Dallas Surgeon Warns “Stay Hydrated in these Hot Summer Months”

DALLAS - Aug. 29, 2014 - PRLog -- In a normal day, a person has to drink a significant amount of water just to replace the minimum loss. The majority of the body is made up of water, actually up to 75% of the body’s weight is water.

People who work out and sweat, can lose a significant amount of water when the body tries to cool itself by sweating. Whether the body is hot because of the environment, intense exercising, or because a fever is present due to an infection, the body uses a significant amount of water in the form of sweat to cool itself. Depending upon weather conditions, a brisk walk will generate up to 16 ounces of sweat.

Not drinking enough water is another potential cause of dehydration. Whether it is the lack of availability of water or the inability to drink adequate amounts, this coupled with routine or excessive amounts of water loss can compound the degree of dehydration. In people with diabetes, elevated blood sugars can cause sugar to spill into the urine, and water then follows, which can cause significant dehydration.

To prevent dehydration from affecting the body after weight loss surgery, Dallas residents need to make sure they drink plenty of water at regular intervals during the day. Following bariatric surgery, surgeons educate their patients about the body’s initial responses to dehydration, such as thirst to increase water intake along with decreased urine output to try to conserve water. The urine will become dark yellow and concentrated. As the level of water loss increases, more symptoms can become apparent, such as increased thirst, dry mouth, cessation of sweating or tear production by the eyes, resulting in muscle cramps and nausea.

When recovering from intensely invasive procedures associated with a procedure like gastric sleeve, Dallas residents will need to engage in fluid replacement for the treatment of dehydration. This may be accomplished by replacing fluids by mouth.  If that fails, intravenous fluids may be required. Should oral rehydration be attempted, frequent small amounts of clear fluids should be used. Clear fluids include: water, clear broths, popsicles and other replacement fluids that may contain electrolytes (Pedialyte, Gatorade, PowerAde, etc.).

Dehydration Prevention Tips

·        Plan ahead and take extra water to all outdoor events where increased sweating, activity and heat stress will increase fluid loss.

·        Avoid alcohol consumption, especially when it is very hot, alcohol increases water loss and impairs your ability to recognize early signs associated with dehydration.

Key Points at a Glance:

·        The body needs water to function.

·        Dehydration occurs when water intake is less than water loss.

·        Symptoms range from mild to life-threatening.

·        During the first few weeks of recovering from the lap band, Dallas residents should know that prevention is the important first step in treating dehydration.

·        Remember, when your body registers thirst, you may be already one liter low on fluid.

·        During weight loss, it is very important to hydrate yourself.

As the temperature rises in the Dallas heat, so should your water consumption.  According to the USDA, People need from under one liter a day to nearly four liters a day depending on their age, sex and health status. One liter equals 4.23 cups.

Stay hydrated Dallas residents, especially if you’ve had weight loss surgery!