Question:
What is the EXACT reason we are not supposed to eat & drink at the same time?

I'm 5 1/2 months post op and I really should know the answer to this question but I don't. I know that we are not supposed to drink within 30 to 45 minutes of eating. Is this because it will flush out our food too quickly or because it will stretch the pouch or both or something entirely different? I feel silly asking but I'd really like to know the exact reason. Thanks friends!!    — ronascott (posted on April 15, 2001)

April 15, 2001
For a couple different reasons. One, it will fill you up and you won't be able to take in all the proteins you need. Of course, you could be drinking protein shakes, but the idea is to get back onto a normal eating habit, not maintaining protein shakes forever. The second, like you said, is due to it flushing your food right out of you. This will make you still feel hungry and you will continue to eat. There is nothing wrong with taking a few small sips here and there to help wash down your food, just don't go to extreme. The most important thing is to get the right amount of nutrients in your body and give it a chance to work through your stomach to give you that satisfied feeling.
   — Dawn R.

April 16, 2001
I'm pre-op and I asked my surgeon this same question. He said that if you drink with your food, it is more likely for the food to be able to go thru your small opening and defeat your purpose.
   — Juanita B.