The Importance of Water After Weight Loss Surgery

Water may be the most important nutrient. Your body is made up of nearly 70% water, and you can survive for only about 3 days without water. Water is even more critical after weight loss surgery, but not all patients hit common goals of 8 or more 8-ounce glasses daily. The BariatricPal Store can help you get enough water after bariatric surgery to stay healthy and support better weight loss.

Why You Need Water

Water is necessary for almost every bodily function, including regulating temperature regulation, saliva production, proper digestion and absorption, circulation, and brain function. Mild dehydration can lead to headaches, constipation, while more severe dehydration can cause confusion and fatigue. You lose water through sweating, waste excretion, and breathing.

Water for Weight Loss

Water is also important for weight loss. It is not just a calorie-free alternative to sugary beverages. Water actually helps reduce hunger. Since your brain may confuse thirst with hunger, it is best to be sure, when you think you feel hunger, that you are well hydrated before you dive for food.

How Much and When to Drink

A good goal is at least 8 8-ounce glasses of water per day, or 64 ounces of water. That is the equivalent of four 16-ounce water bottles. You need more if you exercise a lot or sweat heavily, or are a larger person.

You might try developing a habit of having 1 to 2 glasses of water at certain times, such as when you wake up, mid-morning, early and mid-afternoon, and in the evening, as well as before and after exercising. 

After weight loss surgery, surgeons and nutritionists might suggest that you do not drink water while you are eating any food. In addition, you may need to avoid drinking within 30 minutes before or after a meal. Water can help foods slide faster through your pouch and reduce the effects of restriction. 

Help Remembering to Drink Water

There are plenty of ways to help yourself remember to drink enough water throughout the day. 

The Ulla Hydration Reminder can help you remember to drink throughout the day when you attach it to any water bottle. The smart attachment turns on automatically when you get up, and makes a signal when you get near so you remember to drink. It also reminds you to drink each hour. The Ulla Hydration Reminder is available in 7 colors.

Increment Motivational Drinking Water Bottles are marked on the side with quantities of water so you can see how far you have to go. There are motivational messages to read each time you hit a hydration milestone so you can be sure to try to hit your goals. Various styles come with infusers, straws, and handy carrying handles to snap onto a backpack strap or gym bag handle

Protein Drinks for Hydrating Nutrition

BariatricPal Fruit Protein Drinks are delicious options for getting water while you get protein. They come in sweet, refreshing, fruit flavors such as Cran-Grape, Strawberry Kiwi, Pink Lemonade, Apple, Orange, Grapefruit, Lemonade, Pineapple Orange, Orangeade, Lemon Razzy, Wild Berry, Grape, and Pineapple. Each has 15 grams of protein without the load of sugar found in fruit.

With great choices and tools to help, staying hydrated can be easier than ever. With proper hydration comes better energy and less hunger, so you may be on your way to smoother weight loss. The BariatricPal Store is here to help.