Water Water Water

How are you suppose to get 64 oz of water in during the day?
I'm having issues........I just can't make myself drink that much!
mgf~

Im still preop till next thursday, but from the posts ive read, its nearly impossible at first.....just sip,  sip,  sip.....

i have seen some say they have a kitchen timmer to go off every 10-15 minutes and they sip an ounce each time....

I plan to have a bottle of water next to me with an ounce measuring cup....lol

Good luck to ya....and im right on your heels with my surgery so stick around so i can ask you questions...

No one expects you to get all 64oz in right away. Just do your best to drink as much as possible. Do whatever you need to... set timers, stick post-it notes everywhere, etc. Not only does it keep you from getting dehydrated, water helps you heal and keeps you from getting constipated. Yes, you still can get that way even though you're eating very little or on liquids.

In the beginning only warm water set well with my new pouch, it seemed less heavy for some reason! I still can't drink icy cold anything and room temp plain water is the best I've found for me. Remember, that jello and popcicles also count as part of your liquids!

take water EVERYWHERE with you - if it works cold - buy something insulated, if its room temp that works for you - get that, hot - how about hot herbal tea?

if it is in something easy to drink out of - camelback bottles are my fav for taking places - big insulated cups with lids and straws for the house - and in your hands or next to you you will sip a lot more

it does keep you out of the ER for dehydration - it also keeps those misserable constipation days at bay - when your body is low on water it takes it back out of your bowels - less water in your system less water in your bowels - dry poops - ouch! works the same way backwards - lots of water in lots of water out

I had a doc tell me one time that post op I should drink enough water I had to get up and pee at least one time per hour  I still do most days LOL -

also you do not have to drink plain tap water
crytal light - make it with twice the water it calls for works great
decaf tea
herbal tea
bottle flavored waters - no cal ones that are NOT carbonated
sf coolaid if that works for you

you are trying for no calories and caffine free -my nut told me that anything with caffine only counted at 50% - drink 36 oz of ice tea and it counted at 18 oz of water - not a great deal in the begining when getting 36 oz in is a chalange

I have also found from day one (ok day 6 when I got released from the hopsital) that if I have water while I am walking or on the eliptical I will drink it and be able to drink more - so working out or walking helps get it in - maybe it's just b/c my hands aren't busy so its easyer - I have no idea but it works LOL

have a bottle or something non spill able preferably with a straw next to your bed - I still do that and will drink anywhere from a few ounces to most of a litter over night and first thing in the morning

sorry this got long - you just have to find a way to make it work - you don't and you WILL end up in the ER with an IV and a lecture

my husbands a medic - he used to hold my water bottle in one hand and an IV in the other and tell me it was 100% my choice but I was getting the water some how

you can do this - work that tool!!!

Peace
Danni

"my husbands a medic - he used to hold my water bottle in one hand and an IV in the other and tell me it was 100% my choice but I was getting the water some how"



I love it every time I hear this story!

HUGS!

Just drink as much as you can now...the whole 64+ oz. will come later.  Always carry bottled water w/ you...keep emergency stash in vehicle just in case.  I've even had to drink ho****er out of the car in summer to get it in!  You can use sf flavored packets...I like Walmart brand and Hawaiian punch over crystal lt. brand.  Caffeine drinks count as 1/2 oz. they are (12 oz. = 6 oz.), I drink chicken broth (use bouillon in water) for some of mine, decaf flavored coffee, etc.  You don't have to drink only water, but sure need to take in a good bit of it as jus****er.  Decaf tea works well too.

I have made it a daily ritual to "count" my liquids starting first thing in the morning.  I load up on liquids and 1/2 to 3/4 of the time don't touch a bite of food until lunch...but do drink 1 or 2 protein drinks during this time.  I have my "drinking" schedule and can't live w/o it...I feel totally thrown off if I don't stick to it.  I always have at least 40 oz. in when I go to work every morning and usually all 64 oz. or more by; lunch, then drink periodically in the afternoon and evening and get around 100 + oz. in each day.  Make it a habit and you won't get dehydrated!

Karla

I'm praying that this will get easier for me once I get back to the office.  I can have my water jug right thtere in front on me and I will remember to drink.
I will be going back to work tomorrow so I will be drinking better really soon.
Adding in lemon for a little zip will help too.
mgf~