Question:
I am 7 days post op today and can now start on

Does this mean you cannot drink prior to , during & for a certain length of time with meals? I am thinking about starting these tomorrow and am not real sure. For full liquids my doctor has said to try oatmeal, cream of wheat, sugar-free pudding, yogurt etc. Full liquids goes on for 2 weeks and then a soft pureed diet - this part does state not to drink before , during and after. I also wanted to know when did everyone start taking their chewable kids vitamins post op? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Kelly    — Kelly B. (posted on November 13, 2002)

November 13, 2002
Kelly, Consider your "full liquid" choices as a meal. Stop drinking a half hour before the meal and wait a half hour after the meal to start drinking your water and other sugar free liquids. You should start your chewable vitamins now. My surgeon started me on them the first day post-op in the hospital. It's a good idea to start taking sublingual B12, Calcium Citrate, and protein shakes as soon as possible too.
   — LLinderman

November 13, 2002
I was told to not drink with my liquid meals for two reasons: 1. It teaches me to not drink with meals - which I've done all my life. 2. Water will still wash the nutrients thru your system quicker. A protein shake will stay longer and benefit us better, if it is not washed out rapidly by water. I started vitamins day 4 (the day after I left the hospital). Oh and I can drink up to within 15 minutes of eating and after 30 minutes have passed...but eveyrone has different directions.
   — [Deactivated Member]