The gastric bypass and gastric sleeve procedures work wonders at helping patients lose a lot of weight very quickly. It’s expected that a patient will lose around 50% of their excess weight within one year of receiving the surgery.
The way bariatric surgery works is, in a nutshell, by making it very hard for the patient to overeat. By eliminating overeating behavior and maintaining a low calorie diet, it becomes possible for an obese person to lose a lot of weight.
However, because it’s difficult to eat food, it’s also difficult to drink enough water. If you get bariatric surgery, your stomach volume will be around 20% of what it used to be. You won’t be able to drink as much water in one sitting as you used to. Because of this, it can be difficult to stay hydrated after getting bariatric surgery. Meeting hydration goals is a very important part of post-surgical instructions.
So how do you make staying hydrated after bariatric surgery easier? This article will explain how.
Hydration Tips After Bariatric Surgery: How To Stay Hydrated
Take small sips throughout the day, all day
Some people consume water by drinking a large amount of it in one gulp. For bariatric surgery patients, this will no longer be possible. If you’re a “chugger”, then you’re going to have to learn how to take small sips.
Luckily it’s pretty simple: take a sip for 1-2 seconds, and put the water bottle down. Keep taking these small sips at relatively regular intervals throughout the day.
One easy way to keep your hydration consistent is to use a timer. Set a small hydration alarm (preferably one that makes a single sound and doesn’t continuously ring) and then take a 1-2 second sip when it goes off. Set your timer for once every 10-15 minutes. You should be consuming about 1-2 fl oz of water per sip.
Use a water bottle (and know how much it holds)
The best way to know whether or not you’re getting enough water is to measure how much water you’re actually consuming.
It’s recommended to have a 64 oz large water bottle and take sips of it as you go about your day. However, if you have a smaller water bottle, that’s perfectly fine. Be sure to keep track of when you last refilled your bottle, and try not to ignore your hydration requirements!
Consume some electrolyte beverages (without calories).
Dehydration is more likely to occur if your body doesn’t have the required electrolytes to function properly. By choosing an electrolyte beverage as part of your required fluid intake, you reduce the risk of dehydration.
Do not choose electrolyte beverages with sugar. Many sports drinks have a lot of sugar in them because they’re designed to improve athletic performance. And avoid electrolyte beverages that also contain caffeine!
ALO Bariatrics provides Mexico bariatric surgery, including gastric bypass in Mexico, gastric sleeve in Mexico, and the Lap-Band surgery in Mexico.
