Question:
what is water loading and why do you do it? Is it harmful?

   — Elisa W. (posted on July 11, 2003)

July 11, 2003
Water loading is tanking up on all the water you can force into your body 24 hours a day, as many days in a row as you can handle it. It is used to keep yourself from eating anything or at least from eating as little as possible. Essentially a different way of saying "fasting". For people who have not had this surgery, it can't hurt to do this for a day or so, but for us, it is highly dangerous. No, we don't dehydrate, but it can deplete the vitamins quickly and because we don't get much to begin with, it can be really dangerous. People do this to lose weight fast, but it really isn't healthy. It can be highly harmful. I hope this helps!
   — Sharon M. B.

July 11, 2003
Different answer here: if you go to the library and look up "pouch rules for dummies", you can read what water loading is in the context of wls. It is for post-wls people at least 12 months out, and is supposed to help with maintaining weight loss or to lose more. I don't know if it is effective or even safe, but you can read about it and form your own opinion. A doctor wrote the "rules".
   — [Deactivated Member]

July 11, 2003
Water loading with respect to WLS is drinking water until full up to 15 minutes before your meal. I'm not talking about 100 oz, just a few glasses. It's explained better in the "rules", but it helps keep your food in your pouch longer, keeping you full. I don't think it's the same thing that the first two posters are talking about.
   — mom2jtx3

July 11, 2003
At 5 months, my nutritionist suggested that I try it because I never felt full and could eat too much. I haven't looked up the "pouch rules" being referred to, but if you want the instructions she gave me, email me and I'll send them.
   — jen41766

July 11, 2003
Elisa, I have to agree with Jennifer Amos (Hi Jen!), my nutrionist suggested the same thing about 5 mos out, I don't ever feel full unless I overdo it. I drink alot of water or crystal light right up to the minute I start eating. Also, if I am eating and feel like there is a "bottomless pit", I drink a small glass of water in the middle of my meal and I instanlty fill up and I am done. Good Luck to you. Heather (Open RNY 8-15-02 305/189/150)
   — heathercross