28 Part I: Eating Right with Every Bite
How long you remain on full liquids varies among surgeons, but generally
it’s one to three weeks. Remember to follow your surgeon’s and dietitian’s
instructions.
What you can eat
Following are some foods you can eat when you’re in the full-liquid stage:
✓ All liquids from the clear-liquid phase. Get half of your fluid intake from
clear liquids.
✓ Low-fat strained or puréed soups.
✓ Cooked cereals that have been thinned and are a soupy consistency.
✓ All juices (remember to dilute fruit juice 50/50 with water).
✓ Skim or 1 percent milk; plain, low-fat soy milk; or buttermilk (or
lactose-free milk if you’re lactose intolerant).
✓ Sugar-free custards or puddings.
✓ Sugar-free hot chocolate.
✓ Protein shakes and powder with at least 10 grams of protein per 100
calories, fewer than 3 grams of fat per 100 calories, and fewer than 12
grams of carbohydrate per serving.
✓ Light yogurt with no added sugar (no fruit on the bottom).
Full liquid tips
At this stage, reinstate mealtime. Even if you don’t consider full liquids real
food, make mealtime special. Sit down at the table with your family, turn off
the television, and really be mindful of what you’re eating.
Your pouch is able to tolerate about 2 ounces of full-liquid foods at each meal
in this stage. Remember, this is 2 ounces by volume, not by weight! Little
medicine cups work great to help you portion your meal. Take 20 to 30 minutes
to finish your 2-ounce liquid meal. Keep in mind that you may need to consume
a lot of small meals a day and constantly sip clear liquids between meals to
get enough fluids (48 to 64 ounces a day).
Following are tips to help keep you healthy and feeling good in the full-liquid
stage:
✓ Eat (well, drink) slowly. Take about 30 minutes to finish your meal.
✓ Liquids at room temperature or warm may be easier to tolerate.
