Expert: John Pilcher, MD - 9/29/2011

Question
I was sleeved on Sept 1st. I've had a difficult time getting fluids and protein in. When I drink liquids I get so full of air that it hurts like hell.  When I have puree food it hits my stomach so hard and the air bubbles sitting my stomach come up my throat but never release so again, I sit in pain waiting for it to subside.

I also wake up in the middle of the night feeling as if my empty stomach is full of liquid yet my tummy growl for food,and I begin to feel nausea. Is there anything I can do to relieve this air pressure and stomach bloating? I'm sipping slow also as possible.

Answer
Nellie,
Online support is not a good channel for medical advice, so my first piece of advice is that you need to talk this over with your surgeon and the team.

This type of difficulty is well known after Sleeve surgery, and the vast majority of the time it passes with time.  Having said that, it is always necessary to stay hydrated so if you feel that you may be dehydrated you should contact your surgeon without delay.

Often, advice at this time is to take some acid blocking medicines while the sleeve is healing, such as omeprazole.

Best of luck!
Dr JP