Normal

I haven't had my surgery yet but was wondering. Can you ever drink normally. What I mean by that, not taking sips but gulps? I think this will be the hardest for me to adjust to. That and eating small bites and chewing my food real well. I am a fast eater and have been all my life. Also, anyone out there go to Hurley Bariatric Center for their surgery? I want to know how the hospital is and what to expect after surgery. Do you get a morphine pump or do you have to wait for pain shots? Do they put those massaging stockings on you for the first few days to prevent blood clots? I went to Genesys Hospital for a hysterectomy and they used the pump and stockings. Thank you, Susan

Susan: you will be in great hands with Dr. Obeid and Hurley. I had my RNY in April 2004 and Dr. Obeid did my hernia repair in Dec. 05. He is wonderful and so caring. Hurely was wonderful as well. They give you a pump for drugs and stockings. They will encourage you to get up and walk and are very helpful. As for the drinking, I am drinking regularly now. Should I be I am not sure? But I do and have had no problems. It seemed like forever I was taking small sips but with time it got better. Take care, and email me if you have any other questions about Hurley or Dr.Obeid. This is just the beginning for you, and it is a wonderful trip. Tracey

Hi Susan. I have not had my surgery yet, but I did just go through my pre-op tesing and my nutrition class. During the class they told us that we will have a morphine pump and be wearing stockings, however they do still encourage walking every hour that you are awake. They just unplug the stockings. Hope that helps and good luck with your surgery. Shawn M.

i'm a little over a year out and i can drink fairly normally now (water, not talking booze!). I can drink a bottle of water in five minutes or so and feel fine as long as i haven't just been eating. A long time ago, about three months out, i asked my nutritionist if i was drinking too fast and she said as long as it's not causing me discomfort, i'm okay. The thing is if i've been eating i can't drink without causing myself problems such as burping and even puking. but we're not supposed to drink with our food or within half an hour of eating anyhow.

Susan, I had my surgery two weeks ago at Hurley. I was given a morphine pump. Those massaging stockings could put anyone to sleep. The nurses were great. I especially liked the Bariatric P.A. They're available 24/7 after surgery. I was having a major problem getting meds down afterwards. I called on Sunday afternoon, and they put me through directly to the P.A. on duty. Marie

I had surgery at Hurley in Aug. 05. I now consider myself to be able to drink fairly normally. I can't drink too soon after I eat. It's very uncomfortable, if I do. After surgery, you really don't have much of a choice but to NOT gulp. I just couldn't. And it was only within the past 4 months or so, that I've felt like I could drink "normally". I have nothing but good things to say about my surgery and the whole wls journey with Hurley and the dr.s there. I hope you have an equally satisfying experience! Good luck! Tina

I forgot who I was a couple of months ago and chugged some OJ! It came right back out - through my nose too and put me right on the floor as the pain was wonderful. You'll have no problem getting used to it. You'll have no choice. kp

Susan Hi, I am 7 1/2 weeks out and I just said to my friend today I am able to drink a little bigger gulps NOT big ones though. I still am dealing with eating too fast , a piece of very small chicken had me throwing up and then I tried some fried rice and that didnt want to stay down either. Your body will let you know if it likes it or not. I am still in the learning stage and reteaching my mind and hand to slow the food going in. Good luck in your adventure, I have not regreated the decision for 1 second Ann in South Haven