Post-op day 3 and struggling

[LibbyP0214 3]

I had my surgery 4 days ago and am experiencing a lot of discomfort in my stomach every time I drink - even tiny sips of Water. I’m worried if this doesn’t get better soon I’ll have to go in for IV hydration. Did anyone else have a hard time keeping up with liquid intake postop? I knew it would be hard but I didn’t realize it would be so painful….

[Bettyboop56 33]

I think everyone has issued with the Water. I had to stay an extra day in the hospital until I got my quota in. I find even room temperature is harder than slightly warm. Take sips not a drink so 1 oz in 15 minutes. I set my phone timer. I used my timer for 3-4 weeks. When I get distracted and don't get my water in, I get constipated. At 6 weeks, I have a power aide container that I need to get down before lunch, and another by 4, by dinner. Another before I go to bed.

[LibbyP0214 3]

Thank you! Very helpful. I’ll keep working on it. Fingers crossed.

[SleeveToBypass2023 2,678]

Try drinking warm liquids. I couldn't tolerate anything cold for the first 2ish weeks. But warm broth, tea, etc was completely fine. That's how I got my fluids in until my stomach calmed down and I was able to drink normal drinks.

[LibbyP0214 3]

Thank you, I’ll try that!

[LibbyP0214 3]

I haven’t been able to keep down much Protein but my doctor says that happens sometimes - when were you able to tolerate the Protein Drinks?

[SleeveToBypass2023 2,678]

1 hour ago, LibbyP0214 said:

I haven’t been able to keep down much Protein but my doctor says that happens sometimes - when were you able to tolerate the Protein Drinks?

I was always able to tolerate them, as long as I popped them in the microwave for like 30 seconds (if they had been sitting out of the fridge....1 minute in the micro if they were in the fridge).

[BigSue 1,402]

This is one of those things that you can’t fully comprehend until you experience it. Before my surgery, I read about people struggling to get enough fluids, but I thought it would be simple if I just remembered to keep sipping. Ha! It is much harder than it looks. I think most surgeons’ expectations for Fluid intake are unrealistic for the first few days after surgery. I found it easier to drink warm fluids than cold, and Protein hot cocoa was a necessity for protein intake in the beginning. Protein Soups are also helpful.

[CandyCane101 0]

100% agreed. I’m 3 days post op and thought how hard could it be to get 1 oz in every 15 minutes ha! The burning sensation in the stomach every time I sip doesn’t help either.

[LibbyP0214 3]

Sooo much burning. hopefully it gets better soon!

[gojackets 14]

4 hours ago, CandyCane101 said:

100% agreed. I’m 3 days post op and thought how hard could it be to get 1 oz in every 15 minutes ha! The burning sensation in the stomach every time I sip doesn’t help either.

Same here. Day 3 for me as well and the only that goes down without any pain is SF popsicles. Plain Water hurts the worst. Can't wait until tomorrow, I can have SF Jello pudding and yogurt.

[LibbyP0214 3]

35 minutes ago, gojackets said:

Same here. Day 3 for me as well and the only that goes down without any pain is SF popsicles. Plain Water hurts the worst. Can't wait until tomorrow, I can have SF Jello pudding and yogurt.

Sorry to hear you’re having a hard time too but good to know I’m not alone. this too shall pass.

[kswmayo45 0]

I'm 7 days Post-op and having very difficult time getting in the Water also. I thought I was the only one with the pain after drinking. I pray that we all get past this phase quickly. I'll try the warm liquids to see if it helps. Thank you all for your posts.

Sent from my SM-S908U using BariatricPal mobile app

[ShoppGirl 5,061]

If you do get to the point that you need fluids, contact your team first. They should be able to arrange for you to get them without going to the ER. I had to get them and I did go to the hospital building but it was a different part. I thought for sure I was going to be sent to the ER.

[summerseeker 2,284]

If you have a paper cut on your finger it hurts really bad and they are usually teeny tiny ones. Our stomachs have been chopped off. Its a huge surgery. There is a swelling and healing process going on that we cant see but I really didnt understand either. I had a tough time early on, I had to stay in the hospital 6 days. My stomach cut line was so swollen they thought I had a stricture.

Every day got better and the more Fluid you get in the better you feel. Have a drink with you even in bed, it all helps