if you feel pain, you need to stop. its our body's way of telling us that we're doing something wrong.

however if you want to drink faster than sips try again in another week or so. I do not drink in sips and my doctor said this was just fine and would not stretch my pouch because liquids drain out of your stomach quickly. Just watch out for pain and back off if it does hurt. You'll eventually be able to drink like normal again.

i got those little one ounce medicine cups and then would fill a few, and then every 3 mins for the first week I would drink one of those. It helped make sure I got through all my fluids. I'm now three weeks out and I'm not doing very well on getting my fluids in. I need to be much better about it!

glad everything else is going well!

It is hard at first, but it gets better. I'm about 20 months out and I can drink quite a bit at one time, now. Water won't stretch out your pouch.

Hang in there!

JJ

Hi I've just joined the group and I am having exactly the same problem. I am so used to gulping down a large coffee every half hour that the new regime is really difficult. I have used a straw but if you have hottish soups or drinks it's not really practical.

Also my biggest problem in the beginning. it does get easier, and your pouch will be fine. Just listen to your body--something many of us have problems with. Congratulations and good luck!

Thanks mbroda. Does anyone also have the feeling that they can't cram in all the drinks of water and juice between the meals? I am trying to drink 2 - 4 cups of juice and then some water but I just feel like a drinking machine at the moment!

i felt the same way the first week or so - but now (12 days out), I"m having no problems getting in the liquids. I'm able to drink fairly well now and get at least my 64oz per day, if not more. You're still healing - take it slow ;)

Will do, thanks Dayzee.

Thanks everyone! As a side note, I wasn't sure about joining a support group because I didn't think I'd need one but the replies and well-wishes I got here really made my day. I'm glad I joined and I look forward to getting better acquainted with the community!

It is such a big step and a lifetime commitment I think we all need all the support we can get and groups like this are so very helpful.

I'm 3 weeks post op and I'm still having trouble with fluids. I can get my protein shake down without a problem, but when I try to drink water the way I drink my shake, my pouch hurts pretty bad for a few seconds.

I still can't get all of my fluids in, but I'm trying every day!!!

Just keep trying and you will do great!! Welcome to the group!!!

thanks very much. Just today the group has been so helpful, I'm so glad I found it on the net.

You can't stretch your pouch with a sip of water. Learning pouch cues is part of your job in these early stages. Listen to your stomach!

In the first weeks I was told that drinks are more important than protein. I drank shakes to get my protein and ate only one to two times per day. I felt like I was always thirsty.

This place is a wonderful way to learn from each other and cheer/support each other each step of the way!