DIET PHASE I – Clear Liquids

Clear liquids are liquids that you can see through at room temperature.  The clear liquid stage starts with ice chips and sips of water, and then advances to allow sugar-free liquids such as Crystal Light, Diet Lemonade, Fat-free broth or bouillon, and decaffeinated coffee/tea.  Sugar-free Jello and Popsicles are also considered clear liquids because they “melt” with the heat of your mouth.

With this phase, you will not be having structured meals.  You will be given a stack of 1-ounce medicine cups in your hospital room to accurately measure the liquids.  At the beginning stages of the diet, you will only consume about 1 ounce of liquid every 15-20 minutes.  The main purpose of this phase is to provide the body with adequate fluids while limiting calorie intake.  Protein will be very limited, so it is recommended that you purchase a clear, sugar-free protein supplement such as Isopure or Syntrax Nectar (see below).

Depending on your surgeon and your response to healing after surgery, you may be on Phase I for one to two weeks.

IMPORTANT GUIDELINES:

• Do not use a straw to take in liquids.  Ingesting air through the straw is a main source of abdominal gas pains.  You may also take in more liquid than your tender pouch can handle at once.  Also, do not gulp liquids or drink too quickly, which could cause pain or nausea.
• Do not consume carbonated beverages, even diet versions, because the carbon gas will cause abdominal distension which could rupture your surgery site.
• Caffeinated beverages such as coffee and tea may also cause cramping and dumping, because they increase transit time in the intestines.  They also stimulate insulin production, which, in turn, stimulates appetite.
• We recommend that you do not drink fruit juices for several months because they may cause nausea.  When adding them later on, first try a non-citrus juice, such as apple or grape, and dilute with water (25% juice to 75% water). 
• Ensure adequate fluid intake.  A minimum of 48 ounces each day is required to prevent dehydration.
• Some people find that very hot or very cold beverages are more difficult to tolerate, so you may want to experiment to find the best temperature for you.
• Do not use flavored milk-based protein supplements during the clear liquid phase.  An excellent clear protein supplement is Isopure, found in bottles at the GNC.
• Start taking your chewable multivitamin as soon as possible after discharge.  Take one in the morning and one at night to ensure adequate vitamin and mineral intake.