Hydrate for a Quicker Recovery

Karen Buzby, RD, LDN, a member of the Penn Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery team, provides tips for staying hydrated after bariatric surgery.

After weight loss surgery, staying hydrated is critical to recovery. Drinking enough fluid helps patients recover from surgery safely and as quickly as possible. So, pour a four-ounce glass of any low calorie beverage or protein drink, get comfortable and sip, sip, sip.

Most patients have to re-learn how to drink following weight-loss surgery. It is best to start slowly and gradually increase fluid consumption to the goal of 48 to 64 ounces daily.

Here are some tips to help reach the liquid consumption goal:

• Calculate how much to drink every hour to reach your goal. Watch the clock, drink at the pre-set time and record your intake. It may be helpful to set a timer as an hourly reminder to drink.
• Carry a water bottle around the house or on walks outside.
• Measure fluid intake instead of estimating.
• Drink from a six- or seven-ounce container instead of the one-ounce medicine cups from the hospital.
• Find your preferred low-calorie or protein drink. It does not matter if it is hot, cold or room temperature. Also, remember to factor melted ice into beverage totals. One standard-sized ice cube equals one ounce of fluid.

Please refer to the “Step-by-Step Diet Guidelines following Weight Loss Surgery” for more information.

- Karen Buzby, RD, LDN