Question:
Is it normal at 9 weeks to be drinking water faster than just little sips

I am 9 weeks post op and had the VBG done on July 10. I am finding I am drinking bigger sips of water and is this normal. I don't want to stretch or do harm to my new pouch. I am at 50 lb weight loss so far. And at times it seems like I can eat more than other times. I am also having a hard time with eating slow. How do you conquer that. I try to chew and chew and chew. I have a problem with bread and salad. I have only gotten sick twice and it was on brusselsprouts and than a salad. Is that normal?    — Marcia S. (posted on September 13, 2000)

September 13, 2000
If I were you I'd just drink at a normal pace. I mean don't chug but also you don't have to take ridiculously little sips either. Eating slowly was hard for me to get used to too. I've learned that there are consequences to eating fast and with big bites. I mean I get a migraine and a stomach ache and heartburn. So over the months I've learned, and you will too, that I hate that. So, I eat smaller bites now and at a pace that is reasonable for my new physiology. It takes time. Our brains are in that mode of thinking pre-op but I promise you'll conform. Good luck and congratulations on that 50 lbs:)
   — [Deactivated Member]

September 13, 2000
I was concerned about this too. We are going to be able to drink a little more and eat a little more after the first couple of week because the initial swelling will subside. I have learned how to drink water a little better and in bigger sips than before also. I think it was an adjustment that by body made. I know that the opening out of the stomach adjust in size also and I am emptying a little faster. Depending on the texture of the food and how soon I eat after drinking and before has alot to do with how much food I can eat. I am now working on making my meals 2 oz. no matter what I think I can eat, and drinking an hour before and after. 4 meals a day and nothing after 8 o'clock. I had surgery on July 31st and only lost 1 pound this week, I am down 27 pounds total. I am not complaining about my loss at all, I do think that in my quest to add some variety and eat like a "normal" person I hurt myself in the process. So I am back to the basics and I think thats where I am going to stay. I think 50 pounds is fantastic and I wish you the best. I cant say enough to follow your surgeons orders. Between my head telling me its hungry and my body wanted all the old stuff it use to get at midnight, I have been struggling. I can't do raw veggies at all. I was never a real salad fan so I do not miss those. I am ramblng..Good Luck and Congrats on the great loss...Peace Trina
   — Courtrina Amur W.