Question:
what counts?

I know we are to try to take in 64 oz of water each day postop, but what can count? I see so many versions from "only water" up to "water, crystal light, milk, juices and coffee/tea all count"... what is the definitive answer, please??? :)    — Tim W. (posted on June 23, 2003)


June 22, 2003
Well it certainly will depend on what your doctor/nutritionist says. But mine say - anything that is liquid and does NOT have caffeine in it. So water, milk, juice, soup, decaf ice tea. etc...etc.....
   — George B.

June 22, 2003
I understand that anything that's liquid counts toward the 60+ oz. requirement. I drink lots of coffee during the day (I like the taste and enjoy having something warm-- although I didn't really start drinking it until I was about 10-12 weeks post-op). I haven't had dehydration issues and haven't seemed to have had my weight loss compromised. Good luck.
   — SteveColarossi

June 22, 2003
There are no *definitive* answers on this or many other issues concerning WLS and post-op regimens. There are as many answers/opinions as there are nutritionists & surgeons... <p> You should probably only count the non-caloric beverages towards your 64 oz requirement as you should be limiting your intake of caloric beverages such as milk and juices. My nutritionist is one of those who believe that you should replace 1 oz of caffeine-containing beverages with 1 1/2 oz of water, but from what I have read, the diuretic effects of caffeine are basically for those people who do not consume caffeine regularly. Besides, I am already on Lasix for fluid retention (I have chronic venous insufficiency in my lefts) so it's not going to diurese me much more than the Lasix *G*...JR
   — John Rushton

June 23, 2003
Hi, I'm still pre-op, but I went to a support group last week and the nutritionist said that even fruit, like melon, counted and also the sugar-free popsicles count toward your fluid intake. I'm gonna ask about that when I go for my pre-op class next month.
   — Moysa B.

June 23, 2003
Anything other than a straight protien shake is counted as liquids in my book. I make a point to get in at least 128 oz. of liquids each day. Yes, I even count the ounces in that popscile. It is liquid, after all! Stay away from carbonated beverages and caffinated beverages (caffine triggers your hunger button!). Also, watch that "fresh, bottled water"... some brands add sodium to the water, and we don't need that! :~)
   — Sharon M. B.

June 23, 2003
"definitive"?? How often do you see the entire group agree on any one issue? Just goes to show you that there are a variety of answers out there from the surgeons/nutritionists. Try asking about calcium carbonate vs. citrate, or the post-op diet during the first month and you'll get another round of different debateable answers! My surgeon, and I agree, said that any non-carbonated, non-caffeinated drink counted towards that 64 oz of liquid.
   — Cindy R.

June 23, 2003
Ask your doc what he/she prefers you to get as far as oz and what type. my doc says that your body knows when it is not getting enough fluids if you pay attention to it. He say at least 64oz and any non-carbonated, caffiene free liquids and fruit juices.
   — Oldsoul

June 24, 2003
Hi Tim, According to what I've been told and have been following, any liquid (water, tea, sugar free pops, jello, milk, etc.) all count toward your liquid intake. However, since it seems that things vary so much from doctor to doctor, I would suggest checking with your surgeon or nutrionist to see what counts for you.
   — Ceil G.

June 24, 2003
Doesn't anyone count ice cubes? My ice cube trays take one cup of water to make seven cubes, and that is what I use in my protein shakes along with one cup of water--with three shakes a day that is six cups right there (48 ozs). I sip/drink all day/night too. The real proof is in the toilet bowl, though, because if the smell is very mild and the water there has only a hint of yellow, you are getting enough liquid. Providing there are no physical problems, of course. Nina in Maine
   — [Deactivated Member]




Click Here to Return
×