Getting enough water in

Ok - I'm getting the minimum amount but I can not get 64 ounces in.  I am following my doctor's  and nutritionists' plan - no drinks 30 mins before meals, no drinks during meal and no drinks 30 mins after meals.  So, that's basically 4.5 hours out of my waking hours I can not drink - and taking small sips takes me forever to get liquids in.  So - what do you do?  I know some of you are going to tell me you drink right up til meal time and right after and some even drink with meals - and that's fine.  But, I have decided to follow what my doc tells me but I can't seem to make it work yet.  Thanks for any suggestions! Brenda

Not sure how far out you are... if you are less than 2 months out I would say to just do your best and keep sip sip sipping. As time passes you will heal and be able to drink more. Remember early out you can count your soups, yogurts, protein drinks/shakes towards your liquids as well - as you get further out and on to more normal eating I feel you should seperate the food from drinks and not count something as both. Either way here are my suggestions... as soon as you get up start sip sip sipping - during your drive to work sip sip sip, during your ride home - sip sip sip... 4.5 of your waking hours to drink seems low? I figured my hours and it was much higher based on leaving at 715am, bed at 10pm... 3 meals and 2 snacks and blocking of 1.5 hours for each (no drinking 30 minutes before, 30 minute meal, then no drinking 30 minutes after... which is very liberal, a snack doesnt really last 30 minutes). Dont forget about the morning time or after your dinner to be able to sip... You should never listen to anybody who says you can drink after a meal or with the meal - thats a huge no-no... as for drinking before a meal honestly stopping 5 minutes before is more than enough time... getting in the fluids is important, even if you dont want to cut back before a meal that much cutting back to 20 before minutes and having those extra 10 could make a big difference during your day.

Thanks, good suggestions.  I may not have made it clear, but it's 4.5 hours out of the day that I CAN NOT drink because of meals.

I really struggled with water...it really made me nauseous and I just couldn't seem to get it all in. I just focused on trying to drink as much as I could. I'm just now able to get in 64+ oz. Good luck and keep on sip, sip, sipping!

Hey Brenda: I am just over two months out and still struggle with liquids.  I drink decaf on the way to work, then have Carnation Instant Breakfast for breakfast when i get to work as it's easy and still count it, I try to drink water in the a.m., and then a half hour after lunch, then more on the way home from work.  In the evening I also have water next to me all the time but still struggle.  I am always full with food or water. Jennifer K is a wealth of knowledge and usually right on with her advice.   Don't know what we would do without her.   She also gives great suggestions for snacks and extra protein. Good luck, Pam

Agreed with Jennifer.  Learn to keep a bottle of water with you always.  Sip when ever you can.  Do not drink during or immediately after meals.  I toyed with that for a while and stopped losing weight dead in my tracks.  Water is important, you can do this.  Take care. Ellen

I a gree with what the others have said. I want to add that I have always done well with hot drinks. I drink a giant 27 ounces of hot chocoa while I'm getting ready in the morning.  22 ounce water 5 ounces of milk microwave until hot add cocoa powder ( there is no sugar in cocoa powder) and splenda I also drink hot hebal teas during the day.. My nut said after a few months you can tell when you pouch empties. I drink up until 5 minutes before meal time.  and wait an hour after meal time. Of course if I'm eating something less dense I can resume drinking sooner. Belinda

Hi Brenda, It has taken me a long time to build up to 64 ounces. What I do is sip most all day till bedtime but try very hard to avoid drinking before meals and after. Right now I am hooked on G2 which is low calorie Gatorade. I can usally do two 32 ounce bottles in a day. Knowing I have to drink two botlles in a day helps me keep track of how much I have left.                                           Annie

Thanks for all the suggestions and encouragement.  I will just keep on sipping and sipping.  Since I'm only 5 weeks out I'm not going to worry - seeing as those of you further out still work at it too!   It's really great to have somewhere to go to ask questions and know you will receive answers.  Thanks all!!