One of the most important yet often overlooked aspects of your post-bariatric surgery journey is hydration. Yep, we're talking about good old H2O. We know that after weight loss surgery, hitting those hydration goals can feel like trying to solve a Rubik's Cube blindfolded. You’ve got the restriction, the whole “no eating and drinking at the same time” rule, and let's be real, water doesn’t always taste like the most exciting option out there. But trust me, your body needs it!
Why hydration is a big deal
So, why all this fuss about staying hydrated? Well, think of water as your body's ultimate multitasker. It flushes out toxins, keeps your organs in tip-top shape, and keeps your metabolism ticking along nicely.
But here's the kicker: bariatric surgery makes it easier to get dehydrated. That smaller stomach pouch means you can't gulp down large amounts of water in one go, and not being able to drink with meals adds an extra challenge. Dehydration isn’t just a minor inconvenience, it can lead to dizziness, headaches, dry lips, and even a foggy brain. And if your pee is looking more like apple juice than lemonade, it's time to up your water game.
7 tips to stay hydrated after bariatric surgery
#1 Keep your water close.
Out of sight, out of mind, right? Keeping your water bottle in plain sight means you're more likely to take those sips. Whether it’s on the kitchen table, next to your computer, or in your bag, proximity matters.
#2 Sip between meals.
Since you can't drink with meals anymore, sipping throughout the day is key. Keep those liquids and solids separate, and make a habit of taking small sips whenever you can. You’ve got this! There is more on why timing matters in post surgery portions.
#3 Rehydrate after every bathroom break.
Just peed? Take a sip! And while you're at it, check the colour of your urine. Dark and strong-smelling? That’s your body telling you it needs more water. Bright yellow is usually just your B vitamins doing their thing.
#4 Track your water intake.
Logging your water intake can be a game-changer, especially if you're busy or forgetful. Use a hydration tracker to keep a close eye on one of the most important post-surgery guidelines.
#5 Spice up your water.
If plain water isn’t cutting it, try herbal teas, flavoured water, or even protein shakes. Adding a little flavour can make a big difference!
#6 Experiment with temperatures.
Maybe your new tum prefers warm drinks over cold ones, or vice versa. Experiment with different temperatures and find what works best for you.
#7 Eat your water.
Fruits and veggies like watermelon, cucumbers, and strawberries are packed with water. While they don't officially count toward your hydration goals, they definitely help quench your thirst.
If your current drink of choice is something stronger, alcohol hits differently after surgery, and energy drinks are not the shortcut they look like.
Join our 7 day hydration challenge!
Now that you’ve got the hydration basics down, it’s time to put it into action. Join our 7-day hydration challenge and work on hitting those water goals with us here at My New Tum!
Day 1: Get ready.
Screenshot or download the My New Tum hydration tracker to easily share your progress and stay accountable. Grab it here.
Day 2: Set your goals.
Let’s start by redefining your hydration goals. Are they realistic? Specific enough? Let's make them SMART: specific, measurable, acceptable, relevant, and time-bounded.
Day 3: Identify your obstacles.
What’s keeping you from reaching your hydration goals? Today let’s identify those obstacles and come up with solutions.
Day 4: Reflect and adjust.
How's it going? Time to reflect on your progress and tweak your plan if needed.
Day 5: Keep going and share your journey.
Stay consistent with your hydration and share your progress on social media. Don’t forget to use your accountability tracker and tag us @mynewtum!
Day 6: Nearly there.
Just keep sipping, just keep sipping. With just two days of the hydration challenge to go, have you reached your daily goal yet?
Day 7: We did it!
Reflect on how good it feels to be properly hydrated and share this week’s wins, big or small, with the WLS community.