Fluids!!

Before surgery, on the pre-op diet I was required to get 80-90oz of sugar free fluids a day. At the hospital, i was allowed to leave once I could finish 32oz I believe. Anyways.. then my goal was set at 64+oz of fluids. Lately I've tried bumping it up to 70 or 80 oz to see if it would help speed up weight loss. (When I figure out if it's helping, I'll let you know.. Haha)

But it's really hard to get that in.. Especially right after surgery.. I should have gone to the hospital a couple times in the first few months, because I know I was dehydrated.. So did everyone around me. We just never got around to going.. Some days were better than others. But that was the main issue I had post-op. Drinking enough. And it's still something I have to remind myself, and force myself to do.

I can't drink tap water. I don't know why, just the tap water in my city isn't very good. And it makes me sick, drinking it. I prefer ice cold water/drinks too. and our 'cold' setting on water isn't very cold.. Haha. So if you can, that's fantastic. If not (or in addition to..), here are some ideas of things that I drink, or things you could try, to help make sure you get enough fluids. (The ones with three star things [asterises? sp?] before them, are the ones you should clear with your surgeon/doctor or wait till your at least a few months out to try.)

• Bottled water (I'm hoping that was obvious to most people...)
• Crystal Light or Mio or any flavor enhancers that you add into water that are SF.
• Fruit 2 0 (Or any brand of flavored water.. Aquaphina and Nestle have some, too.)
• Propel Zero (Also has vitamins in.. Which are great.)
• Broth (Right out from surgery broth from chicken noodle soup and vegetable soup was a staple for me. A little high in sodium, but I was super tired of the sweet protein shakes and fruity waters, etc..)
• ***G2 (It does have like 5 grams of sugar per serving.. But it's super low in calories and a good treat every now and then..)
• ***SF Lemonade (one of my favorites. but some of the acid can affect people differently.)
• SF Popsicles or Jello (Yes, both count towards liquids.)
• ***Diet Soda (Not super soon out from surgery.. but after 4 or 5 months i had a little bit.. diluted with ice water. It worked out to be 1 1/2 part water, 2 parts Diet Soda (Diet Pepsi, usually.) Or just wait for some of the carbonation to go away after a bit... Caffeine free is best.
• BariWise Fruit Drinks or Cappucinos (Protein drinks that you mix with water.. Sugar free or very low in sugar. They can count towards your fluids, too!)
• Some Teas (Green Tea, Mint Tea, etc... its warm. I'm not a huge fan of it, but a lot of people are. You could definatley try it. Just make sure its unsweetened, or you add splenda or something else sugar free.)

Alright.. So that's my list, as of now. I may add more to it later. Different surgeons and programs have different plans requirements, so be sure to follow yours.

Have a great day!!! (:

-Ashley.