Question:
Please help. I am having trouble getting enough fluids after 3 months.

I am having trouble with fluids and nausea. I am 3 month post RNY. I was doing well around 8 weeks, I was able to get in my 50 to 60 oz of fluids and protein for a few weeks, I slowly began having trouble getting in liquids due to nausea that got progressively worse. The last few weeks are even worse. I am getting down to only 20 oz or so. I do not have problems with food, I can tolerate most foods. I am not sure what is going on. My doc did bloodwork to see if I am deyhrated and so far the numbers are good. I am so frustrated. I have to start a new job and I don't know how this will effect me. Did anyone develop this later after surgery?? Does anyone have some helpful answers. I know not drinking does cause nausea but I just need some help. Thank you all for your help!    — KathleenK (posted on April 3, 2010)

April 3, 2010
Hi Kathleen....can you try some mint tea? It's famous for making unhappy tummies feel better. Also, I found that WARM liquids felt better in my pouch than cold ones, and so even now at a year out, I run my tap water as hot as I can get it before I mix up my bottle of Crystal Light. I have always hated water, and I don't need the protein anymore, so I just saved the Aquafina bottles from the FlavorSplash water I used to buy, and use them for making my Crystal Light. I take two to bed with me at night, and whenever I wake up to go to the bathroom or roll over, I take three or four good sips (well, now they're more like gulps, since I'm so far out). You can also make and eat sugar-free Jell-o (counts as a liquid), drink broth (I mixed mine with unflavored protein powder like Unjury or Any Whey), or if you have a VitaMix, there's some really good soup recipes in the book that are liquified and therefore count towards your liquid intake. And maybe the problem is that whatever you're drinking is either too sweet or too salty, or maybe your drinking whey protein and would do better with soy protein....sometimes you just have to experiment. Please check out bariatriceating.com - they have lots of recipes for us on their site, and I believe some of them are for drinks you can mix up. Have you tried smoothies? What CAN you drink? Maybe that's the best place to start? And what specifically makes you sick? If we knew that, we might be more able to offer suggestions.... Hope you feel better!
   — Erica Alikchihoo

April 4, 2010
Is your doctor concerned that you are having nausea after being okay for so long? Can he give you anti-nausea medication? Is the nausea related to anxiety at work? Can you sip liquids constantly at work? Jello sounds like a good idea. Thin oatmeal and cream of wheat may work. As a last resort, there is a product called Thick-It that is given to stroke patients who can't swallow liquids. It doesn't look tasty but, it would allow you to get liquids.
   — MargaretHM

April 8, 2010
As long as your urine is clear you really don't NEED exactly 64 oz of water daily...If you get a large 32 oz cup and keep it with you all day at work and just sip it all day and try to get in one refill, you'll get in plenty of liquid without forcing it or making yourself ill...I take a large iced tea glass everywhere I go...or refillable bottles if I'm out or in the car... It helps if you add something to change the flavor too...I add True lemon or lime and sweetener or sugar free drink powders or teas...Good luck
   — .Anita R.