Do you want to know how to avoid dehydration after weight loss surgery? The first thing to know is that after surgery, patients are much more susceptible to dehydration! The main reason is decreased stomach capacity. Not only are you taking in less food, but less fluid as well. Sometimes you will feel full when drinking fluids, especially if drinking with meals. This is why we encourage patients to avoid eating and drinking at the same time! Also after weight loss surgery, usually you cannot tolerate large gulps of fluids, so you should consistently sip throughout the day. This habit takes some time to establish!
Weight loss surgery patients are also working to make changes to their food and fluid choices. After surgery you are encouraged to focus on protein intake, and since protein requires more water to be metabolized than other macro-nutrients, fluid needs should increase alongside protein intake. You are also encouraged to avoid sugary beverages, which may feel a bit restrictive as you get started. Trying new brands or flavors of calorie-free water additives can help expand your drink choices.
As you lose weight, you will hopefully start moving (and sweating) more. Increased fluid losses through sweating, as well as changes to the digestive system, can impact electrolyte balance. When that balance is off, drinking water is not always enough to hydrate your body. Drinking calorie-free sports drinks or coconut water are both great ways to increase fluid intake and restore electrolyte balance.
If you are wondering if you may be dehydrated after weight loss surgery, headaches, low urine output, dark urine, dry mouth, constipation, and dry skin are some of the first signs to watch for. If you are experiencing vomiting issues this greatly increases the risk of dehydration, so let your surgical team know.
To sum all of this up – drink more fluids after surgery to avoid dehydration!
TIPS TO INCREASE FLUID INTAKE:
- Using a specific water bottle for all of beverages will help with tracking fluid intake.
- Setting a timed goal for drinking a specific amount of fluid – such as by 1pm I will drink 40 ounces of fluid – can increase awareness of fluid intake.
- Using one of the many free apps to help you keep track of your daily fluids will help ensure you meet your daily goals.
- Drinking 8 ounces of water between each flavored beverage is a great way to incentivize fluid intake.
- Setting a repeating alarm (not a reminder) on your phone in 1-hour increments is an excellent way to encourage drinking every hour during the day.
