Question:
i would like to know how much water can i drink a day ,and will my stomach ever stret

to my normal size    — loxley (posted on December 29, 2004)

December 29, 2004
I was told to drink at least 48 ounces a day. More if I can handle it. I should not stretch your pouch, but I was told to stay away from anything with carbination in it because that will stretch your pouch. Good Luck on your surgery day. Mine is scheduled for Jan. 18, 05. See you on the loosing side.
   — julez

December 29, 2004
The normal response is to get in 64 oz of water a day (you can also count any non-carbonated beverage towards that total, like Crystal light for example). Others say that even more water, like 100 oz is best, I am lucky to get in 64 oz. Your stomach will not stretch from liquids and that includes soda. Carbonated beverages can be very uncomfortable in the tiny pouch and often have too much sodium in them. At almost 3 years post-op, I will occasionally have 1/2 a diet soda but not often. Other posties drink alot of soda since it does not bother them, but don't substitute carbonated beverages for getting in your 64 oz.
   — Cindy R.

December 29, 2004
Your pouch will not stretch with anything the thickness of water. Now of course you should not go chugging down a huge volume say like 16 oz at a time. I can get 1/2 -3/4 of a cup down at a time. Water will just empty out of your pouch like water through a funnel. You should get in a MINIMUM of 48oz a day more if possible. I tray to get in at least 64 oz. I feel dragged out if I do not get enough water into my body.
   — ChristineB

December 29, 2004
I have found out lately that if I don't get in at least 64 oz of water a day then I start getting shakey - almost like I am trying to dump. What I started to do about 2 months ago is I keep an 24 oz bottle of water with me at work - refill it at least 4 times, (2 in the am and 2 in the pm)and another one at home - refilling at least 2 times (once before supper and once after). Doing this, I can average about 144 oz a day! And the weight has started to go again!! Good Luck! Danette
   — Danette C.

December 30, 2004
Everybody is different. I find I still can't eat and drink. 5 ounces is about my limit, and I am 15 months post-op. It's one or the other, and needs to be spaced out. I feel shakey when I don't get enought protein or take my vitamins. Perhaps you should get the "shakey" part evaluated by your PCP. Any element of malnutrition can cause the symptoms you describe. I need to get my labs done every two to three months to make sure my iron, B12, protein, calcium, electrolytes, etc. (metabolic and lipid panels plus serum ferritin) are all in normal ranges. This helps with appropraite adjustments in my nutrition and hydration. Keep up the good work!!
   — susan D.