Days 1 to 2

The morning after surgery you can start sipping water and other clear fluids. Drink slowly and take small sips to help you avoid discomfort.  Avoid straws. You may find that water tastes or feels different in your stomach after surgery.

If this is the case, experiment with water at different temperatures. Some people find that ice-cold, room temperature, or hot water is better tolerated.

Flavouring water with low calorie flavourings, like water drops, or savoury seasonings such as Vegemite, can make water more appealing. You can also have small amounts of apple juice, broth and sugar-free Powerade.

GOAL: Initially aim for 15-30ml every fifteen minutes while you are awake.

Choose:

Water

Clear broth

Vegemite dissolved in water

Sugar free Jelly

Weight watchers ice blocks

Herbal tea

Black tea/coffee (limit 1 cup per day)

Apple/cranberry juice (dilute with water)

Avoid:

Thick liquids (soup, shakes, puree)

Fizzy drinks

Orange juice

Too much fruit juice

Excess caffeine

Flavoured coffee sachets

Full sugar jelly

Full sugar ice blocks

Next: days 3-13 post-op