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Why Is It Hard to Drink Fluids After Gastric Sleeve Surgery?
After gastric sleeve surgery, many patients are surprised to find that something as simple as drinking water can suddenly become a challenge. This is a normal part of the recovery process and is usually temporary. Understanding why it happens — and how to manage it — is key to staying hydrated and healing properly.
🥤 Why Drinking Becomes Difficult After Gastric Sleeve Surgery
The surgery significantly reduces the size of your stomach and alters how it functions. As a result, the way you consume fluids needs to change. Here are some of the most common reasons why drinking can be difficult after surgery:
1. Smaller Stomach Size
After surgery, your stomach is about the size of a banana. It can’t hold large volumes of liquid like it used to. Trying to drink too much at once can lead to discomfort or even vomiting. That’s why you’re advised to sip slowly and consistently throughout the day, rather than drinking full glasses of water in one go.
2. Nausea and Vomiting
In the early weeks of recovery, nausea and vomiting are common side effects. These symptoms can make drinking water or other fluids feel unpleasant or even impossible. Following your surgeon’s instructions for fluid timing and temperature (e.g., avoiding very cold or hot drinks) can help ease symptoms.
3. Swallowing Difficulties
Swelling or irritation around the surgical area can make swallowing feel strange or uncomfortable. This is usually temporary and improves as the inflammation goes down. In the meantime, sip fluids gently and avoid gulping.
4. Changes in Stomach Function
Your stomach now empties differently and no longer produces hunger or fullness cues the same way. This means it might take time to relearn how to eat and drink. Your care team will give you a schedule to slowly reintroduce fluids and eventually soft foods as your body adjusts.
💧Tips for Staying Hydrated After Surgery
- Aim to drink at least 1.5 to 2 liters of fluid per day
- Sip slowly—no straws, no gulping
- Avoid carbonated beverages, caffeine, and alcohol
- Wait 30 minutes after eating before drinking
- Choose clear, non-sugary fluids like water, broth, or herbal tea
- Use a small measuring cup or water bottle with timed markings to track intake
💶 Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Turkey – €3,000 All-Inclusive
At CosmetoCity, we offer gastric sleeve surgery in Antalya and Istanbul starting at just €3,000. Our all-inclusive package is designed to give you everything you need — from surgery to long-term support.
Included in your package:
- 🏥 Surgery, anesthesia, and hospital stay
- 🧪 Pre-op lab tests and medical evaluations
- 🏨 Hotel stay and VIP transfers
- 💊 Medications & personalized diet plans
- 💬 English-speaking care coordination
- 📞 Lifetime follow-up support
✅ Final Thoughts
If you're having trouble drinking fluids after gastric sleeve surgery, you’re not alone. It’s a common and manageable part of recovery. With time, patience, and the right strategy, hydration will become easier.
Always follow your medical team’s instructions, and if you continue to experience difficulty, reach out immediately for guidance.
📞 Have questions about recovery after gastric sleeve surgery?
Contact CosmetoCity for your free consultation, and let us help you stay on track with your hydration, healing, and long-term success.