Question:
Is it awful not having anything to drink for 48 hours after surgery?
I am having an open roux en-y next month and am worried about not being able to have even a sip of water from Tuesday till Thursday when they scan you. How did others cope with this? — JULIE B. (posted on April 19, 2003)
April 19, 2003
I did not have a "leak test" or "swallow test". My
surgeon checks for leaks with methylene blue dye prior to closing. I was
allowed to suck on ice chips on one of those swab sticks the night of my
surgery. The NG (naso-gastric) tube was in for the first day or two, so
whatever went into my pouch got sucked out anyhow... You are getting
plenty hydrated from the IV - in fact, you will probably put on a few
pounds in the hospital from the fluids (I put on 6 pounds). As far as
coping, you *have* to cope with it until such time that they take the NG
tube out (if you have one) and clear you for liquids. Believe me, you'll
probably be doped up enough from the pain med that you won't care
anyhow...JR (open RNY 07/17/02 -167 lbs)
— John Rushton
April 19, 2003
You most likely wont want it anyways! I did'nt even take the ice chips they
gave me or the water until day 2, but my mouth was so dry and cracked. I
suggest taking some chapstick and maybe your own wash cloth to keep moist
with cold water for your lips. Don't worry about food and water, it will be
the last thing on your mind! Good luck! Open rny 7mo. post-op lost 112#
— Sandy M.
April 19, 2003
I agree with the previous poster, take some chapstick!! The meds and IV's
will help time to go by, but my lips were so chapped that they were
peeling. They gave me the swabs and I was constantly rubbing my lips and
the inside of my mouth with them but chapstick would have made a huge
difference.
— Peggy B.
April 19, 2003
Well, I'll just add MY two bits here! ;) Trust me, you won't give a darn
about MOST things those first two days. You are so medicated. I was given
ice water and a sponge type swab to swab my lips and mouth. I'd wake up
JUST long enough to do that. I believe they gave me water to SIP on the
thrid day. That was nice! They told me NOT to use any lip balm or
chapstick that was MEDICATED. It could have a bad reaction in light of all
that anesthesia still in my system.
— Ginger M.
April 19, 2003
Julie, you will not have a problem with this at all! I am 4 weeks post-op.
I was not thirsty at all and the moist sponge things took care of all of
the moisture I needed in my mouth. The hospital also had this lip balm
stuff that took care of dry lips. Honestly, when I got ice chips...it was
nice...but I wasn't just dying to have them. YOU WILL BE JUST FINE!
— jimgarrison
April 19, 2003
Hi~ I had to wait until the 4th morning before I could have *ANYTHING* by
mouth. I had Open-RNY with Dr.Aguirre in Ensenada,Mexico and this is what
he requires. But let me tell you this was BY FAR the hardest part for me on
the 3rd day water was all I could think about, even though I was on an I.V.
and getting plenty of fluids, this is *HARD* I never did find an easy way
to deal with this except knowing it would get better. Good Luck!
— latrishanickle
April 19, 2003
i have to agree with everybody else on this one you are usually to
medicated to care about drinking but maybe your doctor will let you have
ice chips post op mine did on day one but no drinking and the swabs to
moisten your mouth and lips are lemon flavored glycirin not to bad either.
take care and best of luck to you, kimberly
— kimberly T.
April 19, 2003
Yeah you are too drugged up the first two days but after that I wanted
water so bad I was doing anything to get some. I was bad and cheated and
took a tiny sip when they gave me ice chips, several times a day,and then I
would just take big guld swish the water around in my mouth and then spit
it out that was quite satisfying and the nurses said it was ok, but my lips
were severly chapped and peeling when I left the hospital-I bought Carmex
and they started to heal in like two three days after I started using
it-Best of luck to you with your surgery...Tori
— TotallyTori
April 19, 2003
I had a leak in my pouch after my surgery and had to have it repaired by
another surgery the next day. I couldn't have anything to eat or drink for
5 weeks!!! At the time I thought I was going to die. My biggest thrill
was brushing my teeth because I could at least swish some water around in
my mouth. All in all it's really not that bad, but may seem so at the
time. We always want what we know we can't have.
— Melinda B.
April 19, 2003
It's not THAT bad. I'll tell you one thing though, you'll WANT to drink
the leak test beverage, and then never want to again! lol Don't worry,
bring your lip balm.
— msmaryk
April 19, 2003
I was able to swish water around my mouth immediately.... it was very cold
water and really gave me some relief. Best of luck to you..... I had my
RNY done 1 month ago and barely remember the uncomfortable parts! -28LBS
Teresa
— teresa M.
April 20, 2003
With a surgery last spring I totally flipped out while coming out of the
anesthesia. It was like I was literally dying of thirst and was totally
panicked. I know - weird. But anyhow, they coated my mouth with this kind
of sticky sweet stuff and it took care of the problem. So even if you do
have a problem with it there is definitely things they can do to make you
more comfy. Don't worry.
— Shelly S.
April 21, 2003
Your body is not actually thirsty because you will have an IV for the first
few days but your mouth is really dry. I brushed my teath alot and the
hospital gave me these lemon flavored swabs that they would keep in the
refrigerator. The swabs were very refreshing and got me through pretty
well. Please do not be tempted to "sneak" any liquids the first
2 days. I heard of a patient who took a sip of water the first day and had
to go back into surgery.
— Charla K.
April 21, 2003
I had the exact same concern, but surprisingly, it was ok. The day after
surgery I was trying to get comfortable and the mint swabs were great. I
didn't really want water until the day my surgeon was supposed to give the
ok - and he didn't show up until 3:00 that afternoon. Once I knew it was
time to start drinking water, then I really wanted it. You'll be fine.
— [Deactivated Member]
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