Question:
I'm a month post op and experiencing puffy hands and fingers

I had open RNY on 12/10/01. I'm down approximately 25 pounds. I was able to wear my wedding rings a week after surgery. The bands even felt loose at times. But over the past few days, my rings feel tight again and my hands feel puffy. I have to remove them because it feels so uncomfortable (the rings, not my hands lol). I highly doubt I've gained any weight, and I'm trying to be careful of the sodium content of what I eat. Also, my stomach still feels swollen although I've lost 5 inches there in two weeks. Any ideas?    — Donna L. (posted on January 11, 2002)

January 11, 2002
How much water are you drinking? Are you peeing alot? If you are puffy like that and not having much fluid output, you may be retaining fluids? Try increasing your fluid intake and see if that's working.
   — trtorrey

January 11, 2002
I don't know the answer. I'm guessing here. I was just the opposite. My fingers and hands got back to "normal" at about two weeks post op. The only thing I can think of other than your water intake is, have you stopped taking any meds on your own, like maybe your blood pressure medicine? I know that would do it for me.
   — blank first name B.

January 12, 2002
Low protein can make you retain fluids, also not enough water can do the same thing. I know it sounds weird that you might have to increase your water to lose water weight but our bodies will hold onto anything they think they need. If you become short of breath or develop a cough, call your dr ASAP, otherwise I would think about evaluating your protein and water intake. Increase both of them.
   — Helen B.