I'm 5 days post op and I'm a bit concerned. My surgeon recommended a 64 ounce Fluid intake daily. I'm barely hitting 40. That puts me at a 24 ounce deficit! Is that really bad??

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Hey there! i had my surgery on the 8th! im having to work up to 64. im probably getting about the same amount in. My nutritionist told me he'd rather me concentrate on my fluids than making sure to get ALL my protein intake. My Doctor told me today that if I was getting all 64 in by now, she would have been shocked. So if you are only 5 days out, I wouldn't worry. just do the best you can and that is all you can do. I'm having trouble myself, but the consequence to not getting all the liquids is constipation. TMI I'm sure, but i'm already having that issue. Hope this helps!!

I'm 5 days post op and I'm a bit concerned. My surgeon recommended a 64 ounce Fluid intake daily. I'm barely hitting 40. That puts me at a 24 ounce deficit! Is that really bad??

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It's not good. Getting enough fluids is a challenge. But, keep in mind that you can count all fluids. That means you can count: sugar-free Popsicles, crushed ice, Protein supplements, broth, herbal or decaf tea, Water with crystal light, Mio drops, or other enhancers, as well as plain water.

The sooner you can reach your hydration and protein goals, the better you will feel and the easier you will heal.

Just keep sipping.

The last thing you want is to wind up in the ER because of dehydration.

My doctor did not let me count Water that was used in mixing Protein as a part of the 64 oz. It had to be regular, non/seasoned water. It was tough to get in all the protein and water but he was adamant about it. It took me over a week to be able to attain my goal. The strength of his arguement has persuaded me to continue the 64-80 oz water MINIMUM / 80-100g protein MINIMUM to this point. While I thought he was being too tough, the structure seems to have worked well for me.

How much Fluid can you drink in 30 mins? I was told to work up to 8 oz in 30 mins. I couldn't drink 8oz in 30 mins at 5 days post op. Once you can drink that, hitting your 64oz will be easier. The best thing is not to get overwhelmed, by all mean push yourself but don't expect to drink 64oz right out of the gate.

PS.. using a straw made it possible for me

Edited February 23, 201610 yr by cindyw41

Keep sipping throughout the day. Keep a Water bottle with you as much as possible to make it easier.

You are only a couple of days out, it will get easier. Congratulations.

Thank you all!! It's always good to hear others stories and advise. I will continue to push myself.

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How much Fluid can you drink in 30 mins? I was told to work up to 8 oz in 30 mins. I couldn't drink 8oz in 30 mins at 5 days post op. Once you can drink that, hitting your 64oz will be easier. The best thing is not to get overwhelmed, by all mean push yourself but don't expect to drink 64oz right out of the gate.

PS.. using a straw made it possible for me

I know all of our surgeons and dietitians say different things, but mine said do not drink (or eat) more than 4oz in an hour as you run the risk of stretching your sleeve. And in the beginning you're more susceptible to stretching so I was terrified to put anything in. I was also told to avoid straws like the plague.

But if those things are working for you, I say go for it!! I'm not getting in nearly enough fluids or Protein still at 5 weeks out so whatever you find that works for you, stick to it.

How much Fluid can you drink in 30 mins? I was told to work up to 8 oz in 30 mins. I couldn't drink 8oz in 30 mins at 5 days post op. Once you can drink that, hitting your 64oz will be easier. The best thing is not to get overwhelmed, by all mean push yourself but don't expect to drink 64oz right out of the gate.

PS.. using a straw made it possible for me

I know all of our surgeons and dietitians say different things, but mine said do not drink (or eat) more than 4oz in an hour as you run the risk of stretching your sleeve. And in the beginning you're more susceptible to stretching so I was terrified to put anything in. I was also told to avoid straws like the plague.

But if those things are working for you, I say go for it!! I'm not getting in nearly enough fluids or Protein still at 5 weeks out so whatever you find that works for you, stick to it.

Wow.. 4oz an hour. Sorry but I don't think You'll ever get your fluids & protein in. Unless you never want to sleep.

I'm two weeks out and can't get all my water or protein in! My stomach can't hold it!! I tried really hard today and was so uncomfortable!!

I know all of our surgeons and dietitians say different things, but mine said do not drink (or eat) more than 4oz in an hour as you run the risk of stretching your sleeve. And in the beginning you're more susceptible to stretching so I was terrified to put anything in. I was also told to avoid straws like the plague.

