Phase #1 -- Clear Liquids

[MsJacquiiC]

Doctors require anywhere from a few days up to even two weeks of clear fluids after surgery. Liquids should be sipped slowly...

Clear Liquids
The First Post-op ‘Eating’ Stage
(Hospital - Week 2 Post-op)

In the first stage after surgery patients should drink clear liquids; defined as liquids that one can see through. Doctors require anywhere from a few days up to even two weeks of clear fluids after surgery to minimize need for digestion, and lessen production of solid waste; allowing your gastrointestinal system to heal.

Liquids should be sipped slowly; gulping can cause pain. Do not use a straw as it will trap air in the stomach pouch; this trapped gas can be very uncomfortable.

Immediately after surgery you must drink enough fluids to keep hydrated. There is a small percentage of post-ops who are re-hospitalized because of dehydration, so it is important to sip fluids constantly throughout the day. Start slowly from 4 to 6 cups of liquid a day and increase as tolerated to at least two quarts a day. If your urine has become dark or concentrated you are not drinking enough water or fluids. You should have a cup or glass near you at all times and sip, sip, sip.

Most of us can drink plain water without difficulty after our bariatric procedure. Others find that water irritates their pouch. Warm drinks are often soothing as the heat relaxes the muscles and tissues in the pouch. In contrast, 'ice cold' sometimes 'clenches' the pouch and restricts flow of liquids. There are clear type proteins that can be blended with Crystal Light or used solo in this stage that will help your body to heal. If a Nectar protein or New Whey Protein Bullet or even Crystal Light tastes too sweet USE MORE WATER or add crushed ice to dilute it to your taste. Very little, if anything will taste good at this point and you will not necessarily be happy with your choices; you still have to drink water and move through this stage.

This is purposely a very limited diet so hang in there and do not progress to next stage until you are told to.

The following are examples of allowable clear liquids:

• Water
• Herbal & Decaf Tea (see tea rule below...)
• Decaf Coffee (see coffee rule below...)
• Fruit juices (see juice rule below...)
• Broth or Boullion
• Wyler's Light
• Sugar Free Kool-Aid
• Sugar Free Hawaiian Punch
• Tropicana sugar-free drinks
• Flavored Waters
• Crystal Light
• Sugar-free Tang
• Fuze Slenderize
• Lipton Teas to go
• Sugar-free Popsickles & Jello
• G2 by Gatorade
• Propel Fitness Water
• v8 Fusion (dilute)
• Juicy Juice (dilute)

Clear Liquid Phase Rules:

• Rule #1: 64 oz fluid per day
• Rule #2: 60/75g protein daily
• Juice Rule: If the juice has less than 15g of carbs per 8 oz, you do not hve to dilute. If the juice has more than 15g per oz., dilute with equal parts of water. Do not drink more than 4 oz. of either juice per hour.
• Tea & Coffee Rule: Avoid caffeine. f the product does not say "caffeine free" or "decaf," it ocntains caffeine. Green tean and white tea are included in this rule.