64 oz of water - really?

I just found out you need to try and get in 64 oz of water a day after surgery.  I have a hard enough time getting that much in over the course of one day with a full stomach.  I have no idea how I will do it with only half of it.  So everyone already on the other side -  are you actually able to drink that much in a day?  Are you drinking constantly?

yes..... except for the alloted time before and after meals.  It is a constant thing, that and peeing.....

No way was I getting that a day after surgery...maybe I got in about half if that even and yeah, sipping all day long...slowly you work up to the almost 2 liters that are recommended as the minimum. I would say by the end of the first week I was able to do it. And every day since.... The alternative is the ER and IV fluids.

Yup!

I wasn't able to get the full 64 ounces in until postop day 4, and that in itself was a battle, but I was determined to get it in and not go back to the hospital for dehydration.  Postop day 5 it was suddenly a bit easier to accomplish, and it kept getting easier after that. 

I filled a medicine measuring cup (one-ounce capacity) with water or whatever and kitten-sipped it down, one little cup at a time.  Then I refilled and repeated and kept counting.  Sometimes I would rest for a while. Sometimes I would eat a sugar-free popsicle or some sugar-free Jello, which on my plan counts as clear liquid.  Warm broth was also an approved clear liquid, so sometimes I drank that.

I'm still struggling with it 2 months out, but I get at least 56 ounces per day for sure.

Four months after surgery. I'm averaging about 65 oz of liquid.

most doctors keep you on iv for a day or 2 , so you get pain meds that way and also fluids

Thanks for the info everyone!  Is the 64 oz requirement for life?  And if so, why?  I don't get hydrated now and I definitely don't drink that much in a day.  Does all the extra food you eat pre-op really contain that much water?

64oz is pretty standard for everyone.  However, pre-op you got a lot of liquid from the normal or above average amount of food you consumed.  Also there is water in iced teas, sodas, etc.  So now that you are eating very little, and probably mostly low carb items, you are getting very little fluid in from your food.  So now you have to be extra diligent to get your water in, and also with any diet, WW, Jenny Craig they will also tell you to drink that much water.