I can not handle any type of Gatorade or other flavored sports drinks.  I've found that Smart Water (water infused with electrolytes work the best for me).  In addition I found electrolyte pills (runners use them).  Once I started using them, my dehydration issues went away (was pretty much dehydrated the entire time I had my temp ileo).  Still use them with the J-Pouch.  I live in Florida and spend lots of time outside...no problem at all anymore.  I'd stay away from the sweet sports drinks!

Vicki

Any water that runs into your bag isn't getting absorbed. I'm not surprised that water is working better than the Gatorade. Keep it up!

Although sports drinks like Gatorade are often recommended for dehydration, the fact of the matter is that they are very high in sugar (as much or even more than an average can of soda pop), and sugar can actually cause increased output and hence lead to dehydration. It could be that you were inadvertently contributing to the problem by drinking excess Gatorade, Powerade, etc.  Like many on this forum, I also don't do well with excessive amounts of added sugar. For instance, I tried aloe juice a few years ago because it's supposedly high in potassium, but I failed to read the label; had I done so I would have noticed it was full of added sugar. Of course I had almost instant diarrhea.

That being said, you do need more than just water to stave off dehydration - you need electrolytes such as sodium and potassium as well. Also, drinking excessive amounts of water can flush vital nutrients out of your system, so that is also something to avoid.

You need to look for a balance - try vegetable cocktails, which are usually high in sodium and potassium, natural coconut water (i.e. Grace 100% pure coconut water, which has no added sugar, nor does it have the "jelly" that is often found in many coconut drinks), or as others have suggested, Smart Water. All of these things can help stave off dehydration. Good luck!

All three of these replies have been so helpful.   Thank you.

The sad thing is that I didn't reach out over a year ago to this group as I've been suffering with this problem for over a year now.  But better late than never.......and 

perhaps this might help someone else out there struggling with the same issues.

Since  i've been taking potassium manganese magnesium calcium and a few other minerals, AND not drinking sugary drinks anymore and drinking only water ......I've come so far in just a few days !   I'm no longer sick every morning or dizzy and lightheaded, and I don't have to eat as much .....I stay full for longer periods of time.....I don't feel like I'm starving and have to eat immediately.... I feel more consistent and steady in my physical wellness.  This must come from balancing all the minerals that I need.   I really did not know what my body has been trying to tell me for so long now.   I also feel like I have put on a little weight which is a huge feat for me.   So again .... Thank You!

Great news! Be careful with the magnesium, as it tends to cause diarrhea for some.

I was told to drink G2 or powerade zero because they have the electrolytes but no/very low calories, sugar, carbs, and fat.  I like plain water so I now drink the propel plain water with electrolytes.  It's new and kind of high where I live so I don't Get those as much as powerade zero.  

They said if you drink plain water to have a salty snack along with it.  

My daughter and I use Medique Medi-lyte electrolyte pills. Very convenient and they seem to work well. Amazon has them.