Question:
Can I be drinking too much liquid, it doesn't hurt and I don't feel full whats wrong?

I am one week post- op and I don't know why I can drink plenty of fluids, no problem. I haven't started the cottage cheese or egg substitute yet. I will be shortly. I told my surgeon that I don't feel really any different and was disappointed in my 5 day post op check, Only lost 5lbs. Is this normal?? could something be wrong? Is there anyone out there that has been about 5'8" 301 and hap the Lap done and hasn't lost alot in the beginning? It seems like everyone I see on this web site has lost 20lbs the first week, 30 in two..and here I am ....5lbs 5 days post op. I need your encouragement and would love to hear from you if you could let me know. Thank you! R Driver    — time4change220 (posted on August 29, 2003)

August 29, 2003
Hi, I just wanted to let you know please don't fret too much about losing only 5 lbs. In the hospital, we typically gain some weight because of the fluids from the IVs, and I believe we retain fluid for a little bit also. My nutritionist said to think of the pouch as a funnel; when you pour liquids into it, they will filter through fairly quickly, so you'll be able to tolerate fluids without really any problem. You'll start to feel a different sensation when you start on your soft foods. For me, it's not the feeling of "full" that I used to get. I make sure to measure out my food into my 2 oz. cups, and I stop eating when it's empty. I don't even TRY to eat more than my 2 oz. because I don't want to stretch my pouch or rupture my staples. I do get some kind of feeling in my stomach area, so I guess that is my "new full signal." It's so different now, more just a feeling of "not hungry" rather than full. I'm 10 days out and I've lost 17 lbs, and I don't really feel different either. I do notice some discomfort if I drink too fast or take too big gulps instead of little sips. Someone once said on the message board that the 1st 6 weeks is about healing, not losing weight. So, please don't let it get you down, just focus on healing for now, and it will come off soon! Good luck and God Bless!
   — Moysa B.

August 29, 2003
At 5 days post op I was still 10#'s heavier than on the day of surgery. I only lost 12-15#'s a month in the beginning. DOn't worry, this will work for you.
   — barbara A.

August 30, 2003
Believe it or not, I actually GAINED 25 pounds in the hospital. It was all fluid. I felt like a huge water balloon. LOL It took me almost a month to get rid of it all. I was very disappointed, thinking that my weight loss was going to be pitifully slow. But after I lost all the fluids, then got on the scale after a month, not only had I lost all the fluid weight but I had also lost an additional 20 pounds. Your body is going through LOTS of changes right now and will be out of whack for some time. Give it some time. I know you're really excited and want to see a quick loss, but if you really think about it, 5 pounds in 5 days is great - that's a pound a day! If you did that every day for a month, you would lose 30 pounds in one month, which is awesome. You're less than a week post-op ... give it a chance to work. Congratulations and welcome to the losing side! :)
   — MomBear2Cubs

August 30, 2003
Keep drinking those fluids! Your body is in healing mode and will be for the first 2 or 3 months. When you start 'eating' real foods, go easy. Like the other poster said-measure then eat. No seconds. I am 3 weeks post op and on clear fluids until my 6 week mark. I am feeling full when I finish my soup but it's not the same kind of full as when eating solids. I could drink a fair amount of fluids from the start too-4-5 cups a day in the first week. Water will empty out of the pouch quickly. You must keep hydrated and don't worry too much about what the scale says. YOur weight will drop, there is no way it can't. mary ann taylor -38 lbs in 3 weeks.
   — mary ann T.

August 30, 2003
I was 442 and based on the "norm" for super morbidly obese I should have lost like 40+ lbs in the first month, but not me. I lost 22 lbs and was down about 40-45 at 2 months. So your 5 lbs is right in line with my loss. This early out your body is going through so much. Your digestive tract is figuring out what in the heck was done to it and the areas that were cut are healing etc. Please do not sweat the weight loss and only weight when you go to the doctor, otherwise you will drive yourself nuts. You also undoubtedly had fluid to lose from all the IV fluids in the hospital. That takes time to get out also. You are going to do great. Just realize that your body will be doing healing for like 2-3 months and at times it just needs to rest and recoup. The weight loss will come trust me! My 22 lbs has turned into 159 lbs in less than 7 months, so hang in there.
   — zoedogcbr

August 31, 2003
If someone lost 20 pounds one week out of surgery, I'd like to meet them..that is NOT the norm. Most of us gain weight the first week or two due to fluid retention-I gained 12 and almost had a heart attack when I stepped on the scale, like, hey, thanks for telling me, doc! And get out of the habit of saying "only lost X amount of weight in X amount of time" now. If you start that you will have a rough journey. Everyone loses differently, so just follow the diet and the pouch rules and enjoy whatever loss comes your way.
   — Cindy R.