Question:
Ideas for increasing my fluid intake?

Hi! I am now eight weeks post op and am very sick and tired of the same old water. I also drink Crystal Lite and decaffinated tea. These three liquids are getting so boring and I need some variety in the liquids I drink. I would love to know what you all do to make it more exciting! Thanks for your help.    — purdue_1993 (posted on January 16, 2002)

January 15, 2002
I have always drank a lot of water even before surgery but I know what you mean. I have found a Sugar Free Spiced Cider apple flavor drink mix. The label says Alpine from Krusteaz as the brand. I also drink diluted fruit juices. (I have to limit my sugar intake.) They taste more like an ade then a juice but it gives me more variety. If you can't tolerate carbonation (because of gas buildup) you can also drink deflated diet soft drinks. Hope this helps. Good Luck.
   — Diane J.

January 16, 2002
My Mom gave me this idea, but I can't use it yet! My doc recommends at least 6 mos post op before drinking carbonated bevs. But, if you can...this is good as I have had some pre-op. 100% juice mixed with club soda for a spritzer. Just use enough juice for taste. Welch's grape is 100% Tropicana Pure Premium...Dole Pineapple...Fruit punch flavored etc. Use only if it's 100% juice and if you are allowed carbonation. If not...let ice melt in it awhile til it's almost flat.
   — Karen B.

January 16, 2002
Here's what I'm doing that seems to make it easier. Go to the store and buy a 6-pack of the small 10-oz bottles of Club Soda or Tonic Water. Dump out the contents (unless someone in your family LIKES it..!) Each evening before I go to bed, I fill these 6 bottles FULL. Beginning the next morning, I will start a bottle and make an EARNEST effort to get JUST THIS ONE bottle down as quickly as is comfortable. This way, I'm not looking at this HUGE 32-36 oz MUG that seems IMPOSSIBLE to get down. Next time I reach for a drink, start the NEXT bottle. I just try to make sure that I get ALL 6 bottles finished before I go to bed. This way, I know that I've had my min. 64 oz of water in for the day.. and it was relatively easy - because I didn't have that GIGANTIC amount staring me in the face as I was trying to get it down! You can add a squirt of fresh lemon juice to a couple of the bottles for the day, or a few Tbsp. of grape or cranberry juice to a couple of them... to give yourself some variety. Pre-Op I NEVER drank water! WEEKS would go by without me having ANY (was a hard-core 12-cup-a-day coffee FIEND!). I would go months without a glass of milk prior to this, also. However - if you set your mind to the fact that THIS IS THE WAY IT IS AND THIS IS WHAT I HAVE TO DO FOR MY HEALTH.. you'd be amazed at the power of the human mind!!! I find myself liking things that I NEVER would have done pre-op. Because (to quote a cliche) TODAY is the first day of the rest of my life.. and I want it to be GOOD!! Good Luck.
   — Diane E.

January 17, 2002
I myself, hate water, I went to Walmart yesterday, and I bought me a 32 oz sipping jug, it only cost me 88 cents. I then purchased some wylers sugar free lemonade. I filled up the container once in the morning and try and sip at it til late afternoon, then I fill it up one more time, and after that is gone, I am finished with my 64 ozs. I also like Sugar free grape koolaid, and the tropical punch. Wylers also has a great pink lemonade. I drank both of these preop. They only have like 5 calories per 8 oz serving. Good luck.
   — TONYA B.