Water Loading - explain please

Hi - I was just wondering if anyone could explain wha****er loading is, I mean I know it is loading up on water (duh), but when do you do it, how much water, is it a good thing to do, what's the scoop?? Anyone?? thanks

Hey Miss Donna! Here ya go! Fluid loading is drinking water/liquids as quickly as possible to fill the pouch which provides the feeling of fullness for about 15 to 25 minutes. The patient needs to gulp about 80% of his/her maximum amount of liquid in 15 to 30 SECONDS. Then just take swallows until fullness is reached. The patient will quickly learn his/her maximum tolerance, which is usually between 8-12 oz. Fluid loading works because the roux limb of the intestine swells up, contracting and backing up any future food to come into the pouch. The pouch is very sensitive to this and the feeling of fullness will last much longer than the reality of how long the pouch was actually full. Fluid load before each meal to prevent thirst after the meal as well as to create that feeling of fullness whenever suddenly hungry before meal time. Here's the link! http://www.digitalhorsewoman.com/pouchrules.htm Hope that helps! Christine

Christine, thanks - this is perfect and just what I was looking for. I've heard people talk about it and was curious love donna

Hello Donna - Christine has already given you a GREAT explanation of "water loading" so I won't bother adding anymore to that. Just thought Id toss out a new thought/tip/trick - choose your description. I found it worked/helped me, before I lost a few fillings and now ULTRA Cold stuff sends me through the roof (no lectures, missy ma'am, I finally -- thanks to Wendy -- have a dentist appointment set) ....but anyway, IF you drink ICY ICY COLD COLD water, right before eating, it helps to constrict the stomach, which in turn means you eat less. Makes NO sense for a newly post op to do that, since theie stomach is already tiny and swollen, from the slicing, and healing - but about a year out, as you feel that it's expanding/stretching (which is completely NORMAL/healthy for it to do) ...but if you think you're eating too much in your meals, because you truly WANT more food - not cause you're feeling stuffed and still eating, then try having a COLD COLD FROZEN glass of water first, it'll help restrict the size temporarily.

Hey Lei - thanks for this info -- I was mostly curious as to what it was and who would do it, but now I see that it probably isn't for me Thanks Lei love donna

Donna , Water Loading ..... hmmm .. this is something that if done should only be done once you are at goal. It is not for those still trying to loose . I for one do not do it .. as my pouch still remains small and incharge ... Christines defintion is great .. but keep in mind if you do this to make sure you have met your protein needs for the day . Hugs, Natalie

Hi Natalie, this is something that I don't think I need yet. I am not a year out, and also I have trouble eating as much as my surgeon wants me to eat as it is!! I guess I was more curious as to what it involved I get in lots of water and of course all my protein I am still losing albeit slowly but that's fine. I am under why my surgeon set as a goal, but according to the BMI thing I am still overweight and should lose another 20 lbs -- \ Anyway, thanks Nat for the good advice, love donna

Hello there! I am amazed at your newest pic. You look mah-velous! I haven't been to NOVA for awhile because of issues here but may be able to come up before too long. I will certainly get in touch if I do. Jan

Hey Jan, good to hear from you By the way, thanks for the compliment on my picture - I appreciate it And along those lines, where is YOUR picture!! It's fun to put one up at the beginning and then update it, You need to do that, I read your profile last week and you don't have any pictures there either -- are you a shy girl!! Anyway, I hope we can one day finally get together and meet, we've had this email relationship for a long time!! So how are you doing - is the weight coming off as you thought? I hope you are feeling energetic by now, it takes time love donna

Hey Donna, Is Water Loading anything like" holding water" because I am experiencing that right now. And yes I am trying to be a smart A**. Whats new chickie? Miss you. Roberta