Question:
Having trouble tolerating any liquids

Hi all..have not posted in awhile. Well I am a little over 2 weeks out and I am down 32 lbs. I am pleased, no estatic with those results and all was going well then I suddenly could not tolerate water, tea, crystal light, heck anything liquidy. Making matters worse I take Loratab for pain and it works for me but I get this burst of adrenalin and I walk and walk and walk. Last night I walked and when I returned I was perspiring badly. I was light headed and everything was spinning.. I ended up laying down on the floor...everything calmed down then woth a cold cloth on my face/forehead. When I got up it was a task getting up the stairs to my bed. My daughter fixed some chicken broth which I tolerated and that really surprised me. I doubt in the past few days I have gotten down 25 oz..I know I have to drink fluids but I toss it up when I do...any suggestions out there since apparently I am dehydrated? I am drinking a protein shake now and it is going down well it just takes forever to get it down since I have to wait for some to go down before completing it. Terry Post-op 9/23/03 -32 lbs    — TerryS (posted on October 12, 2003)

October 12, 2003
Terry, Congratulations on your surgery! You are right in being concerned about dehydration. The water intake is so very important. Can you call your surgeon or even the nurses station at the hospital? It might be nothing or it could be something minor ~ you'll feel better for talking to a professional. Keep sipping the water ~ Very Important ~ your recovery depends on it! Perhaps try a cup of hot decaf tea. Hot Tea was my favorite immediately after surgery (still is!). It felt really soothing on my pouch and tasted so good! Again, congrats on your surgery and the terrific walking routine!
   — chelle3081

October 12, 2003
I had a similar problem after 3 weeks and still to some degree now at 9 weeks. I am not getting enough fluid which is making me very shaky. Just keep trying. Someone suggested sugarfree popsicles and crushed ice which I am going to try. Try sipping little amounts all day. Your only two weeks post-op so it should get better. But tell your doctor.
   — S L.

October 12, 2003
Thanks I noticed I had some hot..broth and it went down easy so maybe hot stuff is what I need.
   — TerryS

October 12, 2003
I was just like you...and my doc told me to get some tomato juice and sip it or gatoraid brand power aid...yes there is sugar..but you might need potassium. The shakes and stuff could mean that is low. Hot liquids also worked much better since my gut did this major cramp with colds. You will be happy to hear it gets easyer. I now at 9 weeks out can drink a some what normal sip...not this baby sip and let it slid down and wait. I am feeling alot better....keep positive!
   — danab

October 14, 2003
HI, I ALOS HAVE PROBLEMS WITH LIQUIDS. I CAN NOT TAKE ALMOST ALL LIQUIDS, I AM 6 WEEKS OUT TODAY. I FOUND THAT WATER AT ROOM TEMP, SIPPED SLOW, AND NOT AROUND MEAL TIME WILL GO DOWN EASIEST. I FOUND DIET GREEN TEA FROM SNAPPLE AT ROOM TEMP IS SMOOTH AND GOES DOWN NICE. BY GOING DOWN NICE I MEAN 4 OZ IN 30 MINUTES OF SLOW SIPPING ON EMPTY POUCH. ABOUT 16 0Z IN 1 1/2 HOURS. I HAVE HAD A PROBLEM WITH DEHYDRATION. I ALSO GOT A URINARY TRACK INFECTION AT MY 4TH WEEK POST OP. GOOD LUCK AND KEEP YOUR DOC INFORMED, THE DOCTOR IS THE BEST ADVISOR.
   — njquintana