Overview:

You’ve heard it before, and you know you should pay attention. Stay hydrated! Drink plenty of fluids! But a lot of weight loss surgery patients – and other people – don’t get enough fluids, but maybe you’d be more motivated if you kept in mind the benefits of Water. In addition to keeping away afternoon headaches, staying hydrated can also help you lose more weight, potentially.

• It helps decrease hunger without adding calories.
• It fights off fatigue, so you’re more energetic and more likely to burn calories.
• It keeps you strong during workouts.
• You can’t eat foods while you drink water, so drinking can help delay eating.

This week’s challenge is to get more Fluid, which is especially important during the summer when you sweat out far more fluid.

Getting Started:

First, estimate how much water you need. You may have been told about 64 ounces, which is about 2 liters or 8 cups. That’s a good start, but most people actually do better on a little more water each day. Plus, you may need more because of the warm weather. You also need more if you sweat heavily.

Then figure out how much fluid you’re getting each day. Count the amount you get from water and other beverages, plus from shakes and Soups.

If the amount you’re getting is less than what it should be, this challenge is for you!

The Next Steps:

Identify why you’re not getting enough water, and think about ways you can get more fluids. You may be able to get in some extra cups by starting earlier – as soon as you wake up – and finishing later – add an evening drink. You can also get in a cup or two while working out.
If you’re not able to drink much at one time, keep a water bottle with you so you can sip constantly (except within 30 minutes before or after eating).

Many bariatric surgery patients have trouble getting in enough water because they lose their taste for it or just get sick of it. If that’s the case, you can try drinking ice water – sometimes that’s different enough for you to be able to tolerate it. Otherwise, you can get fluids from sources other than plain water.

Be sure not to drink your calories – avoid sugar-containing drinks like juices and juice drinks, flavored water with calories, sodas, sugar-sweetened teas and coffee drinks, and energy and sports drinks (unless they’re diet). Make sure you avoid carbonated beverages and limit caffeine. If that’s a problem for you because you love your coffee or caffeinated tea, ask your surgeon how much caffeine is okay for you to have. These are some likely safe drinks for you.

• Water with lemon, lime, or other fruit such as raspberries or strawberries in it to add flavor.
• Water with mint leaves or basil.
• Flavored (non-carbonated) waters.
• Diet teas.
• Diet sports drinks.
• Broth, especially low-sodium if you can tolerate it.

Making It Last:

Think about how the challenge went. Were you able to hit your fluid goals by making up a schedule and including more beverage choices? Did you feel more energetic? Did you start to learn that you can turn to water, or another beverage, instead of a caloric food?

If the challenge worked for you, try to continue to make these changes until they become habit. You will eventually be able to hit your fluid goals day after day without thinking about it.

It's just hard when I'm working because I can't have my water bottle close enough to me , however when it's lunch time I try to get in 20 ounces since it's a hour lunch but sometimes I can't , I need to find a way & get it worded just right for a letter that my Surgeon said he would state that I have to have water close by me so I don't get dehydrated while working to my Employer & Boss , so I am open to some helpful suggestions & yes they know I have had wls (banded).

It's just hard when I'm working because I can't have my Water bottle close enough to me , however when it's lunch time I try to get in 20 ounces since it's a hour lunch but sometimes I can't , I need to find a way & get it worded just right for a letter that my Surgeon said he would state that I have to have water close by me so I don't get dehydrated while working to my Employer & Boss , so I am open to some helpful suggestions & yes they know I have had wls (banded).

What type of job do you have that your employer is allowed to limit having a water bottle close by?

I work in retail in the Deli at a supermarket/ Grocery store, but I work in the Deli department.

I work in retail in the Deli at a supermarket/ Grocery store, but I work in the Deli department.

Is there a law or rule that doesn't allow you to (eat or) drink while you're behind the counter?

How do you think your boss would react if you came in tomorrow wearing one of these babies:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/201214750310?lpid=82&chn=ps%C2'> ?

This is a great article and excellent timing.

I recently ended up in the ER and part of the reason was dehydration. After some spine surgery that affected my throat, I had a very difficult time even getting one small bottle of Water in me. It got the best of me and trust me it makes you feel horrible.

Since then I start everyday by drinking my first large glass (24) ounces and yes I have to drink it through a straw at the moment as I am in a brace and cannot bend my neck. As soon as I switched to a straw it became a bit easier. I push another 24 through in before lunch and then sip another 24 between lunch and dinner. Then after dinner I probably get another 8 to 12.

I could not believe I let this happen to me, I have always been so good about getting my fluids in and to let myself get that dehydrated that I would pass out was very scary.

@ Alex I couldn't see the picture all I got was your emoji & a ? Mark , but yes NO food or drinks behind the counter or in are deli fridges or coolers where we store our products or if we get caught drinking water in our Deli WE can get written up or Fired.

Debbie3sons,

I know what they do in some science labs where food and drinks are forbidden is put a small table outside the lab where the workers can put their food and drinks. Or can you possibly take a water bottle with you to the bathroom each time you go? Just go frequently.

Lol , I am laughing because we do have a break room with a fridge & I can hardly take my regular breaks & the water fountains & restrooms are a little walk from the Deli so there for I just wait till lunch or when I am going home & drink my Water bottle but if I am feeling a bit sluggish I will take a break to get that Water because I know when I am getting dry mouth & my heart starts beating fast , so I get that water & it helps.