30/30 Rule

Hey All, I know in the begining I was told about the 30/30 rule. Drink 30 mins before you eat and wait to drink 30 mins after. I have been trying so hard to do that. I might wait 30 min before I eat but I forget to wait after I eat. I guess I am so use to drinking something with my meals. Does everybody actually follow this rule? If so how long do we have to do this. I am still early post-op and I am trying to obey all the rules but are they permanent rules or just for the early post-ops??? Mo

Hi Mo, I do not go without drinking for 30 minutes before a meal, but I do definitely wait the 30 minutes after my meals. I don't want to take a chance of washing all my food out of my pouch and feeling hungry sooner than I should. It's really, really hard for me. I set the timer on the oven for 30 minutes and practically run back into the kitchen to get my water when the timer goes off. I am usually feeling pretty parched at that point, but I think it will probably get better over time as I get used to it. GOod Luck, Robin

Thanks Robin, It is so hard to know what still applys and what don't. I want to do what right. I had my surgery 03/02/07 and I am now down 40 pounds. I never want to see those 40 pounds ever again so If I need to wait an hour before I can drink then that is what I will do... Mo

Hi Mo, I have heard the same thing, 30 min prior and 30 minutes after.....but just recently the nutritionist said the 30 minutes before is the one that you don't have to worry so much about if you have to cheat. Like Robin said, if you drink too soon after eating you wash the food out and you'll end up eating more often and more quantity. I've also heard this is one of the big reasons people start putting on weight again. Good luck, Sheila

WOW!!! I never want to put the weight back on not after all I have been through to have this surgery. thanks Sheila

Hi, Mo! YES. Always always follow that rule. Forever. Not only can you flush stuff out more quickly but if you have something in your pouch the water tends to settle on top (at least for me), and that is NOT comfortable. But more important is avoiding weight regain. Everyone makes mistakes, and it's okay if you do it once in a while, but try to avoid it as much as possible. Try as hard as you can to follow all the other rules to the letter too (vitamins, exercise, water, protein) . Most people have to jump through crazy hoops with insurance, or finance surgery themselves, and investing all that energy/money is pointless if you start bending the rules early on. If you find yourself really thirsty after a meal, try chewing a piece of gum or having a mint or something. That tends to work fairly well for me. Good luck, Julie

Hey Mo! I have pretty much the same answer. I was told to do the 30/30 or once I was farther out I could try 15/60 (not interested in trying this on at all). I still do the 30/30 with the exception of sometimes not getting in 30 before my meal. I was told that drinking after will wash the food out too quickly & you won't get the vitamins & nutrients that you need & it will make you hungrier faster so you will eat more. As Julie said if you are that parched try some gum or a mint. I am a gumaholic now moreso that I ever was before. Courtney

Thanks Court, I think I might like the 15/60 rule too. Whatever I can do to make sure I lose and never gain ever again...

Mo, it is vitally important that you do not drink right away after your meals - especially of you do not want to feel hungry too soon. I tend to drink almost right up to my meal and most times do not drink for an hour or so after it. These are permanent rules. Also if I sometimes feel thirsty I go and eat a couple of mint flavored calciums or clean my teeth - that way I do not want to drink right away.... Jackie