops, too late!), the advice I got from the psych is that he thinks I should eat a little dessert (not just for the kids, but for me too). He said that I'm slipping back into a 'diet mentality' of deprivation and extremes. Well, he didn't put it that bluntly, but I got the point. And, man, is he ever right on!!! :rolleyes2: I knew going into this that my biggest challenge would be embracing moderation and no longer living in the extremes. I just didn't realize that I had slipped back into an extreme. And, he also doesn't approve of my rule of no alcohol and exercise every day until I've lost my 10 pounds for the month. He considers that diet mentality as well and too strict. But, I have a feeling that the dietician and exercise physiologist would feel different about that! LOL :thumbup: Anyway, so I've decided I will eat a little bit of dessert when my family has dessert, but still not sure if I will give up my 10 pound per month goal. I figure I'll stick to it until this month's 10 pounds are gone and then see how I feel. I only have 6 pounds more to make my 10 pounds this month (my month goes 2/17-3/17) and I've been losing fast since I gave up the alcohol and started exercising every day. Ultimately, I have to do what works for me and even though he may be a great psych, it is still just advice and my choice what to do with it. But, definitely food for thought. :cool:

Well I had my first fill today. It wasn't bad like I thought it was going to be. He just had me lay down on the table poked around on the right side of my tummy. (by the way my dumbass thought my port was on the left haha) Then he rubbed alcohol on my tummy said your going to feel a small stick then some movement and pressure. I was prepared for the worse and it never came. The stick wasn't worse then a regular shot prick and when he put the fluid in I got kind of a head rush. You can't really explain the feeling. It's not bad just different. I sat up drank a few sips of water and was on my way. Pretty easy considering what I was expecting. I am down 40 pounds now so thats really exciting. I'm on liquids tonight then mushies then I can go back to normal foods. I'm really feeling the band tonight, but he said some people swell and that should go down in a few days. I'm enjoying it while it lasts because I'm not hungry at all and I have been starving for like a month. I go back in 2 weeks to see if I need another fill. Hopefully he will tell me I've lost another 2-4 pounds. I am really excited to have my first fill because it makes it seem just that much more real to me. Hope all is well with everyone.

Well I had my first fill today. It wasn't bad like I thought it was going to be. He just had me lay down on the table poked around on the right side of my tummy. (by the way my dumbass thought my port was on the left haha) Then he rubbed alcohol on my tummy said your going to feel a small stick then some movement and pressure. I was prepared for the worse and it never came. The stick wasn't worse then a regular shot prick and when he put the fluid in I got kind of a head rush. You can't really explain the feeling. It's not bad just different. I sat up drank a few sips of water and was on my way. Pretty easy considering what I was expecting. I am down 40 pounds now so thats really exciting. I'm on liquids tonight then mushies then I can go back to normal foods. I'm really feeling the band tonight, but he said some people swell and that should go down in a few days. I'm enjoying it while it lasts because I'm not hungry at all and I have been starving for like a month. I go back in 2 weeks to see if I need another fill. Hopefully he will tell me I've lost another 2-4 pounds. I am really excited to have my first fill because it makes it seem just that much more real to me. Hope all is well with everyone.

Its true, all Alcoholic Beverages are simply (empty calories) that are not needed, that said, some of us obese or formally obese folks enjoyed a beer, glass of wine or cocktail once in a while. If alcoholism is not a problem, I don`t see the need for a life style to totally eliminate (all) of one`s past eating and drinking pleasures! Never a slice of Pizza, a Chicken Wing, a bite or two of Chinese Food, a spoon or two of Ice Cream, a nibble of Dark Chocolate? Anyone have Dr. Kevorkian`s ph#?

