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Lap-Band<sup>®</sup> and Hydration

Lap-Band® and Hydration

The heat of summer is in full swing, and that means drinking water is more important now than ever. For those who receive the Lap-Band® Surgery or another bariatric procedure, proper hydration is especially crucial to weight loss success and overall health after surgery. 

The exact amount of water you need to consume depends on your body weight, but 64 ounces is a good number to aim for. It can be difficult to adjust to drinking so much water, especially if monitoring proper hydration was not a part of your pre-surgery lifestyle. Your stomach after the Lap-Band Surgery will hold a much smaller volume of fluid, so it will take time to adjust. 

However, dehydration is one of the most common reasons for returning to the hospital after bariatric surgery, so knowing the symptoms can help you stop dehydration in its tracks:

  • Excessive thirst
  • Dark-colored urine
  • Dizziness or feeling faint
  • Confusion 
  • Fatigue or irritability 
  • Headache
  • Increased heart rate

Why Hydration After Lap-Band Surgery Matters

The ways in which proper hydration helps support weight loss are undeniable—improved digestion, reduced fluid retention, and removal of waste from the body, just to name a few. Water is also essential to your body’s ability to absorb certain nutrients and can even assist in maintaining a healthy blood pressure

Not only does water boost your energy levels, but it also keeps your joints well-lubricated, allowing you to hit the gym with more energy, more motivation, and less joint pain. Speaking of the gym—water also increases the number of calories you burn. By drinking ice-cold water, your body is forced to exert more energy to raise your body temperature and maintain homeostasis.

When trying to determine whether or not to have a snack, drink a full glass of water and wait at least 20 minutes. Thirst is often mistaken for hunger; drinking water before you reach for a snack can reduce the physical feeling of hunger and prevent you from consuming unnecessary calories. Similarly, drinking water half an hour before a meal will partially fill your stomach pouch, causing you to eat less.

If you’ve had the Lap-Band Surgery, remember these tips for staying safely hydrated:

  • To prevent washing food through your stomach pouch, don’t drink while eating
  • Skip the carbonated beverages, as they can cause stomach discomfort
  • Avoid dehydrating drinks like coffee and alcohol 
  • Sip your water—don’t chug a large amount at once

Wherever you are on your weight-loss journey, Lap-Band Indiana is committed to supporting you in whatever ways we can. With a team of certified professionals, we’ll help you get on the path to a healthier lifestyle.