National Hydration Day

National hydration day is a great day to highlight the ways gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and lap band patients utilize to ensure that they meet their hydration needs after their bariatric surgery.

Especially in the days and weeks that follow weight loss surgery, gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and lap band patients have to adjust to life after surgery, life with a smaller stomach, and new eating (and drinking) habits. Now is a good time to review habits that can make adequate hydration easier following bariatric surgery.

• Separate meals and fluids
• Try room temperature water if your new stomach can’t handle cold
• Use non-caloric flavors in your water to make them go down easier
• Sugar-free jello counts toward your fluids
• Avoid carbonated beverages, even if they are calorie free
• Avoid caffeine
• Broth is often well tolerated after surgery and counts as a liquid
• Sip, sip, sip your water in between meals
• Do not use straws
• Keep track of your water intake to ensure you meet your fluid goal
• Set an alarm to help remind yourself to drink
• Aim to drink 64 ounces of fluids each day (this includes caffeine-free tea, broth, gelatin, sugar-free popsicles, etc)

Many bariatric patients have found ways that work for them after gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, or lap band surgery. Every patient is different. What works for one patient doesn’t always work for another. Ask around for what worked for others. Share what works for you. This is true for hydration as well as weight loss.

For more information on diet and hydration after bariatric surgery, check Dr. Shillingford’s website. Dr. Shillingford, MD, PA is a board certified surgeon specializing in advanced laparoscopic and weight loss surgery. Many of Dr. Shillingford’s gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and lap band patients come to his Boca Raton office from nearby areas, like Coral Springs, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Delray Beach.