Selswick, your weight loss is ASTOUNDING--great job! It's really hard, though, sometimes--isn't it? I'm a stress NON-eater, but in the past have eaten in response to other emotional triggers, so I understand that it's tricky to know what to do when they hit post-banding. You're obviously very committed to finding good alternatives and continuing your excellent weight loss. And in this, I think the band can be a tremendous aid. The court sometimes orders repeat DUI offenders to place "governors" on their cars. These require that the driver breathe into the device. If their blood alcohol level measures too high, the ignition will not work. If they test clean, the car will start. I named my band The Governor. Just like the governors in cars, it makes sure that I can't eat beyond a certain point. So far, I have not tested its limitations. (This does not mean I never will.) Instead, I've tried really, really hard to find other things to replace eating. I write (here, in a journal, on Facebook, whatever....), I walk my dog, I go to the gym---when worse comes to worst, I pack it in for the day and go to bed! I am not burying my feelings---I think that tends to bite us in the behind (and if you look at the size of MY behind, you'll know that I mean this quite literally; stuffing feelings can have disastrous results, weight-wise. Now that I don't have the ability to overeat, I very much want to avoid cross-addictive issues). Rather, I'm trying to find substitutes. One thing I'm doing---that is surprisingly difficult (but it really shouldn't surprise me, given the lengths I've gone to to avoid it for four decades!) --- is taking the time to really identify the emotions I'm feeling and their sources. And then TALK about them with the appropriate people (or in write when that is not possible). OMG--it is SO FREEING! It's hard at first, but I feel like a more genuine human...like this band--this silicone device placed in my body by a surgeon with completely different intentions--is opening the door to a completely different relationship with myself and with others. Not everyone loves this, I have to warn. Some people prefer NOT to hear what I'm thinking! But really---it's a good thing. It feels healthy, and it feels right, and it feels true to myself. And you know what? I'm seeing positive changes extend to others around me. The way my husband and kids relate to me is subtly different. I can't quite pinpoint it---but if I had to define it, there is an element of greater respect, I think. It's NOT because of the weight loss. They really were quite blind to my body size---truly. It's far more in response to my self-respect, I think. I don't know if any of this made sense. I guess what I am mainly saying is that you CAN find alternatives, and they will make you feel good about yourself. And that good feeling will reap rewards that extend far beyond weight loss.

Evo, there is a 105 lb difference in the numbers you posted. Either there is a typo or you lost 100 pounds and didn't realize it. Alcohol is empty calories. You are not going to lose weight pounding beers. A friend of mine had bypass; lost obscene weight and gained it all back with the help of Budweiser. If you're going to drink, drink something stronger so that it doesn't take as many to get a buzz.

I've done it for 3 weeks and I'd like to think I am in the majority. I'm an ex-smoker (5 months), compulsive gambler and a week-end alcoholic. I point this out to let you know that I have less willpower than most. If I can do the pre-op without a nibble, anyone can if they want to.

Well I had the sleeve done - This is the story. Left for Vegas on Tuesday got off the plane and headed for my appointment for Pre-surgery - everything was a go. So my wife and I hit the strip and I played black jack and won.... not much but still won. We ate normal and I did not drink alcohol. Went to bed on time for a 7:00am surgery at a surgery center. We had signed up on one of those package deals where the hotel is included. So we were up and headed to the center (by the way rent a car it is better to have the freedom to go) I went in and filled out some more forms and headed to the prep room. Met the anesthesiologist he went through a few items and the nurses were wonderful. Then I saw my Doctor (Thomas Umbach ) not long after that I was being wheeled to the surgery room. I was give something that made me feel very sleepy but could understand everyone. Then told to breath deeply two breaths and I don?t remember anything except being woke up saying surgery went fine and it is done. This was about 10:30 or so I think. Surgery was about an hour and recovery 2 . I took some pill for pain and they started me walking. It did not hurt to walk so I kept going after hearing everyone on this site telling me how walking really helped. Dr Umbach also installed a pain drip system that hung around my neck and had some small tubes planted around where the surgery took place, with a big ball that would dissipate in 3 days, this provided a pain free experience. I was released at noon to go back to my hotel which I walked and slept and drank water (very very very small sips) the fist night I had some small discomfort felt like acid reflux so I called the doc on his cell phone which was nice about 10pm and he said I could get some pepto or any over the counter acid reducer I wanted. My wife drove out to get it and also got liquid Tylenol which I recommend very much. I burped a lot and had to raise my arms when drinking water to get it down. The doc said for the first day my stomach would be swollen and until it went down it would be a bit tough. It was, but by the end of the next day it eased up. Sleeping and walking is the trick and the Tylenol made everything right as rain. On Friday we went back for a follow up with the doctor, and everything was perfect so we said our good bys and we headed for the Hoover Damn wanted to see it. I even drove ? I don?t feel the surgery hardly at all it is the drinking that lets me know it is there. So we got back from there and got our flight out back to Kansas City ? Because I have traveled so much we both were in first class so that was nice, bigger seats if you know what I mean. This is the first day back home and since the 2 weeks prior with the protein shakes to today I am down 27 lbs. I am just starting to feel hungry this whole time prior I have not had a desire to eat. I have force the drinking because I know that is good for me. I hope this helps with those who have not taken the plunge yet. I plan to keep you up to date on the progress. My doctor told me to walk everyday so my wife and I are headed to the gym in a little while, course I will be on slow mo for a while. Thanks for listening and hope it helps someone else.

