Drinking enough after bariatric surgery can be challenging, which puts bariatric patients at risk of dehydration. Here is why hydration is important, how much you need and practical tips to combat dehydration after bariatric surgery.
Key takeaways
- Dehydration is one of the leading reasons patients visit the emergency department or are readmitted in the first three months after surgery.
- General guidelines recommend around 1.8 litres of hydrating fluids daily.
- Take small sips throughout the day, set small goals and avoid straws.
Why it is important
Our bodies are made of about 50–70% water – at least half of our body weight is water, so it is no wonder our bodies need it to function properly. Proper hydration helps support joint health, rids waste from the body, supports the elasticity of your skin, promotes cardiovascular health, boosts energy and supports satiety (which can help with weight loss). When your body is hydrated, you will feel the difference!
After bariatric surgery, drinking enough fluid can be challenging due to a smaller stomach, unpleasant taste changes and time constraints (you cannot eat and drink at the same time). This puts patients at greater risk of dehydration. Dehydration is one of the most impactful complications after bariatric surgery and one of the leading reasons patients visit the emergency department and/or are readmitted within the first three months after surgery.1 A study of behaviours before and after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RNYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) found that hydration decreased by 58% after RNYGB and by 49% after SG.2
Signs of dehydration include thirst, dry skin, constipation, muscle cramps, dizziness, headache, nausea, confusion and, in serious cases, loss of consciousness.3 The good news is that dehydration is avoidable after bariatric surgery.
Hydration goals
General guidelines recommend around 1.8 litres of hydrating fluids daily for patients after bariatric surgery.4 A hydrating fluid is commonly defined as one that is low in or free from sugar and has no carbonation, as carbonation can cause bloating and discomfort after weight loss surgery. Your fluid needs may increase with exercise, sweat loss, your environment (hot/humid weather and/or high altitude) and illnesses such as diarrhoea or vomiting, which cause you to lose more fluid than usual. Always consult your bariatric team for your individual daily fluid goal.
Tips to hit your hydration goals
- Keep a water bottle with you: in sight, in mind.
- Take small sips throughout the day: big gulps can feel heavy in your new stomach and cause discomfort.
- Use reminders: download an app or set an alarm to remind you to sip throughout the day.
- Set small goals: 1.8 litres can seem like a lot, so break it into smaller goals – for example 0.6 litres in the morning, 0.6 litres in the afternoon and 0.6 litres after work or in the evening.
- Do not use a straw: straws make you suck in air first, which could make you feel too full.
- Add sugar-free, calorie-free flavouring: while water is typically best, a sugar-free flavouring sachet, a squeeze of lemon or some fresh/frozen fruit or herbs (such as mint) can enhance flavour and encourage you to drink more.
Sources
- Gonzalez-Sanchez JA, et al. Bariatric surgery patients: reasons to visit emergency department after surgery. ResearchGate, October 2007.
- Vinolas H, Barnetche T, Ferrandi G, et al. Oral hydration, food intake, and nutritional status before and after bariatric surgery. Obes Surg. 2019;29:2896–2903. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11695-019-03928-y
- Stott L, et al. Dehydration: a cause for concern. Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases. 2016;12(7). doi:10.1016/j.soard.2016.08.157
- Marinari GM. Bariatric surgery complications in the emergency department. In: Emergency Surgery in Obese Patients. Updates in Surgery. 2020:109–112. doi:10.1007/978-3-030-17305-0_14
This article is for general information only and does not replace personal medical advice. Always discuss your situation, blood test results and supplementation with your bariatric team or healthcare provider.