I am considering the lap-band.

I would like to know why the guidelines for the Lap-Band state that you shouldn't drink Water within a half hour of a meal. Does this reduce the restrictive effect of the band or does it not allow one to consume enough food?

Christopher, the reason you should wait at least 1 hour after a meal before drinking is because it will essentially flush all of the food through the band. This defeats the whole purpose of the band, which is to restrict your intake and make you full on less food. If you've flushed the food through your band, you're going to get hungry sooner than you should.

Yup, ditto. Plus lots of people find they just can't hold the Fluid on top of the food, and drinking will prompt PB of the fluid.

Personally -- I drink with my meals. I've done it both ways and I've never once noticed a difference in "time until hungry again", or in the portions I eat, so - what the heck, why not. If it ever starts to be a problem, I'll rethink my strategy.

I'm pretty good with the no drinking rule bbut I've relaxed it a bit at dinner because I don't eat anything after dinner is done and I figure so what if it gets pushed thru the pouch; i'm not eating until morning anyway. Also i eat later and if I eat at 7:30 don't drink until 8:30 or 9 then i'm up all night in the bathroom or if I dont drink wake up thirsty. However, I'm not advocating drinking with meals - i'm just sharing what and why i do what i do.

Make sure you check with your doctor. There is misleading information out there. Typically they have you stop when you eat but up until meal time it is okay. I like to drink with meals so far I haven't had any issues.

I try not to eat or drink a half hour before and after (my docs rules)... Its really hard not to drink with the food- that is the hardest part for me right now. I am 3 weeks out and just now starting to feel wide open. I can almost eat a cup of food at once and it goes through in a few hours whether I drink or not. So I scheduled a fill on Aug 14th (2days before my 6weeks). I'm eating good food- protein PROTEIN protein, and I still have gained 3 pounds since my July 17th doc appt (moving to mushies). Its FRUSTRATING! I'm not eating bad foods and I'm gaining! grr! But I still do not eat/drink at the same time. It is getting easier- I just put my drink away from my sight and I dont think about it. Then a half hour after I eat, I bring the drink out and start sipping away. Keeps me hydrated and satisfied.

From what my nutritionist said... If you drink enough water before and after meals, you won't feel deprived to eat with drinking.