How to Drink Water After Bariatric Surgery

Some people have difficulty drinking water after surgery. Even those who drank a lot of water presurgery, might have some trouble afterwards. The problems patients commonly describe are, “I did not tolerate water!” “I did not know how slowly I would have to drink!” “I did not tolerate cold (or room temperature) water after surgery, even though I loved it before surgery!” “I started drinking too quickly while in the hospital and got nauseous and had pain.” And even, “Water was heavy! It hurt!”

When you are told to start drinking water, you will start very slowly, with tiny sips. Keep your goal of at least 48 oz. a day in mind. You will gradually increase your rate of drinking to reach that goal by the end of your first day home.

Some people benefit from visual goals. For example, place 3-16.9 oz. bottles of water where you can see them. Your goal is to drink it all before you go to bed.

If three 16.9 oz. bottles are overwhelming, try using smaller bottles. Put 6-8 oz. bottles of water on the kitchen counter. Place three of them where you can see them. Finish drinking them after lunch. Place the other three bottles where you can see them and finish them before bed.

Patient tip: Be careful not to suck in too much air when drinking. Learn to slow down.

Sometimes altering the water a little can help it go down easier. Try these changes:

• try different temperatures from very cold to warm.

• Use caffeine-free herbal tea bags if you do not want to drink plain warm water.

• Add sugar free flavoring powder or drops, or get bottled, flavored water with no caffeine or carbonation. Avoid anything labeled "energy", with caffeine of iced tea, unless it says decaf on the label.

• Add some fresh or bottled lemon or lime juice to your water.

• Try infused water. Cut up fresh fruit, herbs and vegetables and put them in your water overnight. This will give it a very light flavor and might help it go down better. Here are some recipes for infused water:

- Place 5 cups of water in a pitcher. Add one of these combinations, stir and put it in the refrigerator overnight.

- Strawberry Lemon: Add ½ cup strawberry slices, ½ lemon in slices, 5 torn basil or mint leaves.

- Melon Cucumber: Add ½ cup melon pieces, ½ cucumber in slices, 10 torn mint leaves.

- Berry, Citrus and Ginger: 1 cup berries (very lightly mashed to release flavor), 1 orange in thin slices, 1-inch piece fresh ginger in thin slices.