How do you keep track of your liquids?

I had suregry on Friday so I am post op 2 days.How do you keep track of all intake? Thanks,Kim

I had my surgery on tuesday and I just started keeping track yesterday. I put a blank paper on my fridge and every time I eat or drink anything I write it down. I also write down how much protein it has in it so I can keep track of that too. Today so far I have had 55g protein but only 43 ounces of liquids. I did much better today than I did yesterday at only like 28 protein and 30 some liquids. I am afraid that I will drink too fast so I am drinking very slow. Good luck to you!

Hi Kim, I haven't started writing it down, but that is probably best. I have one of those big mugs that they gave me in the hospital and it holds 32 ozs. So I am filling that up first thing, with crystal light and making sure to get the whole thing down by the end of the day. Today is the first day I managed that, plus another 8 ozs, as I aim for the 64 oz. I am not doing well at all on protein yet, mostly getting a little in from skim milk at this point. I have had a little bit of yogurt, and attempted a protein shake this morning, but didn't like it that much. Not sure how to measure popsicles as liquid, and I do enjoy a couple of those a day. Stacy

I read something really good once... take your water bottle and put rubber bands around it for the number of bottles you need to finish in the day - you can use a really small bottle if big ones are intimidating. OR - get some large hairties or similar rubberband, bracelet, whatever to wear on your wrist... each one equals _____ oz water/fluids... take off a band each time you achieve said amount of fluids and work hard to be rid of those bands by bedtime! That said - I also have it incorporated into my daily to do list to check off vitamins, protein and fluids... I like to check boxes, so there's one for each vitamin!! lol... Just some thoughts. HTH, and good luck! Tin K

I am actually being good gurl and keeping a food diary. Just a little $.25 notepad. I keep it in the kitchen next to the fridge in plain site so I don't forget (it also fits in my purse). For the water, the first few days I used tally marks alone, now I use them next to my container sizes (8oz, 11oz, and 28oz) for how many refills I've had. I count them up about 2hrs before bedtime and make up the difference if need be. So far I'm usually right where I need to be. If protein is your problem have you tried adding them to your liquids? Best of luck to ya! MsSmiles

I keep up with my food intake on fitday.com. I don't really keep up with my liquid intake though. I was told by my doctor to drink 2 oz of water every 15 minutes. So far it seems to be hydrating me.

I have kept a journal and written down what I get in, how much in oz., and what meds I am taking. To that I add exercise done, and what sits well and doesn't. I then take that journal to the dietition and that is how we realized I had the stricture. My journal showed me progressively drinking less, vomiting more, and I didn't even realize it was happening. Journaling is a great way to keep yourself informed about everything you are doing..and then you can refer to it when it comes time for your appts. post op!! It also helped remind me what foods I couldn't tolorate. Best of luck in whatever method you choose!!

I keep a food diary - actually it's more of an everything diary. I've kept it since I got home - just a little spiral book. I enter time I get up, what I eat and when, how much, how I'm feeling, milestones (like getting back to my bed). I feel it will be useful for my dr and for me to look back. Plus, I'm such an air head lately, I don't remember when I ate last so it helps me daily.

Thank you all for your responses. I haven't had any protein yet as I don't know of any on the liquid phase. I did have my 1st meals today besides jello. I had 2 8oz. bowls of chicken noodle soup broth.I strained out the noodles & chicken. My kids took care of that so it didn't go to waste.I have been sipping all day besides that & i'm still not close to the 64 oz. I had a home nurse stop by today & she suggested pouring the amt I sipped or ate(soup) into a measuring cup as to keep track. She also suggested writing it in a notebook,as many of you had said. Thanks you all for taking time to help me out & best wishes on our weight loss journeys! May be all be the biggest LOSERS! Kim