Liquid Diet

Hi WL Family: I am going CRAZY with this liquid diet; because there is a limited amount of things I eat/drink. I can handle: Various broth; Jello, Tea and water. I CANNOT handle: Black Coffee, or Apple Juice. Can someone please give creative ideas to help me make it through this.

Well you shouldn't be on apple juice anyway!! My doctor told me juices were too sweet. I've been drinking Jewel store brand Light Apple Juice ****tail. It's great! Try it! I've also been doing good with Crystal Light Lemonade and Sunrise. Tastes exactly like orange juice. I do regular V8 almost every day. And of course good old milk. I love milk. One of the few adults who do I guess. I stuck it out on liquids only for my whole first month and lost 27 pounds!

Hi Juli--- I received your reply by email. Your doctor will probably tell you clear liquids are for when you're in the hospital and maybe for a day or two after you come home. Then you can go to "full liquids." I stuck to broth, milk, Crystal Lite, tea, and apple juice ****tail for about two weeks. Then I added the V8 and soups: cream of chicken, potato, pea, and tomato. I make them with milk whenever possible for the protein. Still, I'm finding I'm content to keep variety to a minimum as I have no cravings or hunger! I waited a whole month before I added hard boiled eggs, applesauce, yogurt and ricotta cheese but they're sitting in my fridge as many days I just do liquids! Good luck and be sure to plan ahead with everything you'll need for your first month at home.

Dona, The staff at Dr. Tiesenga office is telling me to do CLEAR liquid for Pre-op. They said if I can't see through it, I can't have it.. I'm have second thoughts about this surgery/ doctor. I'm weak, having headaches and dizzy spells. This is due to lack of nutrition. I'm afraid I will not be strong enough for the surgery. I really appreciate you taking the time to respond to my concerns.

My doctor did not give me a pre-op diet. They just told me nothing by mouth after 11pm the night before. I told them I was going to do liquids on the day before and they told me that was a good idea. I don't know what to tell you about your doctor's orders! I know some doctors tell their patients to do certain things in preparation for surgery. Don't do it and tell them you did??? It's up to you! When is your surgery scheduled? How long are you on this pre-op clear liquids diet???? One thing I can tell you is I am amazed that I am NOT feeling dizzy and weak post-op. Before my surgery I thought that I would feel the side effects of hunger even if I didn't feel the hunger but that has not been the case. Like just yesterday I realized I was busy so all I had were my protein drinks and some low and no-cal beverages and I feel great! I'm not getting that hunger headache or feeling dizzy when I stand up like I used to when I tortured myself with extreme dieting. I'm not tired, in fact, I'm feeling better every day! It's really amazing!

Here are some things I had: SF jello; SF popsicles; cottage cheese; soft scrambled eggs; refried beans; mashed potatoes; cream soups; and a few plain cheerios (they mush really good when chewed). Good luck.

I have enjoyed reading the info on these messages. I will be having the surgery in Oct. and have been concerned as to what I can have to eat for the weeks after the bypass. what I am hearing from most of you is soup and protein drinks are the menu for the weeks after the surgery, is that correct? Solid food won't be an option for at least a month? Do all of you take vitamins, if so what type? Judy

Hi Judy, I had my surgery on July 6th and for the first 2 to 3 weeks was only liquids and then soft foods. I'm just now starting to eat solid foods. Everyone is different and your Dr.'s office will tell you when and what you should be eating for the first month .. As to my understanding they will give you something on paper to follow. Just listen to your doc and no one else. Trust me on that. I also do 50 to 60 grams of protien everyday also but I did'nt start that until my doc told me too. Like I said everyone is different just follow docs orders. Hope I helped. Good luck!!!!!!!!!! Cheri