Question:
I'm having a problem when I swallow liquids

I'm 2.5 weeks postop and have no problem with eating my soft foods. But for some reason everything I drink, including water, I can feel it go through my pouch straight to my intestines, which then causes a slight cramping in my pouch and intestines for a few seconds. It doesn't really hurt, but it is uncomfortable and aggravating and makes me NOT want to drink my liquids. I've only been getting in 5 glasses a day, but this problem is hindering from getting in more. I'm just wondering if any other postops had this problem and if so, what causes it, and is it temporary or does it last forever?    — Val D. (posted on May 5, 2002)

May 5, 2002
Water was the worse thing for me. I drink a lot before my surgery, but after surgery I couldn't drink it. I would hit my tummy like a rock. Even the tinyest sips. It took till about 8 weeks for mine to get better. The dr said he'd never heard of that before. I could do Koolaid a little better but not much. To if I get sick on something it will go back that way again for two days. Don't have any answers for you just wanted you to know it will get better just keep drinking.
   — Sharon L.

May 5, 2002
I noticed this a little too, usually the first drink feeling uncomfortable, but it then goes away for me. It even happens now once in a while, I 9 months post-op. But only the first drink. And actually I can now almost gulp liquids without a problem.
   — W H.

May 5, 2002
I posted the same question when I was about three weeks postop. It appears that some people have this problem. I still have it now, but a lot less. I told the nurse in my surgeon's office and she said it is the body healing. I found if you take tiny sips it is not as bad.
   — Lisa N M.

May 5, 2002
Val, I had a similar problem post op. My doctor had me take pepcid 2x a day it helped somewhat after a few days. But I would add a little crystal lite body quencher (?) to the water , it went down easier. It helped me if I sipped from a straw , although this was a nono from my doctor. I just took little sips constantly.
   — Rose A.