Can someone tell me why drinking is prohibited before and after meals? :thumbup:

Sure! Because the body doesn't recognize liquids as food (maybe one reason we all starve when we have to live on those nasty Protein shakes LOL). The point of the band is satiety. So when you drink too close to, or during, or right after a meal, that liquid can wash the food through your upper smaller stomach and through your lower larger chamber and you literally negate the positive effect of the band. The point is for the food to stay there long enough to trigger satiety...to fire the hormones and neural transmitters that tell your brain and body "That's a wrap I'm full I'm outta here" When you drink the food goes through and those signals don't get sent.

Docs vary about how long you have to go without; trying to balance that desired satiety with desired hydration. Mine says 15 minutes before, during (and we're to eat over 30 minutes) and then 15 minutes after (total of 1 hour) but they all put their own spin on it.

restlessmonkeys answer is right on. That's how my dietician explained it. Also, if you are having a problem with food being stuck, drinking something will not be the answer. Just so you know...

This is really good to know. I was wondering the same thing. That is why I like this site because there are always good tips from experienced banders:)