Morning, everyone, I remember when I first met with my surgeon, we talked about our shared love of good wine...grief, I think we have about 3 cases of the stuff in our basement! My husband and I have had wonderful times going to wineries in various parts of the country and seeing what they have to offer. We've even taken wine tasting classes, so we can at least APPEAR intelligent when we're at the tasting bars, lol! Met some nice people, too. Anyway, my surgeon said, "It's a good thing, then, that you're choosing the Band- eventually, you'll be able to have small amounts of wine from time to time. It will affect you more quickly in much smaller amounts than you're used to, though, so you'll have to be prepared for that." Everything is a choice, as others have said. Although I enjoy wine, if I had been told that I could never drink again in exchange for prolonging my life and regaining good health, it would definitely not be a difficult decision for me not to drink. I'm not going to sit in judgement, though, for those who make other choices. Just a small suggestion, for what it's worth...you might want to think about trying alcohol at home the first time round, so that you'll experience whatever new effects you may have in a private environment. Then, if you decide to go forward and drink in public, you'll at least know what to expect. I hope it works out for you! Best, Chris

I just happened upon this somewhat testy thread a month late. I have not had a soda since surgery, but do drink coffee every day usually in the form of a latte with a scoop of Protein added. I was told it was not recommended early on because as the previous poster said it increases appetite in some (not so with me either), it can cause us to retain Fluid and also we may not drink all the Water we should. I don't think it is thought to cause damage to the band in any way. It has not had any ill effects on my weightloss and I have been drinking it from the beginning. I did not know we should not drink beer or maybe I did and forgot. I am not a drinker of alcohol normally anyway, but did have a few bottles while on vacation a couple weeks ago. I assume it is due to the similar to soda type carbonation issue? If it could cause band issues I will probably not indulge in the future! I must say that I eat most anything I want and never gain weight anymore. I was just thinking about it today..how wonderful it is and how I once envied people who seemed to be able to eat anything and never gain weight. I now realize in most cases it was because overall they did not eat a lot and they ate smaller portions. I do naturally eat healthy, but do not hesitate to have a dessert, slice of pizza, candy, or anything else one might consider off limits, on occasion.

I used to get that (or something similar... )- I would clean it out with e cotton bud and alcohol, then use a special powder I got from the pharmacy on it...they told me not to use cream as you want it to dry out rather than be wet, which can cause more redness.... It healed up really quick and is fine now, no more problems at all.

Hi, based on our lapband surgery routine, I would start a liquid diet-shakes, soups, tuna fish, boiled chicken-baked; protein items. Possible to limit yourself to 400 calories a meal 3 times a day and work out-walk for 40 min a day. Meals that are 400 calories may be found at www.400caloriesorless.com. Some good menu's there. No alcohol, no soft drinks, sugarless drinks, popsicles, and water-6 to 8 glasses a day. If It were me, I would go with soups 1/2 cup with a 1/2 cup vegetable. Eat first then 30 min later drink water. GOOD LUCK and keep us posted on your progress.

w/the band! Since cutting out alcohol and other empty calories AND exercising every day, I have now lost two pounds in the last four days. Yes, this band really does work when you work with it! :smile: I almost don't feel like I really NEED my 3rd fill that I have scheduled for Monday (I scheduled it when my weightloss had stalled), but I know I could still use at least a small fill. I'm not at my sweet spot, but I can tell that I am not that far away from it either. :thumbup: For example, I can eat a fairly large portion right now, but I can also be satisfied on a smaller portion. And, I do think about food between meals, but I can usually get by w/just water until my next meal. Last night I was so sure my dinner was not gonna last me until bedtime. I ate at 5:30pm and was feeling the munchies around 8:00pm. I was gonna have an artichoke (healthy at least), but got distracted and tired watching TV and just ended up going to bed. Woohoo!!! :thumbup: So, even though my restriction is not perfect w/the band yet, its definitely better than during my TOM when I was really hungry and felt like a bottomless pit. :smile: Now, instead of worrying about not getting enough fill at my next appointment, I'm a little worried about getting overfilled. But, I'm just a worry wart in general. My ideal would be if I can get to the point where I can still eat almost everything (if I chew it enough), be satisfied w/a small meal, and not think about food between meals. I have not PB'd or thrown up at all yet and hope that when/if I do, it will not become a regular thing. I did get stuck on a roll once (in my first month post-op) and was in pain for 5 minutes, but I don't know how to make myself puke (or I have an aversion to it) so I just waited it out. Now I have an aversion to rolls! But, that's a good thing. :thumbup:

