I am 2.5 wks post op and am starting to incorporate puréed and really crunchy foods per my surgeon. I understand we aren't supposed to drink 30 min before or after, but I can't imagine why. Right now my goal with eating is to try new foods and see how I tolerate them. I am not eating for fullness (I'm not really hungry to begin with!) Accordingly, what is the problem filling my stomach with liquids at the same time? Seems like the point would be so we are full of nutrient rich food and not liquid when we have a meal--but I'm only taking small bites of food. Any thoughts? Thanks!

Yeah the reason is they want is to have the full feeling longer and absorb the nutrients before gets washed away with liquid. Believe me it works better. After I eat I can't get any liquid in without feeling uncomfortable.

Remember, the stomach is the mechanical part of digestion. When the contents get mushy and liquidy enough, the pyloric valve opens and allows this to flow into the intestines to be absorbed. Adding liquid (drinking) allows this process to happen sooner, so then you would actually be able to eat more. Don't drink and the food stays there longer and you have the restriction feeling longer.