Bariatric surgery may be considered if you suffer from obesity and no other weight loss efforts have worked for you. However, even with weight loss surgery, adjustments are required to be made to your diet and lifestyle choices. One of the aspects of weight loss surgery is the reduction in stomach size so that you physically cannot consume the same volume of food you once did. The body requires food in order to perform normal body functions. With less caloric intake, the body has to burn fat in order to provide energy and keep you functioning. Normally, the stomach can hold around four cups of food, but when weight loss efforts have failed you, an aggressive approach is necessary to achieve a significant improvement in weight loss. One of the side effects of gastric bypass that can be very severe and dangerous if not treated is dehydration. Fluids help digest food, absorb nutrients, and flush waste from the body. In this article we will talk about dehydration after bariatric surgery and how you can prevent it. What This Article Covers: Causes Of Dehydration After Bariatric Surgery Symptoms Of Dehydration Ways To Stay Hydrated Causes Of Dehydration After Bariatric Surgery Reduced Stomach Volume Bariatric surgery reduces the size of the stomach to a fraction of its original size. As a result, patients find it much harder to consume as much water as they once did. To combat this, individuals are encouraged to drink plenty of water throughout the day and to supplement electrolytes and post bariatric vitamins for life. It is recommended that individuals drink at least 64 ounces of water a day to avoid dehydration. No Fluids While Eating Many find it difficult to reach fluid goals after bariatric surgery, but it becomes even more difficult when the time frame of consuming fluids is smaller. Fluids are to be held 30 minutes before eating and shouldn't be consumed again until 30 minutes after eating. This is due to the small stomach size that forces you to be satiated quicker. It is necessary to get as much out of your food as you can. That being said, fluids can fill you up quickly and you will not be able to consume the essential foods needed for adequate nutrition. Consuming fluids while eating can also cause issues like dumping syndrome when foods move too quickly through the stomach, dumping into the intestines without proper digestion. Symptoms Of Dehydration Dehydration is the number one cause of readmission to the hospital after bariatric surgery. Recognizing the symptoms can assist you in preventing dehydration before it becomes a medical problem. Dehydration symptoms may include: Fatigue after gastric bypass Thirst Dizziness Fever Constipation after sleeve gastrectomy Dry skin Dark-colored urine Decreased urine production Nausea after gastric sleeve surgery Headache Dry mouth Being aware of the potential symptoms might help you detect them early. Ways To Stay Hydrated Drink With Caution Due to the alterations made during weight loss surgery, there is less alcohol dehydrogenase to break down the alcohol and the small stomach pouch causes rapid emptying of liquids, increasing the absorption of alcohol. Alcohol contains empty calories, meaning that it is high in calories with no nutritional value. Each surgery center has different policies. Most recommend avoiding alcohol until 6 months after surgery. Some will even suggest avoiding alcohol all together. If it is allowed to be reintroduced, you should do so gradually. It is critical that patients take modest sips and do not drink too quickly. Motivation For Hydration Aim for 6 to 8 cups of fluids every day. At first, it may be tough to achieve this goal with a new, smaller stomach. Here are some suggestions for staying hydrated: Always keep a water bottle with you Set a timer to remind yourself to drink Keep a journal to measure your fluid consumption Drink The Right Liquids When attempting to meet daily fluid needs, you should limit or avoid certain drinks. It is typically not recommended by medical professionals to drink any form of carbonated beverages for at least the first year after having bariatric surgery. When you drink carbonated beverages after weight loss surgery, carbon dioxide is released into the stomach. It occupies space, causing the stomach to expand and causing an uncomfortable feeling. Each patient is unique and some may be able to tolerate different foods and beverages better than others. Keep in mind that the digestive system adapts over time following bariatric surgery. Your taste preferences may change, food tolerance may be altered, and If you find our blog helpful, then consider checking: Gastric Bypass Risks Vomiting After Gastric Sleeve Surgery Chest Pain After Gastric Bypass Thyroid Problems After Gastric Bypass Depression After Bariatric Surgery Gastric Bypass Complications Hair Loss After Gastric Bypass Duodenal Switch Complications Hiccups After Gastric Sleeve Food Stuck After Gastric Bypass Hormone Changes After Bariatric Surgery Gastric Sleeve Pain After Eating Gastric Bands Side Effects Anorexia After Gastric Sleeve Burping After Gastric Sleeve **This blog is for information and education purposes only. This information is not intended to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions in regards to a medical condition.