I am very thirsty all the time after surgery. Is that normal?

Question

I am a big water drinker and always have been but after surgery I feel like I am so thirsty all the time. I am drinking water and at times it makes me very nauseous. Should I be thirsty all of the time?

Babak Moeinolmolki, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for your question and congratulations on your surgery and positive steps toward better health!
The good news is that what you are describing is quite common. It is typical to have difficulty with even liquids the first days after surgery. Patients often describe a sensation of being full and feeling unable to "catch up" on hydration. This difficulty is usually due to swelling of the remaining stomach and lower esophagus. When this is the main cause, it becomes easier to consume fluid as the swelling subsides. Difficulty drinking and later eating can also be due to dysfunction in stomach emptying. When this is the case, and the difficulty persists, medications can be prescribed to improve emptying.
In the early days after surgery, malnutrition is not the concern so much as dehydration. One of the best markers of hydration is regular urination with pale or clear urine. Decreased or dark urine, headache, nausea, or vomiting are all symptoms of dehydration. I recommend patients do exactly what you are doing--mindfully sipping beverages slowly over time. Call surgeon for advice and support you are concerned you are not able to meet hydration needs. Later on, difficulty transitioning to soft and later to solid food should also prompt consultation with your surgeon.
Best wishes in your weight loss journey,
Dr. Moein

Ali Solmaz, MD · Answer

Feeling excessively thirsty after gastric sleeve surgery can happen for several reasons, but it’s not necessarily normal. Since you’ve always been a big water drinker, it might feel more noticeable post-op. Dehydration is a common issue after surgery because your smaller stomach limits how much you can take in at once, making it harder to stay fully hydrated. An electrolyte imbalance can also contribute, as surgery can alter how your body absorbs fluids and minerals like sodium, potassium, and magnesium. Another possibility is acid reflux, which is common after VSG and can sometimes mimic thirst. If you’re focusing on a high-protein diet, that could also play a role since protein requires more water to process. Blood sugar fluctuations might be another factor to consider, as they can cause increased thirst.
If plain water is making you nauseous, you might try sipping warm or room-temperature water instead of cold, adding electrolytes with products like Propel or Liquid IV, drinking herbal teas or diluted low-sugar drinks, or using a straw if it helps you get fluids down more comfortably. If the thirst is extreme or persistent, it would be a good idea to check in with your doctor to rule out dehydration or an electrolyte imbalance.

Pablo Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello, Have a conversation with your bariatric team or approach a nutritionist that can help you in this process, always maintain a direct communication with your doctor. Also, remember to drink small sips of water during the day, don't over drink.My Best Wishes

I am very thirsty all the time after surgery. Is that normal?

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I am very thirsty all the time after surgery. Is that normal?

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