I have always drank alot of fluids (ice tea, Water, etc.) while eating my meals. However they recommend after banding that you do not eat during meals.

Here is my question: Is that because you "wash down" the food in your stoma too quickly? Or is it because you fill up your stoma with liquid and then there is less room for the food?

I have experienced the latter. Can anyone clue me in?

Both.

Drinking before and during meals fills your pouch with liquid leaving less room for nutrition. The liquid passes throught quickly leaving your pouch less full. Drinking during and too soon after washes food out of your pouch.

I didn't like this rule at first either, most people drink with their meal so I think most bandsters have a hard time accepting this one. I didn't think it was something that I could get used to but I did.

Now I do drink right up until my meal. I do not drink during the meal and I wait 30 minutes to drink after.