Alright Gentlemen, I have a question regarding drinking water during the day away from meals. I do remodeling for a living and work up quite a sweat. Add in the fact I live in the desert where temps regularly hit 115 degrees during the summer, and that I am pushing 400 pounds, dehydration is a real concern. I usually consume 2-3 gallons of water a day and I need to know how easy it is to drink lots of water away from meal time. I am 8 days away from my surgery and am trying to get into the right mindset so that success will be my only option. Thanks for your help.

I am 3 months out with 2 fills and notice absolutely no difference in my ability to guzzle water.

I'm not a hard workin guy like yourself, but at first it was hard for me to drink much at all and I am sure I was dehydrated for the whole 2nd week after my surgery. However, I am at my 6th month as of May 22nd, lost around 80 lbs so far and could probably drink a couple gallons of Water if I really wanted to. I can even guzzle water if I had to right now, but it's not a comfortable feeling for a bit afterwards, lol.

The best you can do is try... and during the summer it's going to be rough at first. My band was very very tight at first and getting used to it was the tough part. It's like re-learning to eat and drink a whole different way than I have ever done in my 38 years!

So, instead of guzzling once or twice an hour, you'll have to sip some water every 5 mins I suppose? Use a little dixie cup to measure yourself out. I'm serious about every 5-7 mins. If you think you are getting dehydrated, go to the ER pronto!

How soon are you returning to work??

It seems scary at first because it is such a huge life change for us... it was for me because my life revolved around food. But it's going to be the most important and wonderful thing you can do for yourself, I promise. You will get yourself a routine going and will be able to pace yourself in no time.

Good luck! You'll do great!

I am 3 months out this Thursday and hav had 2 fills thus far. I too have no problem downing or guzzling water whatsoever. I drink well over 100 ounces of water a day. Usually mix in some Crystal Lite to change it up.........

Thanks everybody for the reassuring information. Staying hydrated is going to be my biggest concern but at least now I know it is manageable.

Nebraska Hick Chic in regards to your question, I am taking two weeks off from work and just taking it easy. I am meeting with my nutritionist and nurse today and also beginning my liquid diet. Surgery is next Tuesday! I’m not exactly looking forward to the liquid diet, but at this point nothing is going to stand in my way of being successful with this band.

Your ability to guzzle Water may fade with fills, but that means you just have to drink smaller quantities more often. I think hydration is about the most often overlooked component of fat loss. Keep drinking good quantities of water and just cut back immediately after meals.

Good Luck!