w/the band! Since cutting out alcohol and other empty calories AND exercising every day, I have now lost two pounds in the last four days. Yes, this band really does work when you work with it! :tongue_smilie: I almost don't feel like I really NEED my 3rd fill that I have scheduled for Monday (I scheduled it when my weightloss had stalled), but I know I could still use at least a small fill. I'm not at my sweet spot, but I can tell that I am not that far away from it either. :thumbup: For example, I can eat a fairly large portion right now, but I can also be satisfied on a smaller portion. And, I do think about food between meals, but I can usually get by w/just water until my next meal. Last night I was so sure my dinner was not gonna last me until bedtime. I ate at 5:30pm and was feeling the munchies around 8:00pm. I was gonna have an artichoke (healthy at least), but got distracted and tired watching TV and just ended up going to bed. Woohoo!!! :thumbup: So, even though my restriction is not perfect w/the band yet, its definitely better than during my TOM when I was really hungry and felt like a bottomless pit. :smile: Now, instead of worrying about not getting enough fill at my next appointment, I'm a little worried about getting overfilled. But, I'm just a worry wart in general. My ideal would be if I can get to the point where I can still eat almost everything (if I chew it enough), be satisfied w/a small meal, and not think about food between meals. I have not PB'd or thrown up at all yet and hope that when/if I do, it will not become a regular thing. I did get stuck on a roll once (in my first month post-op) and was in pain for 5 minutes, but I don't know how to make myself puke (or I have an aversion to it) so I just waited it out. Now I have an aversion to rolls! But, that's a good thing. :thumbup:

Love it! Thank you for sharing it....I often have said that people have been addictions: drugs, alcohol, cigerettes, caffiene, but food is also one.

Well I had the sleeve done - This is the story. Left for Vegas on Tuesday got off the plane and headed for my appointment for Pre-surgery - everything was a go. So my wife and I hit the strip and I played black jack and won.... not much but still won. We ate normal and I did not drink alcohol. Went to bed on time for a 7:00am surgery at a surgery center. We had signed up on one of those package deals where the hotel is included. So we were up and headed to the center (by the way rent a car it is better to have the freedom to go) I went in and filled out some more forms and headed to the prep room. Met the anesthesiologist he went through a few items and the nurses were wonderful. Then I saw my Doctor (Thomas Umbach ) not long after that I was being wheeled to the surgery room. I was give something that made me feel very sleepy but could understand everyone. Then told to breath deeply two breaths and I don?t remember anything except being woke up saying surgery went fine and it is done. This was about 10:30 or so I think. Surgery was about an hour and recovery 2 . I took some pill for pain and they started me walking. It did not hurt to walk so I kept going after hearing everyone on this site telling me how walking really helped. Dr Umbach also installed a pain drip system that hung around my neck and had some small tubes planted around where the surgery took place, with a big ball that would dissipate in 3 days, this provided a pain free experience. I was released at noon to go back to my hotel which I walked and slept and drank water (very very very small sips) the fist night I had some small discomfort felt like acid reflux so I called the doc on his cell phone which was nice about 10pm and he said I could get some pepto or any over the counter acid reducer I wanted. My wife drove out to get it and also got liquid Tylenol which I recommend very much. I burped a lot and had to raise my arms when drinking water to get it down. The doc said for the first day my stomach would be swollen and until it went down it would be a bit tough. It was, but by the end of the next day it eased up. Sleeping and walking is the trick and the Tylenol made everything right as rain. On Friday we went back for a follow up with the doctor, and everything was perfect so we said our good bys and we headed for the Hoover Damn wanted to see it. I even drove ? I don?t feel the surgery hardly at all it is the drinking that lets me know it is there. So we got back from there and got our flight out back to Kansas City ? Because I have traveled so much we both were in first class so that was nice, bigger seats if you know what I mean. This is the first day back home and since the 2 weeks prior with the protein shakes to today I am down 27 lbs. I am just starting to feel hungry this whole time prior I have not had a desire to eat. I have force the drinking because I know that is good for me. I hope this helps with those who have not taken the plunge yet. I plan to keep you up to date on the progress. My doctor told me to walk everyday so my wife and I are headed to the gym in a little while, course I will be on slow mo for a while. Thanks for listening and hope it helps someone else.

i suggest the same thing. call the surgeons office and make sure they r sending your "starting" weight'I was 42 BMI and only 1 comorbities. I have BCBS and i was aproved. Fortunally for me i did nto have to do the 6 month diet, my surgeon just asked that i give my liver a break by not eating any fried food, junk food or alcohol. So my the time i went under the knofe i was -7 lbs. good luck

The anesthesia, the pain meds, and having my mouth open so long during surgery did this to me too. I don't know if it is the same with yours without looking in your mouth. I was so bad that water or anything else would not help. It took away all my saliva to the point where a few days after surgery a layer of my oral mucosa pealed off including the papilla (hair like taste buds) on the top of my tongue. That was actually a good thing. After getting rid of the tissue that had been dried out too long, things quickly went back to normal. Try a very mild cough drop. I used rootbeer flavored one from walgreens. One thing to keep in mind is to not use Listerine while you have this dry mouth because it is very high in alcohol and will only dry you out more.