So What Are the Rules?

[leftover_eidoes 0]

Hey guys, my surgeon never gave me any rules... and neither did the dietician... its just been off of here that I have heard about the rules etc.

My assistant surgeon is saying you can drink while eating, my dietician is saying you can drink up to eating but wait till 30 mins after before you drink again.

I was just wondering, what are the rules that your surgeons/dieticians gave you?

[OldSchool76 0]

Here is a good link for you to start with. It is a PDF. http://images.obesityhelp.com/magfiles/golden.pdf

I am pretty concerned that nobody reviewed this with you.

[btrieger 21]

That link doesn't include the drinking with meals rule.

I think it unanimous among surgeons that bandsters should not drink with meals.

However, my surgeon and PA have recently stated that it is ok to drink Water right up until mealtime.

[Jachut 487]

The theory behind drinking with meals is that it will wash food through and you'll get hungry sooner.

its unlikely to actually physically harm you, just make the band less efficient.

I found this to be complete bollocks for a good 2 years, then once I reached the higher levels of restriction, I could no longer do it. It is a sure fire way to make myself pb. Apart from tiny sips of wine.

My surgeon had no problem with this - he said if it doesnt worry you it wont hurt you, and he believes the same about carbonation - its very uncomfortable to me so I avoid it, but he doesnt actually believe its harmful.

Moral: every doctor is different and you need to figure out some of these things for yourself.

[OldSchool76 0]

That link doesn't include the drinking with meals rule.

Right. The original question was about any rules with an example of the drinking issue. Figured an all purpose start was better than nothing. :thumbup:

My doc says no drinking 60 min before and 30 min after. For me, at lower restriction levels, the 'wash through' was the effect. Now, I cannot drink and eat.

[elcee 3,341]

That is a long time to stop drinking before you eat. The majority of Dr's seem to advise the other way around. i.e 30 min before and 60 after.

Laughing about the tiny sips of wine. yes I can generally manage those as well!

[btrieger 21]

I found this to be complete bollocks for a good 2 years, then once I reached the higher levels of restriction, I could no longer do it. It is a sure fire way to make myself pb. Apart from tiny sips of wine.

It was apparent to me that drinking while eating was a bad idea immediately following my second fill. It seems to reconstitute the food that I just spent a lot of time chewing up and causes me to get stuck.

As you said, everybody is different.

[Spartan 4]

Hey guys, my surgeon never gave me any rules... and neither did the dietician... its just been off of here that I have heard about the rules etc.

My assistant surgeon is saying you can drink while eating, my dietician is saying you can drink up to eating but wait till 30 mins after before you drink again.

I was just wondering, what are the rules that your surgeons/dieticians gave you?

I, for one, am really angry that you were not given any instructions on these issues. Having the band can be hard enough without having any idea of what to do post-surgery. Doctors who do not provide their patients with instructions should NOT be practicing. You would be doing the LB Community a service by naming your Doctor.

While it is true that the opinions of Doctors vary significantly on the issue of post-op behavior, you will find even MORE disagreement among people here on this forum, and elsewhere. Look at the handful of responses on this thread alone, on the issue of drinking before/during/after meals. Several different opinions.

I think you would be very well served to find a local support group in your area that is sponsored by a Bariatric Surgeon. MOST Bariatric facilities have post-surgery support groups, and you might be able to join in even though you did not have surgery at that facility. You could also obtain a copy of that facility's post op instructions, and apply them to your situation. If you are able to, you might also consider seeing another Bariatric Doctor.

In my opinion, EVERY bariatric surgery should include (as part of the package) a comprehensive post-surgery support system, including follow-ups, support groups, detailed instructions, etc. Bariatric Surgery is not like having your Appendix removed, where you have the surgery, and you are done with it. It is actually just the beginning of a long and sometimes difficult process, with many hurdles and potential setbacks. You NEED the support, and you NEED advice from professionals who are experienced in getting good results from the Lap Band.

To all potential Lap Band patients, I would strongly suggest that before you engage a Lap Band surgeon, you really need to check out the quality of the post-care and support that you will receive. Talk to other Patients, find out their experiences, ask about the support they received. A fancy “Seminar” (sales presentation) does NOT always tell you what the aftermath of the Surgery will be like. You need to do some research before you commit.

To the OP: DO find a local support group, and another Doctor, if you can. While the online info is good (sometimes), the conflicting information can have you going in a dozen different directions.

S.

Edited June 24, 2010 by Spartan

[leftover_eidoes 0]

Hey, To the above: My surgeon has a very large support base, I dont think I made that very clear in my intial post. I have a dietician which is always available, fill doctors that would come in on weekends if need be and access to a counsellor and personal trainer.

What my surgeon doesnt do though is set down specific rules. they give guidance, not rules, suggestions not limitations...

I was just wondering if I could find out from you guys the hard fact rules that your surgeons gave you so i oculd adapt them to myself.

I have lost 26kilos in 7 months, I am extremely happy with my success and so are the team at the surgery.

I read the article given above and I thank you for sharing it with me.

However Im starting to see why my surgeon doesnt approve of giving hard and fast rules as to what I should/shouldnt be doing, If i had been given that set of rules at the beginning.. I would have be setting out to break them... *sub-conciously*.

Anyway, Each to their own and I find the way Im doing it at the moment is giving me the most sucess.... Best of luck to everyone... was just asking what everyone else was abiding to.

[LarraineM 6]

You recieved a great diservice from your doc& staff if you have not been informed or given road rules about the band. I happy that you found this forum.Ppl here will tell you what you need to know and will tell you what you don't want to hear also. I 've asked alot of questions and learned a great deal. What I find most amazeing is that the honesty is pure............