Question:
My surgeon has people do 7 days clear liquids only, anyone else?

I am on my 4th day of clear liquids and I feel weak and shakey. My surgeon said I'll be fine, but I don't know if I can last 3 more days.    — Alison D. (posted on October 10, 2002)

October 10, 2002
Although not easy, I was on 3 weeks of liquids only. I know MANY people from a group here in MN that have my same Dr and they do just fine on 3 weeks. Hang in there and drink lots of water to flush out the junk still in your system. Good Luck!
   — ZZ S.

October 10, 2002
I am on one week of clear liquids and then two weeks of full liquids. Today is my second day of full liquids. You would have thought I hit the lotto I was so happy to get a fudgsickle, some pudding and cream soup. So far, no real problems with the liquids, just having a little trouble meeting the 64 oz requirement.
   — Rhanda R.

October 10, 2002
I too, was on clear liquids for a week and full liquids for two more weeks after that. I know it is a little tough to follow, but I have had absolutely NO problems or complications with my healing process. When I was on clear liquids, I never went more than two hours without eating or drinking something that I was allowed. They said I was eating to heal, not eating to lose weight during the first six weeks after surgery. I lost 32 lbs. anyway. Could it be that you need to eat or drink a little more often to help with the shakey feeling. Good Luck
   — Carol H.

October 10, 2002
I was on clear liquids for 2 weeks! It was the hardest part I have had to deal with since the surgery. Even harder than the pain in my opinion! But after you get past that point it just keeps getting better. Not to mention every eating phase you get to, the tasting is such an adventure. Things taste suprisingly good after that clear liquid phase. I mean I never thought I would say that pureed cottage cheese was the next best thing to sliced bread, but when I finally got to have it, pure heaven! LOL. As far as the shakes and weakness goes. That too will pass. I was so shakey and weak in the beginning that I couldn't even french braid my own hair because my arms would start shaking and just give out before I had finished! Think of it all this way, your surgeon put you on the liquids for a reason, not just to torture you. The closer you follow your docs orders, the more successful you'll be. And you will also be stronger for the battle that lies ahead. That battle of taking over when the surgery has finished doing it's work and the rest is left up to you. Good luck! :)
   — Laurel C.

October 10, 2002
We do FOUR WEEKS of clear, sugar free liquids. BUT we start protein & vites on Day 5 or Day 7, depending on the individual case. Then move into soft foods for 2 weeks.
   — vitalady

October 10, 2002
I guess I was lucky that my surgeon only required 2 days of liquids pre-op. The first day was full liquid and the day before surgery was clear only. My advice to you is to locate some of the Isopure protein drinks (they are usually found in the refrigerated isle of a healthfood/supplements store). They are clear liquid, come in a variety of flavors and you may be able to tolerate them (I could drink them pre-op but they made me gag after surgery). The protein would certainly help you feel less shaky. Good luck!
   — mandajuice

October 10, 2002
Am three days out. First day out clear liquids 2 oz/hour. Second day 4 oz/hour. Not the worst thing in the world. I am using gatorade and Boston Market Chicken and Beef Broths for starters and made some jello earlier. The best news is that the pain is subsiding and I can actually sleep on my right side for a few mins before moving onto my back. I believe that after next Thurs when I see the surgeon, I can go to soft food. Sounds good to me. Good luck.
   — Steve B.