Staying hydrated is important, especially if a patient has undergone weight loss surgery. Hydration will ensure the long-term success of the surgery. Gastric bypass, duodenal switch, and gastrectomy are procedures that help patients who are overweight lose weight and reverse diabetic effects, improving health. These procedures alter the stomach tract and make it narrower, which can reduce the oral intake of the patient. A surgical swelling causes stomach tract narrowing, which is called a postoperative ileus, which is a temporary condition in which the patient experiences reduced mobility of the stomach tract. Even though these effects are a part of recovery, they can lead to dehydration. Healthcare providers like Nourish 2 rise, highlight the significance of increasing water intake after surgery.
1. Why Hydration is Important
Each individual requires a good water intake routing, however, after weight loss surgery, it becomes even more critical for the patient to drink lots and lots of water. Several factors highlight the importance of hydration, specifically for people with weight-loss surgery. The required amount of water consumed is different for each patient depending on what that patient needs, the surgery type, and the diet their healthcare provider recommends.
The amount of water consumed daily should be 60 grams for women and 70 grams for men. Bigger does not always mean better. Unless directed to do so by the doctor or dietician, patients should not try to go over the daily protein allowance. Consuming too much protein will cause them to consume too many calories, and any extra calories that are not burned off are stored as fat. All of this is not good for patients who underwent weight-loss surgery; therefore, it is important to keep this in check.
. Nausea and Vomiting
Patients with weight loss surgery who experience nausea and vomiting need to increase their water intake for many reasons. They need to communicate with their surgical team and doctors about the amount of oral intake and nausea, use medications to prevent nausea, sip fluids, IP fluids, and popsicles and ice chips to keep themselves hydrated.
. Absorbing Nutrients
Weight-loss surgeries alter the anatomy of the digestive tract, indirectly affecting fluid and nutrient absorption. Hence, maintaining an adequate balance of fluids is crucial to maintaining better health. Vitamin deficiencies are particularly concerning as they result from long periods of vomiting. A narrower digestive tract after surgery is common in pregnant women causing continuous vomiting. Deficiencies such as vitamin B12 and low thiamine deficiencies can cause nerve injuries. Therefore, if patients are struggling to keep control of fluid levels, it’s important to contact the doctor immediately and talk to them about vitamin infusions and IV hydration to prevent further worsening of health problems.
2. Preventing Dehydration
Dehydration can lead to problems such as kidney stones and a lower number of electrolytes. The severity can vary from patient to patient, but it can be higher in patients who have gone through weight-loss surgery. Improving the intake of water can help alleviate this.
3. Guidelines to Stay Hydrated After Weight-Loss Surgery
. Starting Gradually
After a successful weight-loss surgery, healthcare providers will provide specific guidelines on the time and procedure of starting liquid intake. In the beginning, patients will only take small sips of fluids to start the stomach healing process. Patients must notice signals their body is sending them and increase their intake of water only when the body is accepting it. Over time, patients will move towards more thicker fluids, and eventually, they will start consuming mashed food. It is important to follow the instructions of the healthcare provider in terms of when to change the diet.
. Consuming Water Mainly
Water and fluids that boost electrolytes should be the primary source of improving hydration for patients. These fluids are free of calories which is why they are important for various functions of the body. Patients should aim to consume at least 2 liters of water or electrolyte drinks daily. However, they should change this according to the healthcare provider’s guidelines and the individual needs of the patients. Patients should make this a regular habit throughout their recovery from weight-loss surgery by trying to take sips of water throughout the day instead of consuming large amounts of water at once.
. Electrolyte Supplement
Weight-loss surgery can affect patients’ electrolyte balance. Healthcare providers may recommend supplements to boost electrolytes or serve as hydrants to maintain the correct levels.
. Things to Avoid
Caffeine is one of the fluids that should only be consumed in the presence of healthcare providers or avoided altogether if the patient has a health condition. Caffeine can also cause dehydration, and it does not provide patients with the necessary nutrients.
Consuming fluids with meals is not a good practice as it never makes patients experience stomach fullness, therefore, it is recommended to wait for at least half an hour before drinking something after a solid meal.
. Observing Urine Color
The last but not least step is to check the urine color. It is a relatively easy indicator of how hydrated a patient is. Pale-yellow urine indicates a good hydration status; on the other hand, amber or dark-yellow urine indicates dehydration.
4. Conclusion
Most patients having weight-loss surgery find hydration natural and easy. They must drink when they feel thirsty, which will keep them adequately hydrated, just as they were before the surgery. However, for a few patients, keeping themselves hydrated is a challenge, especially right after the surgery. Hydration is an important step patients need to follow after stomach surgery and is also an important part of everyone’s routine for long-term improvement in health.
It is important to follow guidelines provided by healthcare providers such as Nourish 2 rise, that can significantly improve health by maintaining proper hydration and avoiding complications to achieve the best possible outcomes. It is important to consider how every patient’s hydration needs can vary, so it is important to contact a specialized healthcare provider for personalized recommendations. If patients commit to maintaining hydration, they should be able to take advantage of the benefits of weight-loss surgery on their way toward improved health and well-being.