Question:
Will I ever be able to "drink" normally?
I am 5 weeks post-op,RNY bypass, I would like to know if I will ever be able to just drink like I did before surgery? I know that I have to stop drinking 30 minutes before eating and not drink 30 minutes after (I set my phone). I am doing fine with that. But I want to know if I will ever just be able to CHUG water when I want it. I love water and I know now that I am not getting the fluids that I need, I can take about 2 sips of water and then I belch for about 5 minutes and I hate this because I just want to DRINK, please give me advise on this and Please let me know if this will get better and return to normal ( or as close to normal as can be) — Jolee V. (posted on March 8, 2010)
March 7, 2010
Congrats on joining the losing side! I am 7 months post RNY and while I
cannot chug my fluids, I can drink 16 to 20 oz in about an hour. Much
better than 5 weeks out. Good Luck on your journey.
— lisa L.
March 8, 2010
I am 6 years po and while I can drink more "like" pre op, I
cannot chug any water...especially icy cold without pain or stomach spasms from
the cold. In fact, I rarely drink
water with ice anymore unless I sip it slowly...If I gulp water, even luke
warm or cool water...It hits my pouch like a rock and feels quite heavy and
achy...You get used to what you can and cannot do...It will become second
nature on how much you can "chug"...I can drink an 8-12 ounce
glass of water in a few minutes...but not quick enough to be standing at
the faucet for a quick refill! No can do! LOL
— .Anita R.
March 8, 2010
I'm 8 months post RNY and I agree: chugging isn't doable or enjoyable
anymore. I can drink about 20oz in 40 minutes. Chugging attempts give me
terrible stomach pains. It will take a little while but you'll get past the
mini sips!
— KiaSunRay
March 8, 2010
I am over 4 years out and still dring slowly and keep to the half hou rule.
I am so afraid to stretch my stomach and drinking while eating will do
that
— Rosemary C.
March 8, 2010
It will get better though! I am 3 months out and I understand your thirst
problem. It was probably 2 months before I stopped feeling thirsty all the
time. I can drink 2-3 normal swallows at a time now and can drink 20 oz in
about 40 minutes. I talked to both my NUT and NP about my fears of drinking
too fast now and they both assure me it's fine. I have water with me all
the time and drink constantly. You will gradually be able to handle more, I
promise.
— Sa-ruh
March 8, 2010
I had this same problem and being an avid ater chugger myself was having
difficultly coping with the problems swallowing. I talked with my dr and he
said that H20 molecules are bound together very tightly (that's why bugs
caan walk and float on water) he said to put a little juice or squeeze
lemon in the water and it helps break the bond that holds them together!
Amazingly enough it works. I like lemon best and it helps it go down
without that choking feeling. I am 11 weeks out and I can get about 16 oz
in under an hour. Crystal light is a lot easier to drink than plain water.
I have found the ones labled hydration with electrolytes to be very light
tasting (not so sweet) and easy to drink!
— lynnredboy
March 8, 2010
Since about 3 months out I can drink almost 'normal' not chug but
definately quickly... I can drink 20 oz glass in about 5 min.
Welcome to the loser's bench and hang on for the ride!
Sheri
— sheri139
March 9, 2010
I am two months post RNY and drink normally. Water is not held in the
stomach but goes right into the intestine. You are told not to drink prior
to, during, or for a period after eating. These requirements will be with
you for life. It is a life changing experance and I am thankfull for it.
Right after surgery you were limited to two oz every so many minutes. At
that time the stomach and intestine were in the healing stage. Now at five
weeks, drink water normally.
I now weigh less than I have for twenty years and probelly taken thirty
years off my age. (now 66)
— Jim Christian
March 10, 2010
I will celebrate my 1 year surgiversary next month (April 28th) -- I was
having a horrible time getting in all the liquids the first couple months.
My surgeon recommended using a kitchen timer set for every 15 minutes or so
and to take 2+ ounces each time it went off - It helped actually so that
might be something that can work for you as well.
Now I can drink 20 ounce bottled waters as I used to pre-op -- I think it's
different for everyone as far as how much you can tolerate at once.
I think as more time elapses - it gets better. So good luck and welcome to
the loosers bench! :)
Jacquii.
— Jacquii Cooke
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