The Unsung Hero of Surgery Recovery: Hydration (Yes, Really!)”

When you’re preparing for surgery, the last thing on your mind is probably whether or not you’re drinking enough water. You’re probably thinking about your recovery plan, pain management, or even the growing pile of tasks to tackle before you go under the knife. But here’s the truth: hydration is undeniably one of the most important—and often overlooked—parts of your healing journey. And no, it’s not just a ploy from the water bottle companies (although, they’re not mad about it).

Let’s talk about why staying hydrated during surgery recovery is vital for your body, your mind, and your sanity—and why you might need a gentle nudge to actually drink the water.

Why Hydration Is Crucial: The Science Bit (I Promise It’s Short)

First, let’s get the dry facts out of the way. The body is made up of about 60% water, and every single cell, tissue, and organ in your body relies on water to function properly. When you’re recovering from surgery, hydration helps:

• Boost Healing: Water helps to carry oxygen and nutrients to your cells, and since your body is focused on healing, it needs all the help it can get. When you’re dehydrated, your healing process could slow down. So if you want to be up and moving sooner rather than later, water’s your best friend.
• Regulate Temperature: Post-surgery fever or chills? Keeping hydrated can help regulate your body temperature, which is especially important when your body is dealing with the aftermath of a big medical procedure.
• Fight Fatigue: Surgery can leave you feeling tired, but being dehydrated only adds to that fatigue. If you feel like you need an extra boost, water can be your secret weapon.
• Prevent Constipation: If you’re on pain medication, you’ve probably been warned about constipation, right? Well, water helps move things along. So, if you don’t want to deal with that during your recovery, your hydration levels need to stay up.
  
  Before I had my heart issues, I was absolutely the worst at drinking water but when you are in a hospital for a month as a coke drinker where they only have pepsi I started trying to figure out how to incorporate it into my day. I have found ICE COLD makes it tolerable for me, but we are all different. I dont like flavored water but others swear by it. Play around there is no right way or wrong way. I also was told, and I don’t have the science on this one, but I have a needle phobia and being comfortable temperature and hydrated helped SO MUCH with my daily blood work.
• Now that the science is out of the way, let’s get real for a minute. Staying hydrated during recovery isn’t always easy. For some, the thought of drinking plain water feels as exciting as watching paint dry. You might find yourself staring at that glass of water like it’s an ancient artifact or worse, like it’s a reminder of that one health trend you keep swearing you’ll stick to (but…don’t).
  
  
  I have a mixed record when it comes to following trends. I’m on year 6 or 7 tracking my health with my fitbit (I think this is the 5th one I’ve had), so its safe to say I’ve stuck with that and I’d say I’m in the 80-90ish percentile with meeting my step goal daily. Of course getting up and moving is part of it, however a lot of the strength building efforts I don’t follow at all, and my diet is TERRIBLE. I try but have the taste buds of a picky toddler lol.

So How Do You Actually Drink More Water Without Feeling Like a Chore?

Let’s be honest, trying to drink 8 glasses of water a day can feel like a punishment, especially when you’re juggling surgery prep, recovery, and everything else that’s going on in your life. Here are some tricks to make hydration feel a little more doable and a little less like a never-ending task:

1. Make It Flavorful: Add some flair to your water! Try infusing it with lemon, cucumber, mint, or berries. Suddenly, it’s not just water—it’s a spa experience! (Well, almost.)
2. Use a Fun Water Bottle: If you’ve got a cute, reusable water bottle with a built-in straw, you’re already ahead of the game. It’s amazing how much more likely you are to drink water when it’s in something you love. Plus, those bottles that say “Drink More!” on the side? It’s basically a mini cheerleader reminding you to hydrate.

I think the bottle you choose plays a role in your enjoyment as well. What good is ice cold water from a warm plastic bottle? I prefer my water cold so I got an insulated bottle.

3. Set Reminders: Set a timer on your phone every hour to remind you to take a sip. It’s like having a personal assistant, but one that only cares about you staying hydrated. You could even get an app for hydration tracking if you’re the type who loves checking things off.
4. Use a Hydration Tracking App: There are apps designed to track your hydration. These apps send you reminders and give you points for every glass you drink, which adds a little game to the task. Because who doesn’t love a little reward for staying healthy?
5. Make It Part of Your Routine: Maybe drinking water could be your thing right after meals, or first thing when you wake up. It’s all about consistency. The more you make it a habit, the less likely you are to forget.

I really do drink extra water, because while I try and be healthy, I also drink coke. I let myself have 3 (it used to be 6 so I really did make it healthier) so to allow myself to feel ok about the coke I go hard at the water to push the soda through my system. Its an imperfect system I know, but my life is checks and counter checks in my head.

The Bottom Line: Drink More Water, Feel Better

Here’s the takeaway: your body is working hard to heal after surgery, and the best way to support that healing process is by giving it the one thing it can’t do without—water. It may sound basic, but staying hydrated will help you feel better, recover faster, and keep you functioning through the post-surgery haze.

So, next time you find yourself staring at that glass of water, remember—it’s not just a glass of water. It’s your partner in crime, your secret weapon for recovery. Don’t let it sit there untouched. Drink it. Your body—and your brain—will thank you.

And hey, if you’re still having trouble getting your daily water intake, just think of it this way: you’re one sip closer to being able to walk without crutches and dance like nobody’s watching. (Okay, maybe we’ll save the dancing for later, but you get the idea.) Til next time gang, take care of yourselves, and each other.