drinking not so good

I had my surgery on Tuesday.. I am having such a hard time getting fluids in, it hurts going down and twivce today it came back up... I feel like everything gets tight my chest my stomach... This sucks I know I am not getting nearly enough fluids or protein in... Anyone else have this problem if so do you know how long it last and is there something I should be doing different. ( i make sure to drink slow)

Try to sit straight up. It goes down much better... And don't use straws. It will get better. Focus on getting fluids before protein right now. It will happen.

Fluids are more important than protein right now.  So try for them in that order.  It WILL get better!  I remember thinking I'd never be able to drink normally again.  But I can.

Also experiment with different fluids.  Some people can't tolerate plain water post op but Propel or Crystal Light worked for them.  And try different temps.  Some people need warm liquids, or cold liquids or room temp liquids.

Good luck!

It does not sound normal. I would say if it does clear up in a week or so, check with your doc.

Your stomach is very swollen after surgery, and some people swell more than others.  Pain and tightness in the chest sounds like your sips may be too big.  Take tiny, tiny sips, a couple minutes apart.  I actually bought those little one-ounce medicine cups (I found them on Amazon) - one of those every ten minutes and you've had 60 oz in ten hours.  However, you probably won't get to 60 oz at this point.  A goal would be 30 oz a day within the first 30 days, 60 oz within the first 60 days, 90 oz within the first 90 days.  If you're able to hit higher levels sooner, so much the better. 

Try different temps - some people find warm herbal tea easier on the tummy, others might like ice-cold liquid.  Some can't tolerate plain water for some reason, but Crystal Lite or some other flavoring works well.  Or try diluted low-sugar juice.

Your protein drinks count toward your liquid goal; however, it's much more important to stay hydrated at this point.  If you can't handle the protein drinks because they're too thick, you can dilute them.  You can go awhile without hitting your protein goals, but push tha****er! 

It does get better, I promise.  Just put one foot in front of the other for these few days.

Thanks!!

You're not alone, I was sleeved on Wednesday and Im having the same exact problem. I guess we just have to take it one day at a time.