After weight loss surgery, it’s important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Good old fashioned H2O is one of the most important things we can give our bodies, but many people don’t get the hydration they need.
The human body is roughly 60 percent water and doesn’t function well when fluid levels run low—dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches and even lapses in concentration and short term memory. Though dehydration may be most noticeable when you’re sweating buckets during exercise, it can hamper the functioning of our bodies even when at rest, so it’s an important issue to avoid as you lose weight.
We consistently lose hydration through bodily functions and often do a poor job of replacing it. You should always stick to hydration recommendations given by your weight loss doctor, but the general guideline is about 64 ounces per day.
Of course, the best indicator that you need something to drink is thirst. The color of your urine can also be a good indicator—the clearer it is, the more hydrated you are. You’ll want to be drinking enough water so that you’re urinating once every two to four hours.
Water is your best friend for hydration, especially if your weight loss doctor has placed you on a low calorie diet. However, not all of our fluids have to come from water, or even liquids. Here are a few other great ways to stay hydrated:
- Eat fruits and veggies. We get about 20 percent of our daily fluids from foods. Oranges, tomatoes and other fresh produce items are packed with beneficial fluids.
- Drink skim milk. In moderation, skim milk can help you get the hydration you need and may also provide some other key nutrients.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Though these most often come in liquid form, their stimulating effects can dehydrate us. If you choose to drink caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, be sure to drink water along with them. Keep in mind that caffeinated beverages and alcoholic drinks are usually very high in calories.
Hydration is crucial for a healthy body, especially as you work to lose weight after weight loss surgery.
