6 days post-op

Just had surgery October 18, and am surprised by how hard it is to drink enough. I'm dreadfully thirsty all the time, and when I try to sip I get full very quickly, and start to have increasing pain. I take 30 mins to get down my two ounces of jello or protein shake. Taking the Vicodin for the pain is a challenge because I can't drink for 30 mins before or after. So if I want to keep somewhat hydrated, I can't take the pain meds! If anyone has any suggestions, I'd appreciate all the help I can get. Sybilann

I am sorry to hear you are having problems. I had surgery on the 12th but I am very lucky so far and not having any pain. I wonder if maybe you should call your doctor. You really need to be drinking and eating lots more than you seem to be able to handle. I assume you are on clear liquids. Try some chicken, beef or vegetable broth. I know the warmth of the soup was very satisfying to me at 1 week postop. Also, I walked a lot to get the "bubbles" out of my chest, stomach area. It also helped me eat. Good luck and let us know how you are doing. Carol

Sorry about the complications. I had the lap-band on the 19th, and the pain is still here in one area. Call the Doctor, You should still be able to at least get 8oz in one hour. Ask if you can crush you pain med, with a pill crusher and put it in some applesauce or juice. Good luck, keep us informed! Jeff

I am 10 days post-op and I had the same problem with thirst. I even got sick because I drank 2 large gulps of water one day because I was just so thirsty. This is what I have done and it has helped alot. You have to wait 45 minutes after you eat or drink. Then I fill a glass with ice cold water and sit down and take teeny tiny sips of it untill I am satisfied. I try to make the water last for 30 minutes, at least. I do this everytime I have something to eat. For example: When I wake up I eat 1-2 oz of cream of wheat, then I wait 45 minutes, drink my water very slowly. Then I have creamed soup for lunch, wait 45 minutes, then drink the water and so on. It has helped prevent me from becoming sooooo thirsty. I also had the problem with the pain meds, I called the doctors they told me to crush them. I did that into a large tablespoon and added a little hot tea to the crushed pill, then I sipped the hot tea afterwards. It was better then getting that pill stuck in my chest, but after doing it a couple of times I just decided to stop taking the meds. I told myself I would take them if it got really bad--and only took them 1 more time. I hope this helps you. Debbie

Thank you so much for all your support and ideas. Today seems much better although I stayed up quite late last night, determined to get down more fluids. So far today I have had about 16 oz, so am feeling MUCH better. Crushing pills helped too. I think the idea of keeping a glass next to me until it is finished is helping. I was cruising the internet (and this site) and found it kept me distracted from my pain, but I was also forgetting to keep trying those little sips of fluid. Thank you once again! Sybilann

Hi, Sybilann My surgery was the 5th and I had that problem. Some of it is because your pouch is still swollen. I wasn't very good with jello and I don't like the protein shakes. Water with lemon or decaf ice tea worked for me. I walked around with an insulated cup and took sips all day long. I've branched out to diluted Crystal Lite. Sugar Free popsicles are good and they CRUNCH. At day 6 I was still in the "what have I done to myself" stage. It gets remarkably better every day. Hang in there. You'll make it. Joanne

I had surgery the 18th also and I bought a sippy cup! It also makes sure I don't get any extra air !! Who needs that! Walk walk walk best thing for gas! Can't you get a liquid pain med? Even tylenol extra strength comes in liquid and you don't have to worry about the water before and after. I am taking roxicet, but only 1 small dose before bed I haven't needed anything during the day for the last couple of days. Fruit20 ice is fabulous they sell it in super stop & shop and its wonderful going down Hope this helps! Blessings fellow 18th RobinR