Fluid intake

[Lilchik703]

Hello, I am 5 days post-Op of a gastric sleeve. I am struggling to get my fluid intake in. How much is normal right now? How long did everyone take to get up to 64oz? I also am losing weight fast and haven't had a bowel movement just started on miralax been taking stool softeners and I'm going to try to stop taking my pain meds today. It doesn't help that I have a cold on top of having the surgery 5 days ago. Just need some positivity right now.

[Luna354]

Pain meds are constipating. I only went about 1x per week for the first couple of weeks. Do the best you can do with the liquids. I had to have eveything warm with the exceptions of my protein shake.

[Tommy1969]

I am day 13 post op. Took me about 6 days to get closer to 64 ounces. I did not have a BM until day 6. Put Miralax in everything! I regret when I miss using it. I can tell you that it gets better with each day! I am now having no problems getting in 64 ounces and have graduated to creamy type soups. So happy about that. Be kind to yourself and follow what your doctor and nut asked you to do.

[ghost_ryder]

Not being smart, but what do you have to need a BM? You should be darn near empty if not completely empty. My doctor told me to not be surprised if I don't go for more than a week and every 3-4 days once you get on protein shakes and soft foods. Now once on protein shakes and bars, they can bind you up unless the bars have high sugar alcohols then it give you the opposite results. Don't panic, it is a giant change from where our lives were in the past and a hard adjustment that we wont go everyday if not more.

PS-good job on your progress so far. Keep up the good work.

[Shirl]

Keep a water bottle handy and take sips as often as you can. I got a water infuser jug that i kept on my counter, and would wash and refresh every few days with fresh fruits and ice. I think I was up to 64oz by weeks end post-op. I only took pain meds the first three days, not because I had pain but to help me sleep at night. I struggled with constipation often until about months 3-5.

I've taking pain meds since Friday due to oral surgery and today I had the worst constipation since those first days post op. Today I'm aiming for 90oz of water.

Best wishes for continued healing and success.

[elle77]

I had a really hard time in the beginning but it DOES get easier. Sugar free Jello, Broth, Popsicles, hot tea, saved me. Oh yes my Dr said water with a little bit of fruit juice was ok too. Trust me you're hardly eating anything a little bit of juice is ok. I ended up in the hospital for dehydration after surgery so make sure you constantly sip sip sippppp!!!
Plain water made me nauseated for some reason. Best of luck to you!

[Lilchik703]

Thank you everyone. I am on "full fat" creamy liquids until my 1st post-op apt on Friday but struggling to eat much of anything. Its either drink fluids or eat so I'm trying to drink broth and protein shakes with the water. All of your posts have helped. I know why I'm not having a bowel movement (I'm a registered nurse) its just different for me lol. I'm glad I'm not alone in this. Thank you everyone!

[Hkoziczkowski]

Hello, im on day 6 and today had my first BM. I didn't use any thing to make me go. I am still on a full liquids diet.. so I count all my intake toward my fluid intake.

[Christie13]

Took me about a week to have a BM. I still take my stool softeners religiously and I am 16 weeks out. As for getting enough fluids in....it took me forever to be able to get enough in. I still have to remind myself now to drink. I always have water on me and drink because I remind myself not because I am thirsty. So just give yourself reminders. Do small sips constantly. It does get easier to drink more eventually but I could not drink much in the beginning. It is different for everyone. You got this. Just set reminders so you don't get dehydrated.

[anderspv]

try as much as you can to get your fluids in. I took crystal light and froze it in small ice cube trays. Suck on them when ever you can.

[Romandona]

Its normal what you're going through. Have patience and the sip sip sip method is what you really need to work on. Constantly sip liquid, except of course, before and after meals. Then hold. You will get the hang of it and the BM's will come and be more regular as time goes on. It took me about 3 months till it felt more normal - however, still not everyday!

The process works and just concentrate on the liquids as that's most important. I'm almost one year out and have lost 105 pounds. You got this.

[Douglas Seaman]

take 8 oz bottle of water and place it were you work or sit. from 8 to 12 drink one a hour. Count the bottle and if you cannot drink one bottle in one hour then start at six AM and go to six PM.
Douglas