Hi, looking for some answers from all the experts out there. I was sleeved Wed, discharged Friday and am now on Stage 2 of my doctor's diet which sets a goal of 3 Protein shakes, 1 12 ounce propel zero or equivalent, and the other liquids like Water, broth, etc. The issue I'm having is that I am supposed to SIP each drink SLOWLY and not drink more than 2-4 ounces per hour.

I am doing well and feeling pretty good, and I am drinking a lot more than 4 ounces per hour.

Does anyone know if this is creating a problem? Is there a risk if I drink my Protein shake in an hour instead of over 3 hours?

TIA!

Edited September 6, 201411 yr by Myonlybattle

Liquids are not digested, just pass through the stomach so no way it's going to harm your sleeve. Some have difficulty drinking more than sips and also drinking can be painful. I too had difficulty with the sip sip sip approach and I was able to drink a lot of fluids as a result. The first week I drank 1 oz every 15 min and I did not sip. I just downed the 1 oz. After that I would drink until my sleeve said that's enough! Now I'm 10 weeks out and I can drink 12-16 oz in less than 10 min.

Every one is different, just pay attention to your sleeve and you will know what it does and does not like.

Congrats and good luck!

@, Thanks so much! I was nervous about it and feel so much better now!

Same here. Sleeved June 17 and never an issue with sipping. I was able to drink normally from the next day. Just count us as the lucky ones who did not have issues. I also use a straw with no issue.

I can't imagine there's a problem drinking faster if you can do it.

I had to sip at first. But 19 days post-op, I can do a 14-ounce Protein drink in 30 minutes EASY.

I certainly cannot gulp. But I can easily drink 1/2 ounce swallows now. I do have to wait a minute or two between swallows.

Glad you're doing so well.

I found that it had more to do with the size of the swallows than with the overall amount. As long as I sip, I can sip all day, but if I take a big swallow, it feels like I swallowed a pretzel whole and it's stuck halfway down my throat. Most unpleasant.

I have never had to sip. They said I would but found that just taking a drink I am fine. I cannot chug but I can take a couple swallows before I put down the water.

Edited September 7, 201411 yr by tbahm

My nutritionist said gulping can lead to swallowing additional air that can lead to discomfort in the tummy or simply drinking more than the new stomach can handle size-wise. I haven't really experienced any problems and I still gulp somewhat. I also drink using a straw on occasion without problem.

For drinking, it really is what you can tolerate. I was able to drink over 64 oz with four days after surgery. I have read that men's sleeves tend to be a bit larger, so that could certainly have something to do with it.

Best of luck!

I just drink. I use a draw too.

Oops...straw

I was sleeved YESTERDAY (9/8) and the only two effects I feel are a slight sore throat and aching at the wound sites. I've not had any trouble sipping, even taking a whole pill at this point. I drank 8 oz of a Protein drink last night with no issues.

Is this normal?

I have ato agree. Everyone is different. the first week I had to sip. If I did not it hurt like crazy. I am still sipping but a little faster. I don't measure the fluids either. I just sip sip sip until I am full. I try to do at least 2-3 shakes a day with plenty of water and two small high protein snacks.