It’s hard to argue: the best way to lose weight and keep it off is a combination of bariatric surgery, increased physical activity, and a leaner, healthier diet. In some cases of obesity or morbid obesity, it may be the only way to lose up to 80 percent of unwanted body weight.
Once the weight-loss procedure (a gastric sleeve for example) is finished, the hard work begins. The days of drinking sugary soft drinks, eating pizzas, and shirking vegetables will have to come to an end. But the most important thing you can do for your body is to give it all the water/liquid it needs.
In order to stay hydrated, it’s recommended to drink at least 64 ounces of liquid in the weeks and months after gastric sleeve surgery. However, WeightWise believes 96 to 120 ounces will yield the greatest results in staving off dehydration. However, there are some things you need to know about water and the gastric sleeve procedure post-op fluid intake.
Can Liquids Stretch Your Gastric Sleeve?
Although it’s hard to imagine water causing too many issues after gastric sleeve surgery. After all, you’re used to gulping down water on hot days or after working in the yard. However, that was when your stomach could handle a lot of fluid at one time.
After bariatric surgery, your stomach will be much smaller. The amount of water intake now needs to be carefully monitored to make sure that you don’t put too much stress on the surgery. Drinking too much water too fast can cause discomfort and pain.
In addition to throttling back how much water you drink at one time, you must also be mindful of when you drink the water. After the gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, or duodenal procedures, your stomach will be much smaller. Which means there’s only so much room for both food and water.
As solid food is introduced into your diet, you will need to wait at least 30 minutes after eating before drinking any liquid, although WeightWise recommends 60 minutes. Before a meal, water can be had up until the first bite. Don’t worry to much about if you’ll be able to stay properly hydrated. After a few weeks, it will become second nature.
Stay On The Path After Gastric Sleeve Surgery
For some weight loss surgery patients, keeping an eye on the diet is the hardest part of the program. The idea of drinking around 10 glasses of water a day seems overwhelming – especially when it took you a week to drink that much water before the surgery. Not to mention no solid foods for two weeks.
We aren’t going to put a pretty bow on it: A complete lifestyle change isn’t a decision to be taken lightly. We will say your body will begin to adapt to the lesser amount of food almost immediately. The body will go through a slight hormonal change that will allow you to feel fuller, faster, and reduce the number of hunger pangs you feel.
The psychological changes will take longer, like drinking 96 ounces of water if you only drank half of that before for example. To make drinking enough water easier, consider carrying a bottle of water with you wherever you go or setting a timer. Need a little extra flavor? Try throwing a lemon slice in the water or mixing in some sugar-free powders such as Crystal Light.
Work With The Weight Loss Professionals
As we said before, expecting to turn around years of unhealthy living at the drop of a hat won’t be easy. That’s why we believe the WeightWise Program will give you the best chance at success. By incorporating the surgery, personal training, and diet plan all under one roof, you’ll always know who to call with any questions.
Although we work with people like you every day, each situation is different. Every client will get a personalized plan based on their current lifestyle, short-term goals, and long-term aspirations. Results may vary depending on the determination of each patient.
But with the network of support we provide, there will always be someone to talk to. Take the time to watch our FREE online seminar to get a better understanding of our program. Then reach out to us to schedule that first consultation. The longer you wait, the longer it will be until you’re living your newer, healthier lifestyle.