I've called and left a message with my Doctor but I think I may be dehydrated. I've been sipping water non-stop since Surgery and even before then. I'm exactly a week post-op but I feel like I can't get enough water! I want to just chug an entire water bottle and many more after that. I've been doing everything by the book and I don't want to hurt my band so I've just been taking small drinks all day. When did you feel like you guys could drink like normal? I'm hoping the Doc calls back soon so I can get an idea of what I can do. All the advice you can give would be great! Thanks xx

You would not be able to chug the water, as you are swollen and it will back up, possibly making you spit up. I can't remember when I was able to drink normally, but I am 3 1/2 years out, and still do not chug. I fI do, I get the same reaction as I told you above. If you feel real thrisy, have a popcicle! Good luck, Karen

I'm glad you called your doctor

The first couple days after surgery I had a hard time drinking, but by day 3 I was drinking normally. I didn't (and still don't) chug the Water down, but I was taking actual drinks rather than tiny sips. My doctor told me that my band would let me know if I was drinking too fast because it would get uncomfortable, so as long as I felt fine while drinking, then I was doing ok.

While you wait for your doctor to call you back, are you allowed to have Gatorade? If you are dehydrated, the low calorie sports Gatorade would be a good way to get your electrolytes back where they belong. It would probably help you to feel better, too.

Hang in there!

If you are sipping pretty much non stop, I wouldn't think you are dehydrated. A quick check would be what is the color of your urine? If it's light or clear you are not dehydrated, if it is really dark then it is concentrated and you are dehydrated. Hope that helps a little!

My doctor said to use G-2 or Propel for some of my liquids if need be. I have not so far only done water, protein shakes, soup and more water! Funny you mention chugging water, the night before my surgery I was at the gym took a big drink of water and realized those days were soon to be over! But so far so good, fact is I feel full so quickly that I could not chug water anymore. Best wishes to you! ~Susan

Everyone has different experiences. I was like you. I could not drink more than 1/2 a cup of water per day. I couldnt even drink my protein or broth. After a week and a half I was able to drink more each day. I did buy the Gatorade low cal drink to help. It will get a lot easier in time,

FYI Signs of dehydration:

Symptoms

By Mayo Clinic staff

Mild to moderate dehydration is likely to cause:

• Dry, sticky mouth
  
• Sleepiness or tiredness — children are likely to be less active than usual
  
• Thirst
  
• Decreased urine output — no wet diapers for three hours for infants and eight hours or more without urination for older children and teens
  
• Few or no tears when crying
  
• Dry skin
  
• Headache
  
• Constipation
  
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
  

Severe dehydration, a medical emergency, can cause:

• Extreme thirst
  
• Extreme fussiness or sleepiness in infants and children; irritability and confusion in adults
  
• Very dry mouth, skin and mucous membranes
  
• Lack of sweating
  
• Little or no urination — any urine that is produced will be dark yellow or amber
  
• Sunken eyes
  
• Shriveled and dry skin that lacks elasticity and doesn't "bounce back" when pinched into a fold
  
• In infants, sunken fontanels — the soft spots on the top of a baby's head
  
• Low blood pressure
  
• Rapid heartbeat
  
• Rapid breathing
  
• No tears when crying
  
• Fever
  
• In the most serious cases, delirium or unconsciousness
  

Just to give everyone an update. The Doctor called me back and asked pretty much all the same questions.. What color is the urine? Have you tried Gatorade etc. So he wants me to go and get some Gatorade and trying drinking some of that. He is going to check on me in the morning and if I'm still feeling like I am now then he wants me to come in, he did say dehydration in general is bad of course but after surgery an with the band is very serious. I already went to the store, crossing my fingers this helps! He also said I could start drinking bigger sips, not so small. I was just scared is all. Thanks everyone, you all helped very much!

I'm glad you are feeling better and that you have a course of action! I can relate to the fear. I have had no problems drinking after my surgery on the 26th or in eating the jello or the popsicles and I'm not gulping or anything but when I think of my next food stage I get a little apprehensive. I start stage 2 on Friday which for me is fat-free milk, sugar-free pudding, yogurt, and mashed cottage cheese. I'm very excited at the same time !

I'm glad you are feeling better and that you have a course of action! I can relate to the fear. I have had no problems drinking after my surgery on the 26th or in eating the jello or the popsicles and I'm not gulping or anything but when I think of my next food stage I get a little apprehensive. I start stage 2 on Friday which for me is fat-free milk, sugar-free pudding, yogurt, and mashed cottage cheese. I'm very excited at the same time !

Best wishes to you both!