Pathetic, but I need ideas for getting my fluids in...

Have u also tried to time ur sips to every 15 minutes. that was a big help to me in the beginning. I set my cell for 15 minutes and everytime it beeped i sipped, reset it, beep  then sipped.

I think this is the reason that my surgeon's plan has us limited to 3 meals a day, with 1/2 a protein shake for snacks as needed for the first 2 months. 

If you're eating solids 5 times a day, and avoiding drinking for 30 minutes before and after, that's 5 hours that you're not able to drink.

Maybe try eating 3 meals and have protein shakes as snacks.  That will give you 2 extra hours to work on drinking.  I drink CONSTANTLY throughout the day, with the exception of the 30 before and after meals, and don't have a problem getting my fluids.

 I honestly think poor hydration is the only thing holding me back from losing more quickly. I have a hard time keeping up with my fluids too, so you're not alone. Crystal Lite (and other, better clones) are really helpful.

I am 12 weeks out and I don't struggle as much to get 64 oz but somedays are worse than others.  I have to set my phone alarms to go off for meals and then 30 minutes after eating for water... and I don't set a meal timer unless it's 30 minutes away from drinking.  I can drink more in one drink now than I could a couple weeks ago.  I don't know if you are doing 3 meals and snacks but I think I would try sub'ing a protein drink or fluids for a snack and then 3 meals.  And I have a mind issue with bigger bottles so I have 12 oz little water bottles. I seem to drink those faster and then get more in that way 5 of those bottles is 60 oz. :) so I just wash them and reuse them again :).  Good luck, and just keep trying.

Shot glasses.  I posted about it here somewhere...I'll go find it.

The reason it's easy is because almost all of us can do that...and even BEAT that.

I find this whole eating and drinking business, 30 minutes before/after very frustrating!! 

Currently, I get 24-32 ounces of water in via herbal tea and decaf coffee in the mornings, if I'm at work.  I have to have a hot drink beside me in the mornings as part of my work ritual.  I have a protein shake for breakfast (a protein coffee), and don't eat solid food until 11:00 or 12:00 noon.  Then I start on a one-liter bottle and work on it after lunch with a goal to finish before I leave the office.  I can't always do this.

I used to avoid drinking after dinner because I didn't like getting up in the middle of night to go to the bathroom.  But usually can't get all the water in if I don't do part of my drinking after dinner.  So far, I've been sleeping through the night.  That's good. 

Go to target sporting goods stores and get one of those camelbaks....large sippy cup for sports folks..you won't look like a baby.

I froze 1/2 large bottles of water, refill the other half...had a net/carryin shoulder pac...that thing went with me EVERYWHERE...

you wanna have another kid right...PRACTICE...

Carry that frikken water bottle around with you like its your baby!
You wouldn't leave yer baby sittin in a fridge or on the shelf for hours unattended would you? When I have it in my face...Im apt to remember ,-)

What I do NOW that helps get it in..is I use straws!  Talk to yer nut when you can...yer staple line healin is just about UP...
I use 64oz  cups...and AIM for puttin away 2 of em...by the end of the day....many days come super close...about 3 days a week...get em both down easy.

Its just a bit more plannin, and a ++ life-enhancin habit  ,-)

I also freeze in gallon sized ziplock baggies  protein shake ice cubes (they're kinda sticky outta the tray, gotta use a knife to loosen em,  I freeze green tea ice cubes, lemon slices, G2 cubes, Red bull (taurine -liver/GB problems) and lemon juice to (alkalinize my water**** cubes ....on my way out the door...throw a couplea cubes of whatever., to bump up the count, keep cold ...works for me anyway ,-)


you'll figure it out what works for you!  Sooner or later ,-)

Lol... I love the practice idea!  I do use straws... my NUT cleared me long ago... big sips/bites have never been a problem for me... I must get one of those camelbaks... I have some really nice bottles but you have to scew the top on and off... never even though about it before... but now I just never seem to bother to remember...

When I get my camelbak I'll name it ;-)

Maybe it will help!

Also love the ice cube ideas!!! Thanks!

I wonder if after surgery we aren't confusing "not hungry" with "full". Being "not hungry" makes me feel "full" too,but I have found out that I really am not "full",just "not hungry". There is plenty of room in my sleeve for liquids which start absorbing instantly. One sip is practically absorbed by the time it reaches our sleeves. I am able to get in over 100 oz a day with this theory.

I realize you are early out,but even a few weeks post op I was getting 64 ounces regularly.

Try to increase by one more ounce every day. You really need to get as close to 64+ oz as possible  at this point of nearly being 3 months out.

good luck! You are doing great!
Holly

 I was the same way and I did NOT eat the dense protein until further out. I let my feeling of fullness be my guide and I made fluid my priority. this went on for a couple months - 4 or 5, I forget - but I don't see anything wrong with getting protein in a fluid rather than food.

worked fine - to this day I still have a Syntrax Nectar every morning.