November 08, 2021

Tidbit Tuesday: Fluid Intake After Bariatric Surgery

Keep track of your fluid intake throughout the day.  You need to drink a minimum of 64 ounces of fluid each day.  It may be easier for you to accomplish this if you use a smaller (i.e. 4 ounce) cup. Because of your smaller stomach, you will no longer be able to guzzle. Just sip. If you are having problems taking in 64 ounces of fluid each day and/or you have persistent nausea and/or vomiting, please call our office at 785-232-0444 so we may assess your hydration status.

Benefits of drinking water:

  • Water is calorie free. After weight loss surgery you need to be extra careful not to consume empty calories. Drinking sugary and calorie heavy drinks may inhibit your weight loss progress.
  • Water keeps you hydrated and prevents cramping.
  • Water supports body function. When you consume water in its pure form, you are giving your body directly what it needs for optimal health.
  • Water supports a clear complexion. In addition to supporting bodily functions and overall wellbeing, water improves complexion and supports clear skin.

Proper hydration can alleviate many physical ailments.  Drink more water if:

  • You are experiencing fatigue.
  • You are having bouts of severe constipation.
  • You are feeling depressed or anxious.
  • You have difficulty with concentration.
  • You have a desire to graze. 
  • You experience dizziness.
  • You are experiencing nausea.

Warning Signs of Dehydration:

  • Thirst
  • Dry lips
  • Slightly dry mouth

Moderate Dehydration:

  • Very dry mouth
  • Sunken eyes
  • Skin does not bounce back quickly when lightly pinched and released.

Severe Dehydration:

  • ALL signs of moderate dehydration AND
  • Rapid, weak pulse (more than 100 beats per minute at rest)
  • Cold hands and feet
  • Rapid breathing
  • Blue lips
  • Confusion, lethargy, difficult to arouse.

IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING ANY SIGNS OF SEVERE DEHYDRATION, PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE IMMEDIATELY AT 785-232-0444!

Some ideas if you don’t like plain water:

  • Flavored water (with zero calories)
  • Sugar-free water enhancers such as Mio, Crystal Light, etc.
  • Sugar-free drinks such as Diet Snapple, G2, La Croix, Propel zero
  • Sugar-free, decaffeinated sodas (this isn’t the best option as it has carbonation)
  • Decaffeinated coffee or tea
  • Squeeze lemon or lime-juice into your water

Remember, it is important to not drink anything for 30-45 minutes after a meal. The reason is you want that feeling of fullness to last over a long period of time. When you drink, you thin the consistency of your food, which means that it will take more to fill you up and the food can move through your stomach quicker.  This decreases how long you feel full and FOOD IS FUEL!!  This is why you want to wait the 30-45 minutes after a meal to drink.

 

 

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