Hey guys, just wanted to get some clarity about what are full liquids vs clear liquids? Also, when did your surgeon have you all start clear liquids only pre-operatively? I am on 4 protein shakes per day and I am sick of the sweet. Surgery is October 4th. I am wondering what I could do besides premier protein shakes from now until surgery.

I would first refer to your plan as set forth by your Surgeon and NUT....

But many plans are as follows with some variations based on individual surgeons

CLEAR LIQUIDS ONLY

Make sure all items listed below are sugar free.

• Water
• Broth
• Jell-O
• Decaf tea
• Decaf coffee
• Sugar free Popsicles
• Sugar free drinks that are not carbonated

You should avoid:

• Carbonated beverages
• Very sweet beverages
• Sugar
• Caffeine

FULL LIQUID DIET WITH PROTEIN

Your diet may include all items from week 1 plus:

• Protein powder mixed with a sugar free non-carbonated clear liquid.
• Sugar free pudding.
• Soup with soft noodles.
• Non fat yogurt.
• Carnation instant breakfast. Look for the sugar free option.
• Very thin creamed soups. No chunks.
• Sugar free sorbet.
• Very watery hot oatmeal. Check the sugar content.
• Diluted no-sugar added juice.
• Sugar free, nonfat ice cream
• Thinned applesauce. Check sugar content

Have you tried Millie's Sipping Broth? They're basically tea bags to make flavored broths. They have several flavors - Curry Spice, Spicy Tortilla, Thai Lemongrass, Tomato Basil, and Delight Pho. I haven't done it yet, but I bet you could mix some unflavored protein powder in after they've brewed. It gives you a nice savory flavor on either clear or full liquids (at least my doc allows me to use unflavored protein powder in my clear liquids - yours might not).

My surgeon's clear liquids list looks similar to @MargoCL's, but I asked, and protein waters are also OK for us. They also listed Powerade Zero and watered-down G-2 (or the new zero sugar Gatorade!). Also, we are allowed to have caffeine.

It's weird how different all the programs are. (I mean. It isn't. There haven't been enough studies done for a common set of best practices to have emerged, yet.)

My plan is very similar to what I posted, but since their publishing, even their plan had been modified. I was allowed Gatorade zero, powerade zero and not mentioned, I've been a fan of sqwinchers zero.

It's always important to follow your plan and follow up with your team.

My list is the same as Cranky Magpie’s.

Wait! Cranky Magpie, you get caffeine? I miss caffeine.

Started liquid diet (Optifast) Sept 27, surgery Oct 18.
My nutritionist said caffeine ok during this phase. Post op decaf only.
I make my morning shake (chocolate) with coffee, and a a drop or two of coconut, or spearmint food extract. Tasty.

My team allows caffeine both pre- and post-op, but I'll be real: I haven't had any since my surgery (a week ago tomorrow). I've had a lot of decaf black tea. I haven't been brave enough to try decaf coffee, yet, but I drank a LOT of that in the week leading up to surgery.

As drinking gets easier (as in, I don't always have to do those "just barely wet your lips" sips, but can do real swallows some of the time now) I can foresee being able to get enough liquids in that I am willing to add a caffeinated beverage per day, but for now, it's enough of a struggle getting to my liquid and protein goals. I'm not going to waste the time it'd take me to drink something that won't count toward the goal ?