Question:
Ok all you post-op veterans, I need your expertise...

I am pre-op and trying to find things before my surgery that I will be able to eat/drink after surgery. I found this Diet Iced Tea and wondered if it "qualifies" as a clear liquid or drink. Here are nutritional facts; 0 calories, 0 fat, 15mg sodium, 0 carbohydrates, 0 protein. Here are the ingredients in exact order on label; water, tea, citric acid, aspartame, sodium citrate, natural flavors, potassium sorbate & sodium benzoate (to preserve freshness). I know I sound like a nerd but I am just trying to find things now to help me after! Thanks. You are all so supportive! I can't wait to be a loser!    — Stephanie W. (posted on October 4, 2004)

October 4, 2004
Hey Stephanie, Well - it depends - which surgery are you pursuing? I'm a 2+ year BPD/DS post-op and I wouldn't choose this drink - but only because I hate artificial sweeteners. I'd rather have a straight Coke or something like that. I do drink a lot of iced tea - totally love it - and have no problems with it. Blessings, dina
   — Dina McBride

October 4, 2004
You're not a nerd - we've all asked these questions. Yes, I think that's a fine clear liquid except your doc might object to caffeine. It's good to have a variety of things to come home to - SF Jello, broth, SF Popsicles, SF Snapple - I loved V8 and Snappy Tom after the first week. Just don't buy a lot of anything - your tastes will change a bunch. I lived on V8 and cranberry juice cocktail for the first few weeks. Good luck - you soon to be BIG LOSER! Bette
   — [Deactivated Member]

October 4, 2004
Just my humble opinion but I would not do caffeine. I love Blue Bunny SF popsicles, Walmart has some raspberry sugar free drinks, sugar free kool-aid is good..SF jello is good..Dont stock up on alot like the other post said...Best ofluck to you..
   — Kathy S.

October 4, 2004
I loved hot tea right after surgery it felt good on the healing pouch but remember that you should not have caffeine especially these first few months. Caffeine is a natural diuretic and your main goal is keep yourself hydrated. I agree with the others don't stock up on too much I was able to go to the store within a few days of coming home. Sugar free jello, fudge pops, I liked the slim fast low carb, I didn't care much for the broth finally gave the rest of it away and the only baby food I ate was a jar of peaches. Good luck and drink and walk...Nancy
   — nefish

October 4, 2004
Kind of sounds like Arizona's Diet Green Tea (no carbs). Green Tea has less caffeine than black tea, and has many health benefits. I have a problem with plain water, so I drink quite a bit of the No Carb Arizona tea. Tastes amazing too. (I get in over a gallon of liquids/day - not all caffinated) so I am not concerned with dehydration. <br><br> http://arizonabev.com/csr/prodtypeitem.asp?item=1770&cat=1
   — kultgirl

October 5, 2004
I agree with other posters and think you should not have caffine at such an early stage. Also, the citric acid is a problem. I was not allowed to have citrus fruit until a year after surgery.
   — Ann H.

October 5, 2004
have you talked to your own dietician, nutritionist? I was allowed basically anything without refined sugar at 6 weeks post op, and was never told that I cannot have caffeine or citrus or any other food other than avoiding sugar. I am 2 years post op, lost 135 pounds and am far thinner and healthier ( most importantly) than I ever dreamed I could be. I don't ingest alot of caffeine because it interferes with my sleep cycles, but a little tea here and there should be fine. Do I think this should be your major source of fluids in the initial healing stages? probably not, but with out hot tea, I personally would have not gotten much down at all. Try to find a source of protein you can have too. Protein is ESSENTIAL for healing and maintaining healthy muscle mass. I found designer whey to be my best friend in that respect. I was only allowed clears the first week, then could go to full liquids, ie sf pudding, protein drinks, etc. The general criteria for a clear liquid is that it is liquid at room temp (ie sf jello, is solid refrigerated but warm is liquid) and you can see through it. As a nurse I also know tea is on every clear liquid tray. as is broth, jello. I liked sf popsicles also. The important thing is to get in what you can, avoid sugar like the plague, and let yourself heal.
   — **willow**

October 9, 2004
I stayed away from the caffeine for the first 2-3 months, but then I was all about diet iced tea. To this day (2 1/2 yrs post op) I drink tea every day. It helps me get my liquids in (although I drink water too). If you are really jonesing for some of it soon after surgery, then just dilute it with half water and sip it.
   — emilyfink