Question:
I am unable to drink the recommended daily amount.

I am 4 weeks post op and am unable to drink the recommended daily amount of 2-3 litres, before the op my fluid intake was very low about 1 to 1 and a half litres, now I am struggling to drink 1 litre, if I force myself I am sick. This is of great concern to me. Any suggestions gratefully received.    — Marianne T. (posted on April 7, 2002)

April 7, 2002
At about three months out it was like a switch had flipped and I could easily get in enough water. The only thing I can recommend is carry a drink with you and sip at all times.
   — cindy Q.

April 7, 2002
They dont tell you this, but at first your pouch is so swollen that there is no way you can get all your protien and water in. Just get what you can in for now and worry about all your water and protien in month 3ish. Best of luck to you!!! Nancy
   — nkoehler88

April 7, 2002
i also had this problem until about 3 months out (4 months next week and down 94lbs) you might want to try to find an ice shaver and freeze some crystal light or whatever you drink. i found it much easier to 'suck' down my liquid in frozen form then to sip. i also drink much better WITH a straw then without. good luck and keep sipping.
   — ann M.

April 7, 2002
Don't worry about it right now!! It gets better around month 3 and then you become the "mad sipper". I am 10 weeks post-op and just this last week I have been able to drink 68 oz of water each day. You will also be able to drink more with each sip. Hang in there I am starting to see some differences and am starting to feel much better. You will too!!!
   — Tammy D.

April 7, 2002
I'm also 4 weeks post op and have about the same problem. At first it really hurt to try to drink that much than *poof* it suddenly got easier to swallow. I have to carry water with me EVERYWHERE in order to get enough in. I still am not getting 64 oz in each day, but I'm a whole lot closer than I was in the first couple weeks! By the way - what in the world is a stone? I've never heard that phrase before! LOL
   — Katy B.

April 7, 2002
I'm almost 5 weeks post-op. At first I was only drinking around 16 ounces a day if I was lucky. I've laways hated water, still do. I drink 48 to 56 ounces a day. I drink De-Caf iced tea and Herbal tea with a little Equal. Chamomille is my favorite. Warm liquids go down so easily for me. Give warm tea a try. Good luck.
   — Angie B.

April 7, 2002
I am pre-op, but have been trying to do all the reight things before surgery. One of them is stopping the Coke (nectar of the gods...lol) and drinking water. What I have done is bought lemons, limes , oranges, and everytime I get a glass of H2O I will get a slice of one of these fruits, give it a squeeze and them drop it into the glass. It adds just a hint of flavor. I have sliced them ahead a keep them in a zipper bag in the fridge.
   — cherokey55

April 7, 2002
sugar free jello saved my life! they have it already premade now. it melts in your body and is considered a liquid. jolly rancher also has a sugar free jello, but for some reason i liked the flavor of the jello brand better. good luck. i struggle with this one too. 5 wks postop, 30 lbs down. open rny.
   — PATSY N.