Question:
What is the difference? clear liquid

I have surgery scheduled for April 7th and a couple of days before the surgery I can have a clear liquid diet. My question is, what is the differenc between sugar-free and no sugar added to popscicles. It sounds like the same thing to me. I know that pre-op sugar is not a problem but as I would like to stockup on a few things before the surgery, anything with sugar is out. I don't want to dump if I can help it. Any imput would be appreciated--Thanks in advance. Teresa V-Garrett    — tvgarrett (posted on March 11, 2004)

March 10, 2004
Items labeled sugar free usually have some kind of artificial sweetner or sugar alcohols. The No Sugar Added stuff has sugar, usually from fruit juices, but the makers don't dump in a bunch of corn syrup, white sugar or stuff like that. Post-op, some people can dump on natural sugars like fructose in fruit or lactose in milk so you might want to be careful of the no sugar added stuff.
   — Ali M

March 11, 2004
Go with the sugar free..Clear liquids means liquids you can see thru just for general info..such as broth.
   — Kathy S.

March 11, 2004
I would recommend looking at the amount of sugars in grams on the package. That's kind of a good guideline to go by. Many folks say they keep it less than 10g, even if it is natural sugars like fruit sugars! God bless & take care!
   — Amy G.

March 12, 2004
Teresa - No sugar is best, but you probably can get away with some sugarless products. However, some have a product that work like a laxative. My doctor gave me Italian Ices on my first day which I thought was strange, but he said I needed some sugar, of course for at least 6 weeks 1-4 teaspoons was all I could hold. As far as dumping you will know right away - at least I did - in the first few small bites I know when to throw it away. GOOD LUCK ON YOUR JOURNEY TO BETTER HEALTH
   — Anna M.