Question:
I'm having pain with every sip.

Is this normal? It starts at the top of my chest. It's like an ache that spreads thru out my chest/ stomach. I am only 4 days post op.    — suzytil (posted on September 25, 2008)


September 25, 2008
I am told this is pretty normal. I have it with liquid and food and I am 5 weeks out. I find that flavored liquid is easier. It is supposed to go away but nobody has been able to tell me when.
   — vegastina

September 25, 2008
You are likely trying to take too much liquid in a sip, tiny sips are needed post-op...also maybe be trying to sip too fast or you may need to switch to room temp liquids. Good luck to you!
   — Gena L.

September 25, 2008
This seems to be a common question. Are you getting in some air with the sips? I agree that room temperature and small sips should help. Everything is swollen so early post-op, may need some more time to get easier. Another idea, have you tried any Maalox multi symptom to perhaps coat the pathway a little bit and break up some gas bubbles? Are you getting in enough walking? Good luck, Dawn
   — DawnVic

September 25, 2008
Hi, sorry to hear you r having a hard time. I an 9 weeks out ryn. I had and still have the same problem. I found trying to swallow too big of a drink does this. No straws and if u get a big sip swallow only a little. I found eating ice is better for me even freezing protein juice, special k or beach in ice trays works great. I still prefer to eat ice and helps when nausiated I talked to doc and anyway I can get the water fluids is great. good luck enjoy your weightloss you r on your way. Tammi
   — Tammi Sandoval

September 25, 2008
I had a major issue with cold water in the beginning. Room temp and small small sips worked best for me for about 2 weeks...i can now drink a full 32 oz glass of water with ice in about 15-20 minutes as long as I have not eaten in about an hour....I am 3 months out.
   — lori042499

September 25, 2008
I had the same problem and it has improved some. I am 3 weeks out today, and talked with the doctor at my 1 week post-op visit about it. He said this is normal. Evidently, no matter how hard you try not to, you swallow a little air with every sip - but the smaller the sip, the less air you take in. You no longer have the huge space in the stomach for the air to move out of the way for the liquids/food to go down, and it is even smaller than it will be eventually because of swelling. So, take very small sips. Someone said their NUT suggested breathing out before swallowing as there would be less air to go down then. It does get better, but takes time.
   — Wendy M.

September 25, 2008
I have the same problem. I told my Dr. and they had an x-ray done on my GI track everything was normal ,but my primary Dr. said I have acid refux and that it will need to be taken care of. It is too soon after surgery so I have to wait awhile. I bought a product called (thiken up )I add this to my water with crystal light you can make it as thick as you want, it help's a little. It's funny how i don't have a problem with food, only liquids
   — Pat M.

September 25, 2008
I had the same thing... still do to a certain extent and I'm 9 weeks out post-op. I found that I can't drink regular water without that pain. I found that Crystal Light and K2O protein water goes down just fine (no gulping of course). I don't miss food or eating but I do miss being able to drink the same way I did. I guess it's EVERYTHING in moderation. Try the 2 things I suggested and see if you don't feel better.
   — pattschiele

September 26, 2008
I'm 9 months out and get that when I drink regular, cold water. Try drinking different things and at different temps to see if that helps. If the pain gets worse, make sure to call your doc.
   — gonnadoit

September 26, 2008
Try luke warm/room temp water...It took me a while to figure out that cold water hurt really bad! Once I went closer to a body temp water it was MUCH better! Later you will be able to tolerate icy cold again...Please talk to your surgeons office if it continues just to be safe! Good luck!
   — .Anita R.




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