Stomach capacity

[jilani 16]

Hi everybody, i had my sleeve surgery last week (09/06). It thankfully went perfectly and no hassles except what was to be expected. I am losing weight, but have a small concern. Until two or three days ago when I was on clear liquid diet and stomach was healing and swollen, I could barely swallow and keep up with the dietary needs. But last couple of days, I feel that I can drink a decent quantity of full liquids without any problems. E.g. I can down a 32 oz ninja blender cup of Protein smoothie over about one hour easily. One week out of surgery is that normal. I am not going to get cocky and indulge in real food for the next 4 weeks as my surgeon told me to, but is there anyone who had the same experience. I mean being able to down a 24 to 32 oz Protein smoothie over one hour and take big sips, one week out of surgery.

Thanks and please share.

Jilani

[Bufflehead 6,358]

I think I probably would have -- I healed quickly from the post-op swelling and didn't really have any issues getting liquid in. That's to be expected -- liquids don't engage your pyloric valve, they just flow right on through your stomach, so there isn't much of a reason for a sleeved person *not* to be able to drink relatively normally once the swelling goes down. That's why most bariatric teams will stress the importance of staying away from liquid calories once you are able to get your nutritional needs met via solids -- you could drink frappuccinos and milkshakes all day and never lose an ounce!

That said, I would not have chosen to drink 32 ounces of smoothie, or any ounces of smoothie, just because smoothies are typically high calorie and high carb, and I wasn't permitted any fruit on the liquid stage, whether liquified or not (I'm assuming you made a regular smoothie with a fair amount of fruit/veggies, not just a Protein Shake with liquid and Protein powder). 32 ounces of smoothie may be perfectly fine on your plan (no judging!) just saying it would not have been allowed on mine.

[lutheranian 13]

I had the same concerns. My surgeon said full liquids are in and out as there is nothing solid for your stomach to break down.

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[blu2020 79]

I didn't have any problem drinking at all.

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[LisaMergs 2,854]

Nope. Was drinking like a champ within days.

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[jilani 16]

I am measuring the calories to the dot. My smoothie is typicaally ice, one premier Protein shake (30 grams), one scoop whey Protein and frozen berries or strawberries or cut peach. Typically about 300 cals to 350 cals. Last me an hour and stay with me most of the day till afternoon. I am probably doing 700 to 900 calories one week out. Experimenting with Soups. I have not started the mushy food yet. Not until mid Oct according to mu NUT. Never was a fan of sweet beverages EXCEPT cappacinos and esspresos.

But Lisa Mergs is right. Drinking like a champ.

[Sai 785]

I was able to drink Water, Protein shakes with no issues from day 3. No pain, no gas, no restriction, nothing. 64 oz of Water was & still is easy plus my Protein Shakes. When I asked my nurse if this was normal, I was told that is the way it's supposed to be, and that liquid will go right through, even pureed foods to some extent, and that the restriction will come at the soft and solid stage, and at that point, if one overeats, they will feel absolutely miserable.

[Daisee68 2,493]

Can I ask why you are mixing Premier Protein drink with a scoop of whey? That is a LOT of Protein in an hour - 50 to 60g? Maybe split those up and have them more often? Supposedly your body can only absorb 25g of protein in an hour, so 50 to 60g in a drink in an hour is overkill.

Otherwise, yes, you will feel restriction when you start food. Your swelling just went down quickly.