I would like some idea of what the average fluid intake is for some of you post-op. My doctor wants me to have 80 ounces at a minimum and says 100 ounces is ideal.

With all of the down time before and after meals, I find it hard to get in 48 ounces of liquids without feeling like I am going to explode. I estimate my "non eating" time to be about 6-7 hours a day, 30 minutes before meals and one hour after meals and 40-45 minutes eating each meal. I use my protein shakes as my snacks so I don't have to deduct more "non eating" time. I had my RNY on 11/22/07.

Any tips on how I can get more liquids in?

Are you a brand new post-op? If so, you've just got to sip constantly! This time of year, it is easier to sip warm beverages...like herbal tea.

Further out, I find that I can down an entire bottle of water if there is Crystal Light added. Things get easier as time goes by!

I did the math too......there isn't much time left in between the time before and after eating. I'm not sure I'm getting enough fluids in and am looking for what I call "drinkable foods". In addition to protien shakes, V8 juice has been good for me....I get 2 servings of veggies while I'm drinking more fluids. Starting tomorrow I'm going to carefully track liquid input just to be sure I'm getting enough. Good luck!
ITM

I never take in enough fluids...but I'm working on it. I'll keep ya posted...

I've always been a thirsty girl! Shortly after wls I had to call my doc and ask if it was ok if I got more than the recommended amount of fluids because I was thirsty!!!
Remember that sf popsicles, jello, decaffe teas and coffee all count towards your fluid intake! Just sip sip sip and do your best to get it all in!

I drink 2 liters of water a day is this enough????

Newly post op I suggest you keep sipping away even if you do those two liters.

Heh, all that water helps to flush out the fat and inpurities in your body.

I know it's tough but in the long run if you get in the habit now it will be easier down the road as you will do it without even having to think twice about it.

Hugs
Meliss

I have always been an advocate of water and the benefits it brings to you. It was really a struggle for me the first couple of months to get enough in because I just couldn't drink water like I used to and the idea of carrying a bottle around with me everywhere was difficult. I forced myself to do it and I am glad that I did because I do drink more during the day when I have that bottle with me.

I do miss being able to turn it up and just drink, drink, drink. I never feel like I have gotten enough water in because I can't do that anymore. That is why it is good to monitor how much water you are actually drinking each day. It will turn out to be more than you think.

celedon, I know what you mean. One of the things I've had to recommit to after
coming to this WLS forum is not drinking with meals. Unfettered by post-surgery
rules, I'd be drinking every moment of the day... coffee... water... tea.... yahda.
But that included loving a beverage with meals. So I have really put a stop to
that pre-post-during-meal-sipping-stuff. When I wait the 30 mins to an hour
after a meal... sometimes I just forget now. But forming a new habit is often
a painfully intentional process at first. I'm hoping it will eventually all become
second nature to me. Keep at it girl! You're a winner!

I wrote a really great response to this and it got dumped in cyberspace!!! What's up with that?!

Anyway, I have a hard time waiting to have something to drink after eating. It sounds great and logical in theory, but I doubt that our surgeons have ever tried to live this way...It's darn hard to really do! I have to admit, I sometimes, especially in social settings will sip a little through the meal, but I am very aware of it, because I have had this cause the foamies before.

I gulp no problem now, takes me no time to get my water in, and I too have stopped drinking before and after meal so I get as much as I can inbetwwen and keeps me full all day lol

First - lost posts: If you lose a post try clicking your back button on your main toolbar, not the Neighborhood toolbar - you can usually get your post back.


Next: the general rule from nutritionists is to take your weight and divide by 2. The result is how many ounces of water (fluid) you should drink in a day. (150/2=75 ounces). When you are in the phase of rapid weight loss you should drink what your surgeon/center instructed. Do that with sips or gulps, just make it happen. I know it is hard and the liquid restrictions pinch you in timewise, but as Meliss said, it helps flush your body of toxins and fat.

I agree with Sandi and certainly sip water or liquid during a social meal. Honestly, one meal with liquids will not destroy all your hard work, and who wants to engage in conversation or socializing with a dry mouth? Just use your best judgment. If you follow liquid restrictions for breakfast and lunch then sipping a beverage at a social dinner meal is not going to be a catastrophe.


BTW --- Speaking of fluids: do any of you restrict fluid intake while traveling? I found myself doing this last Monday simply to avoid my hourly potty stop. Anyone???

Yes, I do restrict my fluid intake and try to time it so that I know I'll be able to use a restroom when I need to. In my line of work, I'm not allowed to just go to the bathroom when I feel the need, sometimes I have had to wait an hour or more before there was a free minute to make a mad dash. So during the day, I don't start really getting my fluids in until early afternoon. I do the same thing when traveling.

Hi All,
What are "the foamies?"
Thanks,
Darien