Normal drinking?

[Itsmylife2016]

I live and work in the Texas heat 6 days a week and was wondering if I will ever be able to actually take a decent drink of water without hurting? Right now I'm doing a cap full at a time which is OK since we might get some sort of winter this year but the summers here are horrible and I want to be able to stay hydrated....

[missbybee]

Yes! I'm a little over a year out and can comfortably take four gulps at a time. It's possible I could hold more, but don't try because I'm afraid of vomiting or pain.

[xtalbling]

I accidently took 2 gulps and it was not a good feeling. I didn't realize I even did it cause I was thirsty lol,

[Zosime]

So scary because your body is demanding hydration. I hope an experienced sleever gives you good advice soon... Take care in that Texas Heat!

[RehabNurse]

I'm in Fort Worth (North Central Texas). The drinking situation does get exponentially better, although I've been endulging in 44-ounce unsweet raspberry iced teas from Sonic or Quik-Trip rather than water on an almost daily basis in this crazy heat.

Yes, drinking gets better by the second or third month. You'll forget having to take in such small amounts. I'm 16 months out and can take several large swigs of fluid at once if I am thirsty.

[Zosime]

Rehabnurse, is it easier to drink the tea drinks than water?

[RehabNurse]

Rehabnurse, is it easier to drink the tea drinks than water?

No, not necessarily. It's just that I've never particularly enjoyed water and have a preference for iced tea instead. Flavored unsweet teas (e.g. peach, raspberry, blackberry) are my personal treat on hot summer days.

[Whoopsiedaisy]

GREAT question! I am worried about this as well. I am a BIG water drinker so I will need to make sure, after surgery, that I don't gulp. Although, I read somewhere that drinking warm water with lemon doesn't upset your tummy. Has anyone else heard that?

[Sandra3]

GREAT question! I am worried about this as well. I am a BIG water drinker so I will need to make sure, after surgery, that I don't gulp. Although, I read somewhere that drinking warm water with lemon doesn't upset your tummy. Has anyone else heard that?

I couldn't drink plain water post-op; I had to mix it with juice for a few days (surgeon's orders!). I tried many drinks and preferred herbal tea for it's "texture". Then around month 2/3 I was fine drinking water, but only iced cold water....I couldn't have water with lemon until a few weeks ago, at month 5 because acidity would increase my reflux. Everybody is different and will have different experiences. So far since surgery it had been easier to drink tea or herbal tea (always unsweetened) , and I was drinking water just fine before surgery.

[cathbas]

yes yes yes..you will..life will keep changing for you ..you are at the beginning of your journey..this is the hard part..

[sraebaer]

I have no problems drinking just like I did before surgery. It was just early on I had to sip. This too will pass!

[ndronet]

Texas here as well. I found that the drinking got easier and easier over time. I carry a 30oz RTIC around all the time and have no problem emptying it. I personally found I do much better with a straw as it prevents me from gulping and taking in too much air. I usually drink unsweet tea or water with a flavor enhancer. I also have no issues with a diet coke once and a while. But the big thing for me was using a straw.

[Muted_Tummy]

It depends on you. I am 14 weeks out and can down 48 oz in a hour already. I can gulp. I can do 6 in a row. I didn't "baby" my new sleeve when it came to drinking and used the clock to get all fluids in that first week home. Here I am 13 weeks later and never think about sip sip sip. I just drink.

I DO know mouth feel of a swallow for me and so if I can in too much I can sense that in my mouth pre swallow and break up what's there into 2 or 3 swallows.

The problem with this superpower is that we need to spread fluids over the day, not stockpile, so I know have to watch myself that way and make sure I am always drinking between meals.