What's the big deal with fluids?

I'm a lurker and have a question.

Why such a big push on fluids after surgery?  Shouldn't we be getting 64oz anyway?  I drink about 24 oz a day, and I'm concerned with trying to drink so much post-surgery.  If my body is used to a lesser amount, is that OK? 

A recent report indicated that 75% of the population is chronically dehydrated. People typically drink many fluids, but it is the water that is necessary for optimum health and body functions. Every other fluid taxes the liver and kidneys. After WLS surgery your body will begin releasing a lot of "toxins" as the fat is removed. It is necessary to make sure that those are "diluted" enough not to cause cause toxic build ups in the blood or organs. This is just one more habit in the step toward better health. As for getting in 64 oz post surgery, it will take time to reach that. In the beginning you just want to have water in your hand at all times and sip, sip, sip, except for the 30-45 minutes after eating. To drink at this time pushes your food out of the pouch too quickly and will eventually cause you to feel hungry more quickly. Even in normies, digestion functions better when they don't drink with meals.

Thanks for responding! I guess I'll try to work towards this goal before surgery.

I agree with what the pp said. 
Post op you will be taking in less of everything - except for the fluids.  It will help your body balance out.  More fluids = less dizziness and less constipation (which will be an issue).
Work on the 64 oz now as practice for post op.


Sarah

My surgeon wants us to have 100oz minimum a day.  I found that 60-70 was easy.  When I went in i was still about 10% dehydrated compared to where I should be.  He did say that most men are dehydrated all the time because we don't typically consume enough water on a day-to-day basis.  At 24oz a day, I'm betting you were significantly dehydrated.  Were you craving salt?  Typically that is one of the cravings when you're dehydrated because salt helps you retain water.

Drinking fluids post op proves to be a challenge for most post ops.  24 oz a day post op for a week or more will very likely land you back in the hospital for dehydration.  Dave

2 issues.... recovering from dehydration postop is more difficult because you can't just chug down a couple bottles of water (I can drink pretty good amounts, but nothing like pre-op).
If you feel thirsty you are already getting dehydrated.

Thirst is very commonly mistaken for hunger - so by keeping busy and "full" with liquids, you can more easily avoid grazing and unscheduled snacking

Thanks for all the posts. I have not had my surgery yet, but trying to get ready for it

If you get dehydrated, your blood gets too thick to pump. No pump,
no circulation.

No circulation, you fall down go boom.

Seriously, it can be fatal, although most people get help
before it gets to that point.

Just keep a water bottle in hand and sipsipsip all day. I
promise it will be a lot easier than you think. If you
get in five bottles daily, that's 100 oz.

Good luck!

Also your body needs more fluid to process all the fat it's breaking down.
Also dehydration = nausea=not drinking=dehydration=..on and on till you end up back in the hospital.
Deb T.