Drinking With A Timer

[Countess 5]

Hi there- i am two days out and at home-yay- and my plan has me drinking two half ounce sips of liquids every 15 minutes. When does the timer thing end and what is the next step the ? Take small sips more often?

[PdxMan 4,292]

Congratulations and welcome.

Does your Dr have you on a timer or is this your idea? I would say whatever works for you, but I, myself, wouldn't want to be slaved to a timer. As I just posted to another noob, just keep sipping your Protein shakes and Water. Walk and sip, walk and sip. Just do the best you can.

I see too often on here people beating themselves up because they haven't hit their 'required' liquids. It is important, don't get me wrong. A lot of folks have ended up in the ER with a bag of fluids attached to their arm because they were dehydrated. But I have to believe there is a middle ground. Somewhere between the Pavlovian response and an IV. If you keep sipping all day long, you should be fine. If you find yourself forgetting, then yes, set the timer. As the swelling in your tummy goes down, you will be able to sip more.

Good luck and keep us updated.

[lml32937 65]

When I was home after surgery- I took a sip everytime a commercial came on- I would go crazy with a timer. SO not necessary- If you are concerned about amount in a sip- get yourself a shot glass- it totally helps.

[keybold64 43]

Hi there- i am two days out and at home-yay- and my plan has me drinking two half ounce sips of liquids every 15 minutes. When does the timer thing end and what is the next step the ? Take small sips more often?

Hi Clasica - my surgery date was 12/27 so I know exactly what you mean - Wed & Thurs I was using the timer thing but now today I just kind of did a little at a time without the timer and so far it's been fine. There would have been no way I could get all my liquids in doing just one ounce every 15 mins. I'm actually excited that I get to add Protein shakes tomorrow, I'm already getting sick of the SF Jello and popsicles!

P.S. I'm from the Mpls area as well! Where did you have your surgery?

[LoserMama 37]

Sounds like making it harder to me. Someone suggested to me a stack of 4 oz cups, when I was done with the stack, I had my fluids in. I could only do that a day or two. Now I am just keeping track w myfitnesspal app.

[Countess 5]

Thanks everyone! My doc recomends the timer so i dont go too slow or too fast. I went with dr. Baker at unity. I dont mind the timer i just struggle because i want to sleep and i am not getting in 42 oz (recommended first day home) and i cant stay awake long enough to do it. i want to drink faster but i am also afraid it will hurt if i do. Any experience with this

[keybold64 43]

Thanks everyone! My doc recomends the timer so i dont go too slow or too fast. I went with dr. Baker at unity. I dont mind the timer i just struggle because i want to sleep and i am not getting in 42 oz (recommended first day home) and i cant stay awake long enough to do it. i want to drink faster but i am also afraid it will hurt if i do. Any experience with this

I had Dr Baker at Unity, too! Small world - we were probably in rooms right next to each other

[lsereno 2,525]

I watched the clock and just drank an ounce every 15 minutes while I was awake. I only did this while I couldn't drink more than a sip without pain. After a few days, I didn't have to watch it so close to get the fluids in.

Lynda

[Indymom 132]

I had (still have) a water bottle that measures 24 oz - I made sure to drink at least 2 a day to get at least my recommended 64 oz of fluids (including what I got from my Protein Drinks too). I didn't have to "time" myself or anything like that, I just made sure to keep it close and just constantly sipped. Luckily I never had much discomfort from drinking, so I was able to get it all down no problem.