Your doctor may prescribe a liquid diet after you've had surgery. Clear liquid diets are often prescribed following stomach or bowel surgery, and full liquid diets may be prescribed for a few days after other types of surgery. You may also be prescribed a progressive liquid diet that moves from clear liquids to full liquids before returning to normal eating. Liquid diets are gentle on the stomach and may help control nausea while providing a few nutrients and some hydration.
Clear Liquid Diets
MayoClinic.com defines a clear liquid diet as one that contains only non-opaque liquids. The liquids allowed on the diet are easily digested, provide some hydration following surgery and leave no undigested foods in the intestinal tract. The diet doesn't provide adequate calories or nutrition, so it is usually only prescribed in the few days following surgery. If your doctor recommends a clear liquid diet, you will be able to consume water, clear non-pulpy juices like apple juice, plain tea and coffee, juice pops without fruit solids, broth or consomme, clear soft drinks like lemon-lime soda, honey and plain gelatin.
What to Avoid on a Clear Liquid Diet
When you are on a clear liquid diet, there are more liquids you can't have than things you can. Avoid all juices that contain pulp like orange and grapefruit juice; opaque juices like tomato juice; dairy products; soup that contains anything other than broth like noodles, rice or vegetables; and any solid or pureed foods. Quick Care's self-care advisory website also recommends diluting liquids by half with ice or water, and advises that once you return to normal eating, it is prudent to avoid dairy products, spicy foods and fatty foods for at least one week.
Full Liquid Diets
Full liquid diets are recommended following some types of surgery when you are unable to eat solid foods but can process liquids. A full liquid diet may also be recommended as a step between returning to normal eating and a clear liquid diet. While full liquid diets may be more nutritious than clear liquid diets, they still lack essential vitamins and nutrients. They should only be used as a temporary measure, according to MedlinePlus.
Foods allowed on the full liquid diet are those that exist as a liquid at room temperature. This includes milk, water, all types of juice, pudding and gelatin, ice cream and milkshakes, Popsicles, soda and soft drinks, broth, tea and coffee, and nutritional drinks like Boost and Ensure. You should try to consume between 1,500 and 2,500 calories while on a full liquid diet.
What to Avoid on a Full Liquid Diet
Full liquid diets do not include purees of solid foods, nor do they include solid foods. Don't eat soups with noodles, rice or vegetables, breads, meats or cereals. Avoid excessively spicy liquids and alcoholic beverages.
Following Doctor's Recommendations
After surgery, your doctor will describe the type of diet you need to follow. Adhere to your doctor's recommendations precisely in order to assure the quickest healing time and the fewest amount of digestive problems. If you experience any difficulties while you are on a liquid diet, or if you are unsure about whether or not a liquid is included on your diet, check with your doctor. Don't follow a clear liquid or full liquid diet longer than your doctor recommends.
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