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 Liquid intake is very important after weight loss surgery (WLS). We must all make sure we get in enough liquids to remain properly hydrated. From day one of your post-op life, you are told you need NO LESS than 64 ounces of liquids per day. It can be very hard to get in the full 64 ozs during those first few weeks after surgery. You can no longer gulp liquids and must drink slowly. The mantra becomes "sip, sip, sip!" While in the hospital, they want you to drink one ounce ever 15 minutes during the entire time you are awake. If you can do this for 16 hours, you've gotten in 64 ozs that day... But, you must be dedicated to doing this as it is very easy to forget to stop and drink every 15 minutes once you get home and begin getting back into the normal flow of your day to day life. It is also common for post-ops to find the best temperature for liquids tolerance. Some post-ops report not being able to tolerate very cold or very hot liquids and drink things that are room temperature until such time as they can again tolerate cold or hot things. It is basically a trial and error thing though as it is different for everyone. Some post-ops will have no problem with very cold or very hot beverages and may not be able to tolerate things that are warm or room temperature. You have to experiment for yourself and see what you tolerate best. Water additives such as Crystal Light and Sugar Free Kool-Aid are ways to bring some variety back to your liquids. Many surgeons don't want their patients to drink caffeinated beverages (tea, coffee, etc.). Caffeine is a natural diuretic and can increase your chances of becoming dehydrated if you don't consume enough other liquids. You should ask your own surgeon what their policy is on caffeine consumption as a post-op. Most herbal teas are decaf and would be an acceptable replacement for regular tea if your surgeon has a no-caffeine policy. Decaf coffee could also be part of your daily fluid intake. You can also count the milk you drink, any broths you drink, and even the liquid used to make any protein drinks you are consuming. Sugar free popsicles also count towards liquid intake. Basically, anything liquid can count. BUT, many surgeons tell you that you can't count a drink for two things. This means that you shouldn't count the liquid you used in a protein drink/shake towards your LIQUID count as you are counting that item towards your PROTEIN intake. You can count it, but some docs and nutritionists will tell you that you can only count it one way or the other... Some signs that you may be dehydrated: dry or sticky mouth increased thirst weakness or light-headedness reduced amount of urine output urine is a darker color (should be very light to clear normally) not producing tears sunken eyes lethargic, low energy rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) If you think you may be becoming dehydrated, your first step is to increase your liquid intake immediately!! If increasing your fluid intake does not seem to be helping to lessen your symptoms of dehydration, call your doctor and discuss it with them. You don't want to get to the point that you have to go to the emergency room for intravenous (IV) fluids. Also, becoming dehydrated means less moisture in your stools and increases the likelihood that you'll become constipated. Constipation is very common in WLS post-ops due to the low fiber content of our daily meals. When your fluid intake drops, it can be an even bigger issue. Therefore, it is another reason that you must keep your fluid intake up and try to eat fiber whenever possible. You can also try fiber alternatives such as "Benefiber" that can be stirred into a beverage or food item. |
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