1. After weight loss surgery, you will not eat any food or drink any liquids until approval by the surgeon.
2. Once approved, you will receive water, clear broth, unsweetened apple juice, or decaffeinated* tea (no red fluids)**. You will only be able to drink 30mL (1 oz) every hour. If you tolerate 1 oz of liquid each hour, on day 2 you may advance to 60mL (2 oz) of liquid every hour.
3. Remember to drink liquids SLOWLY. DO NOT use a straw***.
4. There may be large quantities of liquids brought to you on your tray. You do NOT have to finish everything. When you feel full STOP!
5. It is not unusual to experience nausea and/or vomiting during the first few days following surgery. Make sure that you drink slowly. If nausea or vomiting persists contact your nurse.
*Caffeine should be avoided after weight loss surgery because it is a diuretic. This will cause you to lose fluids and make it more difficult for you to keep yourself hydrated.
**If “red foods” are consumed after weight loss surgery and you vomit, it may be mistaken for blood. “Red foods” include foods on the clear liquid diet such as sugar-free gelatin, sugar-free popsicles, or any “red” sugar-free beverages.
** *If you drink from a straw after weight loss surgery you will cause air to enter into your new pouch. This will create a full feeling and you will have less room for liquids needed to keep hydrated as well as nutritious foods when you advance to those stages.
