Doctors often prescribe a clear liquid for 1 to 2 days following surgeries of the stomach and bowels, according to the National Cancer Institute. You can easily digest clear liquids and they do not place a strain on your stomach and intestines after surgery. Since a clear liquid diet does not provide all the vitamins, minerals, calories and nutrition your body needs, doctors provide specific instructions regarding this type of diet.
Understanding a Clear Liquid Diet
A clear liquid diet is made up of any food or drink that is a liquid at room temperature. These foods and drinks are easily digested and do not leave any undigested residue in your intestinal tract. Recovering from surgery is not the only reason your doctor might place you on a clear liquid diet. Your doctor may also recommend this type of diet as a preparation for surgery or a medical procedure involving your stomach or bowels. A doctor may also prescribe a clear liquid diet for patients who have trouble swallowing or are unable to keep solid foods in their stomachs.
Benefits of a Clear Liquid Diet
Clear liquid diets help ensure accuracy during medical procedures and surgeries of the bowels and stomach. Clear liquid diets also enable patients who are unable to keep solid foods down maintain some nutrition as they recover from surgery or an illness. Adequate hydration, energy and electrolytes -- including potassium and sodium -- are provided through a clear liquid diet. Clear liquid diets are only recommended when a soft food or regular diet are not possible based on the condition of the patient.
Clear Liquid Foods
Clear liquid foods include water, strained lemonade, fruit punch, fruit juice without pulp, broth, ice pops, gelatin and honey. You can also consume coffee or tea without milk or cream. Clear soft drinks -- including ginger-ale, club soda and lemon lime -- as well as clear sports drinks are also permitted. Patients on a clear liquid diet are also permitted to lick hard candies.
Considerations
As a general rule of thumb, if a food or drink is clear at room temperature, it is generally permitted while on a clear liquid diet. If you are unsure about a certain food, contact your physician's office. If you are required to a follow a clear liquid diet post-surgery and do not, you may experience gas, bloating, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Failure to follow your clear liquid diet may also increase the length of your recovery following surgery and irritate your mouth, esophagus and stomach.
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