4 days post-op

Hi everyone

I had my surgery on Feb 4 2014 and I'm trying to figure out how to drink 64oz of fluid. I feel like I drink constantly, but it takes me ages to get a few ounces down. Maybe my sips are too small. I really don't want to get dehydrated so I'm trying so hard , but it just seems like the water bottle never goes down. Any tips?

Have you tried drinking crysta light? I find that when the water tastes good I can drink more.

At my four week follow-up with my surgeon, I learned what I wish I would have known from day 1: according to my surgeon, your stomach is very, very angry about being cut up and stapled, and very, very swollen, and a lot of people are highly unlikely to be able to drink 64 oz for weeks afterward, if not months.  Don't worry, just keep sipping.  I spent the first month feeling like a failure because I wasn't drinking enough in general, and protein shakes made me sick!  I am almost 8 weeks out, and more often than not end up under 48oz for the day.  I think I could do better, but I'm not drinking enough at work, which throws me off for the day.  Hang in there.  Drink as often as possible.  But don't keep looking at that 64 oz number and thinking something is wrong, because it's not.  You're swollen, and it will get better with time!

this is the same conversation i just had with my mom who is taking care of me while i recover surgery on the same day and no clue how i can possible get 64 oz in today feels like my stomach is not a swollen and i can take bigger sips of things funny thing is i actually prefer just normal water compared to crystal light or propel zero which was totally the other way around before surgery 

I'm 4 days out, too. Everyone is different. I'm not having trouble getting my fluids in. BUT... I take teeny tiny sips! If I mess up and accidentally take a big gulp, it sure does hurt!

My trick for getting the water in is unsweetened herbal tea. It seems to go down easier for me than just plain water. I've tried lemon (didn't like it), orange & cinnamon (win), and chamomile (also win).

I discovered as I healed that my stomach didnt like really cold water. I drink water at room temperature. My stomach is happier. 

Do the best you can with reaching the goals. It takes time to reach them. Be patient with yourself and keep sipping.