Having Issues Drinking Water

[ImprovedDreamerGirl 2]

I had surgery july 17th.. Water intake hasn't been that good one reason is water hurts to drink. When I drink water even in tiny sips I get a full gas feeling that's painful especially when the pressure initially hits and it feels impossible to burp. Thought it would go away, but no luck. Tried drinking diet snapple.. same thing. When I eat Jello or broth, it doesn't happen though. What am I doing wrong?

[thinmymind 107]

Try tea. Sometimes, especially in the beginning, it is much easier to get in warmer liquids. That gas feeling will eventually go away, for me it was about 3 weeks. Walking is about the only thing to help with that. Peppermint or ginger tea are both really great for soothing tummies.

[gustavo52974 369]

It's strange...I read a lot about people eating Jello right after their surgery, but my surgeon and NUT were both vehemently against this. What gives?

[MinaT 669]

What are you drinking out of? Are you drinking out of a Water bottle? Glass did they give you one ounce medication cups? Water bottles hurt me for the first 5 weeks out. I can drink out of them now with no problems.

One ounce cups, med cups (30ml) took me 3 sips to finish. If you don't have them try using a shot glass, (measure it to see how many ounces).

I was able to get down 1 ounce (sip sip sip) 2nd ounce (sip sip sip) 3 ounce (sip sip sip) and then I couldn't do another. That was my limit then I needed a break. Do some sort of testing to see where your threshold is.

Some people had an easier time with room temperature water, some cold water. I found myself drinking a lot of decaff Peppermint tea with truvia the more of that I drank the easier water became.

Best of luck to you.

[Laura1234 0]

Hi! I had surgery one day before you on the 16th, and Water is very hard for me, too! I feel the same pain you are describing. I tried warm tea but it wasn't any better. I think very thin liquid hurts worse right now which makes no sense to me. My Protein shake is actually easier to drink than the Water. And I am drinking a lot of broth because it does down easy.

"They" say it gets better as the swelling goes down. Just wanted to let you know you are not alone!

[Livinglifeout 217]

I had my surgery the day after you. I found it easier if I stand or at least sit up very straight, than I have less pressure when drinking.

[Supersweetums 1,164]

This will sound crazy, but I have always had a harder time drinking Water after surgery. I can drink sugar free drinks (like crystal light or arizona lemon ice tea sticks sweetened with splenda) with no problems, but water always seems to sit funny in my stomach. I have no explanation and I have heard other people tell me the same thing. I know you tried snapple, but keep trying some other things. And yes, like others have said, try something warm, Soup broth, tea, sometimes the warm fluids go down easier than the cold ones.

[MegInNOLA 531]

Don't forget to try things at different temperatures, too. Sometimes warm or room-temp liquids feel better (or at least don't hurt as much!) than chilled drinks. For me, temperature didn't matter, but I've read a lot here about that.

Also try flavorings in your Water. I know it seems odd, flavor shouldn't affect the feeling of the drink as it goes down, but in my experience, it definitely does, so try different things and see how they work. Hang in there--I had a very difficult time at the beginning with getting in any Fluid. As your body heals, things will improve rapidly.

[PreciousCargo 55]

Now at six months post op I can drink Water without difficulty, however I still have days that it maynt agree with me. My NUT told me eat sugar free popsicles when I was having difficulty. One popsicles equals two ounces of water and they are pleasant to eat. Good Luck

[fesenjoon 22]

Typically, patients undergoing major surgery involving anesthesia tend not to tolerate plain drinking Water. The intolerance goes away after 3-4 weeks. Don't know what this happens but our bodies work in mysterious ways.

When I did my surgery, the hospital actually recommended that I stay on broths, sugar free jells, sugar free popsicles, and Crystal Light (added to water). I couldn't stand drinking plain Water for at least the first six weeks. Another tip is to freeze the water and suck on ice chunks.

Hope this helps.

[ImprovedDreamerGirl 2]

Thanks everyone for these great suggestions.. I thought I was going a little crazy. I will try all .. u guys r great!