ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass and Lap Band® Forum - View Single Post - WHAT TO EXPECT

Vim&Vigour · 02-13-2008, 03:21 PM

Hello Carl,
Gladly I'll try.

A "healthy" individual ought to drink 1 - 2 litres water a day (larger Evian bottle). At best of times, I found it "boring" but if spending a full day in front of the computer or in a heavily heated environment I felt the need and "managed" to drink at regular intervals.

After my surgery, still now at 10 weeks out, I find I am rarely thirsty and likewise "don't need" anything. When I eat, that's what I do. Occasionally I will have a soup for lunch and that feels pretty "liquid" for me. However, the body NEEDS water to help the organs function, keep the system in ship shape order. I am reminded by my lack of intake when I see how dark gold my wee is. But if I'm not thirsty, drinking is not on my mind - therefore I must "force" myself to sip. I get overwhelmed by the quantity that I should be drinking and get put off from doing it. Nonetheless, if I have a small bottle of Evian in my handbag, I can "swig" a few mouthfuls (2-4) each time and surprisingly, that does the trick. A body without sufficient water gives headaches, poor skin, digestion problems etc, etc.

Once we have had the surgery, if you are generally a sweet tooth, the cravings will disappear, including the "need" for fizzy drinks. Your stomach will not like the fizz and you will likely have air pockets that make you feel really uncomfortable. So what do you instinctively do? You avoid the bad stuff! and, as a result from feeling a whole lot better without, you build a new habit of not needing the fizzy stuff. Believe you me, Regular Coke was my thing - don't even touch it, crave it or refer to it these days! Naturally, without being deprived or having to do a thing about it.

I found it very hard (still now a little, but less and less so) to handle this drink on /off business. I still use the digital egg timer that I keep in my pocket. As soon as I have finished my meal, I set the timer for 30 minutes. When it rings, I am free to choose whether to drink or not, but at least try for water, a cup of tea or other liquid. When I have had my "fill" with a drink (protein milkshake?, smoothie, cup of tea/coffee), I set the timer for 30 minutes again. Then free to have another drink or food. Works a dream.

The bottom line I think is to break down into manageable portions what you feel comfortable sipping: are 4 small bottles better than 1 giant bottle? The quantity is the same but the psychology works better with 4 small bottles! One down and 3 to go...

Good luck! Try to cut down from 3 to 2 pints until you only have half a pint of coke every other day, every two days... see what a difference it makes to your well-being after a month! You'll only do yourself a great service!

Let us know how you get on!
Cheers!
Vim