Question:
Are Post-ops always prone to dehydation for life

I am now 7 months post-op and have really had no problems. Recently, I had to have major surgery and ended up in ER due to dehydration. At 7 months, I no longer had trouble getting in fluids, however, after this surgery I did and at 2 weeks I still am. I think part of my problem was the lack of knowledge on the part of the surgeon who really didn't know much about RNY. I don't think I was hydrated long enough after surgery. I expressed concern to his staff, but it didn't seem I was taken seriously. So 36 hours after discharge, I ended up in ER. I guess I am wondering, are we especially prone to dehydration due to the bypass and what precautions or instructions should be given to non-WLS surgeons? I know I am looking towards more surgery in the future and definitely don't want to repeat this.    — Shannon B. (posted on September 30, 2000)

October 1, 2000
I wondered the very same thing myself! I was in the ER 3 times in 9 days in the first month post op due to dehydration w/ IV'S stuck in my arm each time to hydrate me. Not a pretty picture or feeling at all! I asked the dietician that works w/ post op patients and she said I'd always have to make sure I got in over 60 oz of water or other liquids a day if I didn't want to get dehydrated. That is just part of the baggage that goes along w/ WLS forever after. It isn't so hard, now. I measure my water in a bottle everyday and make sure I get it in. I do not want to have to go thru the horrible feeling of dehydration and all the things that go along w/ it anymore. Three times is ENOUGH!! Watch and make sure your urine is a LIGHT YELLOW. When it gets dark, it can be a sure sign of dehydration coming on. Good luck!
   — kathy S.

October 3, 2000
When I went for my check up my doc felt I was still somewhat dehydrated so he ordered home IV therapy. What a godsend! I hadn't realized this could be done. I did my first liter and I feel so much better. With the addition of phenergan for the nausea, I actually have an appetite. i wish I had known about this sooner and will definitely remember this for the future.
   — Shannon B.

February 23, 2002
I could feel myself getting dehydrated soon after returning home. I was drinking only water and grew tired of Crystal Light. R=There were days I only drank 8 ounces. Finally, I found some low acid orange juice and began to drink that. What a relief...I have more energy and can drink orange juice all day. I sometimes mix with water, and sometimes I don't. But it makes me feel much better and the weight is coming off again.If you are stuck with dehydration due to your not tolerating water...drink anything...I even drink green tea..decaffinated with sugar. I know sugar is bad, but dehydration is worse. I drink and drink and drink all day now..mostly sugared drinks mixed with water! I have lost 28 pounds in 16 days!
   — denise C.

October 22, 2002
Water is also a problem for me. Because I am on coumidin for the next 6 months, I have to have blood draws every other week. Not getting enough fluids really became a problem when the nurses tried 6 times to draw blood and couln't. I had talked to the nutritionist about juice, and she said "In moderation" She said when ever she had a patient that stopped losing like they should, she found the problem was usually they were drinking too much juice, and getting too many calories that way.
   — Ken M.