Your doctor may order you to be on a liquid diet before or after your bariatric surgery procedure. It may be necessary for you to remain on a liquid diet for a certain amount of time. Follow your doctor's instructions on exactly which types of liquids you can and cannot have. These diets are important to ensure that you have a safe procedure and recover quickly.
Clear Liquid Diet
Your doctor's orders for you to follow a clear liquid diet leaves you with only a few options. Clear liquid diets include only fluids that you can see through. Types of liquids you can consume include broth, clear fruit juices without pulp, sports drinks, ice pops without pieces of fruit and gelatin. Your doctor may request that you do not consume any liquids that contain red coloring. The intention of this diet is to not leave any residue in your intestinal tract. You may have to follow this diet before surgery, after surgery or if you are recovering from an illness. Clear liquid diets should not be followed for more than a few days because they do not provide enough calories or nutrients.
Full Liquid Diet
Your doctor may require you to be on a full liquid diet before your procedure or while you are recovering from bariatric surgery. You can enjoy many liquids on this type of diet as long as they are foods that are normally liquid or foods that turn into liquid at room temperature, such as ice cream. Enjoy foods such as strained creamy soup, sherbet, pudding, soda, coffee and juice with pulp. In addition to this, you can consume anything from the clear liquid diet. Your total caloric intake on a full liquid diet should range between 1,350 and 1,500 calories each day. This includes enough calories for your body to survive on and you can remain on this diet for quite some time.
Pureed Liquid Diet
A pureed liquid diet may be ordered by your physician if you are recovering from bariatric surgery. This type of diet helps reintroduce substance, fat and protein into your digestive tract. Pureed liquid diets include ground up foods that have the consistency of a smooth paste or thick liquid. It is important to blend a solid food with a liquid to get the right texture. Blend fruit with yogurt and juice to make a fruit smoothie. Heat up your favorite soup and blend it until it is smooth. Check with your doctor about introducing dairy products and meat into your diet. These foods could irritate your digestive tract and should be added in moderation, notes MayoClinic.com.
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