Post Operative Diet

Clear Liquid Diet

1-7 days

A clear liquid diet are foods that are liquid at room temperature with no pulp and that contribute minimal residue in the GI tract.

Use your liquid protein shake to ensure adequate protein intake. For the first week, you need to get 30 grams of protein a day.

Juices are tolerated best if they are diluted by 50% water. Avoid tomato and citrus juices for the first three weeks.

You should already be avoiding caffeine at this point. De-caffeinated coffee will be ok to consume later in your recovery, but for now you should not consume any. Coffee contains acids that irritate the stomach lining.

List of Clear Liquid Diet

(No sugar added)

- diluted 100% fruit juice

- Crystal light, Gatorade

- caffeine free tea or herbal tea

- popsicles

- gelatin

- broth

Days 1-7

Full Liquid Diet

8-14 days

A full liquid diet includes all the clear liquid options and adds low fat milk and creamy liquids.

Creamy foods must have a smooth texture and cannot have food pieces in it.

You will need to continue to supplement with protein shakes. Protein also helps aid in the healing process after surgery.

You may be feeling a little better at this point, but remember to eat your meals slow and take small sips when you drink.

List of Full Liquid Diet

(No sugar added)

- skim or Lactaid milk

- plain soy milk

- thin, strained cream soup

- instant breakfast with skim milk

- Ensure or Boost

- plain or light yogurt, no chunks

- custard or pudding

- thinned cream of wheat

- thinned rice cereal

Eat 3 meals a day

Eat small amounts

Eat protein foods first

Drink liquids separate

Take multivitamin

Take calcium & vitD

Limit calorie drinks to skim milk and protein shakes

REMEMBER

First 14 days

Portion sizes:

1-4 tablespoons

1-2 ounces