Question:
I love really cold water. I don't like just sipping. Can I hurt myself if I take

a big drink? I feel like I am dry mouth all the time and just sipping doesn't help. Can I drink too much water and stretch my stomach??? I am 12 days post op. Thanks    — Shawnee R. (posted on June 24, 2001)

June 24, 2001
Please don't take large drinks--they will make you hurt. If we forget and take a large drink it is painful and you learn not to do it.
   — Donna A.

June 24, 2001
Taking big drinks of water so soon post op will be painful. Even if you try to take big drinks, I don't think your new tummy would allow it and you may vomit it right back up. The good news is that you won't be sipping tiny amounts of liquids for long. I had Lap/Rny and by 4 or 5 weeks post-op I was able to gulp my water. I'm 10 weeks post-op and now can even sip liquids while I'm eating but don't drink too much as I want to fill up on my food rather than liquids. It gets better.
   — [Anonymous]

June 24, 2001
If you feel dry mouthed a lot take a sip and then try gargling and swishing cold water in your mouth and then spit it out. Or suck on a popsicle. That's what I plan on doing. I also like to take big gulps of water. I may start practicing sipping for the three weeks I have left before surgery. Good luck.
   — Cathy D.

June 25, 2001
I've found that somewhere around the four week post op that I don't have to "sip" water anymore. Yes! I can drink more normal now. However I can not take big gulps so it pays not to get to thirsty. But being able to drink normal again is great. ;)
   — Danmark

July 8, 2001
I have the same problem. I was drinking 2-6 liters of water every day before my surgery, but now I get gas if I even sip it. 16 days post-op and I can drink juice straight, and no problem with chicken broth, but water makes me uncomfortable... I'm hoping it changes soon.
   — Dave K.