SURGERY CONSULTATION
Recovering from surgery takes time, patience, and proper self-care. During the summer, one
aspect of recovery becomes even more important: staying hydrated. Hot temperatures, decreased
appetite, and increased sweating can make it easier to become dehydrated, which may leave you
feeling fatigued and can make recovery more challenging.
Why Hydration Matters After Surgery
Your body relies on water to perform many essential functions during recovery. Staying well
hydrated helps:
• Transport nutrients to healing tissues.
• Support healthy circulation.
• Maintain normal body temperature.
• Aid digestion and help prevent constipation, which can be a common side effect of pain
medications.
• Replace fluids lost through perspiration during hot weather.
Even mild dehydration can make your recovery more difficult. Some important early signs of
dehydration include:
• Dark yellow urine
• Urinating less often
• Dry mouth or lips
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Increased thirst
If these symptoms become severe or you are unable to keep fluids down, contact your healthcare
provider promptly.
Five Tips For A Smoother Summer Recovery
1. Keep Water Within Easy Reach
When your mobility is limited or restricted, make hydration as convenient as possible! Keep a
large water bottle or insulated tumbler beside your bed, favorite chair, or wherever you're
spending most of your recovery time. Having water within arm's reach makes it easier to sip
consistently throughout the day. Bonus Tip: Sipping often instead of drinking large amounts at
once is often more comfortable and won’t increase risk of bloating or nausea! This is especially
important while experiencing reduced appetite after surgery.
2. Eat Water-Rich Foods
Hydration doesn't come only from beverages. Many fruits and vegetables contain a high
percentage of water and can help increase your daily fluid intake.
Great summertime options include:
• Watermelon
• Cantaloupe
• Strawberries
• Cucumbers
• Tomatoes
• Celery
• Oranges
• Lettuce
Want to kick it up a notch? Make a summertime sweet treat! Smoothies, shakes, and yogurt
bowls are a different way to increase water via fruits and veggies without making it a meal!
3. Choose Hydrating Beverages Wisely
Water should be your primary beverage, but variety can make it easier to stay hydrated.
Consider:
• Infused water with lemon, cucumber, or berries
• Herbal iced teas (caffeine-free)
• Low-sugar electrolyte drinks
Limit sugary drinks and alcohol, and be mindful that caffeinated beverages may not be the best
choice if they replace your regular water intake.
4. Stay Cool During Peak Heat
Summer temperatures can increase fluid loss through sweating. Whenever possible:
• Stay indoors during the hottest part of the day
• Wear lightweight, breathable clothing at home and during physical therapy
• Use fans or air conditioning
Reducing heat exposure helps your body conserve fluids while focusing on healing.
5. Set Gentle Hydration Reminders
Recovery often changes your daily routine, making it easy to forget to drink. Setting reminders
on your phone or using a hydration-tracking app can help build a consistent habit without
requiring much effort. I know, another “set a reminder on your phone” recommendation! You can
knock off two tasks if you combine your water reminder with your ice / elevate / PT reminders
every hour!
A Few Simple Habits Go a Long Way
Healing is hard work, and your body deserves the support it needs. Staying hydrated may seem
like a small step, but it plays an extremely important role in helping you feel your best during
recovery, especially when summer temperatures rise.
Keep your favorite water bottle nearby, enjoy refreshing water-rich foods, stay cool, and listen to
your body's signals. By making hydration part of your daily recovery routine, you'll be giving
yourself one more tool to support a comfortable and successful healing journey!
