I'm in the middle of my preop liquid diet, I know I can have clear broth, but I can't figure out exactly what it is.

Is it simply chicken Soup without the chicken and the top layer of fat removed? Or is there anything else involved?

Also, has anyone used the slim-fast Protein shakes? They're very good and all, but seem to be awfully high in carbs. I mean 24 grams of carbs for one bottle seems very high to me.

Another thing, in my instructions it says only decaffeinated coffee till surgery. Is there any specific reason for that, or can I grab a regular cup of coffee with some skim milk? I seem to miss that the most!

Pretty much any vegetable or meat, boiled in water and drained, no milk, creams, flours or anything.. Has to be clear. So for chicken broth, most people use bones, boil it in water with veggies and salt/pepper and then discard all the solids and are left with a clear broth.

Can you have other clears? Jello, sf popsycles, apple or grape juice? I have tried the slimfast Protein and they are good, but too much sugar. I used the Premier Protein from Sams club. low carb and sugar. I still buy them occasionally when I just want something as a backup.

Never heard of the decaf coffee for pre op. Some docs want you to give up caffeinated coffee after surgery so maybe this is just a primer to your post op diet.

My doc was fine with just one cup or so a day.

X-Nay on the carbs. That's usually the one thing they want you to avoid so your liver shrinks.