Not Getting Enough Fluids

[kcdavidson42 10]

I had surgery on 2/23 and I am not getting in the 64 oz of fluids that they recommend. Any suggestions?

[JamieLogical 8,727]

You are only 2 days out. Give it a little time. Very few of us are able to get all of our Water and Protein in right away. Do your best. I found it easiest to sip while marching in place.

[GreenEyes604 753]

@@kcdavidson42 I am 10 weeks out and I'm still not getting in the required amounts of liquids. It is so hard that I want to pull my hair out sometimes.

[borg/assimilated 576]

Those are guidelines. For many of us it just can't be done for a while. I am three weeks out and still cannot get 64 oz. of liquid in a day, but everyday I get a little closer to that goal.

[beachgurl84 456]

My surgeon's office told me if I couldn't meet the recommended 64 oz then at a minimum I must get 48 oz. They said I wouldn't have any trouble as long as I got that.

[Rogofulm 2,440]

It will take some time for you to be able to handle 64 oz. BUT... As soon as possible you need to get there, for many reasons: fluids help with weight loss; fluids help prevent constipation; fluids give your skin more elasticity so it has a better chance of bouncing back after weight loss; and fluids may help (but Protein definitely helps) prevent hair loss. So with that being said, you'll want to get that Fluid intake up as quickly and as high as possible. Here are my tips:

I bought two 24-ounce Tervis Tumblers (and handles) at Bed, Bath & Beyond; one for work and one for home. At least 45 minutes after Breakfast I fill one up with sugar-free, Decaf Crystal Light (or generic) iced tea (Mio works too) and sip it all morning, finishing up at least 30 minutes before lunch. At least 45 minutes after lunch, I fill another and sip it all afternoon. Then, at least 45 minutes after dinner I fill my last one at home and sip it all evening. That's 72+ ounces of Fluid every day! If I have to go somewhere, I bring my tumbler in the car with me. And if I'm hungry and it's not mealtime or snacktime, I drink even more. If I'm going to a casual party where there won't be anything "appropriate" for me to drink, I bring along more tea in a cooler. Between the iced tea, coffee (yeah, I know), and my Protein shake, I'm easily getting in 120 oz of fluid per day. But you have to make it a daily routine. Good luck!!!

Edited February 25, 2015 by Rogofulm

[JamieLogical 8,727]

I discovered pretty recently that I handle really ice cold Water way better than room temp Water. I had been drinking my water out of a Rubbermaid plastic bottle that did nothing to keep my water cold and struggled to get in more than 24 ounces ALL DAY while I was at work. I switched to a thermos-style double-walled stainless steel bottle. I fill it with ice and water in the morning before I leave for work, then refill it at the drinking fountain at work at least twice during the day and there's still ice in it by the time I get home. I'm now easily drinking about 48 ounces JUST at work.

I've read that some people have trouble with cold water and warm water is easier for them, though. So you just have to experiment and figure out what works best for you.