Can't Drink Water After Gastric Sleeve Surgery - Is this Normal?
If you’ve had gastric sleeve surgery, you know that one of the key things you need to do to stay healthy is to stay hydrated.
Drinking enough water is important for everyone (your mother is right), but it’s especially important for people anyone who has had their stomach surgically modified. As your stomach is now smaller, you won't be able to eat as much as you used to. This means that you need to make sure you're still getting the all of the nutrients and fluids you need by drinking plenty of water each day.
However, drinking enough water can be hard for some people after gastric sleeve surgery. That’s because you might feel fuller quicker, so the urge to drink more water goes away. Additionally, some people find that they are more sensitive to cold drinks after surgery, so they avoid them.
If you’re having trouble staying hydrated after gastric sleeve surgery, then don't worry - you're not alone! In this article, we will outline the familiar feeling of not being able to drink water after gastric sleeve surgery, why that feeling is so common, and provide some actionable tips to keep your fluids topped up.
Why is it difficult to drink water after gastric sleeve?
After having gastric sleeve surgery, it is common to feel full very quickly when eating and drinking. Not only has your body been through a strenuous operation, but your stomach is also now significantly smaller than it was prior to surgery.
By virtue of size, it is natural that you will feel 'full' after less water. Many patients find that they need to take small sips of water often throughout the day, rather than large gulps. It is also important to avoid drinking too much water at once, as this can lead to feeling sick or bloated. If you are finding it difficult to drink enough water, try carrying a water bottle with you everywhere you go, and set reminders on your phone or watch to take a sip every few hours.
Is this normal to struggle with drinking water after a gastric sleeve?
Yes, it is perfectly normal to feel like you can’t drink water after gastric sleeve surgery. It is important to take small sips of water regularly throughout the day to prevent dehydration. Your doctor or dietitian will be able to advise you on how much water you should be drinking. In the meantime, try to take a drink bottle with you throughout the day so that you can take sips whenever you feel thirsty.
How long does this feeling last for?
It is normal for patients to experience some difficulty drinking water for the first few weeks. This is usually because of swelling in the stomach area, which can make it really uncomfortable to drink a lot of liquid at once (you'll feel quite bloated and water heavy). However, this you shouldn't feel like this for too long as the swelling goes down. If you find that you are still struggling to drink water after a few weeks, then you need to speak to your physician.
Why is drinking water after gastric sleeve surgery important?
It is important to drink lots of water after gastric sleeve surgery because it helps the body to heal and to avoid complications. Drinking plenty of water also helps to prevent dehydration, which can be a serious problem after surgery.
The amount of water that you should be drinking each day will depend on your unique circumstances, your starting weight, and the nature of your surgery. It is always a good idea to consult with your doctor to understand your unique requirements after weight loss surgery.
How do I know if I'm dehydrated after gastric sleeve surgery?
If you're wondering how to tell if you're dehydrated after gastric sleeve surgery, there are a few key signs and symptoms to look out for. These can include things like feeling thirsty or lightheaded, having a dry mouth, brown or very dark yellow urine, or urinating less frequently than usual. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to drink more fluids and seek medical attention if your symptoms don't improve.
Dehydration can be dangerous, so it's important to take it seriously. Gastric sleeve surgery is a major operation, and it's normal to lose a lot of fluid during the surgery and in the days afterwards. That's why it's so important to stay well-hydrated both before and after your surgery. Drink plenty of fluids, and if you're feeling any of the signs of dehydration, don't hesitate to seek medical help.
Tips for hydrating post-gastric sleeve surgery
1. Drink, drink, drink!
It is important to stay hydrated after your surgery, so make sure to drink plenty of fluids. Water is always a good choice, but you can also drink fruit juice, sports drinks, and even broth.
2. Sip slowly
It is best to sip your fluids slowly throughout the day rather than drinking them all at once. This will help your body absorb the fluid better and prevent you from getting dehydrated.
3. Avoid alcoholic beverages
Alcohol can dehydrate your body and should be avoided after surgery.
4. Eat foods with high water content
In addition to drinking fluids, you can also eat foods that are high in water content such as fruits and vegetables. This will help you stay hydrated and will also give you added nutrients.
5. Avoid caffeine
Caffeine can dehydrate your body, so it is best to avoid it after surgery.
6. Talk to your surgeon
If you are having toruble staying hydrated, be sure to talk to your doctor. They might have additional tips or recommendations for you.
Wrapping Up
It's important to stay hydrated after gastric sleeve surgery. Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, and avoid sugary drinks. Drink before you get thirsty and carry a water bottle with you to make it easy to drink throughout the day. Let your doctor know if you're having trouble staying hydrated. Dehydration can cause constipation, headaches, and fatigue. It can also lead to serious complications like kidney stones and urinary tract infections. So make sure you're drinking enough fluids every day!
For more information around gastric sleeve surgery, including if you are struggling with your fluid intake following the procedure, be sure to get in contact with the team at Central Coast Surgery. Dr Wong and the team at Central Coast Weight Loss Surgery happily treat patients from the Central Coast, Newcastle, and Sydney. Our comprehensive surgery process incorporates essential aftercare information like dietry requirements and other important information to ensure you acheive themaxmimum amount of benefits from the procedure. Contact the office for a consultation today on (02) 4323 7000 today or online. Learn more about the life-changing gastric sleeve surgery in Newcastle offered at our clinic.