My family and I will hiking daily in a hot, dry climate about 4 weeks after I am banded. I am concerned about becoming dehydrated from not being able to consume enough water. Will I be able to drink several ounces of water at once at this post-op stage? Or should I purchase a hydration pack like a CamelBak so that I can sip small amounts as we hike? I don't want to hold the rest of my group up with frequent water stops so I thought this might be a good solution, yet I am also wondering if sipping from a hydration pack will have the same effect as using a straw. If you've had any experiences with this, I'd appreciate your thoughts. Thank you!

I would ask your doc for advice. I think it may depend on the amount of restriction you have, even though it is just water.

I am almost 5 weeks post op and sometimes get a too full feeling if I drink my water to fast. By to fast I don't mean gulping it down either. I keep a bottle of water or crystal light with me almost all day at work, except for a half hour before and after lunch. In my work day I try to drink 16-20 oz between 8 & 11 am, 16-20 oz between 12:30 and 3pm (end of school) and another in the afternoon/evening. I have found sometimes if I drink it faster than that it just seems to make me feel too full. Even though I have not had a fill I do believe I already have good restriction.

Last night I wasn't thinking and chugged several ounces at once because I was feeling very thirsty, luckily it did not give me any problems. Maybe I realized what I was doing in time and stopped before I chugged too much.

By the way...Good for you planning such an adventure! I hope you all have a wonderful time!

Thanks for your response and for sharing your experiences. Checking with my doctor is a good suggestion. I will do that.

 

It's difficult to know what to expect since our individual experiences vary greatly. I am a little concerned about getting my water in during the work day, so I appreciate reading what works for you. Like you, I currently try to stay on a schedule. Most days, though, I end up drinking the majority of it at one time, either before I go to lunch or go home for the day. Recently, I've been making a conscious effort to gradually consume it, but I've made little progress and must do better after I am banded. I don't enjoy drinking water, even with flavoring in it, so that's probably why I end up drinking it as I do.

 

Congratulations on your 91 pound weight loss! You are doing a great job! It's interesting to read that you have good restriction and have not needed a fill. Did your doctor place any fill in your band during surgery?

Like you said, we all vary so much. I can drink large quantities of water. I do have slight restriction, but I am still able to drink a lot of water. I actually use a Camelbak water bottle with the bite straw everyday and have not had any extra air problems. You will really have to test it out yourself.

Like you said, we all vary so much. I can drink large quantities of water. I do have slight restriction, but I am still able to drink a lot of water. I actually use a Camelbak water bottle with the bite straw everyday and have not had any extra air problems. You will really have to test it out yourself.

 

Thanks for sharing your experiences, stephyanders. I have a Camelbak bottle, but currently, I prefer using my REI bottles, simply because they're easier to clean. However, it makes sense that the Camelbak bottle would be beneficial to use after I am banded. It's good to know you've not had any issues with extra air.