Question:
How do I keep from getting dehydrated post-op?

HELP!! I am just over a month post op and have been to the ER 3 times in the last 9 days due to being dehydrated. they place me on IV's to hydrate me then I feel "ok" for about a day then I once again am left feeling weak, dizzy and dehydrated. I sip all day long. I even make sure I wake up at least a couple of times during the night to sip some liquids. STILL I end up dehydrated!! and lacking in potassium. My surgeon's offices said that if I have to make a choice between eating and drinking, that I need to DRINK FIRST. I have been living on liquids and Boost Plus for about 3 wks. I am tired of just drinking all the time and not getting any real foods in my body!!! Has anyone ever experienced this? If so, how did you handle it and get past the dehydration "thing??" I am so tired of having to go back in to the ER for more IV'S every few days!! It is not like I am not drinking (sipping). Can anyone shed some light on this issue for me?? (besides this, I now have an inner ear problem that leaves me w/ vertigo and if it gets too bad, I get sick at my stomach and cant eat or drink). All this came after the wls. I am at a point where I wonder why the *&&%^% did I ever have the surgery in the first place!! I got bladder infection after wls, too. My pouch is so sensitive to meds that I couldnt take any antibiotics. They had to place them in an IV, too. I still can't take my psych meds and it's over a month since I have been able to have them. Is it all worth it?? When will all this end??    — kathy S. (posted on August 22, 2000)

August 22, 2000
Hi There, I was 5 mo. without any solid foods, and what about doing what you are told to do by the doctors. They are in charge now, I got where I was because of wanting to do things my way, I am so grateful 230lbs later, and 21/2 years later that I finally surrendered and did it the way I was told to do things, and not take back control. Affectionately Linda
   — Linda H.

August 22, 2000
hi kathy, i too have had problems with dehydration, i am 2 months post-op and just spent 3 days in the hospital. i am still not able to eat much but you have to drink evenn if you do not eat. i drink water, orange juice for my potassium and flat 7-up. and i am feeling alot better i am told for some people the eating will come much later and it is a trial and error thing. maybe your doctor needs to admit you for a couple of days to get everything straighted out, because you have more than just the dehydration to deal with? take care, tina
   — tina P.

August 22, 2000
I had to begin taking in 64 ounces of water a day when I had kidney sugery. It was very hard to do at first, but I found that if I filled containers of water equal to 64 ounces and scheduled my fluids so I had a certain percentage consumed as the day went along it becames easier. Get your water in early in the day then anything later will be extra. Eventually, drinking 64 ounces a day becomes second nature, but being very structured helps in the beginning. Also, drinking that much water is great for your skin.
   — Nanette T.

August 22, 2000
Kathy, I watched you post and post information before your surgery. I thought if anyone had all the facts it was you. I am sorry that your feeling upset. I know that for about 4 weeks I was having those same questions. Why did I do this? It will get better. I can assure you. If you just do whatever they tell you. I drank none stop. I drank water, and crystal lite and sugar free koolaid. I never drank any of the protein drinks. For two weeks all I had was sugar free jello and water or sugar free koolaid. I know you will get better. Just hang in there. I had my first local support meeting last night. I had my surgery at a hospital that is just starting this program. There are 5 of us and we are all still off and on throwing up, but since May 1st as a group we have lost 305 pounds. I have lost 85 my self. It is great to feel good about yourself and that feeling will be coming soon for you. Best of wishes Kathy!!
   — Sandra V.