Excessive Saliva After Gastric Sleeve Surgery

10 Comments

1. Good evening Just had the gastric sleeve done Last week on Aug 28 My Dr passed me to we’re i can start eating egg .. Why is it so painful to eat an egg or even a drink of water is so painful ? Is this Normal?

2. Hi Lorena! Some people tolerate eggs just fine after surgery, and some can really struggle with them. Make sure you are not overcooking your eggs. The more dry and rubbery that the egg is, the more difficult it typically is to tolerate. If you are also struggling with water, my guess is that you are likely drinking too large of an amount at one time and possibly eating too large of a bite. For liquids, avoid taking a sip larger than 1/2 teaspoon or 2.5ml. For solid foods like the egg, take a bite no larger than that of a dime. You will also want to wait at least 30-60 seconds between bites of food initially after surgery. Remember that your pouch is brand new and will be extra sensitive the first couple of months. Eat similarly to how you would feed a baby. . . Very moist, soft, foods that are blended well and do not require any chewing. I hope that helps clear things up for you! -Katelyn (Registered Dietitian)

3. I’ve had constant excessive saliva and foaming which is causing me to spit every two seconds. I’ve being to the hospital and was s checked for leakage which none was found. This has gone on for two weeks now. My surgeon can’t figure it out and help me out.

4. How far out from your surgery are you Senitra? If you are less than 2 months from your surgery date, this will likely decrease with time. I have found that typically people that are early post op experience foaming because they are eating too quickly. . . remember to wait at least 30-60 seconds between bites for the first couple of months. Try some warm or cold water with lemon to sip on between meals.

5. I am 4 days post op. I am not eating yet. I have so much saliva, its ridiculous. I sip my 2-4 oz within 30 minutes to an hour. I’m only on clear, not even second stage liquid. It can be due to big bites or over eating. I’m nowhere near soft yet.

6. At 4 days post-op, there could be few things contributing to the foamy sensation or excess saliva in your mouth. This may also just be your body’s healing response to the trauma of surgery. Most people that experience excess saliva notice it within the first 2 months the most and then usually only when they eat too quickly or do not chew thoroughly, as mentioned in the video. At this point, make sure you are taking any antacids that were prescribed or recommended to you by your surgeon, as that may help. Stay hydrated to ensure that you are getting 64oz+ ounces of fluid daily. The further you get out from surgery, the higher that fluid goal should be. Lastly, if you are drinking liquids with artificial sweeteners, that can make excessive saliva worse for some individuals. This last part is tricky because we recommend avoiding sugar and so many low sugar drinks, protein shakes, etc. have artificial sweeteners. If possible, hydrate with water or infused waters, broth, vegetable juice like tomato or low sodium V8, diluted regular juice, tea, and decaf coffee. A favorite beverage that may help with excess saliva is room temperature water with a big squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a dash of grated ginger.

7. Hi, I am almost two months out. I spit constantly. I take small bites. I am regretting having this surgery. I want my life back. Any advice?

8. This excessive saliva can be very frustrating and some people just have this side effect more than others for reasons that are not totally understood. You are at the height of when it tends to be an issue. Here are some suggestions as mentioned in some of the other comments that will hopefully help. First, make sure you getting in at least 64oz of fluid daily, 80+oz daily is even better. Next, are you taking the recommended antacids? If not, you will likely want to start them again or make a visit to your primary physician so they can help manage this. Continue to cut your foods into dime sized bites or smaller and wait at least 30 seconds between bites. Lastly, the squeeze of lemon or lime juice in water can help to get that fluid in.

9. Hey Nat. Same thing here with me only on day 3. Not eating solids but still spitting up every minute. Did yours resolve?

10. Is this excess saliva the same as, when eating or drinking, the RYGB pouch fills up with thick mucus the consistency of egg whites, because the nose starts running? The mucus acts like a plug, heavy and dense, and doesn’t allow foods or liquid to pass without first vomiting the mucus to allow everything else through. Been an issue since surgery.