Given the overall lower volume of food and beverages, you might find your stools harder after gastric banding. It is important for you to consume an adequate amount of non-caloric beverages (water, unsweetened iced tea, sugar-free/diet beverages, etc.) during the day. But in an effort to avoid helping your pouch empty the food that has recently been consumed, you should concentrate on drinking when your pouch is empty already which is typically just before you are getting ready to sit down and eat your next meal.