Questions for experienced bandsters (stretching the pouch)

[Oregondaisy 2,021]

It is very hard not to drink with meals. I always look at the clock when I am finished eating so I know when I can drink again. Sometimes I suck on a tick tack mint after my meal, and that helps moisten my mouth. Sometimes I do take a drink and swish it around in my mouth and spit it out. That does help. I get hungry fast, that's why I am getting a new fill.

I don't need to drink and get hungrier any faster.

[duchessdukes 0]

I was told because liquid interfered with with the gastric digestive juices and would fill up and stretch the stomach too much ... there could be fear of tipping. I was told the mixture was like "fighting a war" inside the stomach, especially if one was trying to digest meat. I have felt great pain when I've drank too much when eating, and then I need to vomit to relieve the pain (I was advised to do this rather than letting the turmoil go on in my stomach). Now that my band has deflated, I can drink with eating, but still not much when eating meat.

[cuddlebug 1]

Ok so heres the thing... I don't drink large amounts when I eat, but sometimes if I have a little too much and want to pain to go away I take a sip of Water and it usually helps. But I have fallen victim to sodas. I love the new Cherry Coke Zero. I dont usually drink a soda when Im eating bc it is uncomfortable, but when its just by itself it doesnt make me feel bloated or anything. Can that still be hurting my stomach like that guy who took his friend to mexico and saw his esophagus was all expanded and bumpy? (frightened)

[fatandoverit 1]

OMG... if you continue to drink sodas you will have nothing but problems

[cuddlebug 1]

And why is that fatand? I was reading in another thread that some doctors think it is ok as long as it isnt causing you discomfort. Its not like im chugging 2 liter bottles. I may have 1 a day if any.... I just didnt know what your reasoning was behind "problems"

[duchessdukes 0]

I was instructed I could have sips of flat soda after the surgery. Later, gassy soda okay, but not desirable - because of its distention (stretching) qualities (the gas).

Further I was instructed to never drink with meals, because of the interference with the digestive juices required to break up the food and which is added after one eats - don't put additional volume in the small pouch. There is the worry of enough nourishment and then again, enough Water not to become dehydrated.

So, Water at least 1-2 hours after eating was recommended, but I did drink diet sodas with no problem. I still have pain if I drink much during a meal, especially if I eat meat (too much going on in the small pouch to add a liquid-too much stretch). I suggest drink your diet sodas in between your meals and you should have no problems.