Question:
One week out, does chicken broth count as a soup (meal) or a liquid?

If having soup how much can I have at 1 week. Also, same question with refried beans, seems soup would be more.    — Leigh S. (posted on November 23, 2001)

November 23, 2001
At one week post-op I was having 99% Fat-free chicken broth as a meal (one ounce) along with one ounce of fruit juice and one ounce of a high protein shake. I still had to get all of my liquids in. I am now 18 days post-op and my Doctor already has me on solid foods. I stick to one ounce of whatever I am having, but consume 3 ounces all total per meal (3 a day). I am now eating refried beans, yogurt, cheese, vegitables and meats, mostly turkey or fish. I get my fluids by drinking Crystal Light. I was having a hard time getting it all in when I was drinking plain water. I don't know why, but having the flavor from the Crystal Light has helped. I also am required to drink three 8 ounce portions of skim milk each day. Some days I get it in and some days I don't. Some days I don't have any problems consuming 3 ounces per meal and other days I can only consume 1 or 1.5 ounces. But, I am feeling well, getting plenty of exercise and loosing weight, and that is why I had this surgery (open RNY), so all is good.
   — Susan M.

November 24, 2001
My surgeon counts all clear liquids towards my water intake. I am 6 days pre-op. As soon as I switch to full liquids on Monday though, then I have to take them as a meal and take my fluids separately. Chicken broth is clear liquid btw! :) Good Luck!
   — Deborah W.