Question:
I drink plenty of liquids during the day except for water, is that okay too?

I use to drink alot of water all of the time, but now i can't seem to like it at all, I only get in about a couple of drinks then stop, but I do drink alot of other things like diet caffeine pop and hot decaf tea and other diet drinks. So what I am really wondering is if that is okay too as long as you are getting enough liquids in a day , because I know that some doctors really stress on drinking alot of water. Thanks.    — Melodee S. (posted on April 24, 2003)

April 24, 2003
I have always been told that any caffene-free, calorie-free, carbonation-free beverage counts the same as water. So, your decaf tea would count, but diet pop would not. The reason for this is that it actually dehydrates your body to process caffene and carbonation. I also think that other diet soft drinks like Crystal Lite or sugar free Kool-aid count even if they have 5 or 10 calories. Hope that helps.
   — Amber L.

April 24, 2003
When my surgeon asks about my daily intake he always includes any decaffinated drinks.
   — smedley200

April 24, 2003
I know you said its hard, but you really need to try your best to get some water in as well, Melodee. Although I heard decaf. things like tea can cound towards it, soda will not like the previous poster said and it can actually deplete your calcium that you take. Hydration is super important for us post-ops and can help you lose more weight- I'd try to make diet sodas a treat, not as a drink a few times a day. Add some lemon or lime to plain water or even drink crystal light, but make sure you get atleast 64oz in a day! Goodluck to you.
   — Lezlie Y.

April 24, 2003
Regarding the caffeine as diuretic, I have seen more and more literature that indicates that it is really only acts as a diuretic if you are not a regular caffeine consumer. I'd count all of your drinks except I'd try to minimize the soda. I have maybe one a week at 9 months out. I rarely drink water myself. If it wasn't for Lipton Diet Decaf Iced Tea mix with Lemon, I'd never get in my 64 oz a day. Drinking that, I probably get in 80-96 oz of fluid a day...JR
   — John Rushton