How do you know if your dehydrated?

I am 12 days post op, I haven't been able to get 60oz of liquid nor have I done well with the protein. I want something to chew and since I can't have it yet, I haven't had the taste for anything. For those that have gotten dehydrated, how did you know? Should I wait those 2 more days for mushies, because I really want some tuna for some strange reason? Thanks for any input. Rose

There are a good many folks here who do not get their 60+ ounces of fluid that first month.  If you can't tell whether or not you are dehydrated, then keep sucking it down anyway.  The last thing you want is to end up in the ER!  Wait the two more days...remember that your tummy is still healing.  Good luck, we know you can do it!

 Hey evilelf Hi from north of the 49th parrelel Im not giving medical advice but as a PSW in long term care we check our residents for mild dehydration with a pinch test pinch the skin on the back of your hand for 15 seconds then release if it flattens out right away not to much to woory about however if tit takes time to flatten it is a sign that you are dehydrated
LaVonda
aka
Kevin

Thanks Kevin, I just pinched myself...bounced right back. Thanks

I am 2 weeks post op today and was pretty dehydrated last week. The main way I could tell was my lips were really chapped and my feet were really dry and scaley (kinda gross, I know :) )
Along with trying to drink my water, my husband went and bought a box of sugar free popcicles. They have helped a lot...especially when I feel like "snacking" and watching TV etc. The extra fluid helps too :)
Good luck!

Thanks, tried the popcicles but the cold hurt really bad going down.

Let me first say I am no medical professional...If you have a way to take your blood pressure you should consider trying that. My mom had high blood pressure and when she was dehydrated her's went up. I am generally on the lower edge of normal blood pressure and if i am dehydrated mine goes down.

Not sure if that helps too much, but I would check it (make sure you are resting when you take it) if it is out of wack that might be an indicator. It's not definitive, but it might alert you that something is not right.

-Cindy

How often are you going to pee and what color is it... that could be of some help.  It should be clear or close to clear and you should be going several times a day.

My Dr.said I should be peeing 5-6 times a day at least..Other signs of dehydration is palpitations and stomach cramps.
If your pee is dark(sorry)that usually means not enough fluid but alot of protein.

I am 2 weeks out and tol 1-2 oz of tuna, chewed well.  I added pepper, DASH seasoning, squeeze
of a lemon.I craved tuna too. Have you tried hot drinks ? sugar free jello ?? those count as fluids
would chewing ice help ??  I did well with that the first week

Signs of dehydration

dry mouth/lips
weakness
infrequent urination
dark urine
headache
dizziness when you get up after laying down a bit  
         (go the ER with this one)
increased pulse from your normal pulse ( while resting)