Liquids you can see through, Week 1
(days one to six)


Start with clear liquids
Your body needs lots of liquids for a healthy recovery. About the second or third day after surgery, you'll be permitted to sip clear liquids (liquids you can see through). You will be sipping clear liquids for about four or five days. You should sip a total of 64 ounces of clear liquids per day, or about eight, eight-ounce glasses. This is important as your body needs plenty of liquids to avoid dehydration, which will hinder your recovery.

Meeting your clear liquid requirements is easy. Fluids at this stage of your recovery must be clear, but there are many types of beverages you can have. Everything on the clear liquids list counts toward the 64 ounces of liquid, including the gelatin.

The thought of consuming 64 ounces of liquid a day may sound like a lot of liquid, but there are many helpful tips to help you drink the liquids you need. Also remember that your stomach is now smaller, and still temporarily swollen from surgery, so you will not be able to drink as much liquid at one time as you did previously. So, how do you maintain your liquid consumption? The key is to keep sipping.

Continuous, small sips throughout the day and evening will help you consume liquid you need and allow your stomach to heal. Here are some helpful tips:


Carry a large plastic container with ice water with you everywhere you go.

Drink the things on the clear liquid list that you enjoy most.

Make a slush add ice to Crystal Ligh®t or juice and blend for an interesting texture.

Remember to sip slowly and frequently. Also remember that carbonated drinks and use of straws are not recommended for the first six months following surgery because they can lead to discomfort from gas.


When do I progress to full liquids?
You may add full liquids to your nutrition program seven days after your surgery. The full liquid stage lasts for two weeks. You will receive a personal telephone call from the BTC nutritionist approximately seven days after your surgery. This will be a good time to ask any questions you have about your nutrition program.


Clear liquids you can use
Beef broth
Chicken broth
Sugar-free gelatin
Sugar-free popsicles
Diluted (50% water) apple juice*
Diluted (50% water) grape juice*
Diluted (50% water) white grape juice*
Sugar-free Crystal Light®
Sugar-free Kool-Aid®
Sugar-free lemonade
Decaffeinated coffee\tea**
Water

*All juices should be 100 percent juice with no added sugar. They should be diluted with 50 percent water.

** Patients can resume caffeine if they choose, after three weeks of consuming 64 ounces of liquid every day.