Full Liquid Diet (Two Weeks Post-Surgery)

The goal of this diet is to let surgery wounds to continue to heal and to provide more nutrients. Protein is a big focus, and the goal is to get at least 65 to 80 grams per day. Multivitamin and mineral supplements should be taken by this point in recovery.

No solid foods are allowed, but all of the fluids on the clear liquid diet plus the following fluids are permitted. Foods such as ice cream, which melts into a liquid, are not allowed.

• Diet juice drinks, e.g., Crystal Light or sugar-free Kool-Aid
• Fruit juices, nectars or ciders (avoid citrus juices)
• Gelatin
• Popsicles, especially sugar-free
• Protein shakes (full liquid only)
• Protein powder
• Non-fat (skim) or 1 percent low-fat milk (full liquid only)
• Calcium-fortified soy milk (full liquid only)

Sample Meal Plan for the Full Liquid Diet

Tips and Guidelines for the Full Liquid Diet

• Continue to aim for at least 1.5 liters (6 8-ounce cups) of fluids per day
• Protein intake is important. Women should get at least 65 grams and men should aim for 80 grams per day
• Continue to avoid very hot and very cold liquids
• Avoid juice with pulp and high-calorie beverages, such as whole milk
• Pudding, yogurt and anything that is eaten with a spoon do not belong on a liquid diet
• Vitamin and mineral supplements should be started during this time if they weren't already
• Choosing sugar-free popsicles, gelatin, drinks and protein shakes can limit calories and be healthier
• RYGB patients are especially sensitive to sugar and should not have full-strength fruit juice. Fruit juice should be diluted in a one-to-one ratio with water (for example, four ounces, or 1/2 cup, of grape juice mixed with four ounces, or 1/2 cup, of water). Vertical sleeve gastrectomy and BPD-DS patients may also need to be careful