The Institute of Medicine (IOM) has new guidelines that remove the 8 glasses a day of water recommendation, saying that healthy adults may use thirst to determine their fluid needs. That's what I've always used. We are told to listen to our bodies about food and not eat when not hungry, and I believe the same is true with thirst. Furthermore, the article goes on to say that for years drinking water has been recommended for weight loss - despite the fact that fluids generally satisfy thirst and not hunger. Barbara Ross, PhD, an expert on thirst and satiety, points out that thirst and hunger are regulated by entirely different mechanisms. I never believed that saying "when you're hungry - you might be thirsty" I always knew the difference.

But all this said - if drinking all that water works for you - go for it.:cursing: But for those who struggle, know that there is no scientific evidence to back the 8 glasses of water a day. You also get water from foods and other beverages.

I have never subscribed to the 8 glasses per day theory... However, when you have a band, you need to make sure you are getting enough fluids... Dehydration with the band is VERY serious and you can end up REALLY tight if you don't watch your fluid intake. I know, because it has happened to me... So, with the band, I suggest you drink a couple extra glasses over your thirst cues to make sure you're doing the right thing.

Interesting...I'd always heard that by the time you get thirsty your body is already dehydrated which isn't good.

I, too, think drinking all that water isn't as necessary as they try to make you think.. I've had more than one major weight loss in my life and I never was able to get all that water down... I definitely try to get what I can down, but I don't force it. We do get liquids from so many sources that adds up in that total, but not all doctors will concede to that theory. I do think that drinking something when I'm in that "gotta have it" frame of mind will help me get past it without eating something I don't really want or need. I try to use my liquids as another tool in my arsenal in this war againt the fat!!! I agree that if it works, don't change it!!! Take care.

Julie

I'm glad to know that we don't "have" to drink all that water as I hate having to go to the bathroom all day long. I have learned though that with my band, if I drink more water I stay "full" longer after I've eaten.

Really for me, no matter what the studies say, I lose more weight when I am drinking the Water. When I stop getting in sufficient water, I plateau. So my body is telling me that water is necessary to maintain a healthy weight.

I also think you need to be careful with how you interpret this. Water is healthy for you. Yes you do get liquids with coffee and tea . . . but they have a diuretic effect and you are worse off if you are not drinking something to compensate. There are low/no calorie beverages as well . . . but do you really know if all of the sugar substitutes are good for you in large quantities? Of course, with sweetened beverages you get carbs and calories.

I still think water is a perfect choice for the majority of my liquid needs. So maybe I don't always get in 8 glasses . . . but I am not giving up the water.

The report didn't say to give up water. It said there is no scientific evidence that says we need 64 ounces a day. And it says you can get water in food and other beverages. Before bottled water was readily available, people didn't go around sipping water all day. When they were thirsty, they drank. And like I said, if it works for you - then do it. But I suspect a lot of people struggle to get that much water. I don't want to spend the day in the bathroom.

All i know is that when i drink a ton of water (and i do everyday) i lose weight on a consistant basis. When i slack off on the water the weight comes off slower. So ill stick to being a water drinker.

The report didn't say to give up Water. It said there is no scientific evidence that says we need 64 ounces a day. And it says you can get water in food and other beverages. Before bottled water was readily available, people didn't go around sipping water all day. When they were thirsty, they drank. And like I said, if it works for you - then do it. But I suspect a lot of people struggle to get that much water. I don't want to spend the day in the bathroom.

I probably should clarify. I understood what you meant with the article . . . 64 ounces may not be necessary and there are other ways to get fluids in, which is true.

I just didn't want people to take it too literally that water is not necessary even if quantity required is debateable. It is very necessary for good health and substitutes may never be as good as pure, unadulterated water.

I drink a lot but I have been told now that even coffee and tea count as fluid, as well as juice (not that I drink it) or any other liquids. I am not saying I drink 8 cups of coffee a day and call it a day but I keep it in mind. I think I drink about 8-10 glasses of liquids a day, mostly water but I dont force it down.

I LOVE my water, always have, always will. I never go anywhere without my huge jug!! And, I would never wash my underwear out in tea or coffee and kinda treat my insides the same!!!!!!!

The diuretic effect of coffee actually reduces by about 80% when your body gets used to caffeine. Regular coffee and tea drinkers are not dehydrating to the extent that we are led to believe.

There's no real need to go chugging Water you really truly dont want - you know, when you get to the stage you can barely swallow it? Um, the human body was not designed to get thirsty AFTER you've dehydrated, its ridiculous to claim that by the time you're thirsty its too late. Next someone will be claiming that by the time we need to go to the toilet, its too late!

By all means, drink before you're thirsty, but if you're not thirsty and dont want to drink, dont stress about it.

I also do not fall for the 8 glasses of water a day rule. But I am a true believer in getting plenty of fluids. I drink a lot less than I did pre-band and I have to be mindful that I am getting enough fluids . There have been times when I have not and would become dehydrated, signs for me are severe leg cramps at night, muscle weakness and dark orange urine. I also notice that my weight loss is better when I am getting at least half my fluid intake from water.

The diuretic effect of coffee actually reduces by about 80% when your body gets used to caffeine. Regular coffee and tea drinkers are not dehydrating to the extent that we are led to believe.

I never heard that before . . . that the diuretic effect goes away for the most part.

That is interesting. Especially considering how much I enjoy coffee and tea when I am not pregnant. I was drinking an extra glass of Water to offset a cup of coffee each time . . . and I could just about ride a wave to the bathroom, lol.

There's no real need to go chugging Water you really truly dont want - you know, when you get to the stage you can barely swallow it? Um, the human body was not designed to get thirsty AFTER you've dehydrated, its ridiculous to claim that by the time you're thirsty its too late. Next someone will be claiming that by the time we need to go to the toilet, its too late!

. . . or eating before you get the chance to get hungry, lol. :bananalama:

I think the recommendation is really on average overkill. They probably figure that extra isn't going to hurt you, since it will pass through, while being in long term states of even mild dehydration does come with problems.

Being at hi altitude for extended periods of time can cause mild dehydration, which for one thing causes you to have a higher risk of kidney problems.

If your urine is darker then a light straw color then you may be dehydrated. Will it kill you, no, will it increase your chances of other health related problems, probably.

As for weight loss, yes your body does need Water to metabolize fat. Does it need an excess, no.