Staying hydrated after weight loss surgery can be challenging for many patients. Having a smaller stomach post-surgery enables you to lose weight by limiting the amount of food you can eat so you quickly feel full. The downside is that your fluid capacity is also limited and so, you may find yourself not drinking enough water.

Keeping and staying hydrated after your weight loss surgery is important. The main reason most patients are readmitted to the hospital after their surgery is because of dehydration.

Why is drinking water important after weight loss surgery?

If you have had a sleeve gastrectomy or any other weight loss surgery, it’s important you consume enough water to stay hydrated after your weight loss surgery.

Water helps your body:

• metabolise fat and reduce fat deposits
• keep hydrated without extra calories
• function as usual
• digest your food and get rid of waste

We recommend drinking 2 litres of water a day.

What are signs of dehydration after weight loss surgery?

Some signs you might be dehydrated after your weight loss surgery are:

• Dark urine
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• A dry mouth
• Nausea
• Lack of energy
• Dry skin

How can I keep hydrated after weight loss surgery?

1. Keep a bottle of water with you at all times. If you have water with you, you’ll drink it.
2. Drink water as soon as you start your day.
3. Sip your water slowly throughout the day. Drinking too quickly or gulping it can cause some pain and bloating. We recommend using a straw.
4. Set alarms and reminders to drink at least once every hour.
5. If you have a smartphone, download a water tracking app to monitor your water intake. Most water tracking apps also have reminders for you to drink water.
6. If you have trouble drinking water, squeeze lemon with your water or add a small amount of apple juice to your water. You can even add a drop of sugar-free flavourings to your water.
7. Don’t drink your calories! Stay away from carbonated drinks and alcohol. Alcohol can also make you dehydrated.
8. Don’t drink water 30 minutes before you eat.
9. Don’t drink and eat at the same time. Doing this interferes with the digestion of your food. We recommend you start drinking 30 to 60 minutes after your meal.
10. Decaffeinated teas and coffees also count as part of your hydrating fluids. If you struggle with drinking water, you can also drink them.

Are you struggling with staying hydrated after your weight loss surgery?

Contact us today at 9544 5200 to book an appointment with our dietician to see how we can help you with your fluid intake.