I had VSG on Friday and was discharged on Sunday. I have been struggling with fluids and pain. Yesterday I barely got in 12 ounces, and that was an all-day effort. My throat and chest hurt significantly just to even swallow saliva. Honestly, it feels like a blockage. I called my doctor's office this morning and left a voice message for the nurse.

Has anyone else experienced this? Is this normal? Should I push through with the liquids even though it's painful or go to the ER?

Have you tried standing up when you drink liquids? My doctor said that helps at first because it lets gravity do some of the work for you, and it seemed to work for me.

Try taking tiny sips (almost drips) where you don't actually have to swallow. As the above poster suggested let gravity help you.

Have you tried ice chips and/or sugar-free Popsicles? Something that melts may also help.

I would also suggest try something warm like herb tea.

You have got to get in your fluids or you will be in the ER for sure.

Keep sipping.

Nurse called back and said I need to come to the ER. She said it could be inflammation but need to get checked out and get fluids intravenously. Bad thing is there's a heavy thunderstorm in progress and expected all day. In addition, I live 45 mins from the hospital and live alone. I'm going to try taking sips standing up. Thanks for the suggestions.

I had the exact same thing post-op. Every teeny tiny sip was this huge ordeal where my esophagus would constrict and cause terrible pain in my chest, then I would get this gurgling in the back of my throat. It was a real challenge. Marching in place while drinking helped some, but not much. The good news is, it was just swelling, so once the swelling went down, it was much better at about 2 weeks out.

As much as it sucks, as long as you aren't throwing up, you really just have to endure it. Ever sip was a chore, but I knew I needed the hydration, so I dealt with it. Sip, sip, sipping my way to at least 6 cups of Water a day (aimed for 8, but just could not get there in those early days).

Another thing you might want to try is different temperatures. I did MUCH better with hot beverages like tea and broth than I did with room temperature water. Later on (several weeks out), I could do extreemely cold water as well. Still can't really do luke-warm or room temp water even to this day.

I'm 6 days post op and I felt similarly day 1 and 2. It's improved for me daily since then. I'm now pretty easily getting in 60+oz. But I pretty much have to be taking a sip every 10 minutes all day to accomplish that. I can't tell you it will pass because we're on about the same timeline. But if the nurse said to come in, you should go - thunderstorm or no.

There's a point at which its near impossible to catch up on dehydration - because the skeeve limits intake so much

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I am 16 days post op and I had this problem too. Although it is better, I am still having trouble getting enough. I just get full so easy, and don't feel like trying to force Water down.

Good luck, and I hope it improves soon!!

Keep trying tiny sips. Vary the temperature to see if that helps. I know when I take too big of a sip, it can hurt, but is definitely so much better now!!

I'm 8 days post-op. I didn't have those issues exactly, but I had trouble getting all my water in for about 3 days. I'd listen to what the nurse says also, just so you don't end up hurting yourself.

Thanks, everyone, for your responses. I was evaluated in the ER and given prescription for Carafate, 4 times per day. It has helped tremendously. They ruled out blood clots in my lungs and blockage. I feel a lot better today and have been able to get fluids down. Thanks for your concern. More importantly, Merry Christmas!