Do you follow the band rule?

[snowbird 2]

My doctor's rule is 20 minutes before a meal and an hour after. However, he also points out that drinking ice Water or iced tea prior to a meal, right up until you eat, may tighten the stoma and aid in keeping your food intake low.

I usually order ice Water before a meal, if I am eating out, and may take a small sip during the meal if my mouth is too dry. But I follow the rule as far as drinking any more than that. Once I got into that habit, it hasn't been hard to follow.

[VegasGrace 1]

Well, it's a guidline really, not a rule.

Reminds me of Pirates...remember the line about the code?

[juicyapple01 0]

I do it because I figure after all this, its the least I can do. I worried in the beginning that I would not be able to keep track of all the do's and don'ts, so I started setting the alarm on my cell phone so I'd wait an hour after lunch to drink. It works fine for me and now (surgery March 25) I seem to be conscious of it. I haven't been perfect but I know that the doctor's and everyone who has listened to me complain about weight all my life deserve at least for me to do this one little thing even if I'm not perfect. I don't know if it works, but the whole premise makes sense.

[Kristin1031 0]

I wait the 30 minutes before and after a meal to drink. I too have trouble getting in all the Water I need because I try to get 12 glasses a day since with my workouts I need more, and that is really pushing it. I know this works at keeping me full, I push water and water and more water!! LOL

[Big Dan 2]

I was told no drinks 30 minutes before until 30 minutes after and I have been following it. I actually started doing that months before my surgery so now that I am banded it is already 'normal' for me.:biggrin2: