Water Intake

I've been trying to up my water intake. Just curious if you all count all drinks, such as Crystal Light and ice tea, etc as well. I've been enjoying some Syntrax Nectar and a splash of Crystal light as my morning water. It adds a little protein too! But I'm not drinking as much straigh****er. OK?! Thoughts?

Also, how do people feel about adding sweet n low to decaf ice tea?

I kicked a pretty heavy Diet Coke habit before surgery, so I'm trying to find alternatives! ;)

Yes I do because they are water in my opinion. That is how many are able to stay hydrated. I drink crystal light diet raspberry green tea every morning myself.

I count it but I also try to do minimum 64 oz plain water. No sweet in low. They say it hinders weight loss even for nonsleevers.

Since you're barely 1 month post-op I think it's fine to count these things as "water".  And boy do I hear ya' about coming off the Diet Coke addiction - not fun!  

As you get further along, I would urge you to cut the use of artifical sweetners as much as possible.  They can be a trigger for wanting more sweet stuff and actually trigger the body to produce excess insulin - even though it's not "real" sugar.  Excess insulin signals the liver to store calories - any calories - as fat.  So yeah, it's possible to eat 800 calories a day and not lose fat if you're eating sugar-free everything.  

The only time I drink plain water is during/after a workout.  Around 16 oz/day.  Other than that, all of my liquids come from Concord Grape Crystal Light, unsweetened iced tea, or hot tea with lemon.