suggestions?

No matter how many sips I take I am still thirsty 24/7. I need to chug some water but I know I cant. I am getting in around 70oz of fluid a day. what gives??

Some of us just need more water. I would pretty much die if I only did 64 ounces a day. 128 is more like it. With that said, sometimes sugar issues (diabetes and such) can cause thirst or some medications as well. Just don't drink your calories :)

I would love to drink 100+ ounces a day BUT I can only sip and drink slow and can't drink 1/2 before or after meals. that being said I am still having back pain after drinking so slow. doc says the back pain is ACTUALLY from drinking to fast and to much at a time and I'm still dying of thirst. this is a real struggle. it's miserable being thirsty 24/7. this is my only regret about getting this surgery.

This is mind boggling advice from your doctor. The back pain might be a kidney stone.

I keep bringing the upper back pain up and I just get scolded for sipping and drinking to fast. which truth be told I am sipping and drinking slow AND thirsty. they do not believe me though because I complain of upper back pain.

I would seek a second opinion and some medical imaging. How experienced is your surgeon? The rules you've been given are so different than anything I've ever read here.

I have definitely considered seeking a second opinion :-) what rules are you referring to that are different from other post op guidelines/rules?

Not being able to drink as much as you want and not being allowed to drink before eating. I've never heard of the first at all, and most VSGers are just told not to drink during or after a meal. With the way the pyloric valve works, there's no anatomical reason for us not to drink prior to a meal.

I guess he is just really strict. I can drink as much as I want BUT have to do it slow and sip :-( he wants me to have at least 64oz a day. I'm just starting to get depressed. it's hard timing my stopping 1/2 hour prior to eating. I understand not during or right after but I am just over all this thirst stuff. thank you for also responding to my post. I appreciate your wisdom.

I really wouldn't worry about the stopping 30 minutes before. There really is no reason. That liquid will empty from your stomach quicker than 30 minutes. If anything 5-10 minutes would be sufficient. I know the first year I had to keep water on my nightstand so I could pace myself and start early while I was getting ready.