What counts?

I can't see a reason to separate out the two!

Later, when you start eating "real" foods you will have to think more carefully about whether you are counting that piece of cheese as a fat or a protein, but liquids are liquids and there is no reason I can think of that it can't be both :)

I agree liquids are liquids!

I try to drink 2-3 litres of water/decaf tea/coffee daily.

On football days when I am at the field with my sons. I bring (2) of the Costco Premier Protein Shakes as it is very difficult to make good protein choices at a canteen with hamburgers & French fries. I count the protein shakes as s bonus liquid added to my day!

I must admit that drinking remains a tedious full time job!

Sandra

My surgeon acknowledges that in the early stages, separating the two would make getting enough liquids in very challenging. I included protein shakes in my total count.

I counted any liquids against my intake goal for the day.

I, too, counted protein shakes toward my fluid goal.

I was allowed to count my protein drinks as liquid too, so it made it much easier. Tea and broth were also considered liquids on my plan.

I had this same issue!!! My bariatric center confirmed what others have said, it all counts as liquid. Here are some additional "liquids" you might not have thought of per my bariatric center...

1. Sugar Free Jello (dissolves into liquid and a bit of protein in your pouch).
2. Regular yogurt results in about a 3 to 1 ratio of liquids to solids. Greek also ends up providing you wiht some liquids but not at the same rate.
3. Watermelon is about 95% water, 5% fiber. I know many of us won't eat it due to the sugar but when you're struggling to ge****er in, chunks of watermelon can be a nice option. Also, the watermelon will break down over time, releasing more water into your gut. It's the solid that keeps hydrating as it is digested! I was allowed to have watermelon on post RNY day three.
4. Sugar Free Popsicles
5. Protein drinks and soups both count as your liquids and food...

I wish my center allowed sugar-free jello, it seems really strange that it doesn't but the paperwork specifically says that it is not considered a liquid. I was allowed to have it in the clear liquid phase the day before surgery! That being said, I used a little bit of the dry version yesterday when making one of the Eggface protein shakes - the one that tastes like a lemon cookie, it was good but I couldn't fini****too much for my pouch!

Today I filled up a 64oz growler, I've been drinking from that all day - any liquid I get in besides that is considered a bonus amount.

My surgeons office didn't make you differentiate, all fluid counted. They did allow caffeine, but said no more than 16 ounces of caffeine can be counted towards your fluids. That was the only limitation.