Dehydration after surgery

[Happy Stylist 86]

I've talked to a few people personally and 2 out of 3 said they got really dehydrated and had to get it IV Fluids more then once days after surgery. I'm trying to figure out how to prevent this from happening. I know drink fluids but they said they were but still got dehydrated. Any tricks I need to know. I'm 2 week out from surgery 😬

Edited April 10, 2022 by Robz

[liveaboard15 1,294]

all i have ever seen is to make sure to get in at least 64oz of Water a day and obviously more is better. If you are more active then you need more water, but everyone is different. My local area has a company that sends a nurse to your house for IV hydration for a fee. I have them on speed dial just incase lol

[Arabesque 7,572]

The dehydration occurs if you’re not getting in or aren’t close to getting in your 64oz/2L. Some people struggle at first because of post surgical swelling (hurts to swallow) & for many it’s a new habit to drink that much &/or to sip slowly.

I always drank a lot of Water so I probably went into surgery being long term hydrated. For the first 24hrs after surgery my surgeon pumped me full of fluids. I had a lot of swelling & wouldn’t have drunk 1/2 cup of any liquid. Slept a lot & wasn’t interested in consuming anything. Day 2 maybe drank a cup but peed all day long. Day 3 could have a little more & each subsequent day I was getting closer to goal. Probably took a good week to be reach or be close to goal. Was never dehydrated.

Sip all day long. Set an alarm on your phone so every few minutes you sip. Keep fluids beside you at all times including by your bed (sip whenever you wake through the night - I still do). Some people find ice cold liquids easier to drink. I preferred them to be warm - more soothing. My first mug of green tea was glorious. Remember your fluid goals include all the liquids you consume: shakes, water, herbal or green teas, broths, Soups, etc.