I am new here two, banded on February 20th. I am on a 2 week clear liquid, 2 week full liquid then to mushiness. Here is the reasoning my doctor gave me for the liquid diet.... Your body, intestines, gut, colon, all are full of toxins that have been stored there from years of eating, dieting, eating, dieting....you know the drill.....anyways, The liquid diet is a way to cleanse or wash away a lot of those toxins plus gives your stomach time to heal around the placement of your band. He said that the clear liquid is very important because your broths, SF jello, Popsicles, water, tea, etc on the clear liquid diet does not put any stress on your stomach trying to break down for digestion. I will not lie and say it is easy. It is not but what my doctor told me makes sense to me. Hope this helps answer your question.