Question:
I am over 5yrs. post-op, and have problems with dehydration.

I started to have problems with dehydration. I attempt to get 8-12oz. of liquids in a day. Anyone have this problem? I can't see a doctor, since I do not have any insurance right now. Thanks for your help!!    — Jane65 (posted on October 27, 2008)


October 26, 2008
Umm, I think I see what your problem is...I'm supposed to be getting up to 60oz of liquids a day. Even someone without WLS would be dehydrated with only 8-12oz.
   — suezahn4me

October 26, 2008
no matter how far out u r u still need to drink around 64 oz of liquid a day.it will keep u hydrated as well as starve off your desire to eat.I suggest u get some sport water that is sugar free and drink,drink,drink.also are u taking any meds like water pills?dehydration can be dangerous and u could wind up not only seeind a Dr but in the hospital as well.
   — Bette Drecktrah

October 26, 2008
I have a question-are you getting eight individual 12 oz glasses of water a day or are you just getting an 8 to twelve oz glass of water? If it is only the one glass you are in big trouble and need to start immediately pushing the fluids. Hope this helps and that you feel better.
   — katiecakes

October 26, 2008
i think she mean (8) 12 ounce glasses a day. which should be enough to stay hydrated, but if you are still dehydrating maybe try some pedialite. even though normally for children they are low in sugar and will help with the dehydration
   — MNI

October 27, 2008
8-12 oz a day will dehydrate any post op. If you actually meant 8 of the 12 oz glasses a day, you should not be dehydrated, as that's 96 oz of water a day, about 1/3 more than normally recommended. If it is really only 12 oz a day max, then space out your water intake, and DRINK MORE. Your urine should be normally be almost clear in color if you a properly hydrated. If you're not drinking enough fluids, then your urine will be discolored. I had this issue at around 4 months post op, and ended up with a UTI. So please, drink more fluids. My surgeon said the most common reason post ops are re-admitted to hospitals is FOR dehydration. DAVE
   — Dave Chambers

October 27, 2008
I have a harder time drinking water in the cooler weather than I do in summer...I drink all day...over 100 oz daily...Since the weather got cooler I KNOW I am no where near where I need to be...SO...Go out and get a large plastic 32 oz cup...I got some at Target for 99 cents! You can get a larger cup with lid at a gas station too...or a large water bottle even...But SOMETHING that you can conveniently carry around with you. Fill it and get used to having it with you at all times...In the car...at the computer...work...at home....Where ever. Sip on it rather than trying to force down 8 oz at a time...By mid day you should have finished that glass or bottle...Refill it and drink another by sipping until about an hour before bed time (or you'll be up for a pee break in the mid'l of the night)...At first you will have to pee all the time...after a while it becomes natural...I did this early spring and made really good water drinking habits...I have fallen behind again...so I to am going to pull out my big green 32 oz cups and do the very same thing! This way, you will get in 64 oz of water daily...It's much easier sipping it! Hope this works for you as well as it has for me! Also, don't be afraid to use a little SF flavor or sqeeze lemon and add a little SF sweetener too...Sometimes you just need a little flavor to make you want to sip...I will even just put a few drops of Stevia (natural sweetener without sugar or cals) and often I am more inclined to drink it faster than water! I love the Propel powders too (These have electrolytes which help with dehydration)...SF Tang, Crystal Lite, SF Ice teas...Even a little fruit juice and an extra SF sweetner to get rid of the sour. Do what you can...Good luck!
   — .Anita R.

October 27, 2008
Can you eat popcicles? I think they count as a liquid....I know it is hard to drink all that water, but yes, you could end up in the hospital if dehydrated. Do you like hot tea? There are some great tasting teas out there that might help get the daily allowance of fluids you must take in. Hang in there.
   — Farmgirl58

October 27, 2008
Avoid ANYTHING with caffeine since it acts as a diuretic which how "water pills" work. SF popsicles are a good idea but the water or Crystal light are your best liquids to avoid dehydration.
   — AuntPamcakes4six

October 30, 2008
I assume that since you can't see a doctor, you are diagnosing yourself with dehydration. What kind of symptoms are you having? If you are only drinking 8 to 12oz of liquids a day, then that's your problem. If you are drinking eight 12oz servings of liquids (96oz total), then you should not be dehydrated unless you are a) having massive diarrhea, b) vomiting profusely, or c) sweating heavily. My guess is that you have something else going on that makes you feel dehydrated. I think that you need to find a way to get medical care... either through the ER or a free/low-cost clinic. If you call your local hospital, they should be able to tell you what your options are. Good luck.
   — mrsidknee




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