Question:
Will the thirst ever go away?

I am 8 days post-op RNY. I am following my instructed liquid diet and drinking 2 ozs of protein every hour followed by 3-6 ozs of a hydrating liquid. The problem is, I am SO THIRSTY. I want to just drink a bottle of water. Will this thirst eventually subside? And will I ever be able to drink more than an ounce at a time? Thanks for your help :)    — spitfire0379 (posted on March 26, 2010)

March 26, 2010
Welcome to the loser's bench. Yes, the thirst will go away and yes, will be able to drink more. I am 7 months post op and I can drink 16-20 oz in around an hour. I drink around 80-100 oz a day without any problems. I keep fluid with me at all times and drink often Good luck on your journey.
   — lisa L.

March 26, 2010
It is marvelous that you even want to drink, which is so important. Water consumption will get so much easier as you go. Good luck!
   — FSUMom

March 26, 2010
Yes! Oh God Yes! I had the same thoughts and I and 3 1/2 months post op. Finally I can guzzle 4-6 gulps and no feel dizzy or like throwing up. I used to drink water by the glass full prior and it was extremely hard for me to sip water. You learn as you go but the thirty feeling was driving me crazy. What helped was drinking at night when I woke up or turned over, so keep water by the bed as well. You won't feel so dehydrated during the day. It actually helps you to get more water in. Good luck!
   — Jrice423

March 27, 2010
Well No worries on the question of being parched. This is a great sign. you certainly can drink more than one oz at a time now. Liquid will not hurt your net stomach at all. if you do overload it wil only leak into your intestine so don't worry. I am 6 weeks out and I find that if I drink to fast that I end up getting some air as well (Hence the no straw rule.)I had experienced gas because of this so I now take a healthy mouthful and swallow in say two parts. this solves the problem. But by all means go for it in the clear liquids. You can't hurt yourself at all. You just need to remember the no liquid 30 minutes before you eat and1 hour after when you are off the shakes and start eating soft foods. I personally went like you and was doing the one oz sipping thing and found that I could not get in the 64 oz that was needed by the end of theday and at 3 weeks out i ended up in hospital emergancy having to have 3 I.V. bags of liquid to get me hydrated. So please avoit this at all costs. DRINK to your heart's content!!
   — OntarioSilk

March 27, 2010
Thanks to everyone for answering my question! I am still in the liquid only phase, and am feeling better about drinking a little more each day. I appreciate all the encouragement :) Good luck to all!!
   — spitfire0379

March 28, 2010
I am 3 months post op now and I hear what you are going through. I had a terribly dry mouth and was constantly thirsty for a good 2 1/2 months after surgery. I know gum is very debatable because of the dangers of swallowing but I got a mouth moisturizing gum and also mouth wash from my drug store and they really helped. Ask your pharmacy to recommend one for you, the mouthwash at least if you can't do the gum. Also I went in to get a bag of IV fluids when I was about 2 weeks or so post op because I just felt terrible so if you think you might actually be getting dehydrated don't hesitate to call your program and inquire about this too. Hang in there, it will get better!
   — Sa-ruh

March 28, 2010
I'm 10 days post-op. I got some sugar-free Life Savers and find them to be a nice change of pace even if you're not really thirsty. Maybe they'll help you since they get the saliva glands going. They come in a bag, individually wrapped and seem to be a tiny bit bigger than regular Life Savers.
   — Gail T.