Mansi Tatiya
Bariatric Dietician & Content Writer
How Much Fluid to Consume After Bariatric Surgery?
Fluid intake after bariatric surgery becomes of utmost importance. Most of the time patients are wondering about how much fluid they should consume on a daily basis. Well, worry not here is the solution to your question.
In the immediate postoperative period, the healthcare team will closely monitor your fluid intake and provide specific instructions. Initially, you may be restricted to consuming only clear liquids and gradually progress to a full liquid diet before transitioning to solid foods.
The first diet phase is the clear liquid phase after bariatric surgery is performed. Here, in this phase about 200 ml of liquids at each meal is consumed on a daily basis for the next three weeks.
But for the first week post surgery, one must consume only clear fluids like coconut water, kanji water, vegetable water, plain fruit juices, broths, etc.
For the next two weeks one can transition to thick liquids wherein they can have milkshakes, dals, etc.
Then the patient is advised to follow a pureed diet wherein all the meals have a soft pudding like consistency. It is a texture modified diet wherein the meals should have thick viscosity like dal khichadi, oatmeal, etc.
Here are few general guidelines to be followed post surgery and those are as follows:
Follow your healthcare team’s instructions: The guidelines for fluid intake may vary depending on the type of bariatric surgery you have undergone, your overall health, and any specific complications or concerns. It is essential to follow the recommendations provided by your healthcare team.
Sip water throughout the day: After the initial postoperative phase, it is generally recommended to sip water slowly throughout the day rather than consuming large amounts at once. This helps prevent overloading the stomach and promotes proper hydration.
Stay hydrated: Adequate hydration is important for overall health and well-being. Aim to drink enough water to maintain proper hydration levels. Your healthcare team will provide specific recommendations based on your individual needs. Staying hydrated after bariatric surgery is crucial for several reasons. It promotes healing, it prevents dehydration, supports digestion and nutrient absorption.
Avoid drinking with meals: It is often advised to avoid drinking liquids while eating. Consuming fluids with meals may lead to a feeling of fullness too quickly and may affect nutrient absorption. It usually dilutes the digestive enzymes which plays a crucial role in breaking down the food and facilitating nutrient absorption. Consuming liquids in between the meals may increase gastric emptying, leading to faster movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine. Instead, it is recommended to wait at least 30 minutes before and after meals before drinking fluids.
- Limit caffeine and carbonated beverages:
After bariatric surgery, healthcare professionals often recommend limiting or avoiding carbonated beverages for several reasons:
Distension and discomfort: Carbonated beverages contain carbon dioxide gas, which creates bubbles and causes the drink to become fizzy. When consumed, these bubbles can expand inside the stomach, leading to distension, bloating, and discomfort. In the case of bariatric surgery, where the stomach size is significantly reduced, the expansion of gas can cause even greater discomfort and may contribute to stretching the stomach pouch or the surgical connections.
Caloric intake and nutrient absorption: Many carbonated beverages are high in sugar or calories. Consuming sugary carbonated drinks can contribute to weight regain and hinder the progress made through bariatric surgery. Additionally, these beverages often lack essential nutrients and may displace other nutrient-dense foods, impacting overall nutritional intake.
Increased risk of complications: Carbonated beverages can potentially lead to certain complications after bariatric surgery. Rapid consumption of carbonated drinks can cause the stomach pouch or surgical connections to stretch, potentially leading to dumping syndrome, a condition characterised by symptoms like nausea, cramping, diarrhoea, and dizziness. Carbonation may also contribute to acid reflux or heartburn, which can be more common after surgery due to changes in the digestive system.
5. Be mindful of your tolerance: After bariatric surgery, your stomach capacity is reduced. Pay attention to your body’s signals and avoid overdrinking or forcing fluids. Drinking too much water too quickly can cause discomfort and may even lead to vomiting.
Remember, it is crucial to consult your healthcare team for personalised guidance on water consumption and overall post-operative care. They will consider your specific needs and provide recommendations tailored to your health condition.
We have one of the greatest teams with experts in obesity and weight loss. At AASTHA BARIATRICS, we provide the patients with exceptional care and mentor them throughout the bariatric surgery process by offering our patients high-quality, individualised healthcare plan which enhances the general well being of the patient.
