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melissaparish Administrator

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Posted: Wednesday October 19th, 2005 06:37 pm |
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We cannot stress enough the importance of sipping your water. You need a minimum of 64 oz. per day. If you're going out, keep a small cooler and some freezer packs (two sets . . one to use and to always be ready) and carry snacks and water. It's just that important.
Dehydration can creep up on WLS patients before you even realize it. Staying on top it by constantly sipping will ward off that danger. You don't want to end up in an ER having to be put on fluid replacement IV.
Symptoms of dehydration may include tiredness/fatigue, headache, dizziness and/or faintness, decreased blood pressure, blurred or snowy vision, infrequent urination and more. Untreated, dehydration can result in a state of delirium, unconsciousness and death.
Melissa & Dan
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ShrinkingShabby Guest
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Posted: Saturday November 12th, 2005 03:56 pm |
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Another symptom is severe muscle cramps!!...just another one of my FYIs!
Sharon
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Changedbyjoy1 WLSC Member

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Posted: Saturday December 17th, 2005 05:01 pm |
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Hi, I understand the importance of hydration and 64 ounces, etc. What's confusing me right now is -- 64 ounces per day right away after surgery? in the hospital? when you get home? Would you go through this one more time please. Also, chances are I gather, the water will taste better if bottled or flavored, right? You may be encouraged to know that I'll be on vacation soon and not asking a question every time it pops into my head! 
Thanks TONS! Deb
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Melissa Parish Administrator

| Joined: | Saturday October 22nd, 2005 |
| Location: | Tampa, Florida USA |
| Posts: | 1263 |
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Posted: Saturday December 17th, 2005 05:49 pm |
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Hi Deb:
In the hospital they have you on IV hydration. Once you start taking in liquids, you just have to constantly sip. As for the water . . boiling doesn't help. Try different brands. For me it's Evian and others we know like Dasani. A little lemon or lime and Splenda or Sweet 'n Low also helps with waters that otherwise don't taste so great.
Melissa & Dan
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Melissa Parish Administrator

| Joined: | Saturday October 22nd, 2005 |
| Location: | Tampa, Florida USA |
| Posts: | 1263 |
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Posted: Thursday March 2nd, 2006 03:25 am |
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Here's a little tip for getting in that 64 oz. of water per day (or at least keeping tabs on it). Set aside four 16 oz. bottles each day. Sip all day long. Once those four are gone, you know you've met your minimum requirements.
Melissa & Dan
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Changedbyjoy1 WLSC Member

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Posted: Sunday March 19th, 2006 02:39 am |
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| Plain old water was deadly for me....well, not literally, but sure made me gag. Finding and using Crystal Light, at the encouragement of so many on this site, has saved the day for me in being able to get in 64 ounces a day. The little to-go packets are excellent, easily mixed in a 16 ounce bottle of water or restaurant tall glass of water, etc. Also, Melissa recommended Alpine Spiced Cider which adds a warm beverage choice to all the herbal tea you can consume! Deb
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Melissa Parish Administrator

| Joined: | Saturday October 22nd, 2005 |
| Location: | Tampa, Florida USA |
| Posts: | 1263 |
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Posted: Wednesday November 5th, 2008 01:50 pm |
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Many don't realize that even water can trigger dumping. Some waters have stronger tastes or higher mineral contents. Some of the most common offenders we hear on a regular basis are Aquafina, Sam's Club water and Deer Park water. It's not that these waters are bad but due to their high mineral content can make the taste unpalatable for many WLS patients.
Just like getting samples of protein to try . . get a variety of waters to try after surgery too.
-Melissa & Dan
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Bill_Nagle52 WLSC Member

| Joined: | Sunday November 2nd, 2008 |
| Location: | Ft Bragg, NC |
| Posts: | 9 |
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Posted: Sunday November 16th, 2008 11:28 am |
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Past couple of days...sooo tired and feeling weak even after getting more sleep than usual. Had the DW take my BP(84/56) ...thats when reality set in. So I'm sip sip sipping today.
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jocreswell@charter.net WLSC Member

