After weight loss surgery, it is even more important to monitor fluid intake during summer months. It can be challenging to learn to sip water throughout the day rather than gulping a large glass all at once, and dehydration can occur quickly. Most people become more active after weight loss surgery too and may have a hard time gauging the amount of fluid they need.
Signs of mild to moderate dehydration in adults can include dry, sticky mouth, sleepiness or tiredness, thirst, decreased urine output, dry skin, headache, constipation, and dizziness or lightheadedness.
Symptoms of severe dehydration, a medical emergency, can include extreme thirst, irritability and confusion, very dry mouth, dry skin and mucous membranes, little or no urine (usually dark in color when dehydrated), sunken eyes, shriveled and dry skin that doesn’t bounce back when pinched into a fold, low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, rapid breathing, fever, delirium or unconsciousness.
The color of urine may be the best indicator of adequate fluid intake—lemonade color or lighter is best. Dark yellow or amber colored urine often signals dehydration.
