Swallowing Air?

[Felicia 28]

So I went to my first support group meeting today, I have to attend three before I have surgery. Well a woman who has had the sleeve was telling us about her horrible experience swallowing air. I know we have to sip sip sip and never use a straw. She said she did all that and still got a bubble of air stuck in her pouch. She said she was unable to get the bubble out and ended up not drinking enough fluids and becoming dehydrated.

Is this normal thing to happen?

How can I drink and eat without swallowing air, like how is the best way to do it ?

I know this seems silly to be freaking out about this but I don't want to be in pain and hurting because I can't sip and eat without swallowing air. Any help or tips would be great. Plus I want to practice eating and drinking the way I have to after I get surgery so I won't screw it up lol.

[LilMissDiva Irene 3,281]

Hello Felicia!

To be honest this is really the first time I've ever heard of anyone getting an air bubble trapped in her sleeve. I've been around a long time too - and in the lap band community as well. I'm definitely NOT saying it can't happen, all I'm saying is it doesn't appear to be very common.

I use a straw every single day, in fact was given use of them during my hospital stay after my sleeve surgery. I never once had an issue of any kind with them. That said, this seems to be a big debate for all types of WLS. Always follow your surgeons advice when doing anything, of course.

The very best way to eat, and especially close after surgery is to take minute bites or sips. You won't know how your new sleeve will react the first time you try anything. In fact, you can sometimes try something one day and your sleeve won't like it the next. Every single meal is a new challenge. Also on the flip side, if your sleeve doesn't agree with something the first time, give it another week and try it again. Chances are good you will be fine the next time around.

It is an excellent idea to start learning how to eat like a sleever and practice. Never hurts...

One last thing, as with any major surgery you might want to expect some pain to some degree. You will likely feel tired and it will be a bit difficult to sip your fluids, and it will also be tough to transition to solid foods. Just take your time and make the most of it. The first three months will be the time where you will lose the most weight, so the struggling is a great trade off!

All the best to you!!!

[lsereno 2,525]

I'm with Diva, I haven't heard of anyone getting an air bubble trapped. My program didn't want us using straws because you could swallow air and be uncomfortable. We were told many people have a problem with gas for a few weeks after surgery and swallowing extra air makes it worse.

I used a one ounce medicine cup and a measuring cup after surgery to get my fluids in. I took tiny sips from the one ounce cup, working to finish it in 15 minutes. That's 4 oz. per hour and if you are up 16 hours, that makes 64 oz. per day. I used the measuring cup as a pitcher so I didn't have to get out of bed every 15 minutes to refill my medicine cup.

I also agree with Diva that it helps to practice sipping ahead of time. It won't seem so strange after surgery if you have practiced a bit first.

Lynda

[Felicia 28]

That medicine cup is a great idea! I'm totally going to do that after my surgery !!! Thanks both of you for relieving some of my stress, I was so nervous. The meetings are supposed to help people but instead it just gave me anxiety. I told my boyfriend as soon as we left that I was coming home and asking you guys on here instead lol

[ravenjeh 16]

I was just sleeved last week, and I can tell you that just about everytime I take a sip, I can feel a air bubble fizz up to my throat as the liquid goes down. Almost like it's trying to make room for the incoming liquid. I can't see how a bubble would just stay there and not try to escape. I don't think you have anything to worry about

[Cmsumom 5]

Hi, Like the others I have never heard of this- and yes I too was given a straw with a big glass of Water in the hospital after surgery- have used one ever since- actually to me it's easier with a straw to take a sip hold it in my mouth and slowly swallow- but I understand everyone is different- you will have to see how it works in your life and whats best for you.

[Felicia 28]

I'm really hoping they give me a straw, I doubt it though. The whole WLS staff has said give up straws for life so I'm not betting on getting one after surgery. Whatever though as much as I love straws, I will love being skinny more I'm so glad other people have said they haven't heard of anything like this. Just hearing this womans story gave me the heebie jeebiez.