How to prompt drinking/meals?

[oodles83]

Hello all!

Newbie here. Just had my preassessment today for my bypass at the end of June and I am SO excited. I want it to be right now!!

I've been lurking on here constantly and your posts have really made me excited but also realistic about what lies ahead of me. So thank you all! Hopefully soon I will be joining you all as one of the ever shrinking people

I have prepared as much as possible, bought vitamins, water bottles, tiny Tupperware for my meals to take to work. I just have one issue I was hoping you could advise me on...

How do you keep on top of your liquid intake and meals if you're busy or distracted? I'm not a great drinker and when I do drink it's big gulps, a habit I'm trying to break as early as possible. Not succeeding so far. Although I am doing better with volume.

I can totally see myself with my liquid and food happily by me at work but forgotten due to being engrossed in a thrilling excel spreadsheet. How do you all remind yourselves what to eat/drink and when? Is it a case of reminders on your phone (I'm guessing hundreds per day) or do you have other ways of reminding yourselves?

Also with all the sipping do you feel thirsty at all? And how do you cope if and when you just want to down a litre of liquid??

Many thanks!!

 

[Butterfly_lady]

At first I kept a sports bottle of water by my side, you do feel thirsty as you are unable to get much fluids in at first but constant sips are whats needed, I never used anything to tell me when to drink I just kept sipping, and food I ate at meal times as usual.

Good luck with it all x

 

[Su2ie]

Hi oodles,
Firstly how exciting!!! Bet you can't wait, it's really a new beginning.
It's great your getting organised pre op I think it'll definitely make it easier after the event. To answer your question - it is hard!! I struggle so much getting enough water in still, after 6 months. I used to be terrible and get home from work really thirsty and realise I'd maybe had a cup of coffee all day then gulp down a pint or 2 in one go. Of course that's now impossible so I have no choice but to drink slowly and regularly through the day. I also keep a water bottle on my desk, right in front of me all the time and set myself a target to get through it each day. There are still times when I forget or get too busy and wish I could chug a big glass down but I just can't so it's a learning process - still one I'm trying to master!
Food on the other hand, I need no reminding!!

 

[Su2ie]

Ooh and how do you cope if want to down a litre in one go - I forgot myself once and took a big gulp and it blinking hurt!! I never did it again

 

[Rinata Rak]

Hi Oodles,

Welcome to a great forum and well done for going through with it!! Sounds like you're really organised in advance and that will really help you post op.

As you read so many people's posts, you'll find that so many of us have the same problem about fluid intake (or lack of!!).

With all your milk, protein shake, juice and water intake it should help you along. I am 2 months out of my sleeve and the liquid stage was the easiest for me. ( and I really am not much of a drinker!!). I had a 1.5 litre bottle filled with diluted NAS Vimto or Robinsons and knew I had to finish that, along with my milk, juice and protein shake so you can actually SEE your progress!
I also found user a smaller glass rather than a bigger one also helps as that seems more manageable.

Just think of all the liquids as fuel and a great way to flush out all the toxins in your body, especially after the Op of medication that goes through your body. Have 2-3 litres a day as that really make your recovery easier and have plenty of variety!!! I was making milkshakes, mock tails and all sorts which really helped!!

Good luck and keep us informed! Xx

 

[mouse57]

Hi, I use the empty out fill it up method lol if you go for a wee have a drink if you have a pop drink twice as much, and keep a bottle with you at all times. That way you know how much your taking in. But the biggest thing is don't get in a flap about not getting enough because as soon as it becomes a chore it becomes difficult to achieve. Drink your tea/ coffee NSA juice but don't flap. Good luck

 

[oodles83]

Thank you all!

Trying out cutting down on portion sizes today in the run up to my LSD which will be a struggle for me. In training so to speak. Survived day 1 on the slimfast (was yum - never had it before) but was starving when I got home from work. Tomorrow... Trying cordial and my big water bottle to see if it makes a difference to my liquid intake, and therefore hopefully less hungry. Bring on the beverage

 

[mouse57]

Use you fluid intake to fill you up I between meals