Trying to drink liquids

I had the RNY 10 days ago, and have to admit i'm struggling a bit with drinking fluids.  It feels like everything i drink stays in my esophogus and/ or have air pocket feelings.  I am drinking very slowly, sips at a time, but it always seems to always happen.  Does anyone know...Is this normal or will it subside??  Thanks :)

 

I didn't have the RNY, but after my surgery it was very difficult to take in my fluids.  I got the same thing, air bubbles, lots of loud noises (it would get my dogs barking because they thought something was here, lol), and uncomfortable feeling.  You just had a major surgery and you are still very swollen, my surgeon and nurse told me that I could be swollen for up to 3 months.  You may want to try different temperature liquids, warm water with lemon or very cold liquids may help.  I still get the feeling of air pockets daily and I'm almost 2 years out.

A word of warning, though, don't let yourself get overly dehydrated or you'll end up in the ER with an IV.  If the discomfort gets any worse I would suggest calling the surgeon's office to see if there is anything physically wrong or if they can provide any assistance. 

Jill

I used to suck on broken ice cubes...the liquid doesn't get in your tummy so fast...

Worked for me...Or make some ice cubes out of crystal light...

Hope it works

B

Thanks for the advice.  Ice cubes sound like a great idea.  I will call my Dr if it does continue to act upo, but i forgot the fact that i am still swollen, after having had 2 different tubes down my throat, so that may be a factor  lol.    Thanks Guys!!! :)

I had RNY 7 weeks ago and I know the exact feeling you are having.  Two days after my surgery when I had my Upper GI scan I was told that it is common to have a 'narrowing' or 'tightening' of the esophogus.  I would guess that this feeling went away around week 4 for me.  I bet it is swelling that causes this.  I am not sure what exactly they shove down your throat during surgery but afterwards, many patients complain of this feeling.  I am fine now, so I am guessing the swelling has gone down.  I would take very tiny sips of liquid.  But I am like you where I know I am not getting enough liquid.  Even to this day I have trouble getting it all in.  I am sure that tightening feeling will go away once you recover some more.  But still, be aware of it, and try your best with drinking as much as you can.
Great idea, sucking on ice cubles.  Maybe suck on popcicles too.  And when I mean tiny sips of water, I mean tiny!  Take care.

Giselle

Hi Giselle,

Thanks so much for the help.  Between the NG tube for 3 days and the breathing tube they use during surgery, ya, the esophogus/throat tends to swell and hurt.  Its getting better tho, thankfully.   Congrats on making it 7 weeks, are you feeling better now?

Take care, and thanks again,

Lana

I am feeling pretty good these days.  It's funny how after surgery it seems your life revolves around what you eat, the protein you need to get in, enough liquids and  timing with the vitamins.  Can't say I have perfected everything yet.  It's a work in progress.

Giselle