Question:
Specifically, what do i need for my week of clear liquids?
My surgery is scheduled for a week from tomorrow, and I'm going to stay with my folks for at least a week post-op. My doctor has us on clear liquids for the first week post-op, and I was wondering if you guys could give me specifics about what I need. i.e., broth -- should I get canned broth, powdered broth, boullions? Should I get Carnation? I just need a shopping list, I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed. Thanks. — Tamara K. (posted on October 13, 2002)
October 13, 2002
The best thing I did for myself is a couple days before surgery I made 2
pots of soup . One chicken and one beef. I put every thing I could think of
into those pots and simmered them for about 6 hrs with a lid on. Then I let
them cool somewhat strained the mess with a collander separated them into
small containers and froze them. That is what I lived on for 4 weeks of
clear liquids. Canned broth is fine taste wise but for my own peace of mind
I knew I would get the best nutritional value from home made.
— Rose A.
October 13, 2002
Well, you might check with your doctor about this, but included in clear
liquids, mine allowed popsicles, broth, any non-dairy liquid (juice,
crystal light, etc) and all those could be frozen into popsicles (can you
tell I like popsicles?) I could also have jello during this time. Ask
your doctor or other post-ops from your doctor to find out for sure on the
questionable stuff like the jello. I know many people do the carnation
stuff, but I didn't. I found that the canned broth had much more flavor
than the bullion cubes/powders. Also don't forget that other stuff you'll
need -- tongs or wooden spoon, chapstick, gum (preferably sugar free
depending on your doc), and a great attitude. Good luck and God bless.
— Jenni K.
October 13, 2002
I agree with the other posts here....most of it is a matter of your own
personal taste; however, the Carnation Instant Breakfast is NOT a clear
liquid...that comes during the full liquid stage. The only thing I
strongly disagree with is the gum.....trust me....if you accidently swallow
it, they'll more than likely have to go back in and fish it out (either
with a scope or possibly surgery through your original incision), so I
wouldn't risk it for anything until 6 weeks after surgery. And if you have
a habit of swallowing gum, I wouldn't risk it for a few months. And no
gum-chewing before surgery either....it's gets your gastric juices flowing.
— Lynette B.
October 13, 2002
If it was one piece of advice I could give it is make some good soups,
vegetable, chicken etc. before surgery and freeze the broth. Canned broth
is gross. I didn't want anything except popsicles and hot tea for the
first 7-8 days but about day 9 or 10 I got hungry for something good and
tasty and my mom came to the rescue with a pot of homemade vegetable soup.
She cooked it without cabbage so I wouldn't be gassy. You are gassy enough
anyway that first week or so. It was yummy.
— Dana S.
October 13, 2002
LAP-RNY on October 8th. Clear liquids to follow. Boston Market Chicken and
Beef Broths are really good. Sugar Free Jello and Sugar Free Popsicles work
as well as Gatorade. I guess I should not have "disobeyed" but...
it is working.. i had tomato soup today and tried cup 'o soup and it worked
fine. Also Sugar Free Chocolate Pudding. Thursday I will progress to soft
foods.
Good Luck to you.
— Steve B.
October 13, 2002
Hi there. Sugar free jello, 100% pure white grape or 100% apple juice
dilluted 1/2 juice 1/2 water, beef or chicken broth, sugar free popsicles
(I like sugar free lifesavor ones). I don't remember if decaf tea was
considered clear liquid or not, but I think it was. Good luck!
— stacjean
October 13, 2002
I was okayed to have tomato soup, but my favorite was Knorr vegetable soup.
Just strain the vegies. When I went to full liquids, then I pureed soups
and it wasn't bad. You will get a feel for what you can have in the
hospital.
— Sue A.
October 13, 2002
i know this might sound gross,but i tried this when i had to be on clear
liquids 24 hrs before a bowel test even before surgery. i used it after
surgery too during my clear liquid phase. i took a can of spinach or greens
and drained off the liquid, heat it up and ate it with a spoon. i think
some people call it liquor. but to me it was heaven. i was sick of broth
and the traditional stuff everyone has mentioned. i didnt have it very
often but it was a different flavor and complied with the clear liquid
rule. also i found the jello brand sugar free jello great but the jolly
rancher brand sugar free jello gross. however, everyone's taste buds are
different and even your own taste buds change with surgery. i hated any
kind of cooked cereal preop and now i love it. must have been that first
week of full liquids that everything tasted divine!lol
patsy in las vegas
— PATSY N.
October 13, 2002
any sugar-free soda FROZEN...tastes wonderful and no carbonation! Crystal
light frozen tastes great too. I froze sf rootbeer in ice cube trays and
then would crush them in my blender. Like an icee or slurpee. Yummm!
— [Deactivated Member]
October 13, 2002
I got canned chicken & beef broth, popsicles(not necessarily sugar free
before surgery but definitely sugar free afterwards) jello, iced tea, 7-up.
My surgeon said nothing red or grape in color..Good luck on your surgery!!
— Sharon1964
October 13, 2002
Here's what I had: Crystal Light, caffiene free iced tea, WATER, sugar-free
Carnation Instant Breakfast, sugar-free Jell-O, sugar-free popsicles
(Popsicle has a kind that has three flavors, orange, grape, and cherry),
broth (I froze mine in ice cube trays ahead of time and popped them in the
freezer. They were perfect portions to just pop out and in to the
microwave), and sugar-free drinks (not juice; it has too much natural
sugar). Stay away from Boost and Ensure as it can give you some pretty
violent BMs after surgery. You can also have Slim-Fast. You might even want
to look at some different protien drinks. Most of them, unless directed to
mix with milk, are OK to be on immediately following surgery.
— sammygirlwpc
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