Question:
National Academy of Sciences says 64 0z of water not required??

Page A10 of the Washington Post today has an article"Follow your Thirst, Report says-Academy of Sciences discounts need for 8 cups of water daily".. The NAS says that the vast majority of Americans will be amply hydrated if they simply let thirst be their guide. It goes on to say that thirst is the main determinant of how much fluid people need and that women require roughly 11 cups of fluid a day, with 20 percent of that coming from food. AND, here is the kicker, they go on to say that beverages such as caffeine and alcohol can contribute to total water intake, that the studies that suggest caffeine and alcohol cause water loss is transient in nature. Interesting, and I don't know what to make of it....any comments? Are we in the WLS community different from the regular population when it comes to water intake? I still plan to get in my water, but maybe now I won't feel as guilty if I don't make my 64....    — Cindy R. (posted on February 12, 2004)

February 12, 2004
In my opinion (based on my experience) water is essential is losing weight. If I don't get in my 64 ounces, I don't lose. I actually feel better getting in most of the water. Getting in 64 a day has helped me lose 163 lbs. That is all the proof I need that it is essential.
   — june22

February 12, 2004
Perhaps the vast majority of Americans would be amply hydrated if simply following their thirst, but I no longer belong to that category because of this surgery. Therefore, I am not willing to discount my surgeon's advice. Water is essential for me to help flush my kidneys, which are stressed by the high protein diet I now consume, again per my surgeon's advice. And like the previous poster, the simple fact is that the more water I drink, the better my weight loss.
   — Dragon G.

February 12, 2004
I must admit that I am a terrible water drinker and always have been. I rely a lot on non fat milk, hot tea without caffeine, Diet Snapple, sugar free hot chocolate, and fruit of all types. The lack of water has never had an impact on my weight loss or health. I have lost 156lbs and I have never had any kidney stones or gallbladder problems. We are each very different. I don't recommend going against your Dr.'s order but I have done just fine not getting my full 64 ounces of "just water" everyday. Wendi Open RNY 9/19/02
   — lovemonterey

February 12, 2004
I read the same article. It said for normal healthy people. If you had WLS you are not normal.your bowls are modified and so is your stomach. If you are MO you are not normal. The surgeon which gave you guide lines which you are expected to folloow. Please follow them and you will heal healthy.
   — Robert L.

February 12, 2004
Normal healthy people eat plenty of food that has moisture content and thus upping the fluid that their body is consuming. With our limitations on how much we can eat, I believe that we must really focus on getting in at least 64 ounces of fluid each day. I don't do caffeine so will refrain from comment as to whether it should or should not be counted - I don't do it because it was part of my post-surgery instructions AND I never did it much pre-surgery either as a personal choice. I count the water that goes into my protein shakes, any juice that I might drink (I do juice half n half with water to keep the sugar down), Propel SF sports drink, and plain old water. If I drank milk I would count that. I no longer count foods that I counted when I was in the pureed stage. For a while I was having a problem with dizziness and finally realized I was having an electrolyte problem (I was doing about 80 ounces a day then), I began the Propel and the problem went away. My daily liquid intake is usually 100 ounces or more. Extra fluids also helps keep your skin looking nice as a side benefit, bowels moving better, etc. Sandra
   — Arizona_Sun

February 13, 2004
They are basing that on non-overweight people. Obese people have more mass to hydrate. And people with WLS are going to need more water in general. Brita.com will tell you how much water you need a day.
   — mrsmyranow

February 13, 2004
I have this huge 64oz. water mug, and it lists "water facts", one of the facts says we need to drink 1/2 of our weight in ounces daily and the least for anyone should be 64oz. Also dehydration slows down you metabolism, and causes daytime fatique. (By the way I got this mug at Wal-Mart for $3.97, and if I fill it up in the morning, it will stay cold all day because it is insulated, and it helps be target when I get the 64 in, when it is empty:))
   — GAYLE CARMACK-LYONS