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Posted: Sunday November 16th, 2008 01:04 pm |
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| Oh, that's not good! Yes, sip, sip, sip!!! Seems like we have to resign to the fact that we will have a drink in our hands all day long. That's the only way to get it all in. Take care of yourself and be sure to sip, sip, sip!!
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Melissa Parish Administrator

| Joined: | Saturday October 22nd, 2005 |
| Location: | Tampa, Florida USA |
| Posts: | 1263 |
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Posted: Monday November 17th, 2008 03:52 am |
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Hi Bill:
Do you think it's dehydration? If so, you don't need to ignore that. You need to get to an ER for IV rehydration. That's very dangerous and not something to take lightly.
The feeling very tired could also be a symptom of low iron or B-12. When was the last time you had your labs run? Also, are you eating frequent enough to match your energy level? Remember, small gas tank . . the more you go and do . . the more frequently you need to refuel.
Let us know how you're doing.
-Melissa & Dan
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Bill_Nagle52 WLSC Member

| Joined: | Sunday November 2nd, 2008 |
| Location: | Ft Bragg, NC |
| Posts: | 9 |
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Posted: Monday November 17th, 2008 10:45 am |
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Thanks for caring,
Yes, I'm sure its a little dehydration. I did alot of drinking yesterday and since my wife is a nurse, I also got a bag of fluid IV and caught up. The challenge is the 12 hour day at the hospital where I run around and don't take the time to drink.... I will just take the time.
Bill
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Melissa Parish Administrator

| Joined: | Saturday October 22nd, 2005 |
| Location: | Tampa, Florida USA |
| Posts: | 1263 |
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Posted: Monday November 17th, 2008 02:15 pm |
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Hi Bill:
We're happy to hear you got the IV rehydration. So many don't realize how serious it is to stay on top of that and how quickly we (WLS patients) can become dehydrated.
We completely understand about the long days and going non-stop. Maybe try getting one of the water bottle slings or keep some of the small bottles in a pocket so you can constantly sip. You won't be helpful to anyone if your own health isn't what it should be. You've done so well and we know you'll find a way to work in the liquids.
Keep us posted on how you're feeling. We always worry when our one of our "family" isn't feeling well.
-Melissa & Dan
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fyremanjef Guest
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Posted: Friday February 6th, 2009 06:24 pm |
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Hi New to the boards. This is my first post.. Have my GBP surgery scheduled for March 12...
Good to hear about the dehydration.. I always wondered about that.. I often get thirsty and chug bottles of water after a work out or after a fire (yeah im a fire fighter).. guess i will have to rely on more pre hydration then post hydration..
I saw another commerical for Special K Protein water.. has 5 g of protein and 5 g of fiber... seems like a win win hydration plus protein.. but after reading the posts on dumping associated with minerals in water.. i might not try this.
Any one have any experience with the protein water?
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CountryKitten WLSC Member

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Posted: Sunday February 8th, 2009 09:13 pm |
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I love the Special K water packets. Sure helps with the water. I also had trouble with Aquafina brand. Bad cramps.
CountryKitten
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Emily WLSC Member

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Posted: Monday February 9th, 2009 08:11 pm |
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hi folks, just wanted to add my opinion here. I am 2 years out and have found the special K waters are loaded with carbs that we don't need. They are pretty much canceling out the protein they have if you are following the 2:1 ratio.
I have found an addiction to just water with crystal light packets, and getting my protein with food. I used 100%whey protein powder from GNC which has around 20 some protein with only 5 carbs. when I was a newbie.
Just my thoughts.
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CountryKitten WLSC Member

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Posted: Monday February 9th, 2009 08:53 pm |
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Emily,
Sure not happy to hear this about the Special K. Darn, don't know how I missed that. Will try the Crystal Light.
CountryKitten
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Phyllis WLSC Member
| Joined: | Tuesday November 4th, 2008 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 27 |
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Posted: Tuesday February 10th, 2009 11:37 am |
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| Thanks for the input. I knew about the Special K Protein water and avoided that. I have been trying different Crystal lites but the only one I can tolerate isn't available in the to-go packets, will get with the program and buy the large container and do the dividing up for the water bottles- it really is an easy fix. I am surprised with what I can tolerate and what I can't get down. The last few days have been really bad for me and am not getting in protein or water. I am 4 weeks out and feel like I need to go back to stage one. Any thoughts on this? Thanks Phyllis
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Emily WLSC Member

