Question:
Why am I getting nauseous from drinking sips of water?

This is really upsetting me. I am 12 days post-op. Today, I drank 2 sips of water and almost vomited. Also, everytime I eat or drink, I seem to have large air bubbles swallowed with it and I'm always uncomfortable for quite awhile. Its making me not want to eat or drink. I'm eating and drinking slowly too. Anyone have this problem?    — Kim T. (posted on March 26, 2002)

March 25, 2002
Kim....hang in there dear, I am 5 weeks post op and I an still learning that every day can be different for me. The food that agrees with me one day wont the next. I have heard that by about 4 months post things settle down, I am really hoping this is true. Some days water will even nauseate me. I also have the sir bubble problem, my esophagus girgles as I swallow anything. I have learned that the most important thing is to eat very very slowly. On good days I can even gulp drinks of water. I think that is why slowing down is so important, you have to judge each and every bite or sip to see if it sits well with your tummy. Now if you do go more than a day without being able to keep anything, even water down then you should contact your dr. Strictures can happen, but even that has a very simple procedure that will fix the problem. Best of luck to you.
   — SARose61

March 25, 2002
Call your doctor today please. You may have a stricture, which is often described as not even being able to drink water. Even if you do not, you will become dehydrated quickly if you cannot even take in 2 sips of water. Are you on the phone yet?
   — Shannon S.

March 25, 2002
In my paperwork from the Dr. and hospital it says that for up to 12 weeks you may have trouble tolerating water. Seems funny since you'd think water is the easiest thing. But I'm 5 and 1/2 months out and I still get nauseated if I drink water. My Dr. told my to do half water half apple juice. Or even 1/4 apple juice 3/4 water worked for me.
   — alicialeew

March 26, 2002
I am 7 days post-op and am also having a very difficult time with water and basically all other clear fluids. I get terrible trapped gas and I don't know how to burp. Finally, I feel like I have to throw up and I am able to "burp." It is so gross. I am also having loose stools. I am just a joy to be around. Ironically, I started "full liguids" today and have had better luck. Still having the problem with water . . .
   — jm3218

March 26, 2002
I am about 3 weeks post-op and have problems with nausea after drinking plain water too. I seem to do pretty good with diluted fruit juice, milk, & V-8 juice, just plain water especially on an empty stomach makes me a little nauseaous. From other posters and from Physiology classes back in college, it is probably due to plain water being isotonic (if I remember the correct terms). Kind of the same thing as plain water will iratate your eyes but saline solution (such as contact lens solution) won't because it has a salt solution. From what I have read, it will go away in a few months. And yes, I have taken burbing to a new height. From our support group, they say you just have to learn how to burp and you are ok. Boy am I learning how to burp.
   — Dell H.