Clear liquids post op?

Parvathi · November 17, 2006

Now that I'm back on the liquid stages from the revision surgery, I've been looking through the food forum again and paying more attention to what others on the liquid stages are doing.

I've noticed more than a few people say that post op, their surgeon's had them on Clear Liquids only. Some for a few days, some for a few weeks even.

My surgeon has me on liquids for three weeks post op, then slowly transitioning to mushies and solids over three weeks. His liquid diet is "anything that will go through a straw". This includes even stuff such as icecream, although the papers said to make that only an occasional.

My understanding of clear liquids, from working in the medical industry for 8 years is Water, broth, plain tea and coffee (no milk or creamer) and rehydration type drinks. Perhaps I had it wrong? But my question is, has anyone who's meant to be on the clear liquids for several weeks asked the surgeon why? I know its always best to follow the surgeon's orders and I'm fine with that, I just really want to know, if there's any other reason to be on clear liquids other than its low calorie/carb/fat? And if on this for several weeks, where do your nutrients that are really important for healing come from?

I'm sitting here counting my blessings that this Soup I have in the crockpot (Mexican chicken soup) can be stuck in the blender later and eaten by me for dinner LOL.

Paulax · November 17, 2006

Hm, I came from a surgeon with probably the strictest post surgery diet ever.

I was required to stay on 'clear liquids' the proper medical term, as you described. broth, Water, diet Jello, and liquids with no calories. No dairy etc.

Anyway, many of his patients complained and many didn't fulfill the necessary 30-35 days he suggested. I only lasted 24 days.

BUT his reasoning was to give the band much needed healing time. The band is stitched to the stomach wall, holding it in place. When I asked him where my nutrients would come from, he brushed it off, saying not to worry, that my body would provide.

And you know what, he was right. In one cup of home made broth I was getting about 6 grams of Protein. I drank as much broth as I wanted. I went to the Support Forum here DAILY to cry and complain and get the support of my buddies here. :hugs to all of you who supported me:

The weight FELL OFF, I felt great, did not feel weak. I wasn't running any marathons, but I felt remarkably good. And I look back at those 24 days and am proud.

So good luck with your liquid stage and know that your body will provide.

hugs

Parvathi · November 17, 2006

Wow - that's amazing!! Thanks for replying, Paulax :rolleyes:

Nathalie · November 18, 2006

Paulax - that is a great and motivating post! What is in your homemade broth?

Does cabbage Soup broth or boiled veggie broth count as "clear liquids"?

I wonder if I could do 30 days of clear liquids...

mypov · December 12, 2006

I just came across this post from last month, but I was interested because I just learned this for myself. My doctor said that anything other than clear liquid will make your stomach do its normal churning, and that any movement of the stomach in the first few days can disrupt the healing of the band/placement/stitches. Clear liquids go right through the band and are quickly absorbed without the stomach having to churn to digest it. That's how I understood what he was saying anyway!

Good luck!