My nutritionist said I had to drink (well sip) water every 15 minutes after surgery [emoji50]... when I asked how long I will have to do this for?? I dont know if I heard her right, but I got the impression she meant forever! [emoji54]

I'm fine with carrying around a water bottle all day, I usually do and think we all should!

But, as a nursing student, there will be times I can't just have a water bottle with me....

I will figure it out either way even if I have to conceal a water bottle or something in my bra lol. I just imagine it will be really hard to get that 15 minute sip in....

Am I screwed?

I'm pretty sure you just need to sip water until your stomach can handle more. Gradually you will build up to drink normally.

I really hope so! Thank you so much for replying I can't imagine anyone sipping all day every day forever.

14 hours ago, Kris_Aloha said:

I can't imagine anyone sipping all day every day forever.

lol, well, guess what? I'm 2.5 years post surgery and I still struggle to stay hydrated. The real point isn't that you have to drink every 15 minutes. The real point is that you need to stay hydrated. You're only screwed if you think you are. Good luck!

Thank you for the reply. You're absolutely right; staying hydrated is key. I'm sure I'll make it work, I usually do! I'm also pretty sure I'm not the only nursing student to have bariatric surgery. As you said I'm only screwed if I think I am (I like that lol).

I can drink much faster now at 6.5 weeks than early on. It gets easier fast. I also make an effort to start early in the day. Because the ban on drinking for 30 minutes after you eat chips away at your drinking time. But do stay hydrated. I had a kidney stone two weeks ago and they suspect dehydration, even though I was meeting the 64oz minimum (the urologist said he recommends everyone get at least 80oz). I NEVER want to go through that again any time soon.

I can drink much faster now at 6.5 weeks than early on. It gets easier fast. I also make an effort to start early in the day. Because the ban on drinking for 30 minutes after you eat chips away at your drinking time. But do stay hydrated. I had a kidney stone two weeks ago and they suspect dehydration, even though I was meeting the 64oz minimum (the urologist said he recommends everyone get at least 80oz). I NEVER want to go through that again any time soon.

Oh ouch!! Kidney stones are no joke!! Thank you so much for your reply. I was worried I wouldn't be able to do more than a sip or so, that scares me. I had my gastro appt today and he did explain the stomach does allow you to hold more over time. I think my nerves are just getting the best of me

Your ability to drink water in larger quantities will quickly build post-op. You might have to sip religiously to meet your water goals for a few weeks, but it won't be that way forever.

Good luck!

I'm almost 10 months post op and I drink water pretty much like I did before my surgery. The 'sipping time' doesn't last forever, but your need to be well-hydrated does. I get dehydrated much easier than I did pre-op and have more episodes of raging thirst than I ever have before. Like you said, carrying a water bottle with you is reasonable and you'll probably find it's necessary

I was wondering about that. It's funny that while I was in hospital, they religiously bought me the 16oz crystal light drinks, broth and jello but I had to really request just plain water

I was told 96 oz a day forever

Your ability to drink water in larger quantities will quickly build post-op. You might have to sip religiously to meet your water goals for a few weeks, but it won't be that way forever.
Good luck!

Oh whew! Thank you for your reply. of all things to be nervous about, I chose the sipping water part ha! I just had dinner with someone I know who is a year post op and she was able to drink so much in a only a few hours. I feel much better

I'm almost 10 months post op and I drink water pretty much like I did before my surgery. The 'sipping time' doesn't last forever, but your need to be well-hydrated does. I get dehydrated much easier than I did pre-op and have more episodes of raging thirst than I ever have before. Like you said, carrying a water bottle with you is reasonable and you'll probably find it's necessary [emoji4]

Thank you so much for the reply! I think my biggest issue is I chug too much. I really need to break that habit before surgery lol.