Question:
Fluid going in....not coming out....

I am 4 1/2 weeks post-op. In the past few days I have drank at least 64ozs, although my nutritionis wants me to get in 80. Two days ago I only went to the bathroom 3 times, yesterday I only went twice earlier in the day...I went to bed without going and when I woke up this morning I didn't have a real urge to go. I've only gone twice today....and today all my insides hurt...like there was pain from every area they worked on inside me. I usually do have excess fluid in my legs, but they are compressioned wrapped. While in the hospital they were concerned with my output but at the same time my legs were getting huge. I was just at my physical therapist today and my legs are at the smallest they have been. I drank a lot of water before surgery and always went 4-5 times a day...but I know I'm drinking more water now. What's going on????    — Sarahlicious (posted on May 10, 2003)

May 9, 2003
Call your surgeon ASAP. Its probably nothing but thats what they are for! If you were diabetic pre op better blood sugars equal much fewer bathroom breaks. Is your urine clear or dark? Dark indicates dehydration. But do call your surgeon.
   — bob-haller

May 9, 2003
If you&#8217;re concerned about lack of output with the amount of water you&#8217;re drinking you have to remember that our bodies are amazingly adept at utilizing everything we put into them. That being said with regard to water consumption we use an enormous amount of water for normal bodily functions every day. Drinking enough water is the best treatment for fluid retention. Water helps rid the body of wastes and we all know that kidneys can't function properly without enough of it. It helps avoid the dreaded problem of constipation (yikes!) An increase in water intake can actually reduce fat deposits! (I always like that one!!) Water helps maintain proper muscle tone and skin integrity. The overweight person needs more water than the thin one because larger people have larger metabolic loads. <p>How much water is enough? On the average a person should drink eight 8-ounce glasses every day. That's about two quarts. However, the overweight person needs on additional glass for every 25 pounds overweight. The amount you drink should also be increased if you exercise briskly or if the weather is hot and dry. <p>When the body gets the water it needs to function optimally, its fluids are perfectly balanced. The bottom line is when your body reaches the level of hydration that it needs, it gets rid of the rest!! So unless you&#8217;re having symptoms of retention (hands and feet swelling, moist cough etc) you&#8217;re probably right on track BUT as always your doctor is the best judge of that!!!
   — Denise W.

May 10, 2003
I had the same problem until around 3 months post. I have NO idea what it was. Now, at 5 months, I drink and it comes right out. WEIRD! So, the previous poster was correct, call the doctor if you are concerned. But, know that you aren't alone. :)
   — Diana L.

May 10, 2003
Keep in mind that you lose fluid in other ways - perspiration (even if you don't think you are sweating, you still lose some moisture through your skin) and with breathing, as well as losing fluid in "other bodily functions' to put it delicately. Your body is probably trying to keep itself balanced. You may find that you do what is sometimes called "whoosing' on low carb diet sites: You stay at the same weight, retain a lot of fluid, and then you body lets go of it and you drop several pounds rapidly. Don't worry about it unless you develop problems with edema or shortness of breath or anything else that is unusual for you. (I got to keep my catheter in longer than normal and they kept pumping IV fluids in while I was in the hospital because my output was low. I came home 15 lbs heavier because of all the extra fluid.)
   — koogy

May 12, 2003
I don't know what causes this phenomenon, but I had it as well. I drink a LOT of water thru the day & I remember being shocked at how much my urine output decreased after surgery. If I recall correctly, the 'condition' (?) persisted a few months after surgery, then all returned to normal.
   — Laurie A.