Question:
Why is it so important for WLS patients to drink so much water?

   — Kim F. (posted on December 29, 2002)

December 29, 2002
Actually, most people should be drinking 8 glasses of water per day. However, it is especially important for us because we probably don't get as much water in from food as non-WLS people. The foods that we get water in with pre-op are usually fruits and vegetables, so if you are eating high protein and very low carbs (and yes, fruits and veggies are carbs), you won't be getting enough liquid into you. Also, you want to avoid getting dehydrated like you would avoid the plague. Trust me, I've been there. I had too many trips to the ER to count so that I could get fluids and potassium. Not fun, especially because when you're as dehydrated as I was, it's next to impossible to find a vein to get the IV into. I had bruises up and down my arms from various medical personnel trying to find a place to put a needle. Early on, it's next to impossible to get a full 64 oz. in, but keep at it. You will gradually be able to increase the amount you can drink in a day until it becomes just a part of your daily routine.
   — garw

December 29, 2002
OK, so Gar gave you the dehydration info. But did you also know that a high protein diet can be hard on the kidneys?? The increase in water will help the kidneys to stay healthy, help prevent kidney stones, and also help flush out the toxins realeased with weight loss. Drink, Drink, Drink!!
   — Vicki L.

December 29, 2002
I thought that dehyrdation was the big worry (and IT IS). However being nearly 6 months post-op now, I have found that the need for water is also vital to keep us "regular." As Gar said, our diets are high in protein and low in fiber. We need the extra water to also keep things moving smoothly through our systems.
   — Anna L.

December 29, 2002
My doctor says even a small amount of dehydration can cause blood clotts, which is a major problem for us. Secondly if your body doesn't get enough water it will turn on your hungery signals to take the water from your food. It is a good idea to get into the habit now, while you are not hungry anyway. I personally hated water before surgery, but I now crave it.
   — Pam G.

December 29, 2002
Besides being good for all your internal organs, I was told that the fat leaves your body through urine...so drink up!
   — Cindy R.

December 29, 2002
Drink up, lots & lots of plain water! Unless you want: Kidney failure from the high protein diet, Kidney stones from dehydration, slow to no weight loss, etc. Of course, you can go on dialysis the rest of your life, or die! Morbid, yes, that's what we've been: Morbidly Obese, why not Healthy Slender instead?!
   — Karen J.

December 29, 2002
It's especially important, because normal (non-WLS) folks get tons of fluids in the regular food they eat, in addition to any beverages they may actually "drink." After WLS, you will not be doing much eating, especially for the first 4-6 months. Therefore, you must consume extra fluids so you don't have kidney problems, dehydration and other health problems related to excessive thirst. So even if you don't feel thirsty, drink, drink, drink! A good way to get in all your fluid is to drink iced tea with Splenda.
   — Terissa R.

December 29, 2002
Actually, everyone is supposed to drink 64 ounces of water daily to be really healthy. But my surgeon told me that we must or risk serious kidney problems. However he considers Crystal Light, decaf tea and coffee, protein shakes, and juice the same as water. I have no problem getting in 64 - 100 ounces a day (except on weekends when I tend to run around a lot and forget to take something with me sometimes). I drink 64 ounces of Crystal Light or Country Time Lemonberry Sippers at work every day between 8 AM and 5 PM. So, after I get home, anything I drink is "icing on the cake" so to speak. I also have an 8 ounce protein drink at work.
   — Patty_Butler