Drinking water : Before/During/After the meal?

My teaching was always 'drink when you are thirsty'. And- that "heavy consumers" of coffee, tea and cola, probably do not get enough plain water. For obvious reasons, they do not GET thirsty for water, when they are 'tanked up' by their favorite beverage.
This leads to organic problems and obesity in the long run, or possible allergies if consuming 'diet sweetner' in these drinks.
I have much better digestion if I have a short drink of water (as much as I want, before eating- then drink as much as I crave, after eating.) I do not usually drink while dining.
Thanks for that link ossobuco. I had read something on this topic elsewhere. Nice to be refreshed.

Thanks to you vonderjohn, for introducing this topic. It has been enlightening, reading.

You're most welcome Rose
Actually it's a topic that can be tackled in many ways.
Water is my favorite drink anyway. And I am gradually drinking less and less of the so called "soft drinks" .. not more than a can of coke per month. More water and juice..and yogurt! :p

Yea i try to drink like 4 5 bottles of water a way 16 oz. I think it works for my digestion.