I had thyroid cancer about 6 1/2 years ago. I only mention this because during the radiation, my salivary glands were damaged and will never get better. Because I don't manufacture as much saliva now it is necessary for me to drink while I eat. I have been told that you cannot do this with the full gastric bypass and am wondering if it is possible with the sleeve. I am more proned to look at the sleeve anyway just because it seems safer to me all the way around. I have about 85 lbs to lose and have been fighting weight all my life.

So my questions are:

1. While I know it is not encouraged, would one be able to sip Water while eating with a sleeve?

2. What exactly does the post op diet consist of and for how long?

3. How long is the actual recovery time? How long in the hospital? How long before you could go back to work?

I think those are my basic questions. Thanks in advance for whatever help you all can provide!

Hi, Pamela and welcome. Those are great questions and I'll try my best to answer based my surgeon's recommendations and my own personal experience.

1) It is recommended to not drink while you eat with the sleeve for a couple of reasons.

a) it hurts early out because of the swelling that is still apparent from the initial surgery

it flushes food through quicker therefore you may not feel full as long as some patients

c) I started sipping a little bit when I ate spicy/salty food. Essentially, just enough to wet my whistle. If I'm having a glass of wine with dinner, I do sip my wine before eating, and maybe a few sips with my meal. I'm several months out (8.5), and have learned to deal with the not eating while I drink, but sometimes I need a little swallow. It has not negatively effected my weight loss or my satiety during my meals. I did make the mistake of taking a decent size drink early out, and it caused immediate cramping, and discomfort.

2) Post op diet recommendations per my surgeon

a) Clear liquids for 2 weeks

Full liquids for 2 weeks

c) Mushies/purees soft solids for 2 weeks

d) progress to solid, more dense Protein filled foods as tolerated

3) Actual recovery time varies by patient. I know a lot of patients return to work, depends on job type, within 7-14 days.

Average hospital stay is 2-3 days. My surgeon requires 2 nights in the hospital. Healing time on the staple line is 6-8 weeks(this is the biggest reason for the slow progression of the post-op diet)

With the sleeve, you can drink right up until you take that first bite since you do not have a "pouch" like with RNY and the band. With RNY or the band, you can't drink 30 minutes before eating, during eating, and 30-45 minutes after eating. I had the band so I had the learning curve beat when I revised to the sleeve. You should wait 30-45 minutes after eating to resume normal drinking to ensure the food is digested and you aren't pushing food through. For me, the sleeve has been fabulous.

Hope this helps.

Pamela,

Please don't worry too much. I have been very lax regarding drinking while eating and I have still succeeded. Maybe it would have been faster if I hadn't but I have been very happy. I have lost over 7 stone from my preop diet to now so you should be Ok. Just keep it to the minimum you can.

All the very best to you, Jane

Pamela - I am 8 months out and have found that if I sip something hot while I am eating I do not have any issues. I have to do this as I still suffer from esophogeal spasming and it sometimes makes eating a bit difficult, so if I have been having problems that day, I will have a hot tea (or sometimes just hot water) available to sip (not gulp, just sip) with my meals. I think you will be okay.

Like VegasAngel, I also like to keep a cup of hot tea with me when I eat. I take a few sips if I feel I need to and haven't had any cramping or problems. I also believe you will do fine. Our bodies have an amazing capacity to adapt to what we need.

I am 4 months out and I have always drank while eating. I just cant NOT drink and eat. Its IMPOSSIBLE for me. It hasnt hindered me one bit. But I guess it really is a personal issue. I can do it though ... Good Luck .. I love my sleeve!!

Thanks so much to all of you who responded. It has really put my mind at ease!

Maura, I am looking at Kaiser in Torrance. Is that the same place where you had yours done?

Hi Pamela yes I went through the Kaiser in Harbor City. I don't think they have one in Torrance, but I might be mistaken. My surgeon was Dr. Zane and I totally love him. Good luck with your decision. It was the best one I made :-)

I just looked it up. I guess it is near Torrance so it is the same place. You are doing amazing with your weight loss. How was the recovery time for you? I know it's different for everyone but I just feel like I have to keep asking :confused1: