Why wont i be able to do more than sip liquids after surgery? Is our stomach too sensitive? Is it too small? Will i ever be able to get a "normal" drink or a big gulp on a hot day?

I don't know why but I know the first few days post-op I took too big drinks and it was painful. It felt like the juice or tea was stuck. I felt back pain with it and wanted to burp but couldn't. I am now over two weeks post-op and I can handle bigger gulps but still not the same as pre-op.

I just wasn't able to early out.  Your stomach is swollen for the first few weeks and you get full very quickly.

The pouch is very small... some as small as a thumb to the size of an egg.  It is swollen and healing.  It is very important to only sip but to sip thoughout the day in order to remain hydrated.

All those staples or stitches make your new pouch swollen and sore.  Think about any incision.  So only tiny amounts can be held in the beginning.  but it doesn't last forever.  I certainly drink normally and have for a while.  There are some times still when cold isn't comfortable but not often anymore.  In the beginning, cold was a definate no-no for me although some folks don't seem to have a problem with it.

The reason for only liquids immediately after surgery is to give your pouch/stomach a chance to heal.  The last thing you want is to push the limit and blow out your staples or stiches.  That's the reason why after a period of time you transition to purees, soft foods, then back to normal type of eating. 

Actually, you'll want to be careful throughout your whole journey so you don't continuously overeat and stretch your pouch back out (it happens naturally, but it can also happen faster/bigger by pushing it). 

Yes, you will be able to take larger drinks (try not to gulp) within a reasonable period of time.  Just listen to your pouch (as it's your new tool and WILL remind YOU when you're pushing it) so you don't get sick.

Good luck!  Always here for questions!
 

Before surgery I wasn't a drinker at all.  A 16 oz. Diet Pepsi would last me all week.

The week after surgery drinking was painful in my glands under my ears.  I wanted to gulp water so bad but I just couldn't.  I wasn't prepared for that so it was very upsetting for me.  You aren't normally allowed to use a straw but my Surgeon said as long as I didn't get gas from sucking then I could use one.  It was a life saver.

It only lasted a couple of weeks.  Now I crave liquids and it's a good thing because I  drink at least for Protein drinks a day plus other liquids.

 Thanks guys... I've been sitting in 100 degree weather for over a week and gulping down water... I kept thinking "wow, will i be able to do this after surgery?".