“Is it hard to stay hydrated after bariatric surgery?” is a common question asked by our patients. To avoid dehydration after weight loss surgery, you must work on drinking fluids throughout the entire day. Fluids can be water, flavored zero calorie drinks or unsweetened or diet tea.
Here are some tips Dr. Aviv Ben-Meir, board-certified general surgeon with Lake Health Bariatric Surgery Center, shares with his patients to help them stay hydrated:
1.Keep a water bottle or glass in your bathroom so that you drink while you are getting ready for the day.
2. Make sure you have a water bottle with you at all times, filled with a drink you enjoy. Keep a separate bottle in your car to drink as you drive around.
3. Try drinking fluids while you prepare meals, stopping 15 minutes before you eat.
4. Give yourself goals such as drinking 30 ounces by noon.
5. Put 6 to 8 rubber bands on one wrist and transfer one to the other wrist each time you consume 8 ounces of fluid. Your goal is to transfer all the rubber bands each day.
Remember that after surgery it will be important that you drink at least 50 ounces of non-caffeinated, low/no calorie liquids each day. Prior to surgery, most of your fluid consumption likely occurred during meals. After surgery, remember not to drink with your meals. This can make it harder for you to stay hydrated.
Dr. Aviv Ben-Meir and his dedicated team offer compassionate care and support before, during and after your surgery. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
Meet the doctor
Dr. Aviv Ben-Meir is a board-certified general surgeon who practices at the Lake Health Physician Group Bariatric Surgery Center. He has performed over 4,500 weight loss surgery procedures. If you’re considering weight loss surgery, register for Dr. Ben-Meir’s free on-demand webinar that helps answer common questions about weight loss surgery options and who is a candidate.
Office:
Lake West Medical Building
36100 Euclid Avenue, Suite 170
Willoughby, OH 44094
440-602-6737
