Question:
Why does it hurt to swallow thin liquids?

I am almost one month post-op and have had no problems swallowing pureed food, thick liquids (V-8, shakes, even OJ). But I can feel water, apple juice, milk, etc go all the way down my esophagus and hit HARD in my stomach. It doesn't seem to matter what temperature the liquid is. This is very uncomfortable and makes taking meds difficult. Anyone else have this phenomena?    — Kim M. (posted on April 22, 2002)

April 22, 2002
I have the same problems when drinking water. I find it lessons as time goes by (I'm 5 weeks postop). I began to take little tiny sips and that seems to help.
   — Lisa N M.

April 22, 2002
I have the same problem. I am just over 2 weeks post-op and I can only take tiny sips of water. If I take any more then a sip then I also feel it hit hard in my stomach. I've tried it in all temperatures but it doesn't help. When I take my vitamin I use very warm water and only sip a small amount to swallow the pill and then it feels like the pill is stuck in my esophagus but I just keep taking small sips and the pill eventually hits the stomach. So I know exactly what you're going thru. But I think this will all pass so keep sipping.
   — Peggy D.

April 24, 2002
I'm 3 months post-op and had this same problem. Hated that feeling! Before surgery, I would gulp down water all day. Right after surgery, it would hurt to take small sips and I'd feel it go down and thought I would never be able to drink enough to satisfy me. But, now I can gulp down all liquids just like I used to. Don't worry, it will get better!
   — Jean B.