16 days post-op

[MTMiller]

Hi Everyone,
I am 16 days post-op and doing very well. My only concern is that plain water gives me pains in the mid chest. I am having a hard time getting in 64 Oz of fluid and I wake up every morning with a VERY dry mouth. So dry my cheeks and lips are stuck to my gums. Any suggestion for getting in more water? I am not yet exercising because I am afraid of sweating and becoming more dehydrated. I am drinking my shakes, cream soups, hot tea, yogurt, diet jello, and sometimes beef broth. I used to love water and guzzle it down. Other than this issue, it has really been a very doable procedure with no complaints at all!

[RehabNurse]

I have a confession: I'm 2+ years out and have never once managed to drink the required 64 ounces of water. I'll be running to the restroom every 20 minutes if I dare attempt to get close. I drink one 16-ounce bottle on most days.

Anyhow, drink 8 ounces when you first awaken, then 8 ounces approximately 30 minutes before/after each meal and snack. You should get close to your daily water goal if you do this.

[Tamera2]

Have you tried flavoring your water with fruit and cucumber or using chrystal light. Power Ad has sugar free options, try taking small frequent sips, or try changing the temp. Some people couldn't tolerate cold beverages at the beginning. I would get chest discomfort if i drank to fast or too much. Hope this helps.

[Christie13]

I would make my own room temperature tea with flavored green tea and Splenda. I made a practice of having something to sip on all day long. It took me a long time to get my fluids in. Cold fluids were harder for me in the beginning. I could drink warm, hot, and room temperature much easier. All fluids count. I would even sip in the middle of the night if I woke up for any reason.

[Gvn71]

The first month after surgery was very tough. I had to work hard to get the water (and protein) in. It was an all day chore. Every few minutes I'd drink a few sips and slowly pick away at the bottle I had. I use a Nalgene bottle (32 oz) so I know exactly where I am everyday. I currently get at least 100 oz of water everyday, and I really believe it is one of the secrets of my current success. Try flavoring your water. I found plain water very unpalatable immediately after surgery (for about the first 2 months). I still have issues with some water, just doesn't taste right and I can't drink it. Crystal light is a very close friend of mine.

Hope this helps!

[Kam3]

I'm starting my puréed diet week 2 and in my daily weigh-Ins have GAINED a pound a day. I am also feeling hunger pains?
I was never this hungry before my surgery. I'm really confused and frustrated. My family says stop the daily weigh-in.

[Luna354]

flavor your water and don't drink cold water! I still have crystal lite all the time. I can't drink plain water. And I still continue to have room temp water. Can't get cold water down!

As for hunger pain, it can be stomach acid and also mental hunger comes into play around 3 weeks post.

[LLM1483]

My surgery was 8/7/17 and I relate to this post 100%. I have also been waking up with my mouth super dry and can't get enough water in during the day. I have had luck with non-caffeinated peppermint tea. Although I miss being able to guzzle my water and actually feel like my thirst is quenched. I know it will just take more time. This thread has helped though!

[Kam3]

I am doing the puréed meals and fitting in the water and protein. I've decided only to weigh myself 1st and 15th of the month.
Didn't gain all the weight overnight so any progress is good progress!