Tips for Reaching Your Fluid Goals After Bariatric Surgery

Staying properly hydrated is one of the most important aspects of recovery after bariatric surgery. However, after surgery, your smaller stomach means you might struggle to get enough fluids throughout the day. To help you stay on track with your hydration, we’ve put together some helpful tips to ensure you’re meeting your fluid goals and supporting your recovery.

1. Keep Fluids Within Reach

One of the simplest ways to make sure you're staying hydrated is to always have fluids on hand. Whether you're at home or out and about, keep a water bottle with you. If your fluids are out of sight or out of reach, it’s easy to forget to drink. Having your fluids right there makes it much easier to sip throughout the day.

2. Sip Slowly, Don’t Gulp

After surgery, your stomach is smaller, and drinking too fast can cause discomfort, bloating, or other digestive issues. Sip fluids slowly throughout the day, rather than gulping large amounts at once. Taking small, slow sips help reduce the risk of feeling uncomfortable.

3. Sip Frequently, Not All at Once

In the first few weeks after surgery, you may only be able to drink small amounts of fluid per hour. As you heal and your body adjusts, you'll be able to drink more at once, but it’s important to sip fluids frequently throughout the day. Your goal is to drink a small amount of liquid regularly—ideally every hour—to help you stay on track with your fluid goals.

Eventually, you'll be able to drink larger amounts in one sitting. Until then, focus on frequent, smaller sips to get your fluid intake up. Consistency is key, so don't wait too long between drinks. If you’re not drinking every hour, you’ll find it harder to reach your hydration targets.

4. Create a Fluid Drinking Schedule

To ensure you meet your hydration goals, try setting specific drinking milestones throughout the day. For example, you might aim for 2 cups by midday or 4 cups by dinner. 

Having a clear plan for when and how much to drink helps keep you on track, especially when you're adjusting to your new eating and drinking habits. This approach can be especially helpful in the early days when it may feel harder to remember to hydrate.

5. Set Alarms or Reminders

Time can fly by quickly, and it’s easy to forget to drink—especially when you're busy or distracted. Set alarms or reminders on your phone or watch to drink at regular intervals. This can be a simple but effective way to stay consistent with your hydration.

After surgery, you may not always feel hungry or thirsty in the same way you did before, so relying on your body’s signals alone might not be enough. Having a reminder helps you stay on top of your goals.

6. Track Your Fluid Intake

Tracking your fluid intake can make a big difference in making sure you meet your hydration goals. Use a paper log or a smartphone app to keep track of how much you're drinking throughout the day. Many apps can help you monitor your daily intake, which keeps you accountable and aware of how much fluid you're consuming.

7. Choose the Right Fluids

Not all beverages are suitable after bariatric surgery. To support your health and hydration, make sure that your fluids are:

• Caffeine-free: Caffeine can dehydrate you, so it’s best to stick with decaffeinated drinks or herbal teas.

• Sugar-free: Sugary drinks can add empty calories and lead to discomfort, so opt for sugar-free beverages.

• Non-carbonated: Carbonated drinks can cause bloating and discomfort, so it's best to avoid sodas and fizzy drinks.

• Alcohol-free: Alcohol should be avoided after surgery, as it can cause irritation, dehydration, and slow down healing.

Staying hydrated is vital for your recovery after bariatric surgery. Staying on top of your hydration will help reduce the risk of complications like constipation, and dehydration, and it will help you feel your best during your recovery.

If you ever feel unsure about your fluid intake or need more personalised guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to your bariatric team. 

The information provided on this website is of a general nature and should not be considered a substitute for individualised medical advice. It is essential to consult a qualified medical practitioner for personalised advice regarding your health, diagnosis, and management. The content on this site is for general informational purposes only and does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.