Article from WLS magazine repost

Yes you can drink and eat at the same meal time

There is no concern in flushing the food through the gastric band when the area above the band is empty.

Recent research has provided a better understanding of the how the gastric band works, conducted by CORE in Melbourne.  We now understand that food only remains in the area above the gastric band for approximately 1 minute, it is then pushed through the gastric band via the oesophageal pressure.  This takes about 3 to 6 peristaltic motions.  

You can eat and drink at the same time; however it is essential you allow sufficient time between swallows to ensure the area above the gastric band is completely empty, before you consume a sip of your drink.

However, be careful to not drink liquids with your meal to assist the movement of food through the gastric band, this is cheating.  Focus on tasting and enjoying the flavours and textures which will enable your saliva to soften the food and make it easier to grind the food into a past prior to swallowing.

Many people feed back to me that they often do not wait long enough between mouthfuls and take a sip too early and get into trouble.  So you may wish to consider an alternative option to not drink and eat during your meal, but rather eat your meal and begin drinking again once you feel comfortable.

Choose either option, or blend them both when it suits you as summarized below:

1.   Wait enough time between mouthfuls before consuming a sip of your drink

2.   Consume a glass of water before the meal, eat your meal then begin drinking again once you feel comfortable.

• by Helen Bauzon