Dehydration After Bariatric Surgery: Warning Signs to Know

Written by Kristen Carli, RD and medically reviewed by Dr. Stephen Boyce, MD

After bariatric surgery, you must adjust your diet and lifestyle. One of these changes is essential: you must hydrate properly. This can be tough due to the changes to your GI tract. This article explains the importance of hydration after bariatric surgery. It also covers why dehydration is common and how to prevent it.

Why is hydration important after bariatric surgery?

Proper hydration is important for all individuals, but especially for those that have just undergone bariatric surgery. It’s crucial to prevent dehydration in order to avoid serious symptoms like dizziness, fatigue after bariatric surgery, and even kidney issues. Fluids help your body recover from bariatric procedures, by facilitating the healing process and repairing tissues. After all, bariatric procedures are often major surgeries that require serious healing. Additionally, they are fundamental to proper functioning of your body including having a major role in the absorption and transportation of essential nutrients. Bariatric vitamins and supplements, like bariatric multivitamins, depend on proper hydration for optimal absorption. Proper hydration ensures that your body can function at its best.

What causes dehydration after bariatric surgery?

While crucially important, many people struggle to stay hydrated after bariatric surgery. The most common reason for this is because of the reduced stomach capacity. Bariatric procedures often decrease the size of the stomach, limiting the amount of fluids it can handle at one time. This can make it particularly challenging to adhere to proper hydration recommendations, as there is simply limited room.

Additionally, many people find that they struggle with uncomfortable digestive symptoms like hiccups after bariatric surgery, nausea and vomiting after surgery. It’s possible you may not feel like drinking enough water when you are feeling nauseous, leading you to become dehydrated. To make matters worse, if you are persistently vomiting, you are at a risk of losing fluids, furthering dehydration.

If you experience chest pain after bariatric surgery, it’s important to rule out dehydration as a contributing factor. These discomforts might indicate an imbalance in your body, including inadequate fluid intake.

Furthermore, if you undergo bariatric procedures that alter your intestines, like the RYGB or the BPD/DS, your ability to absorb fluids is significantly decreased. These procedures reroute the food pathway past portions of the intestines, which are the responsible organs for the absorption of fluids. If your body is unable to absorb fluids that you eat or drink, this can increase your risk further of developing dehydration.

Who is at higher risk of dehydration after bariatric surgery?

While all bariatric surgery patients are at risk for dehydration, some are more likely to fall victim to it than others. Research shows that younger patients, under 40 years old, have a higher incidence of dehydration after bariatric procedures. Additionally, women appear to be more susceptible than men. Lastly, those that have a long stay in the hospital after surgery, (three days or more), are at an increased risk of dehydration. If you meet any of these criteria, it’s imperative you take extra care to avoid becoming dehydrated. 

Management and Prevention

Proper care needs to be taken in order to keep dehydration at bay. To prevent this from happening to you, it’s important to regularly monitor your fluid intake. This may be a big adjustment to how you are used to living. Keep track of how much water you drink throughout the day and ensure it meets the recommended level of around 64 ounces per day. Give yourself patience and grace as you make this change as you may find it difficult to remember to keep an eye on your fluid intake. 

Since your stomach may be smaller after surgery, try to take small sips of water throughout the day instead of gulping down glasses. This will help to maintain hydration without causing you discomfort. And addressing leg cramps after bariatric surgery with proper hydration can also reduce muscle spasms and support overall health.

You may also consider avoiding certain substances like caffeine and alcohol. These beverages can be particularly dehydrating. By avoiding these drinks, you can safeguard that you don’t lose any additional fluids. 

How can healthcare providers help prevent dehydration?

Educating patients is an important way to prevent dehydration in those who have recently undergone bariatric procedures. Healthcare providers can provide comprehensive guidance on the importance of hydration, as well as how to recognize early symptoms of dehydration. Providers may also find it is helpful to suggest strategies to help patients maintain adequate fluid intake.

Regular follow up appointments are essential to monitor hydration status and address any challenges the patient may face. If needed, some patients may require individualized hydration strategies that consider the patient’s specific needs, preferences, and any complications post surgery. 

It’s crucial to make sure you are consuming enough fluids after bariatric surgery. While challenging due to the alterations made to your digestive system, proper hydration is essential in order to properly heal and function. If not addressed quickly, dehydration can be a serious health issue and a cause for concern. Reach out to your healthcare provider if you have any questions regarding your fluid intake. Remember, your healthcare team is there to help you. They want to see you succeed and will support you every step of your recovery. 

And healthcare providers play a vital role in educating patients about hydration. They may also recommend incorporating easy-to-consume options like bariatric protein shakes, bariatric snacks, and bariatric vitamins chewable into your diet. Regular follow-up appointments can help address hydration challenges and identify any nutrient deficiencies, such as those affecting bariatric vitamins for hair loss or bariatric probiotics.

Conclusion

Dehydration is a common challenge after bariatric surgery due to reduced stomach capacity and absorption changes. Proper hydration is essential for recovery, nutrient absorption, and overall health. Strategies like sipping water frequently, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, and meeting daily hydration goals can help. Healthcare providers and products like Bari Life supplements and protein shakes support hydration and recovery. Stay proactive and consult your healthcare team for tailored advice to ensure a healthy post-surgery journey.

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