Question:
I can take 2-3 large gulps of water now. At the begenning I could only sip a little.

Is it possible that I have stretched my pouch? I'm very curious to how much others at around 5 week out could drink at a time. Thanks! :) xeniWLS 5 weeks post op - about 50 lbs Lap RNY    — xeni W. (posted on March 25, 2004)

March 25, 2004
Right after surgery your new tummy is swollen and thats why the little sips. After a month or so the swelling goes away and you can drink more..lquids go right thru the pouch, dont be concerned you havent stretched anything.
   — bob-haller

March 26, 2004
Water, and for that matter other liquids, cannot stretch the pouch. Remember you have an opening, the stoma, that the water flows right thru the pouch. Frequent overstuffing of the pouch with food will cause abnormal pouch stretching. Normal eating will eventually stretch your pouch to where it should end up. We start with anywhere from a half ounce to a few ounce pouch size and after a year or more will end up with a 6-10 oz pouch-all normal. You will notice the further out you get that you will drink just as much and as fast as you did pre-op.
   — Cindy R.

March 26, 2004
Lucky you!!!! I can only manage about 4 oz of water (3 months post-op) at a time, even when I'm really thristy (after working out) I envy you if you can get gulps in. However, I do not think you need worry about stretching your stomach with water.
   — Anna M.

March 27, 2004
Im almost 3 months post op and I can drink a lot of water/tea as long as I havent had anything to eat around that time. I was amazed too when this came back! I was worried at first...but then realized that like everyone else has said...the liquids slide right thru! I am thankful that I can drink a lot at once since I have always been a big water/tea drinker! Take care, and dont worry...your doing great! Open rny 1/8/04 255/210/145
   — [Deactivated Member]

March 30, 2004
Hi. I am 6 weeks post-op and I can drink alot of water too. I can gulp down a good amount at one time. Initially I could only sip slowly on the water but now it goes down easier. Also, at first, I could only drink room temperature water but now I can drink it cold. Good Luck!
   — Tara J.