Does milk count as water intake?

I'm finding that I can't get in as much water when I make my protein shake in the morning.

My protein shake is 1.5 cups milk, 1 scoop prot. drink, 1 frz banana, 1/2 cup frz berries.  It's just under 50 gm protein in total.

But then I seem to only be able to get in somewhere between 400-800 mls of water/day, plus my other 2 meals. 

Do you think this is enough liquid in a day?

Not sure if the milk counts but your total volume of liquid os still low.

1 cup = 250 ml = 8oz

8 cups/day = 2000ml = 2L = 64oz

Even when you are drinking 800ml water + 1 1/2 cups... It is not enough because 800 + 375 = 1175

Do you have a water bottle? As in a refillable one? I'm pre-op and struggle getting water in... Tea (caffeine free) would help too...

Yes, I keep 2 400 ml bottles of water going in the fridge so I always grab one first thing after I finish the shake.  But I am not drinking 30 mins before and after a meal and don't seem to be able to push anymore water in without feeling like I'm stretching the pouch.  I doubt I'm actually doing that, but it feels too much.

ok... So... just trying to get a picture of when you are able to consume the liquids you need and give an idea of where you might be able to add something.

Morning shake - 375ml
30 min post shake - start 400ml water - ideally sip and finish by 30 min prior to lunch time.
Lunch time
30 min post lunch - start 400ml water - ideally sip and finish by 30 min prior to dinner time.
Dinner time
30 min post dinner - start 400ml water - OR - the first of two herbal teas - seriously awesome in the winter and flavour without pushing it... 2 teas at 250 ml each would be 500 ml and tea is just something you sip anyway.

That would at least get you to:
375 + 400 + 400 + 400/500 = 1575/1675ml

Now... My own problem with Tea was always that I would wait for it to cool, or forget about it and it got too cold. Thermos makes an AWESOME tea travel cup. It's not cheap but I have 2. I have been known to make a tea, seal it in the cup, leave it on the counter and it is JUST starting to be drinkable as I walk out the door in the morning (8+ hrs later). I made my husband use both of them one time... He bought coffee on the way, took his one tea into the building and nearly burnt his mouth mid morning. Left the other in the car... (Left home at 7 am)... At 2 in the afternoon he went to the car to get the second tea. The outside of it was frosted (stainless steal), but when he went inside and opened it... The tea was still steaming.

The protein shake takes me from 2-4 hours to finish, then I start the water.  Most days I'm getting at least 400mls, and occasionally, I'm able to get in up to 1000 mls.  One 400 ml bottle seems to take me at least 4 hours to finish.

Does milk count?  yes, any liquid counts toward your fluid intake.

It is important to remember that until you can drink more, you are doing your best.  As you heal the swelling will go down and you will be able to drink or eat more. 

I am in Ottawa, and the first couple of stages of post-surgical life, they show a target amount of fluids and protein and they are less than the amount you are to be at when you hit the Diet for Life stage.

Good luck!

Judy

Thanks, I appreciate the support.  I go to see the nurse for my 1 mth post op this Thursday and will discuss it with her as well.

I had a hard time initially with getting enough fluids in as well, and after my first post-op blood work, found out I was quite dehydrated.  The water  is really important.  You could try elminating the fruit from your morning shake; that might make it a little less heavy in your tummy and you may feel less full, allowing you to have more liquids.  Just a suggestion.

I was having a problem with constipation, only going every 4 days or so and hard to expel.  Once I added the fruit/protein shake, I can go every day without issue now.  So I'm a little hesitant to stop it since it's something natural that is working for the bowel issues.

Maybe have the fruit as a snack instead of in the shake.

That shake, for me, would sit too heavy and take too long to finish.

Just my thoughts