Around 71% of the Earth’s surface is covered in water. 60% of the human body is also composed of water. All of this is to say that H2O is intrinsically important to human beings. Even more so after undergoing bariatric surgery. The question is often asked: “Why can’t patients drink water after bariatric surgery?” We’ll discuss the reasoning behind this phenomenon, the power of drinking water, post-surgery hydration tips, and offer some alternatives to traditional surgery.
So, Why Can’t Patients Drink Water After Bariatric Surgery?
Water is required for many physiological and metabolic functions -blood formation, removal of toxins, and body temperature regulation, to name but a few. The importance of staying hydrated cannot be understated, whether you have undergone surgery or not.
Drinking adequate amounts of water plays a key role in both the recovery post-bariatric surgery and consequent weight loss processes. However, getting your daily H2O intake can pose a problem after the surgery or insertion.
What is Water Nausea?
Water nausea is common. After the stomach has been surgically modified, patients are often satiated more quickly. This relates to water intake, as the urge to drink more water can dissipate. Drinking large amounts of water to quench your thirst on a significantly smaller stomach pouch may lead to water nausea after a gastric sleeve and vomiting in some cases.
Due to a condensed stomach pouch, feeling “full” or satiated after less water is a common occurrence. Experts recommend that recovering patients sip on water throughout the day and carry a bottle with them.
Water Nausea and Gastric Sleeve
A gastric sleeve involves the removal of a significant portion of the stomach pouch, limiting the amount of calories consumed. Pain after a gastric sleeve is a typical side effect. Adapting to a new diet is crucial after the procedure, yet the question often remains: why can’t patients drink water after this bariatric surgery? Reduced calorie consumption also applies to fluids, making drinking water after a gastric sleeve a bitter pill to swallow at times.
Water Nausea and Gastric Bypass
A gastric bypass will alter forever alter your stomach. Water nausea is a common side-effect of this non-reversible procedure. Similar to a gastric sleeve, pain in drinking water after a gastric bypass has been observed. Cold water has been known to upset recovering patients – opt for room temperature or tepid water when possible.
How long will this last for?
Hydration is imperative for a strong recovery. Getting the requisite amounts of water should be as easy as filling up your glass and taking a refreshing sip, right? Yet, it can often be one of the main difficulties that bariatric surgery entails.
It is entirely normal and unsurprising for patients to feel this way. Bloating and swelling in the stomach area are common post-op complaints. Patients can also feel like they can take a dislike to the taste of water. However, this difficulty should not persist beyond the first couple of weeks. If it does continue, be sure to contact your healthcare provider to discuss the next steps.
Post-Surgery Hydration Tips
Whether you’re recovering or are looking to increase your daily intake, here are some tips for patients who can’t drink water after bariatric surgery.
Cut Out Caffeine and Carbonation
You may have to go without your caffeine fix (only briefly). Caffeine is a joint dehydrant and appetite stimulant. Carbonated drinks such as tonics or sodas can also cause discomfort and bloating, particularly following surgery. Additionally, alcoholic beverages should be limited as they tend to have a dehydrating effect on the body.
Eat Water-Rich Foods
Learning how to stay hydrated after bariatric surgery can prove to be difficult at the beginning. Choosing foods that have a rich water content is another way to ensure you are receiving adequate hydration and nutrients. Both are equally responsible for swift and successful recovery.
Switch It Up
If you’re finding it hard to stomach water, source alternative fluids to keep your hydration levels adequate and plentiful. Liquids such as decaffeinated coffee and tea, low-calorie juices or skimmed milk, fruit smoothies and squash are some of the examples that you can add to your recovery plan.
Don’t Stop Drinking
As we’ve stressed, it’s important to remain hydrated – postoperative dehydration is a common complication. It is best to incorporate liquids slowly and steadily throughout the day. Attempting to gulp down large quantities of fluids in one sitting can result in discomfort and uneasiness.
Avoid Dumping Syndrome
True to its apt name, Dumping Syndrome involves food being “dumped” from the stomach to the small intestine, without previously being digested. This causes bloating, sweating, heart palpitations, dizziness and tremors. To avoid Dumping Syndrome, it has been advised to not drink liquids with or up to 30 minutes after a meal; avoid sugar-laden foods and drinks; and remove high-fat and greasy foods from the diet.
Alternatives to Traditional Bariatric Surgery
If the traditional route doesn’t pique your interest, there are a range of non-surgical and non-invasive balloon options available. No incisions or sutures are required for implantation, adjustment or extraction. Comparing gastric balloon vs gastric sleeve or gastric bypass, side effects are not as severe nor as long-lasting. Spatz offers a reversible and rapid alternative to open surgery. The world’s first adjustable gastric balloon, Spatz3 can enlarge or decrease in size to suit your body’s needs.
If you’re gearing up for a life-altering surgery, research should be carried out. Asking your health-care provider questions such as why can’t patients drink water after bariatric surgery will help you make the right decision. Exploring non-invasive and reversible options should also be considered.
Signs of Dehydration After Bariatric Surgery
Dehydration is serious and is one of the major causes of readmission. In comparison to a gastric balloon implantation, traditional bariatric surgeries can involve large amounts of fluid loss, making it imperative to remain hydrated before and after you leave the operating room. It can be easy to miss the signs of dehydration following a gastric sleeve. The following symptoms are tell-tale signs that you are not getting the necessary amount for recovery:
- Lightheaded sensation, feeling faint
- Dry mouth, white coating on the tongue
- Very dark-colored urine
- Constant and nagging lower back pain
Worried About Water Intake? Here’s What You Need
Fluid is constantly leaving our body – from sweating to daily metabolic processes. It’s no surprise that fluid will be lost during surgery. For optimal recovery, 64oz (1.5l -2l) of fluid is recommended to avoid dehydration. This can vary from case to case, so checking in with your health-care provider should always be the first option. Sipping slowly and sitting in an upright position when getting your hit of hydration will help lower the possibility of reflux, nausea, or vomiting. Approximately 3 or 4 days after surgery, you can begin to gulp fluids after a gastric sleeve (or similar surgery).
Spatz offers a holistic option and removes the need for surgery. Our non-invasive method provides long-term solutions to help you reach long-term goals. Click here to learn more about Spatz3, the world’s only Adjustable Gastric Balloon System.
