New to site - couple of questions

Hi everyone.  I am scheduled to have my RNY on October 6th.  I came across this site almost a week ago, and I've spent a ton of time going through the old posts, which gave me a ton of great info!  However, there's a couple of questions that I really haven't been able to find answers to, either here or online.  I start my education classes on September 16th, so maybe they'll be answered then, but I'd like to know what you all say.

 

1. After I'm healed, will I be able to "guzzle" water ever again?  I know that it's best to drink constantly during the day, but it seems like there's bound to be times where I've gotten dehydrated because of working on something.  I've found that lots of people with the sleeve are able to, but I didn't see a lot from RNY patients.

2. Do any of you wear a medical alert bracelet or carry any sort of information stating that you've had the RNY?  

 

I'm sure I'll have plenty of other questions later, but these are the ones I have right now. Thanks!

I cannot guzzle water, but I can drink 20 ounces in five or so minutes. I drink water all day, so I don't feel too thirsty. I don't wear a medical alert bracelet.

I've never tried to guzzle, but I can drink a 20 ounce bottle in just a couple of minutes. It takes a couple of months after surgery for drinking to become more or less normal. 

There's no need to wear a medical alert bracelet. Some people have them warning about using an NG tube. An NG tube is a feeding tube, not a breathing tube. Breathing tubes are no danger. And feeding tubes are never an emergency, you would always know before they placed one.

That's not necessarily true. NG tubes are used for tube feedings but can also be used to suction out the stomach.  Twenty -some years ago I overdosed on a bunch of pills and they had to insert an NG tube to empty out my stomach.  I was unconscious when they did it and it absolutely was an emergency.  And I did not know before they placed one.  I knew when I woke up.

Congrats on your upcoming surgery :) Best decision I've ever made!

At this point I can guzzle water. I don't often need to as I try and drink constantly throughout the day, the I will after working out. In the beginning it was just tiny sips, and as time goes on it will progress. Just like with food, things will take time but will get easier.

All I can say is tha****er is so important, and though it may seem difficult right after surgery, just keep sipping. Form the good habits right away and hopefully they'll stick with you :)

Also, I don't wear the medical alert bracelet. I was never advised to. It never seemed like a necessity to do so, though I know some people choose to wear them after the surgery. 

Best of luck to you, and don't hesitate to post more questions if you have them!

 

Welcome to OH.   I am almost 9 yrs post op RNY and yes I can guzzle water but hardly ever do.   You really don't have to drink constantly ( I know it seems that way ).   We are required to drink at least 64 oz. water a day which is about 4 water bottles so that truly isn't all that much.    As far as the medical ID bracelet....I do wear one and I suggest that everyone wear one as well. Oh and BTW....a NG tube is NOT a feeding tube ( or at least not that I am aware of ).   I went to the ER 2 yrs ago and they put a BLIND NG tube in me.   It is a tube that goes down your nose into your throat and into your stomach pouch.   They put one down me to remove stomach acid....I was telling them that I couldn't have one blind without a XRay of it going in because my stomach size had been altered.   That is the reason it is on the medical allert bracelet.   Without the XRay putting one in they could blow through your stomach pouch.    My medical allert bracelet says my name.   RNY Gastric Bypass, No NSAIDS, No Blind NG Tube.    I'd rather wear one and be safe rather than sorry.   Good luck on your upcoming surgery.    

 

Hugs and blessings ~~~~ Vivian

Feeding tube is just the most common term. The NG tube is inserted down directly into the stomach, for feeding as well as diagnostic and therapeutic reasons. It is NOT used for breathing, which is the common misconception. A breathing tube is used in an emergency, when you may be unconscious. The NG tube is not an emergency, and is a procedure they would get your consent before doing.

An NG tube can be used in an emergency as well, to suction out the stomach contents for some reason.  You may be unconscious and unable to consent before it's inserted - I was once.

If I have a heart attack, you can bet your life I want aspirin - no one is going to give you NSAIDS in an emergency situation - UNLESS they would save your life!

If someone did insert an NG tube on you without your consent, you should sue!  NOT because you have an RNY, but because no one can do ANY medical procedure on you without consent UNLESS it is to save your life and an NG tube would never do that!   Consider why someone would do something to you when you are saying no!!!!

Unless you have a life threatening allergy or condition, you do not need a MedicAlert bracelet.   RNY is neither a life threatening allergy or condition!   Wear one if you want, but there is absolutely no need to do so!

As others have indicated, I can drink a 20 ounce or 16 ounce bottle of water in just a few minutes, but I'm not sure that I could "guzzle" because if you drink too quickly the water will back up into your esophagus. I've had that happen and it's a very distressing feeling. I've never felt the need to drink more quickly than the 16 or 20 ounces over a few minutes.

I have a medical ID bracelet, but I only wear it about half the time. It does mention my RNY (but not the blind NG tube stuff), but that's not why I wear it. I wear it because I take blood thinners which can be life threatening in the case of an accident.

As Kim said, my medical alert doesn't mention NSAIDs, because if I'm having a heart attack I sure as hell want them to give me aspirin.  I will take the extremely slim chance that a single dose of aspirin will create an ulcer.

Lora