Hi, I'll be 5 months out on the 21st and I still can't seem to get enough fluids. My urine seems almost dark most of the time and at best very bright yellow. My skin is dry. I get a minimum 6 glasses a day water plus a premiere protein shake. I just feel like I can't drink anymore. And most days I only pee twice, once in the morning and before bed. I lost my health insurance so I can't afford to see a doctor for two more months. Any ideas?

I know you mentioned that you don't have any health insurance. However, your post-op care should have been covered by your surgeon's initial billing and I think you're still consided to be a post-op patient. Do you have a contact person for your Bariatric program? If so, give them a call and tell them what's going on. It won't hurt to at least give them a call.

I was covered by surgeon for 3 months but I'm 5 months out

Seela, I'm not dehydrated but my skin is noticeably drier after surgery. Remember, we are not getting all those fluids through foods we used to get so being dry, though uncomfortable, is nothing to be alarmed about as long as you are getting a sufficient amount of fluids. You mentioned you were drinking a protein drink every day. Those are usually 11 oz each so that is 11 oz to add to your fluid intake. I drink vitamin water and plain water mixed with SF kool aid drops and they seem to be easier to swallow than just plain water. For some reason plain water and tap water all have a metallic taste now and I can not seem to get tthem down. Spring water with kool aid does the trick. I never thought at 58 years of age I would be drinking kool aid but hey... if it works I'll take it. Wishing you luck.

Haha elfnow, that's so funny - sad but true. A beer type hat is just what we need!

Hi Seela, isnt theee a drink in US called gatorade and its used by athletes, I read about it on this site.

Hi Seela, isnt theee a drink in US called gatorade and its used by athletes, I read about it on this site.

There is such a drink, but it has sugar in it .... The lower-calorie version hasn't got AS MUCH but still some.... And some folks just don't like the flavors. I prefer Powerade Zero myself...

Seela, if you are between insurance you could check what local services are available through either your state or county or a community service like United Way. When I was in college I used a county medical office that was for young women and children, they accepted a much lower fee based on your current income, so a visit was only $15

Chronic dehydration can stress the kidneys. If you have other issues (like certain medications or high/low blood pressure) is can make it worse. Talk to your doctor. I don't want you to be alarmed, but just in case, you should report it. You might be just fine! I am finding it hard to get enough fluids. I am not as good at sipping as I was at guzzling Water pre sleeve. If you are worried, you should go see your PCP. Are you taking any meds?

Like I said, I lost my health ins. So no doctors for another two months. Im off my meds, and if you look at the numbers it appears I shouldn't be dehydrated. I think it's more that I'm not sufficiently hydrated. How much more does one have to drink before their pee doesn't look radioactive?

Is there any way you can hop onto Medicaid or just buy a temporary plan through a health exchange in the meantime?