I am 4 days post op. Still trying to get the hang of sipping etc. practically speaking how long should I wait between sips to maximize my fluids? I have found that 2 tiny sips in a row works but then I don’t know when to do it again. I want to stay hydrated and establish some normalcy but I need a routine. Any advice is appreciated.

@TX4everLinds it does get better. I’m 11 days post-op and I can pretty much drink normal after about day 6 or 7. I take sips of water every few minutes and sometimes even sooner. Just keep trying and you will get there.

I wish you all the best

39 minutes ago, TX4everLinds said:

I am 4 days post op. Still trying to get the hang of sipping etc. practically speaking how long should I wait between sips to maximize my fluids? I have found that 2 tiny sips in a row works but then I don’t know when to do it again. I want to stay hydrated and establish some normalcy but I need a routine. Any advice is appreciated.

Are you taking time off? I just kept a sports bottle full of water with me at all times. 32 oz. Finish it twice in a day and I'd have my 64 oz. Whenever I felt like I could handle a sip, I sipped. Stand up? Take a sip. Sit down? Sip. Commercial? Sip at the beginning of each one. Tarantino movie? Sip for each gunshot or %&!@ bomb. (Just kidding on the last one. Maybe.)

As long as it wasn't before/during/after "eating" (shake time!), I just judged to see if I could handle any more fluid. My goal was to finish the first 32 oz before lunch, get the second 32 oz done after.

Ya I’m way short of that. I get heartburn easily. Maybe it’s just still early for me.

The benchmark that we used was to try to down an ounce (a shot glass or one of those small medicine cups) every 5 minutes, That gets you 12 oz per hour; if you can do more or faster than that - great- if not do what you can do, but it's a reasonable rate to shoot for.

Thanks everyone. I think I have been very anxious and hesitant and this gives me solid safe numbers to shoot for. I appreciate the advice!

25 minutes ago, TX4everLinds said:

Thanks everyone. I think I have been very anxious and hesitant and this gives me solid safe numbers to shoot for. I appreciate the advice!

One thing that my surgery buddy kept impressing on me...it's a goal. Something to aim for. Not a death sentence if you don't make it! I don't think I made it through all 64oz until about 10 days after surgery (and remember, everyone is different).

9 hours ago, TX4everLinds said:

Ya I’m way short of that. I get heartburn easily. Maybe it’s just still early for me.

my heartburn subsided in the middle of week 2. It gets better.

Y’all this has helped me so much! I feel like a new person today with so much more confidence to drink more. I really appreciate those of you who took time to answer me.