I am 3 days post op. I've been having a bit of trouble trying to drink again. I was a gulper - which DOES NOT work with the sleeve. Found this out very quickly. Every once in a while I get this pain that kind swells, expands in my chest or a sharp pain after drinking - it doesn't happen all the time & usually after I take a big drink. So I am attributing to spasms that I have seen on the boards here. But my question is this - has anyone ever felt the "fizzies"? Weird I know but after I drink sometimes I feel like I have been carbonated. lol. Learning how to drink again is proving tough for me. Any tips other than the "sip, sip, sip"?

Don't worry, you'll gulp again. Yes, the sleeve only like sips in the beginning, but once the swelling and healing is done 4-6 weeks out -- you'll be back to normal. I had that a little in the first week or so, it's just everything settling in around the swollen areas. I found drinking hot or warm tea was easier, relaxed everything. Decaffeinated of course - green, herbals, etc.

You are supose to be sipping not gulping this soon after surgery. You probably have some swelling and need to sip. Yes, I know that's not what you wanted to hear but you probably know that's probably the main cause of your symptoms. I still can't gulp or take big swallows or it comes up and I'm almost 6 months out. Fizzies, yes I know what you mean. I think that's because you do swallow some air when you drink and since both the air and liquid are trying to squeeze through a thin narrow tube it would cause like bubbles/fizzies. I still have squeeky bubbly noises coming from my esophagus all the time.

kelly - not sure this will help, but if you find the sip you have taken is too big, hold it in your mouth and swallow a little at a time. If I take too big a sip or a gulp, I pay big time with a huge spasm. The pain is teaching me real quick.

I have the same problem Im 5 days post op.

They gave ne little plastic med cups, and told me to fill it up and sip it. It holds 30cc( 2 tbls).

It has been easier that way. Plus gas pills are a big help!!

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I have experienced both and this seemed to be the first thing to get better. I could drink normally fairly soon after surgery. I still sometimes get that fizzy thing at three months out. Not as often though.

whew - good to hear it's "normal". Thanks all!!

I am glad to hear I'll be able to gulp again,I too am a gulper.In fact I told my surgeon last time i saw him "I want to gulp so bad" I dont feel like I'm drinking enough cuz i am always still thirsty,no matter how much i drink!

Joni- I do the same thing. That's so funny!

If you're truly having a problem getting in the liquids, some folks have had success with using a spoon and letting the liquid trickle down their throats. The tiny cups are a fantastic help as well. The fizzies and pain after drinking let me know early post-op that I was drinking too quickly. I adapted to it and they stopped. Thank goodness! I can now drink a larger amount again, but I still sometimes have to put water back into the cup because I've been drinking too fast and it won't go down easily. Not a big thing, IMO.

Yes, I'm also using the little plastic medicine cups, and that helps big time with the amount of each sip.