Dehydration

[larac05 41]

I am 3 weeks out and liquids are still so hard for me to get down. I know I am nowhere near where I need to be Fluid wise. I went in to my reg dr yesterday for a bp check and talked to her about the difficulties I am having. She said my bp was great but my feet and legs were retaining fluid and I looked dehydrated. I told her that I have my apt with surgeon tomorrow for check up and labs. She said she would be suprised if they don't admit me for fluids. Have any of you have this happen? If so, did you just go in for a bag of fluids or did you have to stay the night? I am really trying hard to sip constantly today but it just makes me so sick to my stomach! To top all this off, I have only lost 13 pounds since surgery. I know I was on the lighter side to begin with but I really thought I would have lost more....

[Cervidae 2,389]

I had a really hard time in the beginning, too. It gets better. Try experimenting with different temperatures of Water. Some people like it ice cold (like me) and some people need to even warm it up a little so it doesn't make them nauseous. It's possible that the temp of the Water might be what's bothering your tummy. A couple people at my support group even make the water mildly hot, like tea. Whatever works for you.

As for 13 pounds in three weeks, I know that seems like less than some people, but it's still such a good amount to lose. I'm almost 9 weeks out and I've lost 43 pounds... so much less than a lot of people do, and I started in the high 300s. There's no telling how your body will work, or if you start slow and suddenly speed up, or if you speed up then stall for a week or two, or anything else. Look at the big picture (easier said than done, I know) - you have lost 13 pounds in only three weeks. You're doing great. Just continue to try to take care of yourself, and if you need to be admitted to get a bag of fluids, try not to be too discouraged. These things happen to a fair amount of people, and it's not the end of the world or the end of your success, it's just a little bump in the road. Give yourself time, and cut yourself some slack. You're doing well.

[LoseItKacy 347]

Saturday night I went through that. I probably should have gone to the ER. I woke up in the middle of the night and couldn't see straight. I felt like I was hit by a bus. My mom had to keep me away and make me drink every three minutes for a couple hours until she would let me sleep. It was scary honestly.

Dehydration is a constant battle for me. Up until yesterday I was barely getting 16oz in. And I'm three weeks out. I got a lot of Protein Water and that's pretty much all I can stomach.

If it ever gets like what it was that night I'm going to the hospital.

I also found out that when I'm dehydrated it's harder to get food in. Especially in the morning. So now I wake myself up throughout the night to take sips so it's not as rough in the morning.

[James Marusek 5,244]

After surgery, the taste of Water became intolerable. Strange that the taste of Water should change so dramatically after surgery but it tastes excessively chlorinated. So I found other fluids that worked. These included adding a little taste by using Crystal Light, Decaf teas and coffees, milk and hot cocoa (no sugar added variety). The liquid component of the Protein shakes also counts towards your daily Fluid requirement. Also the water that you add to your Soup also counts.

[Dream4tc 192]

I am 3 weeks out and liquids are still so hard for me to get down. I know I am nowhere near where I need to be Fluid wise. I went in to my reg dr yesterday for a bp check and talked to her about the difficulties I am having. She said my bp was great but my feet and legs were retaining fluid and I looked dehydrated. I told her that I have my apt with surgeon tomorrow for check up and labs. She said she would be suprised if they don't admit me for fluids. Have any of you have this happen? If so, did you just go in for a bag of fluids or did you have to stay the night? I am really trying hard to sip constantly today but it just makes me so sick to my stomach! To top all this off, I have only lost 13 pounds since surgery. I know I was on the lighter side to begin with but I really thought I would have lost more....

The more Water you can get in, the more you can lose because that is how fat is flushed from your body. Plus the water can prevent Constipation. Can you set a timer on your phone for your water reminder?

I use an app called Medisafe. I put all of my meds, Vitamins, water and Protein on there and you can set a timer for it to go off. It's great and I love it!!!

http://www.medisafe.com/

[larac05 41]

Thank you all for the tips! I have downloaded the app so I can be reminded to sip my Water. I am glad I had this done but it has not been an easy time.