I have been reading this online forum for months...since my first appointment. I have a surgery date of February 19th, as well as final insurance approval. So this is going to happen. This may sound like a crazy question, and I know everyone is different, but I have been told that a minimum of 64 ozs of fluids per day. Exactly how much are people drinking at a time. Are you able to swallow just tiny sips....I mean tiny sips. Are you able to slowly swallow an ounce at at time...like a shot glass full? This is my biggest fear next to dumping of course. Lack of fluids leads to dehydration, constipation, etc. Anything anyoen can provide would be fantastic.

Thanks!

Your first week or so tiny sips are all you can do and you probably wont even feel like doing that...most rec 64 oz a day but will include protein shakes, broth, milk, crystal light, sf jello, sf popsicle as liquid...just watch for signs of dehydration. My first week I always had something in my hand I was sipping on, it is a all day job lol

Yes they say little tiny sips. I sometimes have a hard time getting 40 oz. of liquid in. I just can't do it because I feel full. Keep liquid with you at all times.

Eventually do you graduate to bigger sips or is it tiny sips for life?

I swallow regular sized swallows now (11 months post) but I really never was much of a sipper either.

Good, question Kristina. I go to the doctor on Tuesday for a follow up so I am going to ask. I know if I drink to fast I get really bad pains under my breasts.

I was required to log my Water intake for two weeks. It is very challenging to get the required amount in the beginning. I agree with Truckerchic, it is an all day job. I carry a water bottle with me everywhere I go.

I made a mistake just yesterday (3 weeks post op) by gulping a large swig of water before I remembered. Ugh! Horrible pain in my chest until it passed. Right after surgery I used a small medicine cup to sip -- my sips are far more normal now. Just no gulps!!

I am a week shy of 6 months and I am still struggling to get in enough liquid. During my last appointment with my NUT at the end of October, she gave me a goal to get in the minimum amount of 48 oz of fluids a day. It takes focus and dedication for me to achieve that amount, cause it isn't easy and I achieve that 95% of the time. For me to achieve the minimum of 48 oz, I have to make one of my meals liquid. I do have a few days where I can only get in 36-40oz. and that happens when my pouch doesn't want anything in it! I get bloated on anything that isn't plain Water so it is a struggle. I see the NUT again on 2/10th and I will be able to see how my body is doing with that minimum amount. I can tell you this, I am very tired all of the time and it is probably due to not enough liquids; however, my urine is mostly clear to a pale yellow. I don't believe I am dehydrated, based on the color of my urine, but I sometimes wonder. If you can do it, stay hydrated. I can't wait to be able to drink 64 oz of Fluid and I hope that comes soon.

Everyone is really different. Not many people can avoid taking tiny sips. But, if you think it is best for you, then feel free to do so. However, you should ask your doctor. A doctor's guidance is unmatched, but people avoid that most often. I don't understand why.

Immediately following surgery and while you're healing you'll need to sip, sip, sip. Further out you'll be able to drink more normally. I'm eight months out and drink normally. Gulping too fast can still cause pain for me so I try to avoid it (but sometimes forget if I'm thirsty). I carry a water bottle with me wherever I go, morning till night. Your doctor or someone from his office should go over everything with you before surgery. If they don't, ask them questions.

At home I use a kids sippy cup! It works and won't allow any discomfort from forgetting not to take big swallows!