Question:
WATER RIGHT AFTER SURGERY

How long must you wait until you can have a drink after surgery. I fear that horrible dry cotton mouth and not being able to drink?    — Kelly* P. (posted on January 5, 2003)

January 4, 2003
Hi. I had the same fear before my surgery. I had surgery on a Wednesday morning, and could not have anything to drink until after my barium swallow on Friday morning. But I was able to brush my teeth and rinse my mouth out (as long as I didn't swallow any water) which helped. They also let me run a wet washcloth over my tongue/mouth. Not being able to drink for a couple of days wasn't fun, but it wasn't as bad as I expected. Make sure you take chapstick or something for your lips, as they dry out and it's hard to keep them moist. That was one of the most important things I took to the hospital! Good luck!
   — Sarah S.

January 4, 2003
My surgeon allows icey water in a cup with a sponge. I dreaded dry mouth but it honestly wasnt a problem. Do call your surgeon and ask how its handled.
   — bob-haller

January 4, 2003
I was able to have ice chips right after I woke up in ICU, a couple hours after surgery...but couldn't actually drink until 2 days after surgery. The ice chips helped a ton.
   — thekatinthehat

January 4, 2003
My surgeon requires his patients to drink upon waking in the recovery room. I know that all of them are very different and you should ask your surgeon or his/her assistant.I am sure it is a standard time per each surgeon. My surgeon leak tests while he is in there so that he can fix it while we are still open. Might sound very different but I remember that when my son had kidney surgery as an infant that his surgeon said that he does the same thing.
   — Carol S.

January 4, 2003
This was a big issue after my surgery because I didn't realize I couldn't drink! They gave me the sponges with water on them for 2 days. I had to be reopened after 2 days due to a bleed in the old stomach. The night after my second operation, I really started complaining and they finally gave me 10cc of ice chips per hour. I see all doctors are different, so I would be sure and ask yours! Best of Luck! rny 11-19-02 down 48 pounds forever!
   — Lisa W.

January 5, 2003
I remember still being in that after-surgery haze and I had the driest mouth you could ever imagine. Once I got to my room, one of the nurses or aides said she had some ice chips for me - all I said was "Thank God." lol I could drink regular water the next day. Every surgeon is different.
   — Toni C.

January 5, 2003
At no time post surgery did I go completely without any "wetting" agent for my mouth, so don't be scared. After the recovery room (which I don't remember), I was taken to the ICU where they put 2 of those glycerin sponges on a stick in a small cup. I was allowed to moisten my mouth with those and still being very dopey at that point, I guess that sufficed as I do not remember any discomfort. You won't be very "aware" of things (like having a dry mouth) for the first 8-10 hours or so post-op. The first time they got me up and walking (in the ICU) I could also brush my teeth and rinse and then spit out the water. I remember looking in the mirror and seeing the wreck that my hair was and not having the energy to want or try to fix it! I walked about 20 feet with the nurse and then it was back to bed. Day 2 I was taken to my room where I had ice chips available to me whenever I wanted. Day 3 I was EATING, and had soup, decaf tea and anything else I asked for that was on my program. By Day 4 they kicked me out of there, and I was on my own. So don't worry....even if you do have the sensation of cotton mouth, you probably won't mind it or even realize it, and before you know it they're giving you ice chips or sponges. Hugs, Joy
   — [Deactivated Member]