Question:
Why do I get pain/upset stomach when I drink water--never did before my RNY

   — Dawn-Marie F. (posted on July 24, 2002)

July 24, 2002
Hi there! It may not be that you can't handle the water...but just the temperature of the water. I know for me, as a new post-op I had trouble tolerating COLD water... It would make me nauseous. I would buy bottled water and have to let it sit until it was just COOL. Tap water was usually okay and didn't bother me much. You might try that and see how it goes...Hope it helps!
   — Amy A.

July 24, 2002
I heard that it may be the PH level in water. Water sometimes bothers me but I have no problem if I drink Snapple or Crystal Light.
   — Linda A.

July 24, 2002
When I drink water I get a very sharp pain where my new stomach is... I asked the doctor about it, she says that it is when too much air goes down with the water - it causes that pain. Learn to sip is my best advise. Good luck!!
   — AphY Girl

July 24, 2002
I have had that problem too. For me it has gotten better with time. I still can't drink a lot of water but no longer feel the urge to hurl after a few sips. I think it has something to do with electrolytes or pH because I find that I can tolerate water with minerals in it better than "plain" water and have no problems at all getting down coffee and tea. I add Crystal Light mix or Sugar-free Tang to my water if I find I just can't get any down that day. I used to be a big water drinker, too. Ironically, I could drink just fine while I am eating but of course we can't do that. :(
   — ctyst

July 25, 2002
Amy is right on this one (at least in my case). I always loved my beverages ice cold, extra ice please. I'm 3 weeks post-op now and am only just beginning to be able to tolerate my water a bit colder. I let my drinking water sit out for several minutes before I begin sipping, or the pain will be there! Good Luck
   — Anna L.

July 25, 2002
I read through the answers, and they all make a lot of sense. My doc looked at me like I was crazy when I told him that water cramped me. Now, at 5 1/2 weeks, it's not as bad, so maybe yours will get better too. My water was not cold nor did I drink it fast, and it still happened.
   — Tina B.

July 25, 2002
Amen to that! I was having the same problem and the cold temp seemed to be my problem too. Although, now that I am 6 weeks out, I can tolerate it colder too...just less at a time.
   — emilyfink