Question:
Unconsciously, I just gulped my water. Will this harm my new pouch?

As soon as I felt pressure, I knew what I did. How much harm can be done by accidentally gulping?    — Michelle J. (posted on December 1, 2003)

December 1, 2003
No harm at all. As an early post-op, gulping may hurt or make the pouch uncomfortable but as time goes by you will drink water more normally. I gulp all the time.
   — Cindy R.

December 1, 2003
Water won't hurt you. If there's no room, it may come up though.
   — mrsmyranow

December 1, 2003
Gulping water can hurt your pouch very early on-- also, if you are gulping soon (or while) eating, you can also cause some problems (as the food in your pouch absorbs the water and expands). That being said, it is doubtful that you can really cause permanent damage by an occasional slip-up. We all try to unlearn years of bad eating and drinking habits-- it's tough and we all make mistakes. You, however, are already practicing constant vigilence which will benefit you tremendously. Good luck.
   — SteveColarossi

December 1, 2003
I'm just over 3 months out and I'm a gulper big time. When I was a newbie I tried to not gulp but on occasion did by accident and it hurt. Now, I gulp all the time no harm done. I was concerned about how fast I can drink my water so I asked my surgeon's assistant and she says more power to me if I can get it down faster. She also said that it won't stretch my pouch. Be careful though, as a newbie you could spit it up if you go too fast.
   — Morna B.

December 1, 2003
After about a month or so post op....I could drink just like I did pre-op.
   — RebeccaP

December 2, 2003
I am 3 weeks post op and can down water like before surgery. I try not too, but something I can't help it. However, I CANNOT do that with food, if I even try a big bite my body will refuse to let me eat it. Weird. I figure that everything is ok since I haven't gotten sick and am fairly regular.
   — Renee B.

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