Any tips on drinking more liquids?

[Kristin7676 32]

I am having trouble getting enough liquids in each day. I am on week 2 of my pre op diet and even though I am mainly on a liquid diet (i am allowed vegetables) i am still not drinking enough. I had my pre-admission testing the other day and they had a hard time getting blood because I wasnt hydrated enough. This has always been a problem for me. When I started this 6 months ago, I gave up soda and all other sugar drinks. But even then I would nurse a 20oz pepsi most of the day, half a bottle of Water before dinner, then a glass of ice tea with dinner that would last until bed. Even being on the liquid diet I am just barely getting in 3 bottles of water and 3 shakes a day. I prefer plain water to any flavor or crystal light. It is't really what I drink, I just dont drink enough. the past week I have been chugging the water when I realize it has been hours since I have had any. I am worried about after surgery and the chugging not being an option. I dont want to get dehydrated, ANy one else have this issue?

[OKCPirate 5,323]

I initially had to set a timer to remind me to take a sip every 5 minutes (which is what you do while your stomach is healing, respect the staple line the first month). It gets easier to chug after the first month, the stomach has healed. Fluids tend to go straight through the sleeve. Glad you are off the sodas, that makes things much easier. No magic bullet, if you have to treat drinking Water like medicine than so be it,make it happen.

[cj76 43]

What about ice? I eat ice all day long. That is small portions & constant hydration.

[_Kate_ 2,224]

Set a timer and learn to drink more. Make it a habit and always have a bottle of Water with you. Set times in the day that you have to fill it up and plan to empty the bottle before the time. Write down what you are drinking. Be more 'mindful' about drinking fluids. Sounds harsh but dehydration after surgery means you end up back in hospital and that's no fun!

Best of luck!

[Kristin7676 32]

thanks for the advice. got 4 bottles and 3 shakes in today.

[OKCPirate 5,323]

What about ice? I eat ice all day long. That is small portions & constant hydration.

Be careful with it, according to my dentist, very hard on the teeth, acts like gravel, and you just don't want to crack the enamel.