How long should I pause between sips?

[TX4everLinds 115]

I am 4 days post op. Still trying to get the hang of sipping etc. practically speaking how long should I wait between sips to maximize my fluids? I have found that 2 tiny sips in a row works but then I don’t know when to do it again. I want to stay hydrated and establish some normalcy but I need a routine. Any advice is appreciated.

[Wanda247 908]

@TX4everLinds it does get better. I’m 11 days post-op and I can pretty much drink normal after about day 6 or 7. I take sips of Water every few minutes and sometimes even sooner. Just keep trying and you will get there.

I wish you all the best

[Russ D 115]

39 minutes ago, TX4everLinds said:

I am 4 days post op. Still trying to get the hang of sipping etc. practically speaking how long should I wait between sips to maximize my fluids? I have found that 2 tiny sips in a row works but then I don’t know when to do it again. I want to stay hydrated and establish some normalcy but I need a routine. Any advice is appreciated.

Are you taking time off? I just kept a sports bottle full of Water with me at all times. 32 oz. Finish it twice in a day and I'd have my 64 oz. Whenever I felt like I could handle a sip, I sipped. Stand up? Take a sip. Sit down? Sip. Commercial? Sip at the beginning of each one. Tarantino movie? Sip for each gunshot or %&!@ bomb. (Just kidding on the last one. Maybe.)

As long as it wasn't before/during/after "eating" (shake time!), I just judged to see if I could handle any more Fluid. My goal was to finish the first 32 oz before lunch, get the second 32 oz done after.

[TX4everLinds 115]

Ya I’m way short of that. I get heartburn easily. Maybe it’s just still early for me.

[RickM 1,752]

The benchmark that we used was to try to down an ounce (a shot glass or one of those small medicine cups) every 5 minutes, That gets you 12 oz per hour; if you can do more or faster than that - great- if not do what you can do, but it's a reasonable rate to shoot for.

[TX4everLinds 115]

Thanks everyone. I think I have been very anxious and hesitant and this gives me solid safe numbers to shoot for. I appreciate the advice!

[Russ D 115]

25 minutes ago, TX4everLinds said:

Thanks everyone. I think I have been very anxious and hesitant and this gives me solid safe numbers to shoot for. I appreciate the advice!

One thing that my surgery buddy kept impressing on me...it's a goal. Something to aim for. Not a death sentence if you don't make it! I don't think I made it through all 64oz until about 10 days after surgery (and remember, everyone is different).

[MargoCL 677]

9 hours ago, TX4everLinds said:

Ya I’m way short of that. I get heartburn easily. Maybe it’s just still early for me.

my heartburn subsided in the middle of week 2. It gets better.

[TX4everLinds 115]

Y’all this has helped me so much! I feel like a new person today with so much more confidence to drink more. I really appreciate those of you who took time to answer me.