How to drink More Water after Weight Loss Surgery.
Proper Hydration is extremely important after Weight Loss Surgery, especially in those early stages. I had a really hard time meeting my water requirement in the early stages after my gastric sleeve and even though I am a year post surgery, this is still a battle I fight every day.
I never had an issue with my water intake before surgery. I use to be a gallon a day girlie! Now, I am lucky if I hit 64oz daily.
They say your taste buds could change after weight loss surgery and though mine are the same, what has changed is my taste for plain water. I, like many others, suffer from Water Nausea. Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, the difference in acidity in the stomach or part of the surgery process have been suggested as reasons why plain water isn’t tolerated causing water nausea.
But water is very important to our body and here are a few roles that water plays:
- Water helps carry nutrients around
- Helps eliminate waste products produced in our bodies
- Acts as a lubricant around joints
- Makes up most of the blood volume
- And helps regulate temperature
It is recommended to drink at least 64oz of water every day to avoid dehydration. Some signs of dehydration are:
- Headaches
- Feeling hungry
- Fatigue
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- Difficulty concentrating
- Confusion
- Lower energy
- Muscle cramps
So, if you are having a hard time with meeting your water goals, here are some things that I have done to help me get my water intake in every day.
Tip 1: Workout and Workout early in the day. Working out makes me thirsty and when I work out early, I have a head start on my intake for the day.
Tip 2: Take advantage of water enhancers. I love to use Mio or crystal light.
Tip 3: Use a straw. Though I was advised against using a straw for 6 months after my surgery, I started using it at 2 weeks post-op. This allowed me to get more water in. I spoke with my medical team about this and since it didn’t give me any discomfort, I was allowed to keep going. *Remember* this rule is not in place for everyone! Some people wake up with a straw and are just fine. So, talk with your medical team if this rule is in place for you and you would like to use a straw.
Tip 4: Water Infusion recipes. I love adding fruit and vegetables to my water to give my plain water some taste. Below is a video I have done with 7 water infusion recipes:
Tip 5: Have multiple water bottles. I have a few different size water bottles that helps me meet my goals. I call it simple math.
I have a 64 oz water bottle that I take to the gym with me
I have a 40oz water bottle that is easy to carry, comes with a foldable straw, and that I take everywhere with me.
I also have a 24 oz water/shaker bottle that I use around the house.
I get my water bottles from Hydro Jug and if you would like to purchase one, you can save 10% off of your purchase using my discount code JANEE10.
I hope these tips help you in meeting your water intake goals!
With so much Love,
Janeé
*This is not medical instructions! This is advice based on my experience and anything you take from here should always be consulted with your medical team! *