Question:
Can someone please tell me what to do?

I had my open RNY Thursday the 26th, Friday was clear liquids and Saturday was full liquids. I was doing so well I was released Saturday. The problem is now I find it hard to get 2 oz. of liquids down every hour and try to get all my water down too. Are we swelled on the inside as well as the out and will this pass in a few days? I feel so full all the time. Sugar free popsicles are the easiest to handle but I know there is no protein in them. I would be grateful for any advice. Thanks and love you all    — Brenda T. (posted on September 30, 2002)

September 30, 2002
Take it one day at a time, drink slow, warm liquids seem to be better. If you feel super full don't drink all. Just take one day at a time. It will get easier, it really does.
   — Nilda G.

September 30, 2002
Hydration is more important at this stage. If you can tolerate drinking Carnation Instant Breakfast No Sugar Added or Ensure Light or whatever protein drink your surgeon/nutritionist has you on, then have those. If not, just try to get all of your water in...JR (open RNY 07/17 -84 lbs)
   — John Rushton

September 30, 2002
Yes Brenda, initially our insides are very, very swollen - which is what makes it so diffifult to drink our liquids. Like John said, try to get your protein first, then your water or juices. I would freeze my juices to the point of being slushy, then I would eat them w/a spoon - it felt so wonderful going down and I got my liquids in. The swelling passed for me in about a week - then it was easier to drink everything. Take care of yourself, it all falls into place!
   — Rosario T.

October 1, 2002
I don't know if they're available in your area, but here in Seattle you can buy something called Cold Fusion Protein Juice Bars. They're popsicles; each bar has 130 calories, no fat, 23g carbs, 11g protein, andd 100% Vitamins A, E, C, Manganese, Chromium, Biotin and Selenium. I just bought 'em, so I don't know how they taste. If they're not in the frozen foods section, look in the "organic" section of your supermarket, if they have one. Seems like they're just the thing for new post-ops.
   — Roxanne M.

October 1, 2002
Brenda, take it easy on yourself. You have just had a major surgery and your body needs to adjust. I have had my surgery 28 months ago, and remember that it was hard to get all of the requirements for protein and water in for the first few weeks after surgery. You will become accustomed to it though. Don't worry, just get better.
   — twenc