Chapter 3: Maintaining Healthy Eating for Life 59
Water is an essential nutrient, meaning you must take it in through your diet.
Many foods also are made up of water. Because you aren’t able to eat as
much as before, that water must be replaced. You need more water than any
other nutrient, and without water you wouldn’t survive more than a few days.
In your body, water does the following jobs:✓ Carries nutrients through the body
✓ Carries waste products out of the body
✓ Participates in metabolic reactions
✓ Serves as a lubricant and cushion around joints
✓ Regulates blood volume, body temperature, and blood pressure
No wonder it’s so important! Your body is made up of about 60 percent water
and you’re constantly losing it through sweat, urine, feces, and breathing.
Replacing the water you lose is essential.Just like you can’t eat too much food at one time, you also can’t take big
gulps of water. People are accustomed to drinking when they’re thirsty, but
by the time you realize you’re thirsty, you’re already a little dehydrated.
Getting hydrated again is very hard when you can’t take large drinks, so you
need to have water or other approved liquids available at all times and sip
every couple of minutes.You can recognize dehydration from the following signs:✓ Parched mouth
✓ Dry skin
✓ Fatigue
✓ Dark urine (if you’re well hydrated, your urine is pale yellow or clear)
One of the major reasons for readmission to the hospital after weight loss
surgery is dehydration. Getting into the habit of drinking more than you’re
used to is hard, but you can get accustomed to it.Adequate fluids are the key to preventing dehydration. In general, you need
about 48 to 64 ounces of fluid a day (more if you’re physically active or the
weather is hot). Your surgeon or dietitian may have a more specific
recommendation for you.Water works..........................................................................................
Your beverage of choice should be water. Not everyone likes plain water —
some people pick up a metallic or different taste, and other people dislike