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Posted: Tuesday February 10th, 2009 02:48 pm |
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Hi Phyllis,
I am sorry you are having a difficult time with it right now. What seems to be going on? Are you dumping on all liquids? Some people have dumping if their water is too cold, too warm, just about everything. Try changing it, even the brand of water could be the cause. Crazy I know, but that is the truth. Try it at room temp, or ice cold whichever you are not doing now. I just urge you at only 4 weeks out to continue to try, as to not get dehydrated. That will cause you to have a hospital visit with IV fluids. Sip sip sip
As far as protein, what stage does your doctor have you on? Soft protein, pureed? Try cottage cheese, sugar free yogurt. Also with the protein supplement drinks, if you go to GNC you can buy different kinds, and if you don't like them,they accept returns until you do find one.
I am 2 years out and tried a gazillion! I have only found 1 that I like and can tolerate. It is actually banana flavor from GNC. When I was a newbie and counted on those drinks, I varied them by adding a spoon of peanut butter, ice for a milkshake, or strawberries, bananas. I tried just about everything to make it different as to not get sick of it. To this day, I still LOVE an occasional protein supplement! It is a treat for me to make a milkshake. Oh, another thing is, most of the powder ones can use either milk or water. That may make a difference also with the dumping.
Keep me posted!
Emily
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Tampa_Rob WLSC Member
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Posted: Monday March 16th, 2009 04:45 pm |
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Just a quick note.....some people have a lactose problem. Watch out for mixing protein in milk!
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C4Cinders WLSC Member
| Joined: | Monday September 29th, 2008 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 33 |
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Posted: Thursday March 26th, 2009 10:10 pm |
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Hi Everyone.
Well..... I am not a lover of Crystal Light and in fact I really can't stomach most of any type of diet drink of any kind BUT..... I have found one that I really, really love!!!
It is Lipton's Diet Peach Tea. It comes in a jar and you can measure it for just a cup, quart or gallon. A serving size is considered a Tablespoon and per serving it has 1 carb and 5 calories. Although there is no protein in it of course, it sure does make getting those fluids down much easier for me.
Just thought I would pass it along for those of you, who like me, are not big fans of crystal light. Oh.... and I think it comes in Lemon flavor and Raspberry too but I really love the Peach.
Cheers,
Cindy
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sbrooks WLSC Member

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Posted: Friday March 27th, 2009 03:08 am |
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| WOW that sound yummy I was wondering can you heat that kind up for hot tea sometimes I find hot teas settle my pounch on hard days..Thansk for the info I will try and find it..and the rasberry sound good also. Shirl
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C4Cinders WLSC Member
| Joined: | Monday September 29th, 2008 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 33 |
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Posted: Friday March 27th, 2009 06:21 pm |
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Hi Shirl,
I just looked at the jar and it does say "Iced" tea mix. I don't care for hot tea myself, but who knows, maybe you could try it and see.
Cindy
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Marti v WLSC Member
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Posted: Monday April 6th, 2009 01:21 pm |
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| I have tried "iced tea"s that are the instant kind hot and they are just as good or better.
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xenie65 WLSC Member

| Joined: | Tuesday February 10th, 2009 |
| Location: | Reno, Nevada USA |
| Posts: | 167 |
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Posted: Tuesday April 28th, 2009 05:52 pm |
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Okay I have a question, since I am 6 days post op... Im sipping sipping all day, and not up to par on the fluids yet. I guess maybe I'm not sipping enough, but I'm so scared of taking too big of a swallow, and causing dumping or nausea.. any advice.. I mean, I want to do the most I can, without passing the point of no return, if you know what I mean..
advice???
Melissa???
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Melissa Parish Administrator

| Joined: | Saturday October 22nd, 2005 |
| Location: | Tampa, Florida USA |
| Posts: | 1263 |
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Posted: Wednesday April 29th, 2009 10:32 pm |
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If you sip at least 2 tbsp every 15 minutes throughout the day, by the end, you'll have consumed at least 64 oz. Not only that, but before you know it you'll be sipping without even thinking about it.
The one thing with liquids is they move through the pouch much faster than solids. It's not like taking in 3 oz. of food and many surgeons will make the stoma (opening to the stomach) a little larger so hydration is indeed easier.
Hope this helps.
-Melissa & Dan
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xenie65 WLSC Member

| Joined: | Tuesday February 10th, 2009 |
| Location: | Reno, Nevada USA |
| Posts: | 167 |
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Posted: Wednesday April 29th, 2009 10:58 pm |
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Thanks Melissa! I'm doing pretty good today. RIght now (3pm my time) I'm at 58 oz... so I think I've gotten it! Just have to remember. Some things that throw me off are not sipping during my workout time, napping (so not sipping) and driving.. but I have the water in the car now, at the ready, and I'm trying to remind myself while I'm working out to sip.. Don't think I've even come close to dehydration... but am happy that at one week out, it appears I'll get my 640z, and then some, today!!

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