But if those things are working for you, I say go for it!! I'm not getting in nearly enough fluids or Protein still at 5 weeks out so whatever you find that works for you, stick to it.

Now I know we aren't supposed to encourage people to go against their surgeon's instructions, but you absolutely cannot stretch your sleeve with liquids. Your surgeon is an idiot if he truly thinks this. Unless you have a blockage or stricture fluids run right through your sleeve into your intestines within seconds. Liquids simply do not stay in your sleeve long enough to do any stretching.

I've literally seen this with my own eyes by watching my own barium fluoroscopy 3 days postop. The liquid ran down my esophagus, through my sleeve and into my intestines within seconds. I also did a barium swallow on myself several months postop just to compare the size of my sleeve with my previous full size tummy (I did one a couple weeks before surgery). If I didn't shoot the first X-ray within a couple seconds of swallowing the barium, I'd miss seeing it in my sleeve because it was already into my intestines.

And like @@cindyw41 mentioned, unless you stay up and drink your 4 ounces for 16 hours every day you will never reach your 64oz minimum. And it sounds like you aren't. Apparently your doctor doesn't mind his patients walking around in a chronically dehydrated state by giving the misinformation he is giving. I hope you figure out a way to get in all your fluids and protein soon.

I'm 5 days post op and I'm a bit concerned. My surgeon recommended a 64 ounce Fluid intake daily. I'm barely hitting 40. That puts me at a 24 ounce deficit! Is that really bad??

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Just keep working at it. Your sleeve is still swollen. I had to sip from the moment I woke up till the time I went to bed. I had a Water bottle with me at ALL times. If I lost even an hour's worth of sipping I couldn't catch up. It was definitely a full time job. And unlike what someone else mentioned, I counted my Protein drinks as fluid. Also, warm liquids went down better for me, so I drank a lot of decaf herbal tea. It was soothing on my poor swollen tummy.

Good luck....it does get better!

How much Fluid can you drink in 30 mins? I was told to work up to 8 oz in 30 mins. I couldn't drink 8oz in 30 mins at 5 days post op. Once you can drink that, hitting your 64oz will be easier. The best thing is not to get overwhelmed, by all mean push yourself but don't expect to drink 64oz right out of the gate.

PS.. using a straw made it possible for me

I know all of our surgeons and dietitians say different things, but mine said do not drink (or eat) more than 4oz in an hour as you run the risk of stretching your sleeve. And in the beginning you're more susceptible to stretching so I was terrified to put anything in. I was also told to avoid straws like the plague.

But if those things are working for you, I say go for it!! I'm not getting in nearly enough fluids or Protein still at 5 weeks out so whatever you find that works for you, stick to it.

Wow.. 4oz an hour. Sorry but I don't think You'll ever get your fluids & protein in. Unless you never want to sleep.

I know all of our surgeons and dietitians say different things, but mine said do not drink (or eat) more than 4oz in an hour as you run the risk of stretching your sleeve. And in the beginning you're more susceptible to stretching so I was terrified to put anything in. I was also told to avoid straws like the plague.

But if those things are working for you, I say go for it!! I'm not getting in nearly enough fluids or protein still at 5 weeks out so whatever you find that works for you, stick to it.

Now I know we aren't supposed to encourage people to go against their surgeon's instructions, but you absolutely cannot stretch your sleeve with liquids. Your surgeon is an idiot if he truly thinks this. Unless you have a blockage or stricture fluids run right through your sleeve into your intestines within seconds. Liquids simply do not stay in your sleeve long enough to do any stretching.

I've literally seen this with my own eyes by watching my own barium fluoroscopy 3 days postop. The liquid ran down my esophagus, through my sleeve and into my intestines within seconds. I also did a barium swallow on myself several months postop just to compare the size of my sleeve with my previous full size tummy (I did one a couple weeks before surgery). If I didn't shoot the first X-ray within a couple seconds of swallowing the barium, I'd miss seeing it in my sleeve because it was already into my intestines.

And like @@cindyw41 mentioned, unless you stay up and drink your 4 ounces for 16 hours every day you will never reach your 64oz minimum. And it sounds like you aren't. Apparently your doctor doesn't mind his patients walking around in a chronically dehydrated state by giving the misinformation he is giving. I hope you figure out a way to get in all your fluids and protein soon.

That's what I thought!! I haven't been sticking to that 4oz because, like you said there's no way to get it all in at that rate. I just thought it was weird