Bariatric surgery has become an increasingly common weight-loss solution lately. It normally does not cause any significant problems, however, patients are expected to take good care of themselves. In particular, they must be aware of their hydration levels.

Many factors may cause reduced water intake after weight loss surgery. Patients eat less, and in the process, reduce their fluid intake too. Many patients experience nausea and deliberately reduce their fluid intake to try and offset that.

Another common cause of dehydration after weight loss surgery is the increased protein intake and simultaneous decreased fiber intake. As a result, the body uses more water to digest the same amount of food. Further, new workout schedules can demand larger fluid intake.

Here are some symptoms that will help you determine when you are dehydrated.

Dry Skin

This is one of the most common ways of finding out if you are dehydrated. Pinch your skin. If it takes some time to return to its normal state, then you can be suffering from dehydration. Also, if your skin appears dryer or rougher than usual, you may also need to increase your fluids.

Dark Urine

As a dehydrated person, you will urinate less and when you do, the color of your urine will be darker. This is a sign that you need more water to process the toxins. Dehydration increases a person’s susceptibility to urinary tract infections, so drink up.

Bad Breath

Dehydration has a direct impact on the production of saliva. With the anti-bacterial saliva present in limited amounts, bacteria starts to grow in your mouth. This leads to bad breath, which is one of the most well known signs of dehydration.

Digestive Issues

It is common for patients of dehydration to experience constipation. The lack of water makes it difficult to digest food. In fact, organs that use water for their regular functioning are directly affected. The liver, for instance, releases molecules of glycogen into the bloodstream, which should have been used for energy production. In such a case, patients usually feel a craving for food. You may constantly feel hungry when you are actually just thirsty.

Fatigue & Brain Fog

Dehydrated patients get tired and confused easily. You can have constant headaches, and often feel dizzy. These symptoms appear in acutely dehydrated patients. So, it is crucial for you to seek medical help quickly if you get to this point.

Muscle Cramps

In extreme cases of dehydration after bariatric surgery, you may start experiencing muscle cramps all over the body. Changes in the levels of sodium and potassium in the body may cause cramps. These may also result from increased heat levels in your body due to the lack of coolant – water – in the body.

A great many patients tend to ignore the fluid requirements of their body after the gastric sleeve or bypass surgery. However, you should keep in mind that your changing lifestyle can create many opportunities to become dehydrated. When you feel thirsty, your body has already started dehydrating. Try and get on a schedule to drink fluids before you feel thirsty.