Question:
What do you do when you've had enough?
Hey guys and gals, I have two questions for ya. First, what do you do when you just get sick of water one day, what do you drink instead? Second, what would it take for someone to actually become dehydrated after surgery, obviously I know it's from not drinking enough water, but....for example, ...would a few days here and there, of not meeting the 64oz limit/day, have an effect on someone? I'm still pre-op, but I'm just wondering. Thanx a bunch :) — Jennifer M. (posted on January 14, 2002)
January 14, 2002
I have trouble with the water too. The nutritionist told me I can use milk
to supplement some of the 64oz of water. It also is 8 grams of protein per
cup. It helps that I like nice cold skim milk and have for years. The
results I saw after several days of not enough liquid were dark circles
under my eyes and darker urine. I think this means I'm not flushing out
the toxins. Hopefully you'll get an answer that works for YOU. It's so
important to get in that liquid to keep those organs healthy!
— Sharon M.
January 14, 2002
I found water difficult to take after a while. Never been a big water
drinker, unfortunately. I still try to get in at least a quart of plain old
water, but once I got sick of it I added Crystal Light, or sometimes DECAF
diet iced tea. The mixes are simple to add to water. I also confess to
drinking some diet (decaf again) soda.
And I've become a huuuuuuge fan of decaf skim milk lattes from Starbucks,
which I figure actually must be good for me (unlike some of the stuff in
there!)
On water, I recommend the colder, the better, and sip it constantly (I
carried around a water bottle all the time until I could drink more at
once, probably still should). Good luck!
— Mary Ellen W.
January 14, 2002
Jennifer, I am so glad you asked this question. I too am having a difficut
time getting the water in at almost 3 months post-op. There are some days
I can do it and other days I just don't want to! The last time I drank my
full 64 oz water, I got real light-headed and felt like I was going to pass
out, probably cause I was so full on the water I wasn't getting in any
food/protein intake. It's difficult for me getting it down to an art. I
am so much better Monday thru Friday when working etc. I can more or less
get in the groove, but on weekends I just can't drink the water. PLUS, how
can you go anywhere, do anything, when all you do is stop to pee every 15
minutes?
— blank first name B.
January 14, 2002
Our nutritionist recommends a minimum of 48 oz. and although I try to shoot
for more, I usually drink that amount. I feel well hydrated and weight
loss is super. If you want something different besided water, try the
crystal light brand mixes or some decaf tea. They both count towards your
fluid intake. I like to have a mug (12 oz) of hot decaf tea in the morning
and at night before bed, and I try not to count that so I'll drink more
H2O. I thought I would have a hard time with boring old water, but I have
found that I actually crave it now and is all I drink besides my hot tea.
— Cheri M.
January 14, 2002
I'm almost a year post-op and the first couple months after surgery I too
had a real hard time getting my water in, didn't feel like trying so hard
to get so much in! Then I ended up in the ER, TWICE for kidney stones!!
Now I do whatever it takes to get in as much fluid as possible! Don't let
yourself think that it's not that important,like I did, it is one of the
most important things you need to do for yourself post op...Good Luck!
— DolcezzaVT
January 15, 2002
I asked my surgeon the day of dismissal how LITTLE water I could drink and
be okay- I was concerned about my ability to drink 64oz the week after
surgery like he was telling me. He said that I'd be OKAY on 32oz, but more
is better. I'm only a week post-op and got my 32 in yesterday, shooting for
more today. But it's hard, and takes constant reminders to keep sipping! It
helps me to have a little sippi-type cup that is easily portable on my
journeys around the house. And I already know it is 8 oz, so calculating
total ounces consumed is easy, just have to add up the times I've filled
(or rather emptied) it. Oh yeah, I love the crystal light pink lemonaid for
a flavor change, goes down faster and easier than water for me.
— Angela B.
January 15, 2002
I don't think anyone really drinks 640z. of water in those early
weeks. You just can't hold so much. I think that you don't have to
be worrie about dehydration if you get in half that amount. Crystal
Light helps...it comes in a variety of flavors. Also caffeine free,
herbal teas count as "water". I drink the flavored (sugar free)
sparkling waters. I have one with me, at all times, and I just sip on
it.
— [Anonymous]
January 15, 2002
In the Washington Post, TODAY even, there ewas an article abot drinking
your water - it says most people get half their fluid need from FOOD. (ok,
maybe a third for us). Here is the link, and another link to a link
withing the story.
<br>
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A46038-2002Jan14.html
<br> If you want to calculate your fluid needs more precisely, log
onto www.rice.edu/~jenky/sports/fluid.balance.html.
— M. A. B.
January 15, 2002
I've always hated water and had a very hard time after surgery. I was in
the ER twice for dehydration in those early weeks. And then I discovered
Gatorade! I can't drink it straight (too sugary), but watered down, it has
about 25 calories per 8 oz. The extra calories apparently haven't affected
me much, since I'm down 160+ lbs. in 10 months. I try to drink half my
fluid in milk/water and the other half (32 oz.) in watered down Gatorade.
That's an extra 100 calories per day, in trade off for great energy/health.
Hope the info. helps.
— Terissa R.
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