Maintaining a healthy level of hydration is crucial after a weight loss procedure like the endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty or the installation of an Orbera weight loss balloon. Monitoring fluid intake throughout recovery from the weight loss procedure is of utmost importance to prevent dehydration. 

The majority of bariatric surgeons advise their patients to drink 64 ounces of water each day following bariatric surgery; however, some patients may find it difficult to do so. Gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and gastric banding are all treatments that reduce the stomach’s capacity, enabling you to reduce your calorie intake and lose weight. However, your stomach’s diminished capacity also limits the volume of liquid it can hold.

Symptoms of Dehydration

Patients must keep an eye out for symptoms that indicate the body is not getting the right amount of fluids required. Some of the most common signs of dehydration are:

• Discomfort while urination or dark urine
• Dry skin or dry mouth
• Fatigue and irritation
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Nausea

Inform your medical provider right away if you are having trouble swallowing liquids or if you are showing symptoms of dehydration. Consuming enough fluids is the secret to a speedy recovery from your bariatric surgery.

Consume the right amount of fluids

Although everyone has slightly different fluid requirements, most require at least 64 ounces of fluids per day after their treatment. Avoid gulping or drinking with a straw, and move slowly. You will transition from NPO (nothing by mouth) to clear liquids on the day of your surgery. Every 15 to 20 minutes, try to consume 1-2 oz of clear liquids. You will eventually end up drinking 64 ounces of clear fluids each day as per the limit. Getting all 64 oz in at first could be challenging due to your smaller stomach. Drinking steadily and gradually throughout the day is the key.

Depending on your body size, degree of activity, and sweating, you may discover that you need more fluids to stay hydrated if you resume typical activities after the initial recuperation phase. Increase your fluid intake if you notice any symptoms of dehydration.

Drink good liquids

After your weight reduction treatment, you shouldn’t drink certain things since they can make you uncomfortable or stop you from losing weight. Steer clear of alcoholic beverages, carbonated and caffeinated drinks, and sugary drinks with over 5 calories per serving. Alcohol and caffeine can aggravate the stomach and cause dehydration. The stomach might become disturbed by carbonation. Consuming sugary beverages might cause weight gain. Instead, sip on these substitutes:

• Water
• Sugar-free jello
• Vegetable, Chicken or Beef broth
• Decaffeinated tea or coffee
• Sugar-free or fruit ice popsicles 

Tips for maintaining hydration following a weight loss procedure

It is challenging to keep constant track of hydration while recovering from a weight loss procedure, hence these tips might help:

• To stay hydrated, set a timer or an alarm on your phone every 15 minutes.
• Always keep a water bottle handy.
• Keep a water bottle by your bed, and start sipping on calorie-free liquids when you first wake up.
• To keep things interesting, try substituting water with different transparent liquids. 
• Avoid using a straw, as it can cause air to enter your stomach.

Consult an expert for weight loss 

With more than 30 years of expertise in laparoscopic/general surgery, Dr Girish Juneja is a surgeon of distinction for bariatric surgery (weight loss). Currently, he oversees the bariatric services at the Al Zahra Hospital in Dubai. Before this, he had a professional leadership position in the general surgery department of various reputable hospitals in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.